How to get the Christian Bale haircut from Batman Begins. Credit: Warner Brothers Pictures.
Christian Bale is one of the most versatile Welsh actors in the world and has the ability to completely transform himself for his roles. He has been listed in Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and has won numerous awards for his acting abilities such as an Academy Award and two Golden Globes. Perhaps there will even be a new trophy in his future as Bale will be appearing in Marvel’s up and coming film Thor: Love and Thunder this 2022.
Unsurprisingly, fans eagerly await his portrayal of ‘Gorr the God Butcher’ if any of his past roles are anything to go by. Notably his portrayal of unstable businessman Patrick Bateman for the film adaptation of American Psycho (2000) and let’s not forget his incredible portrayal of slender insomniac Trevor Reznik in The Machinist (2004).
However, it was his transformation into Gotham’s night-time protector in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2002) that really pushed Bale into the public eye. It was only natural for him to come back to play the DC superhero in The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) completing the trilogy. We imagine it has a lot to do with the deep voice, impressive fighting style and perfect hair.
So, we had the best idea and put together a style guide to help you recreate some of Bale’s best looks from the trilogy. Surely, if you can’t be Batman… the next best thing is to look like him.
Credit: Nolan Brothers
This is the perfect haircut for any fella that wants to give off that suave Bruce Wayne energy. Just a reminder that for this cut to work we suggest you let your hair grow out a little bit for about three to four months. This will be important for the medium length haircut that Bale has in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2002). Now, book an appointment with your barber and ask them for a medium length slicked back haircut with a side parting. Then in proper businessman fashion treat yourself to a clean shave.
How To Cut:
For this Christian Bale haircut, you’re going to want to keep things long on top. Go for a soft scissor cut at around three or four inches long and taper it gradually towards the back. Remember you want to keep enough hair for you to style and give that illusion of a thick head of hair. For the back and sides, you will want a #2 from the base of the hairline to the tip of the ears and then gradually let the hair get longer until it blends into the top. Finally, go over the cut making sure to blend everything in with scissors to give the hair a more natural appearance and you’re done.
How To Style:
Credit: Warner Brothers Pictures
Now, if you’re looking for more of a rugged billionaire style it is probably better to go for the haircut Christian Bale has in The Dark Knight Rises (above). It is shaggier and can pair very nicely with a beard if a clean shave isn’t your thing. Just make sure you grow your hair out till it reaches the nape of your neck before you dedicate yourself to this look.
How To Cut:
Book an appointment with your barber and ask for a layered, medium length haircut. Start at the back and point cut into ends to create a rugged look. For the sides, cut into the hair just below the ears and then angling them down, lining them up with the back of the hair. Make sure to blend the hair in together so it doesn’t look jagged. Continue this method as you work upwards towards the front of the face. For the fringe, point cut into the hair and make sure it is long enough to reach the tip of your nose. Time to put in your layers! Starting from the back and moving towards the front put in a variety of layers from three to six inches in length. This will help create volume and add that choppy texture to your hair.
How To Style:
Zheelana Cottam
Author
Zheelana is a writer based in Cardiff. She has a BA Honours in English and Creative Writing and is a certified TESOL teacher. When she isn’t out hiking in the lush Welsh countryside, she fills her days with reading, journaling, and going out for food.