6 Iconic Filipino Hairstyles Approved by Gen Z

Thinking of changing your look? These Filipino hairstyles come straight from the archives to give you much-needed inspiration. What makes them iconic and Gen Z-certified? Well, for starters, they were memorable then and they’re still memorable now. Are they good enough candidates for your next hairstyle? You be the judge.

Cachupoy (Salvador Garcia Tampac) was a Filipino actor-comedian in the '80s. Aside from his extensive body of acting work, he was best known for his hairstyle — parted in the middle like nobody’s business. It also looked deliberate and kind of greasy, perhaps from too much pomade. Succeeding generations would have their own versions of it.

In the '90s, it was fluffy, volumized, and incredibly touchable, as evidenced by the countless footage of TV heartthrobs doing the male version of a hair flip. The aughts had a similar look but on much younger actors. Later on, the same Filipino hairstyle, now dubbed the “Gen Z middle part," is popularized by the likes of James Reid and, internationally, Jung Kook. The latest iteration is sculpted and piece-y, without much movement.

No other Pinoy celebrity leans into their natural hair texture better than Jericho Rosales, who is known for his perfectly tousled curls. This Filipino hairstyle is longer and usually falls on the face, making it tricky to pull off, especially if you like your hair “tidy.” If you’re rocking this look, avoid greasy hair products and make sure your skin is oil-free.

You could also wear it slightly slicked back, like the new Man of Steel David Corenswet, wild like Harry Styles, or long and very French like Timothée Chalamet. Just remember to keep your curls bouncy by washing them regularly. Use Dove Men+Care Refreshing Clean Shampoo with caffeine and sparkling menthol to revitalize hair and deliver long-lasting freshness.

Most Filipinos born before the 2000s know Bembol Roco for his bald head, but did you know that he once had hair? Not just any kind of hair — he had “He-Man” hair. That’s a short wispy bob and bangs, for those who need a bit of pop culture refresher. The fact that Tom Holland sports this haircut in The Crowded Room could spur a revival, whether we like it or not. Let’s hope Gen-Z doesn’t co-opt it to a T.

If you want to try this Filipino hairstyle, go for a longer shag and bangs for a modern take. The layers will keep it from looking like “Lego hair” and add some lightness. Also, please don’t wear any headgear that resembles a beret unless you’re cosplaying as Lord Farquaad.

Lou Diamond Phillips is a Filipino-American actor whom everyone mistakes for a Latino thanks to his movie roles and silky-smooth ponytail. We could probably credit the latter to his Cherokee roots from his father’s side, especially since no Filipino celebrity has successfully sported a rat tail and actually graduated from playing a “tambay” in films.

Speaking of rat-tail, The Weeknd (who now goes by his birth name, Abel Tesfaye) is notorious for his scene-stealing low ponytail in The Idol. While we certainly hope this doesn’t spark a trend, who knows what young people are into these days! At least take inspiration from Jacob Black, not Tedros.

Fine, Meteor Garden’s Jerry Yan is not Filipino. But like Sandara Park and Korean idols of their time, he might as well be! His popularity with the Pinoy audience was unmatched, and so was his dreamy head of hair (which still haunts most millennial women to this day). Piolo Pascual once wore a similar hairstyle, and so did all four members of One Direction and Zac Efron. We hear the 2000s are a huge hit with the Gen Z crowd — could this be the next trend to make a comeback?

As you can tell from the examples above, this hairstyle has major main character energy. It also has a lot of movement, so make sure you’re not dropping any flakes as you flip your “leading man” hair. Use CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men to keep dandruff under control and keep your hair looking and smelling fresh.

Bretman Rock is one Gen Z voice that cannot be ignored, and his shaggy hair is just as loud. It embodies the synonym “mane”: full, wild, and unapologetic. While the wolf cut or any shag are not among your typical Filipino hairstyles, they do match Gen Z’s daring aesthetic. And just because Bretman is queer, doesn’t mean you can’t cop his categorically awesome look. 

Be warned, however, that this kind of shag may not be school or work-appropriate so prepare to rein it in occasionally. Try a slicked-back look for more formal affairs or a loose ponytail for casual ones. You could also rock a man bun like it’s 2015 but ditch the hipster aesthetic. Stay well-groomed, please!

Add a modern twist to these iconic Filipino hairstyles by talking to your barber or hairstylist. Getting the exact look can make you look dated (and funny!), so, make sure to have it tailored to your face shape and hair texture for best results.