My hair through the ages | Norton of Morton

In which G.M. Norton examines the history of a classic men’s hairstyle. 
 

Fear not, dear reader – this post will not be a pictorial insight into some of my more embarrassing hairstyles. Although it might be of note to reveal previous incarnations include an ill-advised purple dye monstrosity, a blonde stripe running down the middle of my head reminiscent of a skunk and shoulder length hair that was less Beau Brummell, more Sally Gunnell.

Since embarking on the path signposted for ‘Gentleman’, I have upgraded my hairstyle so it is tapered at the back, tight on the sides with a sharp part on the right. 

Your favourite protagonist

The classic part with a side sweep is a hairstyle that has been worn by countless men through the ages, including my late grandfather who was born in 1904. The way I see it, if it was good enough for him, it is good enough for me. 

Private White V.C., the inspiration behind the Manchester clothing range of the same name, was one such gentleman who knew how to style his hair. Born in 1896, he was just 18 years old when he was awarded the Victoria Cross for ‘conspicuous bravery and resource’. Apparently, the resource he demonstrated didn’t relate to the well-groomed condition he managed to keep his hair in, but it should have been. 

Private Jack White V.C.

Cary Grant is one of the most famous people to have worn his hair in this style. Interestingly (for me at least), Grant parted his hair on the left early in his career but one day on the set of Blonde Venus (1932), director Josef von Sternberg told him in no uncertain terms that he was parting it on the wrong side. So he changed to the right and the rest as they say (no, I don’t know who ‘they’ are, either) is history. 

Mr. Archibald Leach

Denis Compton, English cricketer and Arsenal footballer in the 1950s, was another chap to conform. In the 50s, he was Britain’s answer to David Beckham, making a heap of money through sponsorship endorsements, as well as being super talented on the pitch. Seen as a great role model, he was the hair and face of Brylcreem with its famous ‘Just a dab will do ya’ tag line.

Footballer, cricketer, salesman of hair oil

Of course, between now and then came the longer haired styles of the 60s and 70s, not to mention the perms and mullets of the 80s. Two words – Pat Sharp.

In recent times, the classic style has been making a deserved comeback. The aforementioned David Beckham has been known to sport it (excuse the pun), has have silver-screen leading men George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio. 

Leonardo hard at work on the set of Wolf of Wall Street

Then of course, there’s been the wondrous American televisual feast Mad Men with Don Draper, Pete Campbell et al also slicking it up in 1960s Madison Avenue.

Smoking ban? What smoking ban?

My ‘do’ is serving me well – it’s easy to maintain with a monthly trip to Stans Barbers in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. It’s also a way to keep my thick locks under control, caged by a blob of Murray’s pomade every morning. It is smart, clean-cut and with a nod to yesteryear. I like to think that, like my grandfather, classic style will never be forgotten.

G.M. Norton

Protagonist of ‘Norton of Morton’