Polytar trichologist Ruth Collis explains the scalp health considerations behind some of England’s most popular football-inspired hairstyles ahead of the World Cup
With England preparing to compete in the FIFA World Cup in the United States this summer, fans aren’t just paying attention to the football. Across the country, barbers are seeing growing interest in the hairstyles worn by England’s biggest stars, from Eberechi Eze’s protective dreadlocks to Jude Bellingham’s low taper fade and textured curls.
With matches set to take place in hot and humid conditions across parts of the United States, scalp health is also becoming an important consideration. Increased sweating, product build-up, UV exposure and frequent washing can all affect the scalp, particularly for those trying to recreate their favourite footballer’s look as the UK prepares for its own heatwaves.
England’s current squad showcases a wide variety of hairstyles, reflecting the changing relationship between football and fashion. Protective hairstyles, such as those worn by Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, have become increasingly popular for their versatility and cultural significance. Meanwhile, low taper fades with textured tops, worn by players including Jude Bellingham and Kobbie Mainoo, remain one of the most requested cuts among younger men. Elsewhere, Harry Kane’s longer, swept-back style offers more volume and continues to appeal to those seeking a lower-maintenance alternative.
According to Ruth Collis, Trichologist at Polytar, each hairstyle comes with its own scalp care considerations.
“Today’s footballers continue to influence men’s grooming trends, and while hairstyles are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, they can also affect how people care for their scalp. Different styles come with different scalp care considerations, whether that’s managing product build-up, increased sweating, cleansing frequency or the potential effects of prolonged tension on the hair and scalp. Understanding these factors can help support both scalp health and long-term hair health.
Understanding how to care for the scalp alongside the hairstyle itself remains one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy hair in the long term.”
Ruth’s comments come as Polytar’s Barbers & Hairdresser Reportfound that, as well as asking their barber for guidance on which style suits best, younger men are increasingly turning to them for advice on hair and scalp concerns. The research found that 42% of men aged 18-24 feel comfortable asking their barber for health advice, while 57% of men aged 25-34 have previously asked a barber about a hair or scalp concern. The findings highlight the growing role barbers play in conversations around scalp health and grooming, especially among younger men looking to emulate the styles worn by footballers and other public figures.
Eberechi Eze’s Dreadlocks: The Protective Style Combining Fashion And Function
Eberechi Eze’s distinctive dreadlocks have become one of the midfielder’s defining features, offering a modern example of a protective hairstyle that combines practicality with personal style.
Protective hairstyles help reduce daily manipulation of the hair and can minimise breakage by keeping strands secured. For many wearers, they also provide versatility and can help retain moisture within the hair shaft.
However, Ruth Collis explains that protective hairstyles still require careful and consistent scalp maintenance, especially during periods of hot weather this summer.
“Styles such as dreadlocks, twists and braids can sometimes lead people to wash their hair less frequently, but the scalp still requires regular cleansing regardless of the hairstyle. During warmer weather, sweat, sebum and environmental debris can accumulate more readily on the scalp and, if not adequately removed, may contribute to irritation, itching or flaking. Some styles may also place prolonged tension on the hair follicle, which can increase the risk of traction-related hair loss if not managed appropriately. This is particularly important given Polytar’s research has shown many people already experience scalp irritation linked to environmental factors such as water quality and climate conditions.
It’s important that individuals with dreadlocks, twists, braids or similar long-term styles maintain a cleansing routine that focuses on scalp health. Products that help manage inflammation, itching and excess skin-cell build-up can be beneficial for those prone to scalp conditions. Medicated coal tar shampoos have long been used to help support scalp health by reducing inflammation and scaling while maintaining a healthier scalp environment.”
Jude Bellingham’s Low Taper Fade: One Of The Most Requested Haircuts In Britain
Jude Bellingham’s low taper fade, paired with natural textured curls, has become one of the defining hairstyles of a new generation of footballers. The style offers a clean, sharp appearance while retaining volume and texture on top, making it particularly popular among younger men.
Unlike protective styles, low taper fades often require regular maintenance appointments and may involve styling products such as creams, gels, mousses or curl enhancers to achieve the desired finish.
According to Ruth, these products can influence scalp health if they are allowed to accumulate over time.
“Styles that rely on regular styling products can increase the likelihood of product build-up, particularly around the hairline and crown. Combined with increased sweating and sebum production during warmer weather, this can sometimes contribute to itching, irritation or scalp discomfort.
For individuals who use styling products frequently, maintaining a thorough scalp cleansing routine is especially important. The goal should be to remove excess product residue, sweat and sebum from the scalp. This helps support the scalp barrier and maintain a healthier scalp environment.”
From Bellingham To Beckham: How England’s Haircuts Have Evolved
While today’s England stars are influencing a new generation of haircut trends, football fans may also be feeling nostalgic for one of the country’s most iconic football hairstyles as England’s first World Cup game draws closer.
