The Epic Evolution Of Joe Burrow's Hair: From "Joe Cool" Classic To Viral Long-Hair Legend

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Joe Burrow's hair is more than just a hairstyle; it's a cultural phenomenon that mirrors his evolving status as the NFL's most stylish and talked-about quarterback. As of December 19, 2025, the conversation around the Cincinnati Bengals star has shifted dramatically from his classic, clean-cut look to the viral, shaggy, and sometimes controversial long-hair styles that have broken the internet.

This deep dive explores the full timeline of Joe Burrow’s locks—from his collegiate days to his current Pro Bowl status—uncovering the truth behind the viral long-hair photos, the fan-favorite comparisons to '80s movie villains and 'Connie baby,' and the real, surprising reason why he keeps mixing up his iconic look.

Joseph Lee Burrow: Full Biography and Career Highlights

Before his hair became a headline, Joe Burrow established himself as one of the most accurate and clutch quarterbacks in the National Football League. His journey from a transfer student to a Super Bowl contender is the stuff of legend, characterized by his "Joe Cool" demeanor and exceptional playmaking ability.

  • Full Name: Joseph Lee Burrow
  • Born: December 10, 1996
  • Birthplace: Ames, Iowa, U.S.
  • Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
  • Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
  • College Career: Ohio State (transfer), LSU.
  • Draft: 2020, Round 1, Pick 1 by the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals (2020–Present)
  • Key Career Highlights & Awards:
    • Heisman Trophy (2019)
    • CFP National Champion (2019)
    • Pro Bowl (2022)
    • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2021)
    • Super Bowl LVI Appearance (2021 Season)

The Viral Long Hair Phenomenon: Photoshopped or Real?

The biggest catalyst for the "Joe Burrow long hair" frenzy was a series of images that circulated widely across social media platforms. These photos, which showed the quarterback with lengthy, often curly or wavy hair, sparked an immediate and intense reaction from NFL fans.

The Truth Behind the Viral Long-Hair Photos

While Joe Burrow has certainly experimented with growing his hair out, the most extreme viral images are often either heavily edited or are throwbacks to a specific period of growth.

  • The Photoshopped '80s Villain Look: One of the most famous viral images features Burrow with dramatically long, flowing, and curly brown hair. Fans instantly compared him to an '80s movie villain, a fantasy football league commissioner, or even a young Tom Brady during his own long-hair phase in 2010. This particular image is widely believed to be a high-quality photoshop, intended for humor.
  • The Shaggy Offseason Look: The *real* long-hair phase occurred notably during the 2023 offseason and subsequent injury recovery. During this time, Burrow let his hair grow out to a shaggier length, sometimes needing a headband to keep it out of his eyes. This look was genuinely debuted at a Bengals game appearance following his turf toe surgery, and it immediately set social media alight.
  • 'Connie Baby' Comparisons: The shaggy, grown-out style drew comparisons to characters from popular teen dramas, most notably "Conrad 'Connie Baby' Fisher" from *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, a comparison that delighted a new demographic of fans.

The fascination highlights how closely fans track every detail of the star quarterback's image, treating his hair evolution as a barometer of his current mood or offseason activities.

The Joe Burrow Hair Evolution: From Classic Cut to Bleach Blonde

Joe Burrow's hairstyles have been a dynamic part of his personal brand, moving far beyond the simple "classic cut" he sported early in his career. His willingness to experiment with his hair reflects a broader, more confident approach to his public image, often blending throwback styles with modern trends.

Key Phases in the Burrow Hair Timeline

Burrow has cycled through several notable looks since his college days, each one generating discussion:

  • The Classic Short Cut: His initial NFL look was a clean, short, and professional style—the quintessential look for a No. 1 overall pick.
  • The Undercut: At one point, Burrow sported an undercut, which features trimmed hair on the sides and back with longer hair on top, offering a sharper, more defined look.
  • The Shaggy/Wavy Look: This is the style that generated the most recent buzz. It’s a longer, wavy cut that requires more maintenance and often results in the "wet look" or "fringe cut" when styled. This phase was most prominent during times when he was recovering from injury and not under the strict regimen of the regular season.
  • The Bleach Blonde Experiment: In one of his most drastic changes, Burrow debuted a close-cropped, bleach blonde haircut at training camp. When asked about the dramatic color change, Burrow revealed it was largely due to boredom and a friendly dare from teammate B.J. Hill, stating, "I think this is probably temporary... I'll let it grow out, see what it looks like, little frosted." His father, Jim Burrow, even weighed in, saying he was "not a fan" of the buzz cut, but respected Joe's desire to "get out of his comfort zone."

The constant shifts in style, from the "Joe Cool" clean look to the "shaggy" appearance, and the bold decision to go blonde, all contribute to his status as a fashion icon in the league.

Styling the "Joe Burrow" Look: Achieving the Long Wavy Cut

For those looking to replicate the popular Joe Burrow long hair or shaggy look, the key is understanding his hair type and the required maintenance. Burrow has naturally wavy hair, which allows for the volume and texture seen in his grown-out styles.

Achieving the look requires letting the top layer grow to a length that allows it to fall over the forehead and sides, typically 4–6 inches. The sides and back are often kept slightly shorter than the top, creating the modern, textured "shaggy" effect that avoids looking unkempt. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the shape and prevent the ends from splitting.

The enduring fascination with Joe Burrow's hair proves that in the modern NFL, a player’s personal style is just as much a part of their brand as their performance on the field. Whether he’s rocking a short, classic cut or a viral, long-hair legend look, Joe Burrow continues to set trends both on and off the gridiron.

joe burrow long hair
joe burrow long hair

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