He often added a —a single, clean-shaven stripe running vertically up the back of his head. It was subtle from the front, but from the dressing room balcony? Iconic.
IPL 2026 season, was crafted by celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim . The Evolution of the "Back" Profile While Kohli is famous for his sharp front quiffs and fades, the "back" of his hairstyle has seen significant evolution: The Modern Mullet (2025–2026): His current trend features a "reverse graduation," where the hair is kept short and sharp at the front hairline but gradually gains length toward the crown and back. This creates movement and texture, departing from the more uniform cuts of his earlier career. The Soft Wave Side Fade (Late 2024): Briefly, Kohli moved away from sharp quiffs for a more natural look. This style used "soft tousled waves" on the crown that transitioned into a subtle side fade. The Classic Burst Fade (2023): This looked more circular at the back, following the curve of the ear and leaving more hair density at the rear compared to a standard high fade. How to Get the Look To replicate Kohli's current back profile, you can follow these steps or provide these instructions to your barber: Request a Mid-Fade Mullet: Specifically ask for a "modern mid-fade mullet" or "reverse graduation". The Fade Technique: Use a skin fade up to a certain point (often referred to as a "number 1.5" guard) that blends into the longer top sections using scissors. Back Maintenance: Unlike a traditional mullet, the back should be "cascading" but relatively short to maintain a sharp, athletic silhouette. Styling Products: Use a
A remarkably clean razor fade on the sides and back, contrasting with a "deliberately messy" and highly textured top.