It’s not just Glen Powell’s chemistry with Sydney Sweeney that made Anyone But You a hit—it’s the way he looked doing it. His sun-kissed, textured haircut perfectly matched the movie’s playful, beachside setting and his flirtatious energy. In a film built on charm and charisma, his tousled, easygoing hairstyle became just as talked about as the storyline itself.
Glen Powell’s rise from Top Gun: Maverick to Anyone But You shows more than just career evolution—it’s a shift in style identity. Gone are the sharp, military-inspired fades; in their place is a soft, romantic cut that looks lived-in yet intentional. This guide breaks down his Anyone But You haircut—from its subtle layers and natural texture to why it’s become one of the most requested men’s styles of 2024.
Description of the Haircut
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Powell’s look in Anyone But You blends classic structure with modern looseness. It features a medium-length top with choppy layers—around three inches in the fringe—to create texture and natural movement. The sides and back are tapered, keeping the shape clean but not severe, while the top remains relaxed and wavy, ideal for that “I just got out of the ocean” feel.
This haircut works best for square and oval face shapes, adding softness without losing definition. Compared to his sleeker styles in Top Gun: Maverick or the buzz cuts of his Expendables 3 days, this version embraces imperfection—making it perfect for men who want effortless sophistication without over-styling.
It’s casual enough for daytime yet polished enough for red carpet moments, striking that rare balance between movie-star glam and everyday wearability.
Evolution of Glen Powell’s Hairstyles
Before Glen Powell’s Anyone But You era, his hair told a different story—one of versatility shaped by his film roles and evolving public image.
Early Career: The Buzz and Crew Cut Phase (2014–2015)
When Powell appeared in The Expendables 3 and Scream Queens, he sported classic short cuts—buzzed sides, tight crew tops. These looks suited his action-ready persona and gave him a clean, no-nonsense vibe that matched his tough-guy roles.
Mid-Career: The Polished Pilot Look (Top Gun: Maverick, 2022)
Fast-forward a few years, and we see a refined version of Powell in Top Gun: Maverick. His hair was shorter, swept back, and meticulously styled—a crisp, military-inspired cut that screamed discipline and confidence. This was Glen entering Hollywood leading-man territory, sleek and self-assured.
The Romantic Revival: Anyone But You (2023)
By the time Anyone But You hit cinemas, Powell had embraced a softer, more approachable look. The tousled texture and sun-lightened waves gave him a romantic-lead charm, echoing the Sydney setting and the film’s breezy enemies-to-lovers tone. It was modern, relaxed, and perfectly imperfect.
The Present: Experimentation and Character-Driven Choices (2024–2025)
Recently, Powell’s kept things fresh—trying a mop-top style for the upcoming Chad Powers comedy series and alternating between longer waves and medium tapers for projects like Hit Man and Twisters. His hair now reflects his range: adaptable, character-focused, and always effortlessly cool.
How to Get the Look: Step-by-Step Guide
Recreating Glen Powell’s Anyone But You haircut is easier than it looks—it’s all about mastering the right texture and layers while keeping things light and natural. Here’s how to get that effortlessly cool, romantic-lead vibe.
Step 1: The Cut
Ask your barber for a medium-length textured cut with these specs:
- Top: Keep around 3 inches in the fringe, with jagged, choppy layers for movement.
- Sides and Back: Taper them slightly with scissors or clippers for a soft contrast—shorter near the ears, blending upward.
- Finish: Keep the neckline natural, not squared off, to maintain that laid-back look.
To keep it in shape, get a trim every 4–6 weeks to prevent it from losing structure.
Step 2: The Styling Routine
The goal is to make it look like you didn’t try too hard—while still looking sharp.
- Start with towel-dried hair. Skip the blow dryer if possible to keep the waves loose.
- Apply a sea salt or texture spray (like Living Proof Full Dry Volume or Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray).
- Tousle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to shape natural waves.
- For extra definition, rub a small amount of light pomade or matte cream between your palms and work it through the ends.
- Let it air-dry or diffuse for a casual, beachy texture.
Step 3: Versatile Variations
- Casual days: Let it fall naturally with minimal product.
- Date nights or events: Add a touch of shine cream and push the fringe slightly back for a more polished edge.
- Windy days: Embrace the mess—it’s part of the charm.
Pro Tip
Powell’s hairstylist, Barry Lee Moe, has often emphasized how key personalization is—your barber should tailor the cut to your hair type. Straight hair benefits from mousse for lift, while wavy or curly textures need lightweight creams for control without stiffness
Cultural Impact and Fan Reception
When Anyone But You hit theatres, it wasn’t just the witty banter or Sydney Sweeney’s beach wardrobe that caught attention—Glen Powell’s haircut practically became a supporting character.
The Style That Took Over Social Media
Soon after the movie’s release, TikTok and Pinterest filled with tutorials tagged #GlenPowellHair and #AnyoneButYouLook, as men tried to copy that relaxed yet put-together vibe. On Reddit’s grooming forums, users praised the “fluffy, wind-tousled finish” and debated how much product he might’ve used to keep it so effortless. The haircut became shorthand for the “rom-com hero aesthetic”—confident, carefree, but still refined.
A Shift in Men’s Grooming Trends
Powell’s haircut marked a move away from the overly structured fades and slick-backs that dominated the early 2020s. Instead, it embraced texture, imperfection, and individuality—a style that looks great whether you’re on a date or at brunch. Barbers worldwide noticed a spike in requests for “that Glen Powell cut,” particularly among men wanting something easy to maintain but still photogenic.
Beyond the Screen
For many fans, this look cemented Powell as more than an actor—it made him a style reference. Publications like GQ and Men’s Health credited his Anyone But You appearance with sparking renewed interest in medium-length men’s cuts, especially those suited for wavy hair and humid climates. It’s no exaggeration to say the film set a new standard for what “effortless” men’s hair should look like.
Conclusion
Glen Powell’s haircut in Anyone But You is more than a movie look—it’s a mood. It captures that easygoing confidence we all want to project: carefree but intentional, playful but stylish. The textured, medium-length cut gives movement without mess and works on almost any hair type with minimal effort.
What makes it so popular isn’t just the shape—it’s the story it tells. After years of polished, rigid styles dominating men’s fashion, Powell’s relaxed, tousled hair feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of cut that says you’re ready for anything, from a morning coffee run to a spontaneous coastal getaway.
If you’re considering a hairstyle update, this one’s a safe bet. Bring a still from Anyone But You to your barber, mention the soft layers and beachy texture, and let them tailor it to your features. Who knows—you might walk out looking like your own version of a modern rom-com lead.
