Varun Dhawan Hairstyle trends have always been a favourite among men looking for fresh, stylish, and effortlessly cool haircuts. From the classic textured look in Student of the Year to the sharp, messy styles in Street Dancer 3D, Varun has proved that the right haircut can completely transform your personality.
Whether you prefer a clean fade, a voluminous quiff, or a rugged messy look, Varun’s hairstyle evolution offers plenty of inspiration. Explore 10 of his most iconic looks, discover their styling secrets, and find the perfect haircut for your face shape, hair type, and personal style.
Quick Facts: Varun Dhawan at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Varun David Dhawan |
| Nickname | Pappu |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | ~75–78 kg |
| Hair Color | Black (naturally thick, slightly wavy) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Business Studies, Nottingham Trent University, UK |
| Film Debut | Student of the Year (2012) |
| Spouse | Natasha Dalal (married January 2021) |
| Child | Daughter Lara (born June 3, 2024) |
| Father | David Dhawan (film director) |
| Box Office Record | 11 consecutive hits (2012–2018) |
| Social Media | @varundvn (Instagram/Twitter) |
| Forbes Recognition | Celebrity 100 list since 2014 |
Why Does Varun Dhawan’s Hair Always Look So Good?
Before we dive into the actual hairstyles, let’s address the elephant in the room why does this man’s hair look perfect at literally every angle?
The answer is a combination of three things: good genetics (thanks, David Dhawan), naturally thick and black hair with a slight wave, and an obviously stellar styling team. Varun has consistently worked with top Bollywood hairstylists who understand that his hair needs to do two jobs at once look cool on the big screen AND inspire millions of dudes to run to their nearest salon.
His hair type thick, slightly wavy, and naturally voluminous works like a dream with most popular men’s cuts. It holds volume, takes to product well, and doesn’t look limp or over-styled. That’s both inspiring and mildly frustrating for the rest of us. But the good news? Most of his iconic looks are genuinely replicable if you know the right cut to ask for and the right products to use.
1. The Classic Undercut with Side Part — Varun’s Signature Look
If you had to pick one Varun Dhawan hairstyle that defines his overall vibe, it would be the undercut with a side part. This has been his go-to for red carpets, award shows, and casual outings throughout his career. It’s the Swiss Army knife of men’s hairstyles works for a Monday morning meeting and a Saturday night out equally well.
What it looks like: Short to medium length on the top, faded or closely cropped on the sides and back, with the top hair styled to one side either slicked down or left with a natural, airy finish.
Why it works: The side part adds a classic, old-school gentleman energy to the otherwise youthful undercut. The disconnected contrast between the super short sides and the styled top creates visual interest without being too loud.
How to get it:
- Ask your barber for a disconnected undercut with a #2 or #3 on the sides
- Keep about 2–3 inches of length on top
- Use a medium-hold pomade or wax to style to one side
- Finish with a light hair spray for hold
Best face shapes: Oval, oblong, and square. If you have a round face, make sure the side part is higher it creates the illusion of length.
Expert Insight: According to celebrity hairstylists, undercut styles with a side parting “create dramatic contrast by keeping the top section long while cutting the sides and back very short,” making it one of the most versatile options for men with thick hair. Esquire India, Grooming Experts Panel
2. The Textured Quiff — The VD Move from ABCD 2
Remember Varun in ABCD 2 (2015)? All that dancing, those energy-packed sequences, and somehow his hair was still doing the most. The textured quiff he rocked in that film became one of his most copied looks it screams “I tried but also didn’t try,” which is honestly peak vibe.
What it looks like: Hair styled upward and forward at the front, creating volume and height. The key difference from an old-school quiff is the texture the ends are choppy, not perfectly smoothed, giving it a modern, effortless feel.
Why it works: Varun’s naturally thick hair is basically built for this style. The quiff adds height (great for shorter guys) and frames the forehead perfectly. As noted by Google Arts & Culture, undercut and quiff hairstyles “popularised on screen by actors such as Varun Dhawan, Shahid Kapoor, and Ayushmann Khurrana have become trends around the country.” The cultural pull of on-screen hair is real.
How to get it:
- Start with towel-dried hair
- Apply a texturizing paste or matte clay to damp hair
- Use a round brush while blow-drying to push the front section upward and slightly forward
- Scrunch the ends for added texture
Products to use: Matte clay, texturizing paste, medium-hold hair wax
3. The Badrinath Ki Dulhania Hairstyle — Simple Yet Iconic
Ah, the one that broke the internet. The Badrinath Ki Dulhania Varun Dhawan hairstyle is arguably his most talked-about film look, and for good reason.
