Connor Storrie’s Hockey Hair: How to Wear the Look Off the Ice

“Hockey hair” has long been a cultural shorthand: part sport, part swagger, and (let’s be honest) part chaos. But when actor Connor Storrie stepped out in New York City recently, he demonstrated why the look is having a style-literate moment well beyond the rink. The modern take isn’t about messy-for-messy’s-sake; it’s about movement, texture and the kind of confident nonchalance that reads intentional—especially when the cut is balanced and the styling is thoughtful.

In the UK, we’re used to hair trends moving fast—from soft mullets to ‘90s curtains to the current wave of “grown-out, wearable” shags. Hockey hair sits neatly in that evolution: longer through the back and sides than a traditional short cut, with a top that’s designed to fall, flick and frame rather than sit stiffly in place. The result can look effortless, but achieving that ease typically takes a bit of technique, the right cut, and realistic expectations about your hair’s natural pattern.

What “hockey hair” means now (and why it photographs so well)

At its most recognisable, hockey hair is a longer, layered silhouette—often with a loose, windswept finish—and enough length to push behind the ears or sweep away from the face. Classic versions are heavily associated with ice hockey culture, but the contemporary fashion translation is more nuanced: less “helmet hair” and more editorial texture.

Why does it look so good in street-style photos? Because it’s built for movement. Layers catch light; ends kick out; and a slightly imperfect texture gives dimension—especially under city lighting and indoor flash. Storrie’s version (as reported by GQ) reads as modern and wearable because it avoids extremes. The hair isn’t overly thinned (which can make longer styles look wispy), and it appears to have enough weight to hold shape through the day.

In salon terms, it sits somewhere between a soft shag and a relaxed mullet, but with a sportier, less contrived finish. Many UK barbers and stylists now cut these shapes with scissor-over-comb and point-cutting techniques rather than relying on aggressive clipper work, preserving softness at the edges and preventing the silhouette from looking boxy.

The cut: what to ask your barber or stylist in the UK

If you want hockey hair that works off the ice, the cut matters more than the product. A strong haircut sets your hair up to fall naturally; a weaker one will demand constant styling (and usually still won’t look right). When describing the look, Skip vague requests like “make it shaggier” and instead focus on the elements that define the shape.

• Keep length through the back and sides — not a hard “mullet shelf”, but enough hair to move. If you’re growing out from a fade, ask for a plan to soften the transition.
• Add layers for movement — especially around the crown and mid-lengths, so it doesn’t sit heavy or triangular.
• Maintain weight at the perimeter — too much thinning can make longer hair look frizzy or sparse, particularly if you have fine hair.
• Consider a soft fringe (or face-framing pieces) — optional, but helps the style look intentional and “styled” rather than simply overgrown.
• Ask for a wearable neckline — a slightly cleaned-up nape can help it feel modern in everyday UK life (office, pub, events) without losing the vibe.

Real-world practicality: bring two or three reference photos to your appointment (including a side profile), and tell your stylist how much time you’ll actually spend styling each morning. That one detail often determines whether you need an easy, push-back shape or a more layered, high-maintenance version.

Styling hockey hair: texture first, hold second

A common mistake is reaching straight for the heaviest wax or gel. Those products can clamp down movement and make longer hair look greasy—particularly under indoor lighting. Hockey hair works best when the texture looks touchable and the hold is flexible.

Many stylists recommend thinking in two phases: “create texture” and “control shape”. Your hair type will influence your approach:

• Straight hair: aim to build grip and air into the roots. Blow-drying with a bit of lift at the front helps, followed by a light texturiser to keep it from falling flat.
• Wavy hair: lean into your natural pattern. A sea-salt style spray or light curl enhance can define waves without crunch, finished with a small amount of matte paste through the ends.
• Curly hair: shape is key. A curl cream or light leave-in can help clump definition; avoid over-brushing once dry to keep a clean, modern texture.
• Fine hair: choose lighter formulas and avoid product build-up. Too much oil or heavy cream can collapse volume quickly.

If you struggle with hair puffing up around the ears and sides, try drying downwards with the nozzle of a hairdryer and using your hands (not a brush) to guide the direction. It keeps the finish natural while still intentional.

How to keep it looking “cool”, not unkempt

The line between “effortless” and “overgrown” can be thin. The difference usually comes down to maintenance and small, consistent habits rather than constant restyling.

• Book micro-trims every 6–10 weeks to keep the outline tidy and layers purposeful (timing depends on growth rate and density).
• Don’t over-wash if your hair feels dry or flyaway. Many people find every other day—or a couple of times a week—helps maintain softness, though preferences vary by hair type and lifestyle.
• Condition strategically—mid-lengths to ends—so the hair moves without looking lank at the roots.
• Reset your part occasionally. Switching your part or pushing hair back can refresh volume and stop it from “setting” into one flat direction.
• Watch build-up from heavy stylers. If hair starts looking dull, a clarifying wash occasionally can help restore bounce, but overuse may dry hair out.

For readers dealing with scalp irritation or persistent flaking, it’s sensible to be cautious: dermatologists often suggest choosing fragrance-light formulas and avoiding scratching. If symptoms persist, it’s worth checking in with a pharmacist or GP rather than trying to mask it with styling products.

Key Takeaways

• Modern hockey hair is about movement and texture, not deliberate mess.
• A strong cut uses layers and balanced weight so the hair falls naturally off the ice and into everyday life.
• Style with a light hand: texture first, flexible hold second.
• Keep it looking intentional with regular micro-trims and conditioning focused on the ends.
• Your most practical next step: save reference photos and ask your stylist for a shape that matches your real morning routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hockey hair basically a mullet?
It can overlap, but the modern “hockey hair” look is typically softer and more blended than a classic mullet. Think layered length and movement rather than a sharp contrast between short sides and a long back.

Will hockey hair suit fine hair?
Yes, but the cut needs careful weighting. Too much thinning can make fine hair look sparse, so ask for subtle layers and use lightweight styling products to avoid flattening volume.

How do I grow out a fade into hockey hair without an awkward stage?
Ask your barber or stylist to “soften the transition” as the sides grow, often by using scissors and gentle layering instead of repeatedly tightening the fade. Regular tidy-ups around the ears and neckline help it look deliberate.

What’s the quickest way to style it in the morning?
Dry it in the direction you want it to sit (often back and slightly to the side), then work a small amount of matte paste or texturiser through mid-lengths and ends. Stop once it looks lived-in; overworking can make it look greasy.

Does hockey hair work for curly or wavy hair?
Often, yes—texture can make the style look even better. The key is a cut that respects your curl pattern and a styling routine that defines without stiffness (light leave-in or curl cream, then minimal touching once dry).

How often should I trim hockey hair?
Many people find 6–10 weeks works well, depending on how sharp they want the outline. If you want it to feel polished, ask for “maintenance trims” rather than big re-styles.