Classic Ivy League Haircut: What It Is and How to Get It
Learn what a classic Ivy League haircut is, who it looks good on, and what to tell your barber before you make the cut.
What Is the Ivy League Haircut?
The Ivy League is a neat, short haircut. It is very close to a crew cut, but with one big difference: the hair on top is longer. Because the top is longer, you can part your hair to the side or brush the front up.
The sides and back are cut short and clean. It gets shorter as it goes down toward your neck. This gives you a tidy look that works for school, work, or sports.
Who Does It Look Good On?
This cut looks good on almost everyone because it is so balanced. But it works extra well for certain face shapes:
Oval faces: Almost any cut works on you, and this one looks great. Square faces: The short sides show off your strong jawline. * Round faces: The extra height on top helps make your face look a little longer and leaner.
If you have very curly hair, it can still work, but you will need to keep the top a bit shorter so it stays neat.
How to Ask Your Barber for It
Do not just say the name and hope for the best. Tell your barber these simple details:
Tell them you want an Ivy League cut with enough length on top to part it to the side. Ask for about one to two inches of hair in the front. Ask for the sides to be faded or tapered with clippers. If you want a softer look, tell them to use scissors on the sides instead of clippers.
Always bring a photo to show them. Photos help you and your barber agree on the exact look before the scissors start cutting.
How to Style and Take Care of It
Styling this cut takes less than two minutes in the morning.
1. Wash your hair and towel it dry until it is just a little damp. 2. Take a tiny drop of pomade or hair paste and rub it between your hands. 3. Run your hands through your hair. Push the front up and off to one side. 4. Use a comb to make a clean side part, or just use your fingers for a casual look.
To keep this haircut looking sharp, you need a trim every three to four weeks. If you wait longer, the sides will get puffy and lose their clean shape.
Check It on Your Face First
If you are nervous about going short, you do not have to guess. Use HairMatch AI to see this exact cut on your own face before you visit the barber. You can get a free face-shape check right now, and photo-real render packs start at just $0.99 so you can be totally sure.