Virat Kohli doesn’t just walk onto a cricket field; he walks onto a runway that happens to have a pitch in the middle. Every time he lands at an airport or steps out for a practice session before a big series, the internet basically stops breathing. Why? Because everyone wants to see the new virat kohli hair cutting style. It's a phenomenon. You've probably seen it at your local salon—half a dozen guys waiting with a screenshot of Kohli’s Instagram, telling the barber, "Same to same, bhai."
Honestly, it’s not just about vanity. Kohli’s hair has become a psychological marker for his career phases. Remember the aggressive, spiked quiff from his early captaincy days? Or the refined, mature undercut during his peak century-scoring years? Each look tells a story of where he is mentally.
The Aalim Hakim Connection: The Lakh-Rupee Haircut
If you're wondering who the architect behind these viral looks is, look no further than Aalim Hakim. He's the guy. The legend. Hakim is basically the "Godfather" of celebrity grooming in India, and his chair is where the magic happens.
But here’s the kicker: sitting in that chair isn't cheap. Hakim has gone on record stating his fees start at a minimum of ₹1 lakh per session. Yeah, you read that right. A hundred thousand rupees for a haircut.
- The 2024-2025 Shift: Before IPL 2024, Hakim gave Kohli a "raw and grungy" look that featured eyebrow slits and a subtle mullet at the back. It was edgy. It was risky. And it worked.
- The IPL 2025 Transformation: More recently, for the 2025 season, Kohli pivoted back to a more sophisticated "side fade and signature quiff." It’s cleaner, sharper, and pairs perfectly with his meticulously maintained beard.
Why does it cost so much? It’s not just the scissors. It’s the consultation. It’s the way Hakim looks at a person's face shape—Kohli has a very strong, diamond-shaped jaw—and decides how to balance the proportions. For Kohli, the fade usually starts low at the temple and blends seamlessly into his beard. That "seamless transition" is exactly what separates a professional celebrity cut from a botched job at a budget shop.
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Why the Virat Kohli Hair Cutting Style Always Goes Viral
Timing is everything. Kohli usually drops a new look right before the IPL or a major ICC tournament. In 2025, after India's success in the Champions Trophy in Dubai, the hype for his IPL return was already at a fever pitch. When the photos of his "razor-sharp" quiff hit Instagram, they didn't just get likes; they became the blueprint for men's fashion across the country for the next six months.
The mullet resurgence is a perfect example of his influence. For a long time, the mullet was considered "retro" or even a bit "tacky." But when Kohli sported a refined, modern version of it, suddenly it was the coolest thing in Mumbai and Delhi. He has this weird ability to make "risky" styles feel "accessible."
Anatomy of the Iconic Kohli Look
If you're planning to head to the salon, you need to know the terminology. Don't just say "Kohli cut." You've gotta be specific.
- The Fade: He almost always goes for a "mid-to-high skin fade." This means the hair on the sides is very short, almost skin-level near the ears, and gradually gets longer as it moves up.
- The Texture: The top isn't just flat. It’s textured. This requires thinning shears and a lot of matte wax or pomade to get that "messy but intentional" vibe.
- The Beard Alignment: This is the secret sauce. The "beard fade" connects the sideburns to the cheekbones in a way that makes his face look leaner and more athletic.
Misconceptions About Maintenance
Most guys think they can get the cut and then forget about it. Big mistake. A sharp fade like Kohli's lasts about 10 days before it starts looking fuzzy. Kohli likely gets a "touch-up" every week or two.
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Maintenance isn't just about the barber, though. If you're out in the sun playing cricket or heading to the gym, sweat is your hair’s worst enemy. Experts suggest that athletes like Kohli likely use SPF-infused hair serums and sulphate-free shampoos to keep their hair from getting brittle.
"It's not just a haircut; it's a routine. You can't have the King's hair if you're using 3-in-1 soap on your head." — A common sentiment among high-end stylists.
How to Ask Your Barber for the "Kohli Cut"
Don't just walk in and hope for the best. Be the guy who knows what he wants.
First, check your face shape. Kohli’s styles work best on Oval and Diamond face shapes because they emphasize the jawline. If you have a very round face, a high fade might make your head look longer—which is actually a good thing!
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Tell your barber: "I want a textured quiff with a mid-skin fade. Keep the top about 3 inches long so I can style it, and please taper the sideburns into the beard."
Show them a photo from his 2025 IPL campaign. It's the most balanced look he's had in years. It’s professional enough for an office but edgy enough for a night out.
Actionable Grooming Steps
To actually pull this off at home, you need a few things in your kit.
- Matte Clay or Wax: Avoid high-shine gels. Kohli’s hair always looks touchable and matte, not greasy.
- A Blow Dryer: You cannot get that volume without heat. Brush the hair upward while drying.
- Beard Oil: Since the hair and beard are connected, keep the beard soft so the "fade" looks intentional.
- Regular Trims: Book your appointments every 14 days. No exceptions if you want to keep that "fresh out of the salon" look.
The influence of Virat Kohli on Indian grooming is unmatched. We haven't seen this kind of "hair obsession" since the days of Salman Khan's Tere Naam or MS Dhoni's long tresses. But while those were one-off trends, Kohli has turned hair cutting into a seasonal event. It's constant evolution.
If you're looking to refresh your style, start by focusing on the transition between your hair and your beard. That’s where the "Kohli magic" really happens. Invest in a good matte product, find a barber who understands what a "taper" actually is, and don't be afraid to experiment with a little bit of length on top.