Vikings have been entertaining us for the better part of a decade. As we’ve watched Ragner, and eventually his sons and their Viking hairstyles, on their many exploits, the show has inspired a resurgence of an older style. The Viking look is in, and if you want to jump on the train, it starts with the hair.
What Is a Viking Hairstyles
At its base, the haircut is inspired by and styled after the old Viking warriors. The show may have stoked its resurgence, but Viking hairstyles don’t have to emulate the wardrobes you see on TV. Instead, this is a real throwback to people who genuinely believed in Valhalla and had the first such haircuts.
Naturally, there are modern twists on the ideas, and new Viking styles come in many shapes and sizes. The general rules are that the Viking hair tries to express ruggedness and is paired with a beard. More often than not, it includes long hair, but there are short-hair variants. For those who haven’t watched the show, you can think of Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, or Henry Cavill from The Witcher.
How to Wear a Viking Hairstyles Today
As the Viking hairstyle has been around for a minute or two, there have been some variations on it in the past. Even the modern past had a take on the look that is now outdated. If you can think as far back as the 90s, Fabio rocked a soft, lush version of the Viking hairstyle. You might note that it was accompanied by a smooth face.
A little more recently, the Lord of the Rings movies took a delicate approach to the look. Orlando Bloom’s Legolas had a variant of the Viking hairstyles that also emphasized a soft approach.
Today, it’s about ruggedness. Viking hair isn’t meticulously groomed. It’s dense and a little chaotic — emblematic of the chaotic natures of the warriors it celebrates. There are many ways to style a modern Viking look (which will be discussed next). The key to wearing it is a tough and natural approach. And, as will be repeated, a thick beard helps.
How to Style It
The most common way to wear the do is with Viking braids. The most popular styles use multiple braids on top. They might be collected into a ponytail in the back, or you can have loose hair with a single braid. Anything in between is also fair game. You can add weaves and styles to play around with the aesthetic as you see fit. You can even try to pull off the Nordic version of cornrows. There are plenty of viable options.
There are two other common variants on the Viking look. The undercut is the first of those. This is for aspiring Vikings who don’t want to go long enough for braids. The hair is still longer than something like a crew cut, but it’s not cascading down your back. The general look is swept back. You can choose if you like a super stylized, slicked-back look or if you want something messier and more natural.
The last style is bald with a beard. By bald, we’re talking fully shaved except for the signature braid. You have plenty of options as to how high you want to start the braid on the back of your head, but without that braid, you’re just another bald guy. It’s a classic Viking look, and it can work. But of course, you still need the big bad beard. It should be full and long, and you can braid it if you want.
#1 Fishtail Braids Viking Hairstyles
The first source of inspiration to come to mind for Viking hairstyles are braids. The coarser the hair, the better chance you have at locking in dreads like the example above. His hair on the crown is braided into two thick dreads and weaved backward into a short fishtail. The dirty blond hair provides enough width and thickness to emulate Viking hairstyles.
#2 Cascading Viking Hairstyles
With braids like these, who wouldn’t feel like they’re channeling Scandinavian warriors? At least six Dutch braids are woven around the head with considerable space to showcase each one. The center braid acts as a base for the ponytail with the other smaller braids woven around it. All of them are banded together with multiple hair ties.
#3 Centered Man Bun
Not all Viking hairstyles derive from a historical book or TV show. With a high undercut around the forehead, hair from the middle of the head is allowed to flow naturally. It’s perfect for brushing into a slicked-back man bun. As long as you exude rugged confidence, you can show off how adaptable Viking hairstyles can be.
#4 Jasper Paakkonen Side Swept
Instead of charging ahead with intricate braids on the TV Show “Vikings,” actor Jasper Pääkkönen stood out from the pack with his punkish hairstyle. Like his co-stars, his hair is shaved. However, his long hair is side swept to the right side. Subtle crisscrosses with a thin comb and hair gel create a slight braid-like pattern.
#5 Loose Ponytail
No two ponytails and undercuts are alike. Ask your barber how high or low you want your hair to be trimmed. The shaven look here matches evenly with the forehead and gives the perfect width of hair to be pulled back into a manly ponytail. This look remains rugged and natural by not using wax or gel to make it polished.
#6 Dothraki Hairstyle
Even though “Game of Thrones” didn’t center on Vikings culture, actor Jason Momoa as Dothraki chieftain Khal Drogo served as an inspiration to fans like the one above. A common example of his hairstyle is a thick braid straight down the middle.
#7 Ragnar Lothbrok Crew Cut
Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok is arguably the most popular character on the television show “Vikings.” Throughout his tentative performance, Fimmel sported braids and dreadlocks to the messy buzz cut above. The jagged nature of the cut and beard showcases a fierce Viking spirit without having to commit to an elaborate style.
