There are many reasons for the huge success of Netflix's Stranger Things. But one which can't be denied is the attention to detail of the characters' costumes. The sense that we really are in a 1980s small-town lends the fantastical sci-fi an element of reality that's essential to us suspending our disbelief when it comes to the upside-down. And one essential element of this? The characters' hair.
But while taking a break between filming for the show's fourth season, actor, Joe Keery, who plays beloved jock, Steve Harrington, has taken a deviation from his usual look. He's switched out his signature '80s mullet for a shorter look with some particularly controversial bangs - and the internet isn't too pleased.
Since its launch in 2016, Stranger Things has been a Netflix favorite.
The show begins with the disappearance of a young boy in a small Indiana town - but as his friends hunt for him, things quickly start to become more complicated than ever imagined.Including some pretty terrifying elements.
While the show is, in many ways, kind of heartwarming and funny, it's also filled with terrifying monsters and incredibly sad situations.That said, there's another huge reason for the show's popularity.
The setting of the show in 1980s small-town America gives it a really fun aesthetic feel - and for many viewers, is comfortingly nostalgic.And since the show's beginnings ...
There has been one character who was an absolute fan-favorite. Loveable jock, Steve Harrington, began series one as something of a fool but has grown in popularity over the show's three seasons.And aside from his sweet personality, there's another reason for Steve's popularity.
via: Netflix
His incredibly authentic, 1980s style mullet has long been a huge part of the Stranger Things landscape - and, for many, it's an essential part of the viewing experience.In fact, Joe Keery, who plays Steve, has been asked about his hair before.
When interviewed by Esquire in 2017, Keery said, "Well, the cut's good. And if the haircut is good, that's half the job. It's just a blow-dry with stuff in the back. Sarah Hindsgaul, who is the head of hair, is totally killer. She's the best."
He also gave a unique product recommendation.
"I think they've actually discontinued [Farrah Fawcett's Fabergé Organics]. You can probably find it on eBay or something. Prices will probably jack up in the next week or two. Or maybe Netflix will reissue it."And it's clear that the hard work paid off.
┏┓ ┃┃╱╲ In this ┃╱╱╲╲ house ╱╱╭╮╲╲ we love ▔▏┗┛▕▔ & appreciate ╱▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔╲ Steve Harrington and his hair ╱╱┏┳┓╭╮┏┳┓ ╲╲ ▔▏┗┻┛┃┃┗┻┛▕▔— fruit (derogatory) bat 🎶✡️☭ (@fruit (derogatory) bat 🎶✡️☭)1509425747.0
And people have noticed one thing in particular.
Steve Harrington is absorbing all the energy from getting his ass kicked and storing it in his hair for an emergenc… https://t.co/NEHeMbRnf7— NX (@NX)1566842467.0
One thing's for sure.
if you pay close attention you can actually see Steve's hair growing in every episode https://t.co/ThdSPj61ca— Matias Hannecke (@Matias Hannecke)1509385647.0
And even more impressive?
via: Getty Impressive
Actor, Joe Keery, has kept up his impressive hairstyle in real life, too - here seen at the GQ Men of the Year Gala in 2018 with Maika Monroe.While he sometimes goes for a more subtle look ...
via: Getty Images
It's never too far from the slicked back, lightly quiffed, voluminous look that made his character famous.And if Keery does experiment ...
via: Getty Images
Then it's with another aspect of his appearance - like this slightly oddball mustache that he sported at the Salvatore Ferragamo Dinner Party on February 23, 2019.And though some didn't love it ...
It's nothing compared to Keery's latest makeover. Because the star has cut off Harrington's infamous locks - and the internet is not pleased.Here's the controversial look.
via: Getty Images
At the Chanel Dinner to celebrate the launch of their newest beauty line, Keery stepped out looking basically unrecognizable.Many are feeling immediate regret.
Joe Keery: cuts his hair Everyone: https://t.co/EnQCiVZUXF— ↺ Chris ✌︎('ω')✌︎ ⁶⁶ (@↺ Chris ✌︎('ω')✌︎ ⁶⁶)1568477815.0
Some have been making some rather unflattering comparisons.
nobody: joe keery: https://t.co/tPZTUgOjMX— Rory (@Rory)1568479151.0
In fact, looking at famous bowl cuts in history ...
Keery could hardly be described as being in good company. This side by side is a little too close for comfort.Many have one overriding emotion.
therapist: joe keery with bangs can’t hurt you joe keery with bangs: https://t.co/WTd3MJhoxx— mindy (@mindy)1568384661.0
But there are other feelings out there online.
joe keery really cut his hair. HIS HAIR. omfg this is so sick and twisted https://t.co/MWUBM4ByIH— bella (@bella)1568381281.0
Many noticed something odd.
Friday the 13th and the spookiest thing I saw today was Joe Keery’s haircut.— Damfino ⍟⃝ (@Damfino ⍟⃝)1568426944.0
It combines perfectly with other memes.
Like the iconic TikTok kombucha girl, used to perfect effect here.Some just want answers.
Who created this monstrosity - and even more importantly: why??So, for Steve Harrington stans ...
joe keery stans going through it right now https://t.co/uNRyxaEWEJ— . (@.)1568365045.0
Because it does almost feel like a loss.
in memoriam: joe keery's immaculate hair [2015-2019] https://t.co/vvr8tt2MNw— tash dodich (@tash dodich)1568419341.0
People are feeling pretty upset.
st stan twitter at joe keery because of his new haircut https://t.co/mFhLgbEQLx— naiara ✧ (@naiara ✧)1568394600.0
Because this haircut isn't just bad.
how joe keery looks after his hair cut https://t.co/M1JeNEkFOr— ً (@ً)1568397033.0
But there is something strange.
The change in hairdo hasn't just changed the way Keery's hair looks. It seems to have altered his entire face.Some have made this joke.
joe keery is playing will byers next season— shi🌻 (@shi🌻)1568371976.0
But at least we have some answers.
for all those who’ve been wondering “is joe keery actually hot or is it just the hair?” well. we have our answer now.— orpheus’ gay cajun vampire sidepiece (@orpheus’ gay cajun vampire sidepiece)1568410602.0