In the 2017 romantic comedy, Varun played Badrinath Bansal a small-town Jhansi boy with big dreams and an even bigger personality alongside Alia Bhatt. His character needed to look charming yet relatable, polished yet approachable. And his hair did exactly that.
What it looks like: The Varun Dhawan hairstyle in Badrinath Ki Dulhania is essentially a neatly styled short crop with a natural side sweep. No heavy gel, no dramatic spikes just clean, well-groomed hair that any Indian guy could realistically walk out of a salon with. It’s the kind of haircut your mom would actually love.
Why it became a trend: The Varun Dhawan hairstyle Badri Ki Dulhania was specifically styled to reflect the character’s UP-belt background grounded, real, and refreshingly non-metropolitan. It became enormously popular because fans didn’t just see a Bollywood look they saw something they could actually replicate.
How to get it:
- Request a short crop, 1.5–2 inches on top, faded sides
- Use a light hair serum or low-hold cream for a natural, non-greasy finish
- Comb neatly to one side or leave slightly tousled
The Badrinath Varun Dhawan hairstyle continues to be one of the most searched men’s haircut references in India a testament to how powerful a well-placed on-screen look can be.
4. The Spiky Look — The Student of the Year Throwback
Take yourself back to 2012. Fresh-faced, full of energy, and armed with the kind of hair that only a 25-year-old can pull off this was Varun’s debut era. The spiky look he rocked in Student of the Year was peak early 2010s Bollywood, and honestly? It’s making a quiet comeback for younger guys.
What it looks like: Short hair with the top styled into textured, uneven spikes using gel. Think boyish charm with a rebellious edge.
How to get it:
- Keep hair short (about 1–1.5 inches on top)
- Apply a strong-hold hair gel on slightly damp hair
- Work through hair using your fingertips, lifting sections into irregular spikes
- Let it air dry (or use a diffuser on low heat)
Who it suits: Younger guys, oval or angular face shapes, those with naturally thick or coarse hair.
5. The Street Dancer 3D Hairstyle — When Varun Went Street-Ready
The Street Dancer 3D Varun Dhawan hairstyle was a whole mood. In this 2020 Remo D’Souza dance film (which also starred Shraddha Kapoor and Nora Fatehi), Varun played Sahej a fiery street dancer with an attitude that matched his incredible moves.
For this role, he had to learn several dance forms with a focus on the contemporary style “New School” described by Varun himself as “the scariest thing for any dancer today.” The hair had to match that raw, street-ready energy.
What it looks like: The Varun Dhawan hairstyle Street Dancer look was rugged, raw, and street-ready longer, slightly dishevelled hair on top with an almost natural, undone texture. Some scenes featured slightly slicked-back hair; others had a pushed-back messy crop. During promotions, he experimented with a tighter crop to match the film’s high-energy aesthetic.
How to get it:
- Grow the top out to about 2.5–3 inches
- Use a sea salt spray for natural, undone texture
- Push hair back loosely without over-styling
- Keep the sides faded to maintain a clean silhouette
The Varun Dhawan hairstyle Street Dancer look is perfect for guys with an active lifestyle it’s low maintenance and looks just as good sweaty as it does styled. Genuinely aspirational.
6. The Dishoom Undercut — The Upgraded Classic
In Dishoom (2016), Varun took the classic undercut and gave it a modern edge literally. The look featured a higher skin fade on the sides and back, with a more defined contrast between the short sides and the textured top. The result? A sharper, more fashion-forward version of his signature undercut.
What it looks like: A modernised undercut with a high skin fade on the sides, with the top styled loosely upward or slicked back depending on the scene. The contrast is more dramatic than his earlier looks, making it sharper and more contemporary.
What made it notable: The hairstyle was versatile enough to switch between a tousled, casual version (fingers through the top, done) and a sleek, formal version (combed back with pomade) depending on the scene’s demand.
How to get it:
- Request a high fade (skin fade or #1 on sides) with about 2–3 inches on top
- Use a high-shine pomade for the slicked-back version
- Use matte wax for the casual tousled version
💡 Expert Insight: “The slick back, reworked with matte products for a softer hold, is gaining traction. Contemporary versions often feature textured tops rather than slicked-back perfection, making them more approachable for everyday wear.” Esquire India, Hair Expert Panel
7. The Messy Pushed-Back Look — Varun’s Off-Duty Vibe
Scroll through Varun Dhawan’s Instagram (@varundvn) and you’ll see this one pop up repeatedly in behind-the-scenes content, candid gym shots, and low-key event appearances. This isn’t a “styled” look in the traditional sense it’s what happens when great hair meets a relaxed morning and two minutes of effort.