#8 Grizzly Beard And Sleek Man Bun
The first of our Viking hairstyles feature a confident warrior who has made sure that his hair will stay out of his eyes during battle by pulling it back into a slick bun. This also allows him to show off his traditional Scandinavian facial tattoos. He’s completed the look with an unfussy beard to keep it grounded and balanced.
#9 Spiky Texture with Dreadlocks
Make sure you bring your texturizing products to the battlefield for this style! This look pairs an artfully tousled crown section with heavy Viking’s dreadlocks bound together with strips of leather. This style could be worn by someone who has short hair and wants to experiment with using extensions.
#10 Triple Threat Braids
Three or more rows of braids can be difficult to contain if you wear them loosely. To secure multiple braids at once, find a unique Viking inspired hair clip to accentuate your source of inspiration. A simple detail like this can offer a unique story behind your interest in Viking culture.
#11 Valhalla Twists
This is a concept for the man who isn’t concerned with what other people think. The key component of this style is its subdued symmetry. His thick, brushy bread has been subtly trimmed to highlight the two braids on the sides. The braids echo the vertical lines of the twists in his hair.
#12 Faux Hawk with Undercut
Like a Mohawk, the sides are trimmed shorter than a two or three-inch section of hair at the crown of the head. Multiple braids create a can’t-miss tier of volume. The top of the hair is teased with a brush and then set into braids. Intersect them high in the back of the head and twist the rest of the locks into a ponytail.
#13 Braided Sides and Top
Take advantage of more than one braid to enhance an ultra-masculine Viking look. Along the side of the head, Viking hairstyles commonly use a Dutch braid. Instead of a French braid that winds the hair on the outside, a Dutch braid winds the hair underneath. The thickest pair of hair on top goes for the dragon braids to create a wavy texture. The two meet in the middle in a stylish ponytail.
#14 Scandinavian Crop
This young man shows off a fresh and textured look that’s free of complicated braids and designs. The sides are shaved, and the hair on the top of his head is styled like a purposefully messy Caesar cut. Because it’s so simple, the haircut takes center stage as opposed to the hairstyle. This is a look that could be done by anyone who loves to experiment with DIY.
#15 Soft Blond Locks and Braids
Contrary to popular belief, Viking hairstyles don’t always evoke aggressive masculinity. It’s all about the wearer’s confidence and how they exude their look. Don’t let the blond locks mislead you. This soft-colored shoulder-length hair is perfect for camouflaging with a thick beard and pulling into a ponytail for a convincing Viking appearance.
#16 Comb Over With High Fade
If your hair is sparse, your range of styling options is not as limited as you may think. Create a dramatic look with a temple shave and parting your hair to the side. The rustic display of your scalp paired with a distinguished comb over and beard transforms a polished look to edgy.
#17 Björn Ragnarsson Mohawk
The television show “Vikings” inspired men to elevate their style with Nordic influences. Björn Ragnarsson’s appearance changed throughout the series with various lengths and cuts. Here, you can replicate his style with a disheveled beard and by braiding an expanded section of hair down the middle of your head into a ponytail.
#18 Brushed Back Hair with Undercut
A buzz cut on the sides and long hair on top creates the best of both Viking hairstyles. Smooth down your hair with your preferred hair wax and hairspray after brushing it back, and you’re set for the day. Ideally, this works best if you have thicker hair to generate a buffer of volume.
#19 Loose Viking Braids with Beard
If you have curly hair but want to try Viking braids, this man has your inspiration. He has long hair on the crown of his head paired with sides that are faded subtly down to the nape of his neck. His hair is braided in a loose manner that allows him to show off its natural texture. Bookend two individual braids in the middle part of your hair to build volume. Keep the look sleek by tying it into a half-up ponytail. Combine this with a thick beard, and your appearance will be a triple-threat of Viking-inspired looks.
#20 Blond Dreadlock Weave
Instead of replicating braids or dreadlocks with real hair, you can have dreadlocks applied to the scalp. The hair is completely shaved, so it gives a barber or stylist a spotless canvas to work with. Similar to a weave, the dreadlock styled hair is glued on top of a wig cap. The dreadlocks can then be laid out meticulously on top of the head into a braid.
#21 Flat Tied Braid
After sleeking your hair back with a low brush back, add an elegant braid on top that covers the top of your hair. This subtle detail elevates the precise military-like shaved scalp and a full beard. If your hair is short or long, you can cap it off in the back with a fishtail braid.
#22 Sleek Side Bun
A sleek side bun provides a unique twist to a regular man bun and frames the face with compelling asymmetry. Swirl the remaining long mane into one thick ponytail. From the outside in towards the head, roll the ponytail around in a circle and bring the tail through the middle hole. Keep the bun in place with discreet hairpins.
