The Superman Hairstyle: A Guide To The Superhero's Iconic Look

Superman, arguably the most iconic superhero in the comic book world, is memorable for his extraordinary powers, unwavering commitment to justice and classic hairstyle. The famous Superman haircut is a timeless look involving short, brushed-back

Superman, arguably the most iconic superhero in the comic book world, is memorable for his extraordinary powers, unwavering commitment to justice and classic hairstyle. The famous Superman haircut is a timeless look involving short, brushed-back sides with longer hair on top, generally styled into a sleek comb over with a small curl in the front.

From the beginning, Superman's hair has been a powerful symbol of hope, courage and incorruptibility, embodying morality and strength through a meticulous, clean-cut appearance. Most recently portrayed by Henry Cavill, many talented actors have played the Man of Steel, changing his look through the years.

Keep reading to learn more about Superman's signature hairstyle and how to achieve his legendary look.

Superman Hairstyles

Superman's Iconic Hairstyles Through The Years

Henry Cavill's Man of Steel Hairstyle

Henry Cavill played Superman in Man of Steel, the latest iteration of the film series, and magazines raved about hair for weeks after the movie was released. He wore a classic side-parted gentleman's cut with a scissored taper at the sides and back. The cut featured the perfect amount of shine and virtually no separation, and experts agree he likely used a medium-hold pomade with a touch of oil to hold the ‘do in place on the set.

Cavill's hair is naturally wavy and full of body, giving a scissor cut like this one more character. To get the style, ask your barber for a classic cut with extra length and a standard part, using a high-shine pomade or gel product to hold the look.

Henry Cavill's Man of Steel Superman Hairstyle

Henry Cavill's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Haircut

In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Henry Cavill took a more refined and sophisticated approach with a parted slick back. During filming, it was apparent that Cavill's hairline was beginning to recede, but despite this, the cut suited Superman beautifully. He's also sporting majestic sideburns, which give a greaser vibe when paired with his shiny, sleek tresses. His natural waves even curl slightly at the nape if the camera angle is just right.

Henry Cavill's Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice Haircut

Brandon Routh's Superman Haircut with Classic Kiss Curl

Brandon Routh's classic side part in 2006's Superman Returns showcases the actor's thick and lustrous mane. Though he often sports unconventional styles when promoting a film or at a party, his superhero's haircut is quite cultured and a breath of fresh air. He even wore the signature kiss curl, a single slicked-down C- or S-shaped strand that lays against the forehead and defies the direction of the style.

Getting this style is simple: ask your barber for a side-parted taper cut with a little extra length on top. Then, apply styling pomade with a hint of shine to damp hair and use a brush with natural bristles to brush the hair off to the side and slightly back. Roll a single clump of hair on a round brush to form the kiss curl, then allow it to air dry. Depending on your hair texture, you may need a little styling gel or extra pomade to keep it in place all day.

Brandon Routh's Superman Haircut with Classic Kiss Curl

Christopher Reeve's Classic Superman Hairstyle

Some fans will argue that Christopher Reeve was the best Superman and had the perfect hair for the role. His famous look with a spiral kiss curl captured hearts around the world. His slick comb over featured a single deep wave and gorgeous, thick sideburns that popped against his strong, masculine features. Some say his acting got him starring roles in three sequels, but others believe his epic hair was the real contender.

Christopher Reeve's Classic Superman Hairstyle

Dean Cain's Superman Kiss Curl

Dean Cain sported gorgeous waves for four seasons of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. He wore a few different styles throughout the series, including a standard slick back and a short gentleman's cut without the kiss curl, but the most beloved was his tousled comb over that showed off his natural waves. He took a more contemporary approach to the Superman kiss curl when he wore it, choosing a subtler, slightly textured fringe instead of a single prominent curl.

This cut is best for men who have somewhat thick and slightly textured tresses. Ask your stylist for a short-to-medium cut with a low-key part that is just slightly off-center, then brush the sides and back away from the face. A natural-looking fringe on the opposite side is boyishly charming, and a texturizing pomade can hold it all in place.

Dean Cain's Superman Kiss Curl

Tom Wellings' Smallville Hairstyle – Medium Flow with Off-Center Part

Tom Wellings was a heartthrob in Smallville thanks to his modern hairstyle, a much longer look with charming flow and movement. The style features layered dark hair, sides that fall partially over the ears, a subtle swept fringe and wavy texture in the back, giving him a carefree yet powerful look.

His cut is also more voluminous than most, thanks to some quick tousling at the roots along the crown. As Clark Kent, he sported messy, shaggy locks to disguise himself.

Tom Wellings Smallville Hairstyle - Medium Flow with Off Center Part

Tyler Hoechlin's Superman Haircut – The Modern Comb Over

Tyler Hoechlin's brushed-back Superman style is undeniably refined and meticulous. His thick, dark hair suits the role perfectly, and his widow's peak has a more subdued appeal than the traditional kiss curl. Tyler's hair flows up, over, and back from a deep side part, and the tapered sides create the illusion of more volume at the top. Tyler was also the first Superman to sport sexy and rugged stubble, but with his sharp masculine features and incredible brows, he certainly pulled it off.

Tyler Hoechlin's Superman Haircut - Modern Comb Over

Superman's Slick Back

Several actors, including Dean Cain and Tyler Hoechlin, have rocked Superman's slick back hair. It's a simple style that uses a styling gel or pomade and a comb or brush to push the hair straight back and away from the face. Tyler likely used a wide-tooth comb on the top section of hair to achieve the texture, and he may have used a bit of mousse at the roots for some extra lift.

Superman's Slick Back

Henry Cavill's Thick Tousled Style

Henry Cavill's natural waves take center stage when he wears a thick, tousled style. This look is all about working with the hair's natural texture instead of against it, so it requires very little product to pull off.

His traditional cut features several layers that gradually taper at the sides and back. A little extra length is all it takes to showcase Henry's endearing curls and waves.

Henry Cavill's Thick Tousled Style

David Corenswet's Superman: Legacy Hairstyle

David Corenswet will be sporting his signature thick, side-parted cut with a low taper in Superman: Legacy. Like many others, David's style will feature his sleek dark hair and, instead of a kiss curl, he has chosen to sweep the front hair up and off to the side before blending it in for a dapper and handsome look.

For this cut, a barber or stylist creates several layers in medium-short hair, carefully adjusting for the noticeable part and tapering the sides and back.

To style it, apply a medium-hold product with shine to damp hair and then brush the top over while combing the sides down. Use a round brush to wrap the front section of hair back before carefully blending it into the side and top sections.

David Corenswet's Superman Legacy Hairstyle