Rattail (haircut)

Child in the 1980s with a rattail

A rattail is a hair style that is characterized by a long "tail"-like element of hair growing downward from the back of the head. The rattail usually hangs naturally; however, it can be braided, treated as a dread, permed, straightened, or poofed, curled with an iron. In some instances, an individual might choose to grow several tails as opposed to a single very long tail.^[1]

The rattail saw a brief period of mainstream popularity during the 1980s and has rapidly fallen out of vogue. However, it has recently^[2] seen renewed popularity.

Cultural prevalence

Some punks and rivetheads have been known to sport them also, although in a much more punky style, totally shaven head, except for a tuft of hair at the back, usually dyed in various luminous colours. In Australia it is predominantly associated with the "bogan" subculture, but is prevalent throughout society. It is a very popular hairstyle in New Zealand, especially among boys, and is sometimes combined with shaven sides, a soft mini-mohawk and 'tram tracks' in Maori designs.

Former junior welterweight boxing champion Kostya Tszyu sported a rather famous rattail throughout his career.^[3]

In Disney's 2002 animated feature Treasure Planet , Jim Hawkins sports a rattail throughout the movie until the end. ^[4] In the 2016 film American Honey, Shia LaBeouf's rattail garnered critical praise.^[5]

See also

• Pigtail
• Ponytail
• Queue (hairstyle)
• Sikha

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rattail haircut.