What it looks like: Medium-length hair on top, loosely pushed back without any rigid structure. No side part, no slicked lines. Just hair doing its best impression of effortlessness.
How to get it:
- Apply a small amount of texturizing spray or light hair cream
- Run your fingers through slightly damp hair, pushing it backward
- Let it fall naturally resist the urge to over-style
This is the Varun Dhawan hairstyle for men who claim they “don’t really style their hair” but somehow always look put-together. We see you, and we respect it.
8. The Short Buzz Cut — Varun’s Transformation Moment
For certain roles and during some personal phases, Varun has opted for the classic short buzz cut a clean, no-nonsense crop that strips things back to basics.
Short hair Varun Dhawan hairstyle moments have always generated buzz (pun absolutely intended) because they represent a different, more raw side of the actor. Without the fancy styling, it’s all about the face and Varun’s sharp jawline and defined features do the rest of the work.
How to get it:
- Request a #2 or #3 all over, or with a slight taper on the sides
- Zero product needed
- Zero effort needed
- Maximum payoff if you have the right face shape
Who it suits best: Square and oval face shapes. If you have a round face, the buzz cut can make it rounder in which case, ask for a slight taper or fade on the sides to add some visual contrast.
9. The Slicked-Back Hair — Varun in His Suave Era
There’s a version of Varun Dhawan that shows up at award shows and special events looking like he just walked off a European fashion runway. And the secret weapon? Slicked-back hair.
This is one of those Varun Dhawan hairstyle photos-worthy moments that photographers love because it looks incredible under studio lights high shine, clean lines, all the drama with none of the chaos.
What it looks like: Medium-length hair combed cleanly backward with a high-shine product. No flyaways, no texture just sleek, controlled elegance.
How to get it:
- Start with slightly damp hair
- Apply a generous amount of high-hold, high-shine pomade or gel
- Use a fine-tooth comb to sweep everything backward evenly
- Finish with a light coat of hairspray to lock it in place
Products to use: High-gloss pomade (Gatsby, Schwarzkopf, or Brylcreem work well), fine-tooth comb, light-hold hairspray.
10. The 2024 Mullet — The Unexpected Plot Twist
Nobody saw this coming. In 2024, Varun Dhawan surprised absolutely everyone by sporting a modern mullet yes, the “business in the front, party in the back” hairstyle that most of us associate with 1980s rock stars and your dad’s old wedding photos.
As noted by Men’s World India: “Varun Dhawan sporting a mullet was the last thing I expected from this year. The actor is seen changing his looks but he’s always played safe. This was quite a change, a pleasant one for sure.”
What it looks like: Short to medium on the top and sides, with noticeably longer hair at the back but styled in a modern, fashion-forward way rather than the classic retro mullet.
Why it matters: The fact that Varun could pull off a mullet and make it look intentional says everything about his comfort with experimentation. It also signals that the Varun Dhawan hairstyle legacy isn’t about playing it safe it’s about doing whatever the moment demands.
Varun Dhawan Hairstyle by Face Shape: Quick Reference Guide
| Face Shape | Best Varun-Inspired Style | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Any style — you’re lucky! | Balanced proportions suit everything |
| Square | Buzz cut, undercut, Badrinath crop | Short sides balance the angular jawline |
| Round | Textured quiff with height on top | Adds vertical emphasis, lengthens the face |
| Oblong / Long | Messy pushed-back, textured crop | Width at the top doesn’t elongate further |
| Heart | Slicked-back, Street Dancer messy | Soft top balances a wider forehead |
Products You’ll Need to Nail the Varun Dhawan Hairstyle
| Product Type | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Matte Hair Wax | Texture + hold without shine | Textured quiff, messy styles |
| High-Shine Pomade | Sleek, polished finish | Slicked-back, side-part looks |
| Sea Salt Spray | Natural beachy, undone texture | Street Dancer look |
| Texturizing Paste | Light hold + volume | Everyday tousled styles |
| Strong-Hold Gel | Firm shape, defined spikes | Spiky SOTY-era look |
| Light Hairspray | Sets and finishes any style | All looks, especially slicked-back |
Pro Tip: For most of Varun’s everyday looks, less is more. Overloading your hair with product is the number one reason a good haircut ends up looking crunchy and sad. Apply product to damp not soaking wet hair and work from roots to ends. A pea-sized amount of pomade is usually enough to start.
