All cultures have hairstyles. An adult's hairstyle is a personal statement about who he or she has chosen to become. For many men of my generation, the decision to wear long hair meant a break with the 1950's culture of conformity, repression, and intolerance.

Growing up, I faced unusual challenges. I was physically handicapped, geographically isolated, disfigured, and friendless. I survived because of a work ethic and the kindness of a few good people whose paths crossed mine. My struggle as a young adult was to redefine myself completely. And something as simple as the choice of a haircut proved a defining moment.

Life's better now. Literally every day, I'm given the opportunity to be of real help to somebody new. I am richly blessed.

As for other flattop men, the haircut seens to say, "I work hard and play hard. I'm a survivor. I am self-sufficient. I live intensely."

Both my hairstyle and my attitude are farther from today's "mainstream" than wearing a nose ring, using illegal drugs, being a "swinger", or pretending you hate people you don't even know. You'll need to decide for yourself whether I've made the right choices.

Enjoy the page, and feel free to explore the rest of my large website.

In the mid-1950's, the flattop was the most popular men's hairstyle in the United States. Even Tiny Yokum, newly-introduced as Li'l Abner's brother, wore a flattop.

Many of the US astronauts, past and present, have worn flattops. Gus Grissom was a classic. In "Come Together", the Beatles mentioned the hairstyle and its link to social conservatism. I always liked the style. Several classmates and a few favorite teachers were flattop men during the 1960's. Again, it was a mark for conservatism and a work ethic. During the Watergate affair, I thought H.R. Haldeman's haircut, though not his obvious corruption, was the greatest. His nickname in the White House was "the brush".

When I was 32, something clicked. I realized I could get a flat-top buzz-cut of my own, just by asking my barber. Whenever I am tempted to call anyone else stupid, I put it in perspective by remembering all those years when I could have had my flat-top crewcut.

In the US, the flattop is usually a man's hairstyle. With its harsh lines and angles, a flattop suggests a work ethic, physical fitness, and an intense, serious approach to life.

Flattops were especially popular in the conservative 1950's, and remain very popular in the military and among policemen. You'll see flattops worn by high-up professionals and working men, and by guys of all orientations and ethnic backgrounds.

I have noticed that flattops are especially popular with computer geeks, weight lifters, police officers, and professional military men. All are non-nonsense, self-sufficient, hard-working types.

When I pass a stranger with a flattop, I usually say, "Sir, that's a great haircut!" Almost always, I'll get a smile, and some reply that confirms the common bond among flattop men.

Regrettably (I think), flattops are still almost exclusively a man's hairstyle. The most notable exception is beautiful Grace Jones, whose portrayed a woman of great discipline and moral courage. Also here, here, here, here, here, here (with Dolph Lundgren), here, and here. As you can see, her flattop seems to have become an icon for artists.

Thanks once again to the many people over the years who have sent me most of these flattop photos.

SomethingAwful, a left-wing satirical site, actually honored this page as their "awful" site of the day. I enjoyed the joke more than anybody else, and only wish I were as good-looking, romantic, or versatile they'd have you believe! Thanks for the traffic!

Cool Men's Hair -- For those men outside of the military who would like a military style haircut without having to nearly shave their head, the flat-top is the way to go.

Dan Martinelli died in 2003. He was credited with introducing the flattop as an alteriative to the military buzz. It was popularized by professional athletes, especially the Cincinnati Reds, who wanted to stay cool in summer. "At one point, the flat top represented the American male." The link to his memorial article is now down. I would appreciate hearing of other memorial sites.

Wikipedia on flattops



Chris Parker and me, with our flat-tops; Christmas 1991. Chris is a onetime steroid-free national high-school powerlifting champion and top medical school student, and now an Army internist at Walter Reed. We are sworn brothers. Chris now lives and practices in Texas with his wife Rozina. I wish every man could have a few friends As Good As Chris.

Student Doctor Travis Richardson and me, with our flat-tops. Travis is yet another physician who I helped train. He also has a background as a competitive power-lifter.

Baseball great Roger Maris wore a flattop. Also here (on the left with Mantle and Boyer), here, and here (with the fan who caught his 61st home run).

Russ D'Antonio, of Sugar Creek MO, has an identical twin Paul who also sports a flattop and who has skydived with me.

Steve Tabor, one of the members of the UHS class of '05 with his new flattop.

Whitey Herzog, St. Louis Cardinals Whitey Herzog

Flattop Gallery

