How closely intertwined do you think Anduin's hair is with his mental health? I tend to use it as a barometer throughout his life just because of the upkeep it takes at certain lengths / markers of when he's cut it, but now that he's experienced Buzzcut Freedom I honestly don't know if he'd ever go back. Even if Stormwind Fashion for Kings' latest issue says he really ought to.
I do think in the Warlands timeline his hair is still long-ish but manky and greasy and probably a shade or so darker from lack of sunlight (kept indoors like princess Jasmine.) But that's just my imaginary Andin from my emotional support worst timeline.
Have a quick pooped baby Anduin on me. uwu
If we're talking length? I think from the game's POV and how they've been depicting him - no, I don't think it went that deep other than Anduin mimicking Varian.
His TWW Buzzcut Freedom was probably the first instance of it linking to his mental health. This was his Britney Spears moment.
Other than that, the idea of it is great, tbh. I wouldn't be surprised if anyone writes Anduin with that in mind. His life does go downhill every expansion, then his hair grows longer and/or it gets more chaotic. It goes well hand in hand.
I do think it's pretty nice how unkempt he looks in this cover art.
I have a feeling Anduin will be growing his hair back when I think of Blizzard.
But it's absolutely valid he wouldn't go back either because, c'mon, it's undeniable having short-hair is a blessing for him. Stormwind's Fashion for King's opinions aka expectations out the window, no Varianism and it probably feels like a brand new start and a personal decision he made for himself. His old rebellious phase from MOP could come out of this.
Idk how legit that one comic is (Son of Wolf?), but Anduin got his long mane back plus the beard in the future. So if the writers want, him going back for more hair is still 'pretty canon', I guess.
I'm all for the manky and greasy and discoloured Anduin headcanon. Seeing Anduin in all his glory that isn't a well-kept prince charming is a yes from me.
Personally, idm what he does with it later on. Works either way for me, it's easy to justify both. I'm grateful Blizzard took a bold direction in TWW and gave me the opportunity to see him in a different light (no pun intended). He now looks even more handsome to me after this, whatever style he takes next.
It was both an artistic and personal learning pleasure for me.