Few male haircuts are as divisive as the rat tail. On the one hand, it can be seen as an expression of the cultural identity of a person operating within a fringe group of society. On the other, it can be seen as a throwback to a hairstyle that was popular for a very short period in the 1980s but is now distinctly out of fashion.
So, if you’re on the fence about this hairstyle, read our complete guide in 2024, where we explain the history of this look and its cultural perception, alongside five rat tail hairstyles to try this year.
Rat tail haircut meaning
A rat tail can be added to numerous hairstyles, as it’s a long tail of naturally hanging hair that can drop down beyond your shoulders. Though the rat tail is usually straight, it can also be braided, straightened, or permed, depending on your styling preferences.
History of the rat tail
The earliest examples of the rat tail in popular culture can be traced back to China in the 17th century. Established by the Qing Dynasty, it was known in China as the Mahcu Queue.
The look was popular in southeastern Asian countries, including Thailand and Vietnam. Following the end of the Vietnam War, some refugees who settled in Australia, the USA, and Europe took their rat tails with them.
By the 1980s, the rat tail haircut enjoyed mainstream success in the United States and Australia, particularly with fringe groups like punk rockers.
Though this hairstyle declined in popularity in the 1990s, it’s still an edgy, alternative hairstyle that many people go for today. We introduce you to some rat tail haircut ideas and styling tips below if you’re inspired to try this look.
5 rat tail haircut ideas
In many respects, the rat tail is an extremely easy hairstyle to go for. You can use natural or synthetic hair to create it, depending on your hair length and type. Here are some ideas to consider if you want to wear a tail this year:
1. The classic rat tail
The classic rat tail is a long, straight, and narrow extension of your natural hair down below the shoulder line. Most tails are super thin, no more than an inch in thickness, and can be tied together in a band. You can then pair your tail with numerous other styles, such as the undercut or a fade, which is a good way of adding texture to your look.
2. Rat tail fade haircut
There are so many ways to fade your hair, including low and high fades, that are extremely popular among guys right now. Pairing it with a rat tail is a way to contrast your short hair at the back and sides with extra length on top and down your back. If you’re attempting a fade, make sure you hire a talented barber, as it’s easy to get wrong!
3. Braided rat tail haircut
We rate the braided look as the best rat tail haircut in 2024. The intricate braids highlight that the rat tail is deliberate, and it helps to elevate the look. You can weave numerous braids into your rat tail, but fishtail braids are popular. Accessorizing the tail with beads and using a colorful hairband can be a great way to add something to the style.
4. Samurai rat tail
This look is a popular variant of the braided rat tail, blending the much loved Samurai top-knot with a braided tail. We recommend a casual, undone bun on top with loose strands to achieve a relaxed, carefree look.
5. Undercut with rat tail extension
Different from Caesar haircut, a classy and contemporary way to wear a tail is to ask your barber to create a sleek, super-short undercut, sharply fading the sides while leaving sufficient length on top for styling. The rat tail can run down beyond the neck nape, and you can leave it straight for a rebellious, counter-culture look.
How to do a rat tail
There are two ways to work a rat tail into your hair. The first is to use your natural hair. This tends to be a long process, as you need to be patient as your hair grows to a sufficient length to make your rat tail viable. You will also need to plan ahead, as you should ask your barber to leave the hair on the back of your head long enough for styling the rat tail.
The second option is to use synthetic hair or hair extensions to create an instant rat tail. This option is a little more expensive, as you need to order the hair, but it means you don’t need to wait for the tail to grow out naturally.
Given the position of the tail on the back and center of your head, we recommend asking your barber to style the look on your behalf. This is particularly the case if you want to go for a braided rat tail.
Cultural perceptions of the rat tail
You might have heard the phrase, “never trust a guy with a rat tail,” which is symbolic of the way that some people view this hairstyle. After all, since the 1980s, cultural perceptions of this edgy hairstyle have not always been positive, with many seeing it as the reserve of fringe groups and those within countercultures.
It’s undoubtedly fair to say that if you’re keen on a rat tail, you need to wear it with confidence. It’s a hairstyle that will attract much attention – both wanted and unwanted – so bear this in mind if you opt for this look in 2024!
To conclude
With its origins in 16th century China, the rat tail has permeated western cultures since the 1980s and remains as an edgy, counter-culture hairstyle that many guys can relate to.
You can opt for a rat tail haircut in numerous styles, going for a classic, straightened look or even a braided tail that adds class to your look.
Whichever tail you go for, be aware of the cultural perceptions of this hairstyle before asking your barber to work his magic!
