What is a Deathhawk?
A Deathhawk is a type of dramatic Mohawk hairstyle that emerged from the 1980s batcave and goth-punk subcultures. While a traditional punk Mohawk features rigid vertical liberty spikes or narrow upright fans, a Deathhawk is distinguished by extreme teased volume, horizontal backcombing, textured width, and soft feathered edges reminiscent of bat wings.
What Is the Difference Between a Mohawk and a Deathhawk? Styling, Volume, and Origins
Table of Contents
When styling alternative haircuts, people frequently ask: what is the difference between a mohawk and a deathhawk? While both styles share shaved temples and a central crest of hair, their structural silhouettes and subcultural aesthetics diverge significantly:
| Style Attribute | Traditional Punk Mohawk | Deathrock / Goth Deathhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette & Volume | Vertical, narrow, upright geometric spikes or razor-straight fan | Teased, high-volume cloud with wide horizontal texture and feathered canopy |
| Styling Technique | Egg whites, gelatin, or heavy glue to stiffen vertical points | Aggressive root backcombing, crimping, and dry matte hairspray |
| Subcultural Origin | 1970s UK Punk Rock (Sex Pistols, The Exploited) | 1980s Batcave / Deathrock (Specimen, Alien Sex Fiend, Christian Death) |
| Side Shave Width | Narrow strip from forehead to nape of neck | Wider central section extending into flared sideburns or teased nape fringe |
| Color Palette | Neon bright greens, pinks, and primary dyes | Jet black, bleached platinum white, silver, or deep burgundy tones |
Introduction
Deathhawks are an iconic hairstyle deeply associated with the deathrock, gothic, and rockabilly music scenes. Popularized in the early 1980s at legendary underground clubs like The Batcave in London, the style remains an enduring statement of dark theatrical individuality and artistic rebellion.
History of the Deathhawk
The Deathhawk was pioneered by musicians in the nascent gothic and post-punk movements who sought to differentiate their look from standard street punk aesthetics. By combining the silhouette of Native American warrior roaches with 1950s rockabilly pompadours and 1920s German expressionist film glamour, stylists created a dramatic, high-volume crowning crest.
How to Style a Professional Deathhawk
- Shave the Lateral Sides: Use clippers with a #0 or #1 guard to shave both sides of the head down to the scalp, leaving a 3- to 5-inch wide strip running along the sagittal crest.
- Section and Crimp: Crimp small horizontal subsections of the crest hair with a micro-crimper to build immense internal structural support.
- Backcomb from Roots: Using a fine-toothed teasing comb, backcomb firmly from roots toward mid-shaft in short, repetitive motions.
- Set with Freeze Spray: Apply strong-hold aerosol freeze spray while blow-drying on cool to lock the expansive teased silhouette in place.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintaining a Deathhawk requires regular clipper maintenance on the lateral scalp every 1 to 2 weeks, combined with clarifying shampoo treatments to eliminate residual hairspray buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What products are best for holding a Deathhawk?
Strong-hold aerosol hairsprays (such as Got2b Glued), texturizing powders, and root volumizing mousses provide lightweight lift without collapsing the teased structure.
Can you wash a Deathhawk every day?
Washing daily is unnecessary and can strip hair of natural moisture. Many deathrockers preserve their teased style for several days using satin night caps and dry shampoo.
Is a Deathhawk only for dark hair?
While classic black and platinum white are traditional, Deathhawks can be styled in any natural or vivid color combination.
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