Bob Ross is a name that needs no introduction. The joy of painting, his calm demeanor, and his iconic hairstyle have made him a household name across the world. However, not many people know that his trademark hairstyle was not always short. In fact, Bob Ross had long hair for most of his life before he made the switch to the now-famous short hair. In this article, we will take a closer look at the story behind Bob Ross's short hair and how it became an iconic part of his personality.
The Beginning of Bob Ross's Hair Journey
Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1942. He grew up in a military family and spent most of his childhood moving around the country. Ross first started painting while he was stationed in Alaska in the early 1960s. At the time, he had long hair that he often wore in a ponytail. This was a common hairstyle for men at the time, and Ross was no exception.
After leaving the military, Ross decided to pursue painting full-time. He started teaching painting classes and eventually landed a job as a host on a local public television station. It was during this time that he started to experiment with his hairstyle.
The Transition to Short Hair
In the early 1980s, Ross was offered a show on PBS called "The Joy of Painting". He knew that he would be in front of the camera for hours at a time, and he wanted a hairstyle that was easy to manage and wouldn't get in the way. He decided to cut his hair short, and the rest is history.
The new hairstyle quickly became a trademark of Ross's persona. His short, curly hair perfectly complemented his relaxed and friendly demeanor on camera. It also made him instantly recognizable to his fans.
The Impact of Bob Ross's Short Hair
Bob Ross's short hair had a significant impact on his career and his legacy. It helped to solidify his image as a friendly and approachable teacher, and it made him instantly recognizable to his fans. His hairstyle became so iconic that it has been used in countless parodies and memes over the years.
Even after his death in 1995, Ross's short hair continues to be a symbol of his legacy. Fans still wear wigs and costumes inspired by his hairstyle, and it remains a beloved part of his image.
The Takeaway
Bob Ross's short hair is more than just a hairstyle – it is a symbol of his legacy as a painter and a teacher. While he may have started out with long hair like many men of his generation, his decision to switch to a shorter style helped to define his image and make him a household name. Today, his short hair remains an integral part of his legacy and a beloved symbol of his personality.