Patrick Mahomes isn’t just known for his incredible talent on the football field—his iconic mohawk fade has also turned heads for years. Whether he’s throwing a touchdown pass or walking into the stadium, Mahomes’ hairstyle has become an essential part of his persona. But how did it all start, and what’s the secret behind keeping it fresh? Let’s dive into the story behind Patrick Mahomes’ signature cut and his hair evolution over the years.
The Origin of Patrick Mahomes’ Famous Haircut
The story of Patrick Mahomes’ mohawk began, like many great things, with a bet. While playing football at Texas Tech, Mahomes and a friend decided to see who could grow out their hair the longest. Turns out Mahomes won that bet. “I let it grow out, and the people at Texas Tech loved it,” Mahomes recalls. That’s when the mohawk fade became “his thing.”
Once he joined the NFL and became the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback, the hairstyle gained even more popularity. Known as the “Show Me cut” (after his nickname “Show Me Mahomes”), Mahomes’ look stood out for its unique length, shape, and curly texture. As his fame on the field grew, so did the hairstyle’s popularity—especially among young men across Kansas City and beyond.
Patrick Mahomes’ Hair Care Routine
For a guy with a busy schedule and a hairstyle that demands attention, you’d think his haircare routine might be complex. However, Patrick keeps it simple. Most mornings, he hops in the shower, uses Head & Shoulders Charcoal 2-in-1, and he’s ready for the day. The star quarterback has even become an ambassador for the brand, known for helping him keep his curls fresh and his scalp healthy, both on and off the field.
But there’s more to it than just his shampoo. Mahomes has a standing appointment every Friday at 4 p.m. during the NFL season with his personal barber, DeJuan Bonds, owner of Purple Label Luxury Barbershop in Kansas City. This weekly ritual ensures his hair is in prime condition for game day, press conferences, and whatever else comes his way.
The Man Behind Mahomes’ hair Cut: DeJuan Bonds
DeJuan Bonds has become a key figure in Mahomes’ hair journey. Introduced to Mahomes by his Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce, Bonds quickly became the go-to barber for the star QB. The relationship is so tight that Mahomes flies Bonds out for haircuts before big games, even when the team is on the road.
It takes about 40 minutes to get Mahomes’ hair just right, and Bonds uses all seven of his clippers to get that perfect fade. The cut involves trimming in three directions—forward, backward, and against the grain—ensuring it looks great from every angle, even when Mahomes pulls off his headband mid-game. Bonds admit that cutting Mahomes’ hair is a bit of pressure, especially since he knows the cameras will catch every detail.
Bonds also has to deal with one specific challenge: Mahomes’ cowlick. According to Bonds, it’s “the worst cowlick that you can have, in the worst place that you can have it.” Despite this minor obstacle, Mahomes’ hair always looks sharp thanks to the expert care of Bonds.
“The Mahomes” Haircut: A Kansas City Trend
In Kansas City, Mahomes’ haircut isn’t just a look—it’s a movement. Young men of all races and hair types have asked for “The Mahomes” at barbershops across town. While the curly mohawk fade is typically a style for Black hair, Bonds says that plenty of white clients have requested the look as well. “We even had one guy that went and got a curly perm in order to get The Mahomes,” Bonds recalls with a laugh.
The popularity of Mahomes’ hairstyle goes beyond the local level. It’s a style that represents confidence and individuality. According to Mahomes himself, the key to any great hairstyle is making it your own. He encourages fans to define their own look, whether it’s a curly mohawk like his or something entirely different.
The Evolution of Patrick Mahomes’ Hairstyle
Mahomes has experimented with different versions of his signature cut throughout his career. Starting with a more traditional curly cut during his college days, Mahomes evolved his look once he entered the NFL. His current style—longer curls on top with a sharp fade on the sides—has become iconic. While he’s stuck with this look for years, he’s hinted that change may be coming.
In the Netflix series Quarterback, Mahomes teased the idea of getting a new hairstyle. During a conversation with his trainer, he said, “This is my last year with the hair.” Although he didn’t confirm whether he’d be shaving it off, he admitted that having two kids and a mohawk might not be the right look anymore. Mahomes almost changed his hairstyle last year, but as the face of Head & Shoulders, he decided to keep it for now.
What’s Next for Patrick Mahomes’ Hair?
While Mahomes has toyed with the idea of switching up his hairstyle, he hasn’t yet made any drastic changes. Whether he sticks with the mohawk or opts for something new, one thing is certain: Mahomes has always used his hair to express himself.
As he continues to break records on the field and turn heads off of it, fans will be eager to see what he does next with his hair. But for now, Mahomes’ curly mohawk remains one of the most recognizable hairstyles in sports. And whether he’s getting a fresh cut from Bonds or a trim from his wife Brittany, his hair will always be game-day ready.