David Beckham’s faux hawk became one of the most copied haircuts in England during the 2000s, inspiring countless salon and barber visits during England’s major tournament campaigns. Characterised by short sides and a textured strip through the centre of the head, the style helped cement footballers as some of the country’s biggest grooming trendsetters.
Although modern styles tend to favour softer fades and natural texture, the continued popularity of Y2K fashion trends has prompted speculation that classic football-inspired looks could return.
Ruth believes styles such as the faux hawk highlight how men’s grooming habits have evolved.
“Many of the iconic football hairstyles from previous decades relied heavily on strong-hold styling products to maintain their shape throughout the day. While modern formulations have improved significantly, frequent product use still requires appropriate scalp care, particularly when combined with sweat and sebum build-up.”
“Regardless of whether someone chooses a modern fade, a longer textured style or a nostalgic look inspired by David Beckham, healthy hair ultimately starts with a healthy scalp. Conditions such as dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis remain extremely common and can become more noticeable when sweat, sebum, styling products and scalp irritation build up. The NHS notes that dandruff commonly causes visible flakes and an itchy scalp, making regular scalp care particularly important during warmer weather and periods of increased product use.
Supporting a healthy scalp through regular cleansing and targeted treatments where needed, including medicated shampoos for conditions such as dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, remains one of the most important aspects of any haircare routine.”
What Barbers Are Seeing During This World Cup Season
Footballers have long influenced men’s grooming trends, with iconic hairstyles often becoming almost as memorable as performances on the pitch. Combined with the fact that today’s trends are increasingly driven by social media, barbers are seeing an increased interest in football-inspired cuts, particularly around major tournaments like the World Cup.
Tommy Forsgate, Barber at Urban Fox Barbershop in Bagshot, has seen first-hand how England players continue to influence the hairstyles customers request.
“Jude Bellingham’s style is definitely one of the most requested looks we’re seeing at the moment. The low taper fade with texture on top is a really popular haircut because it can be altered for different hair types and has that clean, modern finish that younger clients are looking for.”
While Bellingham’s taper fade may be among today’s most requested styles, Tommy says previous England stars have also left a lasting mark on haircut trends, particularly during major tournaments when players receive heightened attention both on and off the pitch.
“During the last World Cup, Jack Grealish’s longer undercut was one of the standout football-inspired haircuts people were asking for. We had plenty of younger customers coming in wanting that exact style after seeing him play for England. It was hugely popular, although a lot of people quickly realised it was quite a high-maintenance haircut to keep looking sharp.”
Tommy believes the way haircut trends spread has changed significantly in recent years. While watching football games remains influential, social media platforms are now often the primary source of inspiration for younger customers.
“A lot of younger clients bring in screenshots or videos they’ve found on TikTok rather than pictures of footballers. That said, when a major tournament comes around and a player is performing well, we can still see increased interest in their hairstyle.”
Despite the growing influence of social media creators and online trends, some football-inspired hairstyles have stood the test of time. For Tommy, no player has had a greater impact on men’s grooming than David Beckham.
“”David Beckham is probably the best example of a footballer whose influence has never really gone away. His hairstyles have been timeless and people still reference them today. Whether it was the quiff, the faux hawk or some of his other iconic looks, he helped shape men’s grooming trends across multiple generations and remains one of the biggest male style icons there is.”
While football-inspired hairstyles continue to evolve, scalp health remains a constant consideration regardless of which look fans choose to recreate. According to Ruth, understanding the scalp care requirements associated with different styles can help support both scalp comfort and long-term hair health.
“Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and that’s particularly important during the summer months when increased sweating, sebum production and styling product use can all influence the scalp environment. For people who are already prone to conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, warmer weather can sometimes make symptoms feel more noticeable if the scalp is not being cleansed regularly and managed appropriately.
The scalp is living skin and requires the same level of care and attention as the rest of the body. Maintaining a consistent scalp care routine, including regular cleansing and the use of medicated treatments where appropriate, can help reduce irritation, itching, flaking and discomfort.”
Supporting Scalp Health Throughout The Summer
As temperatures rise and football fans look to recreate the styles worn by England’s biggest stars, experts say maintaining scalp health should form part of any grooming routine.
Polytar is the original coal tar shampoo, with proven anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and exfoliating properties. Formulated with a 4% Coal Tar Solution, Polytar is clinically proven to help treat common scalp conditions including psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, flaking and itching.
By helping to reduce inflammation, manage scaling and support the scalp’s natural balance, Polytar can play an important role in maintaining scalp health throughout the summer months, specifically for those experiencing irritation, flaking or discomfort associated with increased sweating, styling products or environmental factors.
Polytar Medicated Scalp Shampoo is available from £11.99 at www.polytar.co.uk, as well as leading retailers including Boots, Amazon and Superdrug. Always read the label.