London Truth discussing the question of hirsute eccentricities to which the majority of musicians are given, wonders why things are as they are. ‘Is long hair an unfailing mark of genius?’ it asks.
The answer is: no, not necessarily, but it is certainly a mark of policy. It does not require any profound wisdom on the part of a public performer to know that it is better to be talked about for his ugliness or his eccentricity than not to have his personality discussed at all, and if a man be so unfortunate as to possess a normal face and figure, with the average number of features and limbs, in what quarter must he look for individuality, save in his hair?
Aimé Lachaume, the young French pianist who is this year touring with Rivarde, and who did the same last year with Ysaÿe, tells how he happened this season to bloom out as one of the long-haired brethren. When he first went to America, Lachaume wore his hair in every-day fashion, and also cultivated a rather tentative beard. People heard him play, exclaimed, ‘How unassuming!’ went away, and forgot him. Since his conversion, however, the same persons cry, ‘How hideous! But the man is evidently a genius, Bravo!’ and they depart, and this time do not forget.
It was Ysaÿe who brought this change about. Last year, in the course of their travels, the two artists found themselves in a town somewhere in the west. They were sitting in a room together when Ysaÿe exclaimed, ‘It’s no use Lachaume, I can’t stand that beard of yours any longer; it is too ugly, and it must come off!’
‘But my dear man,’ answered the alarmed pianist. ‘I have taken such pains to grow that beard; it has cost me years of labour and anxiety; besides you know one must have something distinctive about one.’
‘Yes, of course I know that, but all you have to do is to let your hair grow like mine. And there’s no time like the present, either, so you just sit down in that chair there and we’ll make short work of the business.’
No sooner said than done. In a few seconds Lachaume was sitting trembling in the chair, while the great Ysaÿe wielded the razor about his devoted chin.
‘In future, my dear boy, use a razor, but never scissors, and you are sure to become famous.’
From: The Strad’s June 1897 issue
Many musicians wear long hair because it symbolizes artistic identity, freedom, and tradition, while also serving practical and expressive purposes during performance.
Historical Roots
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Classical Influence: In the 18th–19th centuries, composers like Mozart and Beethoven wore wigs or grew their hair long. Long hair became associated with intellectualism, artistry, and status.
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Romantic Era Symbolism: Flowing hair was linked to creativity and rebellion against rigid social norms.
Modern Music Culture
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Rock & Metal Identity: In the 1960s–80s, long hair became a hallmark of rock and heavy metal bands, symbolizing freedom, rebellion, and counterculture.
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Stage Expression: Musicians use hair dramatically—headbanging, tossing, or tying it back—to amplify emotion and performance.
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Individuality: Long hair distinguishes artists visually, making them memorable and reinforcing their brand.
Practical Aspects
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Movement & Emotion: For string players or singers, long hair can accentuate head movements, adding visual drama.
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Versatility: It can be styled differently depending on the mood of the performance—wild for energetic pieces, tied back for solemn ones.
Cultural Continuity
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Across genres and cultures, long hair remains a symbol of artistic freedom. From classical composers to modern rock stars, it signals a break from conformity and a celebration of individuality.
Reference:
Why Do Many Musicians Have Long Hair? 6 Fascinating Reasons
Why Do Musicians Have Long Hair? (9 Reasons Why)
Why Do Musicians Keep Their Hair Long?
湯 先生/ Mr. Tong
英國註冊鋼琴技師 / Registered Piano Technician (MPTA)
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