One needn't be the parent of daughters to possess the ability to confidently spot loser boyfriends.

Some of us do it all the time, in stores, restaurants and all sorts of public spaces.

Often, the dull lad's hair is a dead giveaway.

It's not simply a matter of length or style. It's really more that the youth projects a certain oblivious pride in his ludicrous coiffure.

Now, as someone who went to high school in the 1970s and was one of the era's millions of trend victims, I am aware that judging the content of one's character on the basis of locks can be narrow-minded. And I am certainly not suggesting that conformity is the only path to acceptability.

But sometimes you just know: "That kid is bad news."

The particular fashion or style is less telling than the way the low-wattage youth wears it. If it is intended as a substitute for a personality or if it is the sum of the young man's identity, well, there you have it.    

I'm not really talking about over-the-top "statement" hair. Some of those boys years ago who had green hair, mohawks or dreads were super bright and honest as bewigged George Washington.

Sometimes we outgrow things. But not everyone has the inner spark necessary to evolve.

How can you spot loser boyfriend hair?

Maybe it's like the Supreme Court justice who, in discussing definitions of pornography, said he knew it when he saw it.

Makes you feel for the parents of girls spending time with these deluded post-mullet squires.

"Dad, you won't even give Damien a chance! How do you know he's no good for me?"

"His hair, honey. His hair."

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