Which Movie-Star Actors, Afro Hairstyles Are Trending (And How To Book Them)?

Some of the most requested trims in the chair right now are inspired by UK film stars.

Think:

• Movie-premiere fades that still look sharp in everyday life

• Textured crops that work with afro hair, not against it

• Line-ups and beards that look clean on camera and in the office

If you’ve ever watched a film or red-carpet clip and thought, “I need that cut next,” this one’s for you.

1. Idris Elba – Buzz Cut with High Fade & Beard

Idris is the blueprint for the mature, low-maintenance, still-dangerous trim. On top he keeps a short buzz that shows off his natural texture, with a high skin fade through the sides. The shape is finished with a neat circle beard or goatee to frame his jawline.

It’s simple, clean and works just as well with a tux on the red carpet as it does with a hoodie on a Sunday.

Ask your barber for:

• A short even buzz on top (around a #1–#1.5 guard)

• A high fade that starts around the temples and drops into skin towards the bottom

• A natural but sharp hairline, no fake pencil effect

• A shaped beard or goatee: cheeks cleaned up, strong outline, moustache blended into the chin

Good for you if:

• You want something low-maintenance that still looks “put together”

• Your hairline is starting to move, the high fade and short top minimise it nicely

• You like to keep the focus on your beard and jawline rather than big hair on top

2. Daniel Kaluuya – Soft Afro Crop with Taper Fade

Daniel usually rocks a short afro crop with a subtle taper at the sides and nape. The top is kept tight but still clearly textured, giving him a relaxed, approachable look rather than a super-sharp, boxy cut.

This is that “I woke up like this” trim that actually took a proper barber to get right.

Ask your barber for:

• A short afro on top, not too long, just enough for your curls to show

• A taper fade at the temples and nape rather than a full skin fade all round

• A slightly rounded silhouette rather than a square box shape

• A clean but soft line-up, defined, but not ultra-aggressive corners

Good for you if:

• Your hair is tightly coiled and you like it to look natural, not overly sculpted

• You want a style that works with smart fits and tracksuits

• You’re cool with a shape-up every 2–3 weeks but don’t want high-maintenance styling at home

3. John Boyega – High-Top Inspired Fade with Sharp Line-Up

John has worn a few variations, but he often leans into a modern high-top / temple fade. The top has more length and height, with tight curls or sponge-defined texture, while the sides are faded and the front hairline is razor-sharp.

It’s a bold, confident look, proper leading-man energy.

Ask your barber for:

• Extra length on top (tell them you want some height, not a short crop)

• A mid or high fade, keeping it tight around the temples and ears

• A very crisp line-up across the forehead and down the sides

• Optional: a slight slope or rounded high-top rather than a super-boxy flat top

Good for you if:

• You like your hair to be part of the outfit, not just an afterthought

• You’ve got strong features and want a cut that frames them

• You don’t mind coming back regularly for that fresh fade and line-up

4. Damson Idris – Textured Afro Crop with Medium Fade

Damson’s go-to look is a textured afro crop with a medium fade, short curls on top that still have movement, with the sides blended smoothly into the skin. The hairline is clean but not over-drawn, and he often pairs it with a neat moustache or short beard.

It’s the kind of trim that says, “I care about detail,” without looking like you spend all day in the mirror.

Ask your barber for:

• A short to medium afro on top, kept even but with texture left in

• A medium fade (not super high, not super low) that follows the shape of your head

• A tidy line-up around the front and temples

• Beard/moustache shaped to match the fade, no harsh disconnects unless you request it

Good for you if:

• You want a cut that looks expensive without being flashy

• You like your curls to show, but don’t want long hair

• You’re into fitted shirts, smart-casual outfits, and want your trim to match that vibe

5. Regé-Jean Page – Short Curls with Low Fade

Regé-Jean usually keeps his hair in short curls with a low fade and soft edges. It’s not a big afro and not a buzz: just that in-between length where the curl pattern is visible but still easy to manage. The sides are faded low and blended gently, giving a more classic, almost vintage leading-man feel.

Think “Netflix heart-throb” meets “day-to-day wearable.”

Ask your barber for:

• Short curls on top (around a #2–#3 guard or scissor cut to match your texture)

• A low fade that stays closer to the ears and nape rather than climbing too high

• A natural hairline, ask them not to push it back too much

• Light texturising on top so the curls sit softly rather than in a harsh shape

Good for you if:

• Your curl pattern is looser or you prefer a softer, more romantic look

• You wear smartwear, tailoring or shirts regularly

• You want something that feels timeless rather than super-trendy

How to Choose the Right Actor-Inspired Cut for You

When you’re picking your movie-star trim, think about:

• Face shape

  • Round faces: styles with height and structure (John Boyega or Damson Idris) help stretch things out.

  • Longer faces: softer, lower cuts (Daniel Kaluuya or Regé-Jean Page) keep things in proportion.

• Hair type

  • Very tight coils: tapered afros and cropped styles (Daniel, Damson) will behave best.

  • Slightly looser curls: low fades and soft tops (Regé-Jean Page) look effortless.

• Lifestyle

  • Hate styling products and early mornings? Go Idris Elba, short, simple, easy.

  • Enjoy experimenting and taking selfies? Boyega-style height and sharp details give you more to play with.

• Beard or no beard

  • If you’re rocking facial hair, Idris and Damson’s looks show how to connect beard and fade smoothly.

  • If you prefer clean-shaven, Daniel or Regé-Jean’s softer outlines keep everything balanced.

Ready to book your actor-inspired trim?

To get the best out of any of these styles:

1. Pick your favourite actor (or combine elements from two or three).

2. Save a couple of clear reference photos on your phone, front and side profile if possible.

3. Bring them to your next appointment and tell your barber what you like: the fade height, the hair length on top, and what you’re willing to maintain at home.

Do that, and you’ll walk out of the shop looking less like “background extra” and more like “main character” no red carpet required.