Only a few men in the world have locks worthy enough to be granted God-like status, and as an actor who has had to play an actual Norse god for the best part of a decade, maintaining that status has been kind of a pre-requisite for Chris Hemsworth.

The Aussie leading man is lucky that his character Thor has gone through a hair-changing regime similar to his own in that time. In the first film of the franchise he carried off long hair down to his shoulders, but by the third Thor: Ragnorak, Hemsworth was sporting a more practical, short, messy crop.

It’s an experimental hair arc most men go through in their 20s and 30s, while the hair is bountiful and you’re still young enough to be able to pull off most looks.

Here we take a look at Chris Hemsworth’s best hairstyles through the years and ask top hairdresser Bradley Smith, creative director at Bradley Smith Hair, how to get them yourself. You may not have the body of a god, but the hair is a lot less work.

The Superhero Sweep

One of the issues with flitting between short and long is you’re bound to get an overgrown mid-length in between. The key here is to keep going to your barber for regular trims along the way and using the right products at home to control it.

“Allow for roughly 4 inches on the top to allow the hair to be pushed over on the sides and top swept over with the fringe,” says Smith. “Ask for a scissor cut to create a softer and natural look. Be sure to leave enough hair in front in order to style, however too much length and you will struggle when styling.

“At home, apply a hair tonic to towel-dried hair and work throughout focusing on the roots, which will keep your hair hydrated whilst creating a natural hold through the day. Use a light shine pomade as this will provide some hold but maintain that natural look with a light shine to leave the hair looking healthy.”