A haircut associated with goths and punks, shaved on the sides and long on
top. Thus the wearing of the mowhawk is optional, unlike a
short traditional hawk, as the
long part can come down to cover the shaved areas. The term "safety" is used for two reasons-- you don't risk poking anyone in the eye in the pit, and you have the option to look more mainstream at your job/funerals/family events, etc.