Varun Dhawan Hair Cutting: What to Tell Your Barber
One of the most common questions people type into Google is about the Varun Dhawan hair cutting specifically, how to explain it to your barber. Here’s how to communicate the most popular looks:
For the Undercut / Side-Part Look: “Give me a disconnected undercut #2 on the sides with a skin fade at the bottom, about 2.5 inches on top. I want to style it with a side part.”
For the Textured Quiff: “Keep about 2–3 inches on top, fade the sides to a #2. I want the top left choppy and textured not smoothed down.”
For the Badrinath Short Crop: “Short crop, 1.5 to 2 inches on top, natural taper on the sides. I want it to look clean but not too formal like a natural everyday style.”
For the Buzz Cut: “All over #3, with a #2 on the sides tapering up. Keep the top slightly longer than the sides.”
Always: Bring a reference photo from his Instagram @varundvn. Your barber will thank you, and so will your mirror.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying Varun’s Hairstyles
We’ve all been there. You show up at the salon with the reference photo, you nod along as the barber makes promises, and you leave looking… approximately nothing like Varun Dhawan. Here’s why that actually happens:
- Wrong product for your hair type. Thick, coarse hair needs a stronger-hold product. Fine, limp hair needs a volume-boosting base first. Know your hair type before buying anything.
- Skipping the blow-dry. Many of Varun’s looks require a blow-dry to achieve the right volume and direction. Air-drying usually won’t cut it (literally).
- Choosing the wrong cut for your face shape. The undercut that looks incredible on Varun’s oval face might not translate the same way to a very round face. Always factor in your face shape.
- Over-applying product. A pea-sized amount of pomade is usually enough. More product does not equal better results. It equals crunchy, sad hair.
- Not maintaining the haircut. Most of Varun’s signature short hairstyles need a trim every 3–4 weeks to keep the shape fresh. Letting it grow out without maintenance is how a sleek undercut turns into a shapeless mop.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Hairstyle names, techniques, and product suggestions mentioned are general grooming tips. Results may vary depending on individual hair type, texture, and face shape. Always consult a professional hairstylist before making major changes to your hair.
Expert Insight: Why Bollywood Hairstyles Drive Real Trends
According to Google Arts & Culture, undercut and quiff hairstyles which were “popularised on screen by actors such as Varun Dhawan, Shahid Kapoor, and Ayushmann Khurrana have become trends around the country.” This speaks to the genuine cultural influence Bollywood actors carry when it comes to mainstream grooming.
The numbers don’t lie: each time Varun drops a new look on Instagram (which boasts over 10 million Twitter followers and even more on Instagram), salon searches for the equivalent style spike. His Varun Dhawan hairstyle photos are among the most referenced celebrity hair images in Indian barbershops. This is why the Varun Dhawan hairstyle isn’t just a grooming topic it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Read Also: Mullet Back Funk Hairstyle Male
Conclusion
The Varun Dhawan hairstyle legacy is a testament to the fact that great hair isn’t just about genetics it’s about understanding your face shape, choosing the right cut, using the right products, and having the confidence to actually try new things.
From the Badrinath Ki Dulhania Varun Dhawan hairstyle that became a nationwide trend to the unexpectedly excellent 2024 mullet that proved he’s still one of Bollywood’s most daring style icons, Varun has consistently delivered on the grooming front throughout his career.
Whether you’re inspired by his Street Dancer 3D Varun Dhawan hairstyle, his classic undercut phase, or his sleek award-show slicked-back looks there’s a Varun Dhawan hairstyle name in this list that works for your hair type and face shape.
So next time you walk into a barbershop, go ahead pull up that photo. Tell your barber, “yeh wala.” You’ll be in good company. Millions of people have made the same request, and honestly? It’s one of the better decisions you can make for your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Varun Dhawan’s most popular hairstyle?
The disconnected undercut with a side part is among the most popular Varun Dhawan hairstyle looks. It’s clean, versatile, and easy to style.
Q2. What is the hairstyle called in Badrinath Ki Dulhania?
He sported a classic tapered short crop with a natural side sweep, giving him a neat and youthful appearance.
Q3. What hairstyle did he wear in Street Dancer 3D?
A medium-length, rugged pushed-back style with natural texture and a relaxed finish.
Q4. How can I get a similar celebrity-inspired look at home?
Start with the right haircut and use matte wax, pomade, or sea salt spray. Blow-dry your hair for extra volume and texture.
Q5. Which face shape suits a Varun Dhawan hairstyle?
Most styles suit oval and square faces. Round faces can benefit from extra height, while longer faces look better with less volume on top.
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