Nelson Brown—the driving force behind Browns, one of the fastest growing hair salons in Scotland—created a tasteful homage to punk hair with his new Black Flag collection. “I wanted the hair to say punk, but in a delicate way,” says Brown. “The whole collection is controversial and big, but still has a sense of beauty and style.” Brown is clearly on point with current editorial trends that are bursting with “new punk” culture. To give the hair an “anti-establishment” edge, the Vidal Sassoon-trained artist used a combination of texture dressing techniques. “The trick with the shoot was to harness all these potent feelings, but to make them work in a gentle, harmonious way,” says Brown. Looking at each style you can easily see the visual nod to punk aesthetics—be it androgyny, piercings, pops of tartan or metal-studded accessories. But, the hair is modernized—even romanticized—with lush textures and complex colors.
Anarchy in the UK
Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols front man, had an untamed mass of spiky black hair. But this reinterpreted style has a softer feel. “It was born from the iconic Vidal Sassoon haircut, ‘The Brush’,” says Brown. “The blunt cut is dry and spiky, but it has a more rounded shape. It’s been an inspiration for me since I worked with Vidal.”
Anarchy in the UK
Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols front man, had an untamed mass of spiky black hair. But this reinterpreted style has a softer feel. “It was born from the iconic Vidal Sassoon haircut, ‘The Brush’,” says Brown. “The blunt cut is dry and spiky, but it has a more rounded shape. It’s been an inspiration for me since I worked with Vidal.”
White Riot
The Clash created an intense punk anthem with their song “White Riot.” And this look, with white streaks amidst jet-black ringlets, captures the same dramatic intensity. “The black and white hair was bent around tiny irons, creating tight curls. Then they were pulled outward for dramatic volume,” says Brown.
White Riot
The Clash created an intense punk anthem with their song “White Riot.” And this look, with white streaks amidst jet-black ringlets, captures the same dramatic intensity. “The black and white hair was bent around tiny irons, creating tight curls. Then they were pulled outward for dramatic volume,” says Brown.
Color Me Impressed
In the 1970s and 1980s, punk-rock red was an intense, one dimensional, primary color. Here, Brown keeps the cut piecey and punk, but updates the hue with a full spectrum of red tones. The result: a punk vibe with a softer edge.
Color Me Impressed
In the 1970s and 1980s, punk-rock red was an intense, one dimensional, primary color. Here, Brown keeps the cut piecey and punk, but updates the hue with a full spectrum of red tones. The result: a punk vibe with a softer edge.
London Calling
Here, Brown perfectly melds punk anti-establishment Britain with modern unconventional hair color. “The tie-dyed, almost self-applied color, paired with a huntsman’s jacket, gives the whole look a Vivienne Westwood feeling,” he says.
London Calling
Here, Brown perfectly melds punk anti-establishment Britain with modern unconventional hair color. “The tie-dyed, almost self-applied color, paired with a huntsman’s jacket, gives the whole look a Vivienne Westwood feeling,” he says.
Smash It Up
This matted, smashed-down look highlights the unkempt punk aesthetic. It’s deliberately grungy with a contrasting element of soft, face-framing wisps. “We used a wig with tightly wrapped hair to expose the head shape,” says Brown.
Smash It Up
This matted, smashed-down look highlights the unkempt punk aesthetic. It’s deliberately grungy with a contrasting element of soft, face-framing wisps. “We used a wig with tightly wrapped hair to expose the head shape,” says Brown.
Complete Control
Of all the looks, this edgy pixie cut has the most control. Just as The Clash thumbed its nose at record companies—releasing “Complete Control” without corporate approval—this look turns the sweet pixie cut on its head, giving it a rough texture and uneven amber shade.
Complete Control
Of all the looks, this edgy pixie cut has the most control. Just as The Clash thumbed its nose at record companies—releasing “Complete Control” without corporate approval—this look turns the sweet pixie cut on its head, giving it a rough texture and uneven amber shade.
