Despite the part being hot-potatoed from one actor to another for the better part of a century, James Bond’s hair has remained relatively unchanged since it debuted so many years ago. Perfectly coiffed with touch of product and a part at the side, it’s a classic look befitting any gentleman, whether or not he’s taking down international crime syndicates in his spare time. But while the general look hasn’t deviated too much from a median, each actor who’s occupied the role has brought his own signature touch to the ‘do—some of which were particularly enviable. Here, we check out three of the best iterations, breaking down what you need to ask your barber for should you feel inclined to copy.
Sean Connery's O.G. Cut
How to Get It: Look up “side-part” in the dictionary and you’ll find this, so if you’ve got even a half decent barber, they should be able to replicate it pretty easily. If they need further instruction though, tell them to leave about two inches up top, tapering the sides and back down to three-eighths or a half an inch at the base. They can also use a clipper to further define the part, if you’re looking for that. To style, your hair should be damp, but not dripping wet, and you’ll want to use a product that doesn’t provide too much shine of it’s own, like Baxter’s Hard Cream Pomade. Use your hands to work it into your hair, starting at the roots, and then use a comb to attain your desired final style.
Roger Moore's Relaxed Chop
How to Get It: A longer version of the original, this hairstyle channels a way more laid-back vibe than Connery’s buttoned-up ‘do—Moore was Bond in the ‘70s, after all—so you’re going to need a little more fluff up top to make it work. Add half an inch to all the above dimensions when you direct your stylist. As for styling, be sure to blow dry your hair first, then don’t weigh it down with heavy products like gels and pomades. Instead, go lightweight with a texturizing spray, which’ll provide the same hold, plus a measure of easygoing style.
Daniel Craig's Close Crop
How to Get It: Just like Craig’s performance, his hair has an edge to it otherwise unseen in the Bond franchise. That’s because it falls closer to a crew cut on the side-part spectrum. For similar results, ask your barber to give you a “short fade”, with an inch to inch and a half of hair on top, fading down to a quarter inch at the sides. Additionally, make sure they texturize your cut; you’re not going for neat here. The same goes for styling: use a product with a matte finish, like Jack Black’s Clay Pomade, to give your hair a messy part, but keep fussing with it to a minimum.
Bond’s not one for fussing.