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What is an Undercut?
An Undercut is a bold, high-contrast hairstyle featuring dramatically shorter (often shaved or buzzed) sides and back, while keeping significantly longer hair on top. Unlike fades that blend gradually, the Undercut creates a distinct disconnection between the top and sides—making it one of the most versatile and statement-making men's hairstyles. You can style the top slicked back, pompadour, textured, or even in a man bun.
The defining characteristic of the Undercut is 'disconnection.' In traditional barbering, length transitions are blended smoothly. In an Undercut, there is a stark, intentional boundary where the long hair on top meets the short sides. This lack of a transition zone creates a high-impact visual contrast and eliminates volume at the sides, making styling easier for men with thick or unruly hair. The top section acts as a 'curtain' or 'overlay,' which can be swept back, parted to the side, or piled high, offering exceptional versatility from a single haircut.
History of the Undercut: From Gangsters to Runways
The Undercut first rose to prominence in the Edwardian era (early 1900s) and became the signature look of working-class men and street gangs in the UK—most famously depicted in 'Peaky Blinders.' It was practical for street fighting (long hair couldn't be grabbed if the sides were shaved) and easy to maintain by untrained barbers.
After fading into obscurity during the mod/hippie eras of the 60s and 70s, it saw a resurgence in the 80s synth-pop scene (think David Bowie). However, its modern reincarnation exploded around 2010, popularized by celebrities like Macklemore and Cillian Murphy. It shifted from a sign of poverty to a symbol of high-fashion and edgy sophistication, becoming one of the defining hairstyles of the 2010s and 20s.
Undercut examples
Browse real examples to find the perfect variation for your style. Tap any image to enlarge.
These undercut examples showcase different variations including straight hair, curly hair, and wavy textures. Each style demonstrates how the fade can be customized for different face shapes and hair types. Save your favorite to show your barber!
Try Undercut on yourself
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Formats
PNG or JPG (≤5MB)
Resolution
200px–4090px each side
Face
Keep face clear & ~10%+ of frame
Angle
Front-facing, within ~30° turn
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Best Results
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Realistic Preview
See the haircut on your actual face before visiting the barber.
Who does an Undercut suit?
Use this as a quick checklist before committing to the cut.
Best for oval, square and heart-shaped faces
Adds height and structure to round faces when styled upward
Diamond faces look great with textured or side-parted variations
Works with straight, wavy and curly hair textures
Best with medium to thick hair density for volume on top
Fine hair can work with proper styling products for lift
Great for creative professionals and fashion-forward individuals
Versatile enough for both office and nightlife
Barber maintenance every 2–3 weeks keeps the contrast sharp
Medium difficulty to cut—requires clean lines and precise disconnection
Daily styling needed for polished looks (pomade, wax, or blow-dry)
Low-maintenance if you prefer a natural, textured top look
How to ask your barber for an Undercut
Getting the perfect Undercut is about communicating the contrast and top length you want. Here's exactly what to tell your barber to get the look right.
Key phrases to use
- 1Specify the sides length: "Clipper #1 or #2 on the sides" or "skin fade on sides"
- 2Decide if you want disconnected (sharp line) or slightly blended transition
- 3Tell them how long you want the top (typically 3–6 inches)
- 4Mention your preferred styling direction (slicked back, side part, textured)
- 5Ask for a "hard part" line if you want extra definition
- 6Show them a reference photo—use the AI preview from this tool!
"I'd like an undercut with the sides buzzed to a #1 guard, disconnected from the top. Keep about 4-5 inches on top so I can slick it back. Clean up the neckline and keep it squared off."
💡 Pro tips for the best result
- • Show a photo – Use your AI preview from this page! It's worth a thousand words.
- • Speak up during the cut – If something looks off, it's easier to fix mid-cut than after.
- • Build a relationship – Same barber = better results over time.
- • Tip well – 15-20% for good service keeps your barber motivated.
How to Style an Undercut
Master the look with our step-by-step styling guide
Step-by-Step Routine
Blow-dry for direction
Because the top is long and heavy, you need heat to control it. Blow-dry your damp hair while brushing it in the direction you want it to sit (usually back or to the side).
Create volume
Use a round brush to lift the roots while drying if you want a pompadour look. For a slick back, use a vent brush to flatten and smooth the hair shafts.
Lock it in
Apply a strong-hold product. Pomade is classic for slick looks, while wax offers better texture. Ensure you coat the roots to prevent the heavy top hair from flopping forward midday.
Manage the disconnect
Use a comb to ensure the long top hair is clean separates from the short sides. If the top hairs hang messily over the sides, the "sharp" effect is lost.
- Ask your barber for a "hard part" (a shaved line) if you struggle to find your parting.
- Maintain the sides every 2 weeks. The contrast looks sloppy as soon as the sides grow out.
- If you have very straight hair, use a pre-styler spray (like sea salt) before blow-drying to add grip.
How to maintain an Undercut
A simple routine to keep your undercut looking sharp between barber visits.
- 1Book a trim every 2–3 weeks to keep sides and back clean and sharp.
- 2Wash hair with sulfate-free shampoo 2-3 times per week to avoid dryness.
- 3Blow-dry the top in the direction you want it styled for best hold.
- 4Apply pomade, clay, or wax depending on your desired finish (shiny vs. matte).
- 5For slicked back styles, work product through damp hair and comb backward.
Undercut: common questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this haircut.
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