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Made famous by Heathcliff in Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, Australian actor Jacob Elordi’s facial hair is shape-shifting again to match his role as the tortured antihero in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of the famous novel. Debuting his new look on the red carpet at the BAFTAs, Jacob Elordi is officially rocking sideburns or mutton chops, face fins, side rugs, cheek streaks, burnies, and whatever else you want to call the infamous facial hair style.
Elordi will play Heathcliff in the adaptation, while Margot Robbie will play female protagonist Catherine Earnshaw. Together they will bring back some of the era-specific fashion choices of the novel. Expect plenty of Romantic and Regency-era styles, meaning bonnets, ribbons, greatcoats and trenchcoats will make a resurgence alongside riding boots and cloaks, lace, high collars, gloves, and waist-dressed. Of course, we can’t forget sideburns.
If you’re tempted by this statement-making, rough, and windswept look there are a few key tips that we want to share. We’ve spoken with Mark Rabone, the owner of one of Brisbane’s best barber shops Esquire Male Grooming and international all-star educator for American Crew about Elordi’s new chops.
What stood out the most about Jacob Elordi’s sideburns is how they connect to past style movements, and Rabone says that this is typical when playing a character for a new movie. “The connection comes from recycling and rebooting of styles. Facial hair is always an important part of fashion and style and as long as it’s paired with the right haircut can be a very effective and bold statement,” he said.
“For me, they are reminiscent of the 70s. A full mutton chop screams a bit of psychedelia to me!”
Next, we had to know what face shape this beard would suit in the modern era, as it’s certainly a strong statement. Rabone says that they suit a range of face styles, whether short, medium or long.
“Sideburns are a great way to frame the face whether they are short, medium or long! However, they should always be even from the front, that is the key!”
It’s still early days, so we’re not willing to call this a trend and neither is Rabone. “We’ve always had services for facial hair in my stores for 20 years, whether it’s been full beards, goatees, line ups or sideburns. They are often seen as a way to be individual, it’s very much a personal taste thing.”
“It’s interesting how the length of a sideburn can dictate your look, and that’s what it’s all about. Essentially, if someone chooses to grow their sideburns out to full mutton chops, for example, it’s generally part of their look, and I fully encourage it.”
Now, if you’re thinking it’s the time to put the chops on, Rabone says that this beard style would suit an independent person, and maybe someone that’s into music. “Sideburns for me project a personality that is a little bit different and independent. I imagine the owner loves their music – which is a great thing.”
Whether Elordi’s new Wuthering Heights look will stick is still open for discussion. However, we’ll have until Warner Bros. releases the film from MRC on February 13th, 2026.
