Military-style haircuts have long been popular among men due to their clean, sharp appearance and ease of maintenance. These haircuts are typically characterized by short, closely cropped sides and back, with a slightly longer top. They are often worn with a shaved line up around the hairline, known as a “fade” or “taper,” to create a more polished look.
History of Military Style Haircuts
The origins of military-style haircuts can be traced back to the ancient world, where soldiers would often shave their heads to prevent lice and disease. In the late 19th century, the Prussian army adopted a standardized haircut for its soldiers, known as the “Prussian helmet haircut.” This haircut was designed to be practical and efficient, and it quickly spread to other militaries around the world.
Benefits of Military Style Haircuts
There are several benefits to getting a military-style haircut, including:
- Low maintenance: Military-style haircuts are very easy to maintain. They can be trimmed every few weeks, and they can be styled with just a little bit of product.
- Clean and sharp appearance: Military-style haircuts create a clean, sharp appearance that is perfect for both professional and casual settings.
- Versatile: Military-style haircuts can be worn with a variety of different styles of clothing, from dress uniforms to casual t-shirts.
Different Types of Military Style Haircuts
There are several different types of military-style haircuts, including:
- Buzz cut: The buzz cut is the shortest military-style haircut, with the hair being shaved to the same length all over the head.
- Crew cut: The crew cut is similar to the buzz cut, but the hair on top of the head is left slightly longer, typically about 1 inch.
- Flat top: The flat top is a distinctive military-style haircut that features a flat, even top. The sides and back of the head are shaved close to the scalp.
- High and tight: The high and tight is a variation of the crew cut, with the sides and back of the head being shaved very close to the scalp and the top of the head being left slightly longer.
- Undercut: The undercut is a military-style haircut that features shaved sides and back, with the hair on top of the head being styled in a variety of ways.
How to Choose the Right Military Style Haircut
When choosing a military-style haircut, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Face shape: The shape of your face will determine which military-style haircut will look best on you. For example, a buzz cut may be a good choice for someone with a round or oval face, while a crew cut may be a better choice for someone with a square or rectangular face.
- Hair type: The type of hair you have will also affect which military-style haircut you choose. For example, a buzz cut is a good choice for someone with thick, coarse hair, while a crew cut may be a better choice for someone with fine, thin hair.
- Personal style: Ultimately, the best military-style haircut for you is the one that you feel most comfortable with and that best suits your personal style.
How to Cut a Military Style Haircut
If you want to cut your own military-style haircut, there are several steps you can follow:
- Wash and dry your hair.
- Comb your hair to remove any tangles.
- Use a clipper with a guard to cut the sides and back of your head.
- Use a scissor to cut the top of your head.
- Blend the sides and back of your head with the top.
- Style your hair with a little bit of product.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cutting a military-style haircut, there are several common mistakes to avoid, including:
- Cutting the hair too short: If you cut the hair too short, it will be difficult to style and it may not look as good as you hoped.
- Not blending the sides and back with the top: If you don’t blend the sides and back of your head with the top, your haircut will look uneven and sloppy.
- Using the wrong type of clipper guard: If you use the wrong type of clipper guard, you may end up cutting the hair too short or too long.
Step-by-Step Approach to Cutting a Military Style Haircut
To cut a military-style haircut, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hair.
- Comb your hair to remove any tangles.
- Use a clipper with a guard to cut the sides and back of your head. Start with a higher guard (e.g., a #4) and gradually work your way down to a lower guard (e.g., a #2) as you get closer to the top of your head.
- Use a scissor to cut the top of your head. Start by cutting the hair around the crown of your head. Then, use your fingers to guide the scissors as you cut the hair around the sides and back of your head.
- Blend the sides and back of your head with the top. Use a clipper with a guard to blend the sides and back of your head with the top. Start with a higher guard (e.g., a #4) and gradually work your way down to a lower guard (e.g., a #2) as you get closer to the top of your head.
- Style your hair with a little bit of product. Use a hair gel or pomade to style your hair. Start by applying a small amount of product to your hands and then work it through your hair. Use your fingers to style your hair into the desired shape.
Tables
| Haircut | Length | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Buzz cut | 1/8 inch | Hair is shaved to the same length all over the head. |
| Crew cut | 1 inch | Hair on top of the head is left slightly longer than the sides and back. |
| Flat top | 2 inches | Hair on top of the head is flat and even. |
| High and tight | 1/2 inch | Sides and back of the head are shaved very close to the scalp, while the top of the head is left slightly longer. |
| Undercut | 1 inch | Sides and back of the head are shaved, while the hair on top of the head is styled in a variety of ways. |
| Face Shape | Best Military Style Haircuts |
|---|---|
| Round | Buzz cut, crew cut |
| Oval | Buzz cut, crew cut, flat top |
| Square | Crew cut, high and tight |
| Rectangular | Crew cut, high and tight, undercut |
| Hair Type | Best Military Style Haircuts |
|---|---|
| Thick, coarse | Buzz cut, crew cut |
| Fine, thin | Crew cut, high and tight, undercut |
| Personal Style | Best Military Style Haircuts |
|---|---|
| Professional | Buzz cut, crew cut, flat top |
| Casual | Crew cut, high and tight, undercut |
Conclusion
Military-style haircuts are a popular choice for men who want a clean, sharp appearance that is easy to maintain. There are several different types of military-style haircuts to choose from, so you can find one that best suits your face shape, hair type, and personal style. If you are not sure how to cut a military-style haircut, you can follow the step-by-step approach provided in this article.