Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and a new haircut is one of the best ways to shower yourself with love.
In the midst of scheduling those reservations at fancy restaurants or crafting flower arrangements, deciding what new haircut to sport for the romantic holiday should not be another task to add to the agenda. Revisiting past trendy hairstyles is a great option for inspiration, and the one trend that is bound to make a comeback for February is Drake’s Certified Lover Boy haircut.
In 2021, Drake’s heart-shaped hairstyle became the Internet’s latest obsession, sending social media users into a frenzy for its bold and distinctive look. The rapper displayed the heart-shaped pattern sketched into the hairline of his low cut as part of his rollout for his sixth studio album, “Certified Lover Boy.” Months later, social media users joked about the haircut after Drake posted a now-deleted photo of himself with another new hairstyle: a cross between a bowl cut with a side swept bang that still incorporated a heart-shaped pattern on top.
Although the rapper received mixed reviews about the style after it went viral, the heart-shaped design garnered massive popularity. It quickly became a trend, and people started to duplicate the pattern and incorporate it into their different hairstyles.
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There was also a rise in men requesting the rapper’s Certified Lover Boy pattern as an added treat to include in their fade. From incorporating the heart-shaped design onto their hairline or having their barber shave it on the back of their head, the trend represented a form of self-expression.
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That creativity found its way into protective styling as well. Hair stylists soon found ways to include the famous pattern into braids, twists, cornrows, and locs, making it more versatile for various hair textures and hairdos.
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Drake’s impact on heart-shaped hair trend is not the first instance where a celebrity’s influence propelled the direction of a particular hairstyle. Hair painting has taken over social media feeds recently, and other male celebrities have joined the fun. In 2020, NBA legend Dwayne Wade made headlines after dyeing a portion of his hair red and blonde to resemble a flame on the back of his head. Adding his personal flair to the artistry, Wayne, alongside other public figures, pushed the culture forward for current and future generations to follow.
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Known for its bold colors, eccentric shapes, artistic prints, and unconventional designs, hair painting is not a new technique. It draws inspiration from hair culture in the 1990s and 2000s.
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Rapper Lil Kim is known for pushing the needle when establishing a one-of-a-kind style. In 2001, the trendsetter debuted one of her most iconic hairstyles: a blonde straight wig with the Versace logo monogrammed throughout. Within that year, she repeated a similar look but wore a teal wig with black undertones and the Chanel emblem printed across its bangs.
Lil Kim’s boldness and vision to stray from conventional hairstyles make her one of the initial influences that made this genre of hair creativity mainstream. Celebrities such as Cardi B, Saweetie, Megan Thee Stallion, and many others have found ways to integrate similar hair designs into their public personas.
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The impact of Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” heart-shaped haircut is no different from what celebrities have recreated in the past that current generations follow today.
To replicate his trendy haircut, visiting a barber trained and skilled with shaving designs is essential for accomplishing this desired pattern. A barber can either freestyle the design or outline the shape before cutting. Consider adding a pop of color or a set of hearts to stand out more and show off your February haircut just in time for Valentine’s Day.
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