Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve watched a Telugu film in the last twenty years, you’ve noticed it. While most of us are fighting a receding hairline or thinning patches by our late 30s, Mahesh Babu seems to have cracked some sort of genetic or stylistic code. The Mahesh Babu hair cut isn’t just a grooming choice; it’s basically a cultural phenomenon in South India.
He’s 50. Or close to it. Yet, his hair looks better than most guys in their early 20s.
It isn’t just luck. There’s a very specific science to how his stylists—like the legendary Hakim Aalim—manage his mane to keep him looking like the "Prince" of Tollywood. Whether it’s the messy, textured look in Guntur Kaaram or the slick, professional side-part in Maharshi, the hair does a lot of the heavy lifting for his onscreen persona.
Why the Mahesh Babu Hair Cut Actually Works for Most Face Shapes
Most Indian men have a somewhat oval or square face structure. Mahesh has a classic oval shape. This is the "God mode" of face shapes because almost any style works, but he specifically leans into volume.
The secret? It’s the "Messy Fringe" or the "Textured Quiff."
Go back and look at his films from the early 2000s, like Okkadu. It was shorter, more utilitarian. But as he matured, the hair got longer and more layered. This isn't accidental. As men age, the forehead tends to broaden. By keeping the length on top and letting it fall naturally—sometimes slightly over the forehead—he maintains a youthful proportion. It’s a trick of the light and shadow.
The Layers are Everything
If you walk into a local barber shop and just ask for a "Mahesh Babu cut," you’re probably going to walk out disappointed. Why? Because most people think it’s just about the length. It’s actually about the point cutting technique.
Hakim Aalim, who has worked with Mahesh extensively, often uses shears to cut into the hair vertically rather than horizontally. This creates "shards" of hair. It’s what gives that effortless, "I just woke up and ran my fingers through it" vibe. If the edges are too blunt, it looks like a helmet. Mahesh never has a helmet.
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The Guntur Kaaram Transformation
In his recent outing, Guntur Kaaram, the look took a turn toward the rugged. It was longer. It was sweatier. It had a certain "Mass" appeal that fans hadn't seen in a while.
The stylists used a lot of sea salt spray and matte pomades here. If you’re trying to replicate this, stay away from gels. Gel is the enemy of the modern Mahesh Babu hair cut. Gel makes hair look thin and crunchy. Mahesh’s hair always looks touchable and thick.
To get that specific Guntur Kaaram texture, you need a blow dryer and a vent brush. You’re aiming for volume at the roots but "piecey-ness" at the ends. It’s about creating a silhouette that adds height. Height makes you look taller and more commanding. For a superstar who stands at 6'2", adding that extra inch of hair volume just completes the "larger than life" image.
The Color Mystery
We have to talk about the color. It’s a deep, rich chocolate brown—almost black, but not quite.
Pure black hair dye often looks fake under movie lights. It looks "flat." Mahesh’s team uses subtle lowlights. This adds dimension. When the light hits his hair during an action sequence, you see different shades of dark brown, which makes the hair look significantly thicker than it might actually be. It’s a classic Hollywood trick imported straight to Hyderabad.
Dealing with the Rumors: Is it Real?
The internet loves a good conspiracy. Every few years, a thread pops up on Reddit or Twitter claiming Mahesh Babu wears a hairpiece or has had multiple transplants.
Honestly? Who cares?
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In the world of high-end celebrity grooming, "enhancements" are the standard, not the exception. Whether it’s high-quality extensions for a specific role or a very discreet transplant to densify the hairline, it’s all part of the craft. However, looking at his hair's movement—the way it bounces during dance numbers—it’s clear that if there are any "assists," they are top-tier. Most experts point toward a consistent regimen of Finasteride or Minoxidil combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to maintain that density.
Consistency is his biggest strength. He doesn't chase trends. You won't see Mahesh Babu with a broccoli crust or a bleached buzz cut. He knows what works for his brand: "The Sophisticated Rebel."
How to Ask Your Barber for the Look
Don't just show a picture. A picture is a start, but you need to explain the mechanics.
- The Sides: Ask for a tapered cut, but not a skin fade. You want some skin to show, but it should be a "gentleman’s taper." Keep it around a #3 or #4 guard.
- The Top: You need at least 4-5 inches of length. Tell the barber you want "internal layers" to reduce weight without losing the look of volume.
- The Texture: Use the magic words: "Point cut the top for texture."
- The Nape: Keep it tapered and clean. A messy nape ruins the whole aesthetic.
Maintenance and Products
You can't get the Mahesh Babu hair cut and then use a 3-in-1 supermarket shampoo. It won't work.
You need a volumizing shampoo. Look for ingredients like biotin or saw palmetto. After washing, use a microfiber towel—don't rub your hair like you're trying to start a fire. Pat it dry.
When it's damp, apply a pea-sized amount of hair cream. Blow-dry on medium heat while lifting the hair from the root. This is the step most guys skip, and it’s the reason their hair looks flat by lunchtime.
The Cultural Impact of the "Srimanthudu" Style
When Srimanthudu dropped, every IT professional in HITEC City seemingly had the same haircut. It was the peak of "Corporate Cool."
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That version of the cut was much tighter. It was groomed. It signaled wealth and discipline. This is the versatility of Mahesh’s hair choices. He uses his grooming to tell the audience who the character is before he even speaks a line of dialogue. In Bharat Ane Nenu, as a Chief Minister, the hair was perfectly disciplined—not a strand out of place. It represented the order he was trying to bring to the state.
A Quick Word on Foreheads
Mahesh has a relatively high forehead. Instead of hiding it completely, he often uses a side-swept fringe. This is a pro tip for anyone worried about a receding hairline. By sweeping the hair across the forehead at an angle, you break up the visual line of the hairline, making it less obvious where the hair actually starts.
Actionable Steps to Level Up Your Hair Game
If you’re serious about mimicking this style, stop thinking about it as a one-time haircut. It’s a system.
- Find a Stylist, Not a Barber: A $5 haircut won't get you celebrity texture. You need someone who understands hair growth patterns and "swing."
- Invest in a Matte Clay: Avoid shiny waxes. The Mahesh look is always matte or has a natural "healthy" sheen.
- Scalp Health is Key: You can't style what isn't there. If you're thinning, see a dermatologist now. Mahesh likely has a team of them.
- The 6-Week Rule: Mahesh gets trims constantly to maintain the shape. To keep this look sharp, you need a cleanup every 4 to 6 weeks.
The Mahesh Babu hair cut is successful because it balances being aspirational with being attainable. It’s not an "alien" hairstyle. It’s just the best possible version of a classic men’s look.
Focus on volume at the roots and texture at the tips. Keep the colors natural and the products light. That’s the blueprint. Whether you’re heading into a boardroom or onto a film set, it’s a style that commands respect without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Maintain the length on top and ensure your stylist uses thinning shears or point-cutting to remove bulk without sacrificing the silhouette. Use a pre-styling mousse for extra lift if your hair is naturally fine. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the "fringe" in place throughout the day.