#23 Trio Braids Hairstyle
The combination of this hairstyle doesn’t take focus away from the beard. Two small tiny twists on the side with a larger one in the middle is a handsome combo. All three are a Dutch braid and wind up in a high ponytail. Viking hairstyles like this are still sophisticated and masculine.
#24 Tied Braids with Skin Fade
This look combines the faintest shadow of facial hair and sculpted edges with a massive center stripe of heavy Viking braids. They are accessorized with metallic hair cuffs and held together with functional cloth bands.
#25 Mohawk Twists
These Viking’s dreadlocks could work in a modern context. His ash-blond hair is shaved to the skin on the sides and grown out in a strip on top. Next, it’s rolled into elegant twists and pulled into a ponytail. The overall feel of this style is casual and streamlined. Out of all the possible Viking hairstyles, this is one that would translate well into being worn today.
#26 Clean Mohawk
This is the most modern Viking. Who says Viking hairstyles can’t be short and tidy? His hair is cut in a similar manner to our other Vikings, but it’s trimmed much more closely on top. Nonetheless, this style still displays classic Viking bravery as it’s swept up in a fearless pompadour. Any man can wear this as long as he’s got plenty of hair spray.
#27 Long Ponytail Braids
This Viking spends more time in front of the mirror than he does practicing his sword skills! His hairstyle features a variety of creative braids, textures, and twists. From the top to the bottom, he’s wearing his hair in voluminous twists bordered by small, delicate braids. The next layer is an angled cornrow that transforms into a fishtail braid. Finally, the lowest section of his scalp is closely cropped to transition smoothly into his beard.
#28 French Braids
Here’s another modern twist on Viking hairstyles. Most of his hair is buzzed softly down to the skin, creating a smooth backdrop for the braided style on top. The hair on the top of his head is grown out to a medium length and styled in a loose, simple French braid. To finish the look, the remaining portion of his hair is pulled into a minimalist bun. This is a style that requires real hair but could be worn on a temporary basis, as it is easy to put together in the morning and disassemble at the end of the day.
#29 Thin Tail Viking
Even if your hair isn’t thick, you can still pull off a versatile Vikings look with a dragon braid. Separate sections of hair from the front of the head into two individual ponytails and braid them together. As you work your way to the back, you’ll continuously make another ponytail and braid it with the last one. It will take time, patience, and practice, but it will be worth showing off.
#30 Multi Braids
This is one of the easiest Viking hairstyles to recreate. What sets these Viking braids apart is their soft, lived-in look. This can be achieved effortlessly by simply braiding your hair and sleeping in it overnight. This is another all-natural style, but those of you who have shorter hair could replicate it with extensions.
#31 Braided Topknot
This look would be totally at home at your local CrossFit gym or MMA class. It’s simple and straightforward but still has enough texture and edge to be unique. The majority of his scalp is buzzed very close to the skin and the wide section of long hair on top of his head is bordered by a narrow stripe etched into the surrounding hair. That one extra step is what gives the style character. This isn’t a very flexible look, however. Once you have it in place, you might have a hard time finding a new way to style this exact cut.
#32 Sectioned Long Tail
This Viking-inspired hairstyle would fit in at any West Coast university. It’s a very casual look that doesn’t require a lot of commitment, as it is primarily achieved through the hair bands that secure his hair away from his face. This haircut could also be worn down and loose or even in a conventional braid. This is a good choice for anyone who wants to experiment with Viking hairstyles but isn’t sure that they’ll want to commit to the look long-term.
#33 Silver Short Faux Hawk
Let your bushy beard do all the heavy lifting by keeping your hair short and simple. A smooth fade and buzz cut are easy to maintain like this example. Run a dab of gel through your silver streaks and arrange it upwards into sophisticated spikes. Add a villainous twist to your beard by twisting the hair at your lips outwards.
#34 Slick Back with Banded Braid
This Viking braid is the ultimate warrior look. This man has combined minimalism with attitude for a totally striking style. The sides are shaved down to the scalp and his long braid is bound with serious strips of leather.
#35 Loose Updo
Here’s an easy summer style that’s ideal for a man who already has long, thick hair. His impressive mane is pulled back from his face and cascades down his back in softly brushed waves. The overall effect is neat and casual.
#36 Short Mohawk with Beard
Braids come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the bigger isn’t necessarily the better depending on the quality or length of your hair. Add a little twist with a skinny braid that can sit on top of your brushed back hair. Take the conservative look up a notch by etching a tribal pattern along the scalp.
#37 Three Braided Ponytail
Artificial hair is typically designed with a firmer texture than natural hair. When it’s braided, it can produce exceptional volume. Combine three braids into a ponytail with multi-colored hair ties. An exceptionally thick beard produces a visual balance with a shaved head.
