Pete Davidson Got a Wild New Hair Cut

Unless you live off the grid (and if you live off the grid, you’re not reading this), by now you’ve heard about Ariana Grande’s engagement to Pete Davidson. The petite ponytailed pop star and the SNL comedian’s relationship has taken over headline space usually occupied by a Kardashian sister (or two) and already spawned a meme, Big Dick Energy, which has already gone totally off the rails.

But this isn’t about Big Dick Energy but rather its inspiration, Pete Davidson, and his style. Historically, Davidson’s aesthetic could best be described as “coolest sophmore”, which has its place in menswear today but isn’t exactly aligned with the conventionally stylish leanings favored by the famous Ryans (Gosling, Reynolds) and their leading man ilk. Davidson wears bad hats and bad college sweatshirts and ratty sweats, and—this is important—seems infinitely comfortable in that identity. Which is why are infinitely comfortable with him in that identity.

Sometimes fame comes at you fast, and while Davidson may have been well-known before, he is now officially a name known in middle schools across the world. And that surge of attention seems to have inspired our boy to step up his sartorial efforts (or, more likely, to have hired a stylist). He recently stepped out, Ariana on his arm, as Pete Davidson 2.0: out of the box Reeboks, blue Palace sweatpants, a pink Wu Wear long sleeve, a Supreme cross-body bag, and, most noticeably, a major dye job. Rumor has it the follicular overhaul is for an upcoming movie role, but any change this drastic is bound to be grouped with the comedian’s newfound global fame.

Davidson has taken the plunge pioneered by Frank Ocean, Jonah Hill, and Jaden Smith, buzzing his hair and bleaching it blonde. Although the bleached blonde buzzcut has roots that run deep in the veins of teen boys. A recent #tbt he posted makes it clear, to anyone with eyes and vague knowledge of the ‘90s and ‘00s, that young Davidson was 100%, no question, a fan of Eminem. (The Shadiness of Davidson’s new look has not gone unnoticed to more than a few commenters on Upscale Hype). The bleached blonde buzz feels familiar and nostalgic. It’s right at home on someone who once wore chains with a tank for a picture from a disposable camera. Frank Ocean paved the way and made it cool for weirdos like Davidson to adopt the look, but he’s certainly making it something all his own. Maybe it’s that (sorry) BDE.