#38 Long Skinny Ponytail with Undercut
Similar to Björn Ragnarsson’s Viking braids pull back the hair on top of your head into a loose braid. Use leather bands to encapsulate the braids at the nape of your neck and shoulders. Instead of a coarse beard, trim the sideburns short and grow a fuller goatee.
#39 Caramel Dreadlocks
Sometimes your natural hair is not enough to forge a full Viking look. Take a picture like this to your barber who can apply synthetic hair like dreadlocks and extensions. After they’re in place, the style will be flexible for casual wear by sweeping it into a high ponytail.
#40 Twisted Rope Braid
Contrary to what our eyes might perceive, not all braids are identical. Add more volume to a regular two-strand braid by twirling the ‘legs’ before your crisscross. This technique forms a stunning twisted-rope effect. The sleek brushed-back hair and braid combo promote a modern Viking hairstyle that’s equally rugged and stately.
#41 Slick Back Viking Hairstyles
There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel to achieve a masculine Viking hairstyle. Exude confidence with a minimalist hairdo like combing your hair back with your preferred hair product. If you have permanent or temporary tattoos, a shaved scalp is a clean canvas to proudly display your personality.
#42 Versatile Undercut Mohawk
A sharp undercut and Mohawk mix launches Viking hairstyles out from the past and into today’s contemporary world. The former shaves the side of the head completely. Meanwhile, the latter gives you plenty of options to tame a lush mane by brushing it back or twisting it into a braid.
#43 Messy Cropped Top with Dreadlock Braids
From the front, everyone will think you’re just sporting a messy cropped top. The back of the hair, however, will break the illusion with synthetic dreadlock braids. Texturize your hair with a preferred product to spice it up even more. Though this look might not accommodate a regular nine to five office job, it pushes the boundaries for warrior-Esque cosplays or re-enactments.
#44 Blond Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks add versatility to a short trimmed haircut, especially if it contrasts your natural hair. After applying blond dreadlocks to your black or brown roots, finish it up with one or two braids similar to your natural color. It’s best to not let your hair grow out too long or else the look can become too unkempt.
#45 No-Fuss Mohawk
A beard is a defining asset for a Viking, so it’s an optimal choice to keep your hair as modest as possible. Brush the middle part on the crown back and lightly level it down with hair gel or mousse. It doesn’t get more low-maintenance than this trimmed lumberjack physique.
#46 Viking Inspired Khal Drogo
Khal Drogo on “Game of Thrones” wasn’t a Viking character, but his virile leadership unleashed a warrior spirit in the series’ fans. Like many Vikings who exudes sheer brute strength, he wasn’t afraid to rock a splendid French braid at home and on the battlefield.
#47 Miniature Viking Braids
If you have thin hair, take advantage of every strand to leave an unforgettable impression. Use a Dutch braid as the main focal point before twisting it into a ponytail. If you have blond hair, use black elastic bands or white bands if you have darker hair to add a pop of color.
#48 Quick Dutch Braid
Vikings sailed the open seas in search of resources for trading and conquering. Nothing comes closer to their oceanic spirit than a charming Dutch braid. Adapt their historical traditions with a braid down the center of your head and tied off short at the back of the neck.
#49 French Braid and Tail
Artificial hair is a prime opportunity to take your style to new heights. You can choose almost any type of color, thickness, and length you envision. A big thick French braid tail will easily make your tattoo headpieces stand out in a crowd.
#50 Faux Hawk French Braid
One of the coolest parts about Viking braids is that your hair’s definition can produce an understated faux hawk. A sharp undercut provides a stark contrast from a section of braids down the middle of the head. Evoke more versatility with the beard by forming a rounded outline along the jawline and a cone shape on the chin.
#51 Dyed Shiny Braids
Shaving the sides of your head gives you limitless options to concoct the exact style you envision. If you venture down the ‘braid’ route, intertwine several synthetic strands together into a ponytail. Clip it both at the top and bottom to hold everything in place.
#52 Cornrows Viking Hairstyles
This scalp is mostly shaved, save for the hair that will be used for a cool Viking hairstyle. What’s left is braided into three cornrows. Two braids on both sides of the head are smaller than the one in the middle. They culminate in a fashionable ponytail.
#53 Thick Symmetric Braids
This Viking hairstyle is a perfect combo of disheveled and symmetrical. Starting with the hairline at the forehead, several braids are sectioned off. The braids start with a medium length on the sides and then gradually become thicker on top. They are ponytailed in the back with suede bands.
#54 Disconnected Fishtail Braid
Two of the most common braids used to evoke Viking hairstyles are the French or Dutch braid. One underrated version is the fishtail braid. You can implement it by breaking up two large main sections of hair and then using smaller individual strands from both sides to crisscross. This braid takes significant practice to master on your own. You may need extra assistance from a friend or a hairstylist.
