What Is the Ivy League Haircut and Will It Fit You?
Learn what an Ivy League haircut looks like, who it looks best on, and how to ask your barber for one without stress.
Getting a new haircut can feel scary. You sit in the chair, the scissors start moving, and you hope you do not hate the result. If you want a neat, clean style that works for school, work, and sports, the Ivy League cut is one of the safest picks you can make.
What Is an Ivy League Cut?
Think of the Ivy League cut as a crew cut with a little more hair on top. The sides and back are cut short and neat. The top stays a bit longer, especially in the very front.
Because the front has some length, you can part it to the side or brush it up. It got its name from students at fancy colleges who wanted a neat look that was still easy to wash and wear. It is smart, clean, and never goes out of style.
Who Looks Best in This Cut?
The great thing about the Ivy League is that it works on almost everyone. Still, certain face shapes love it the most:
Oval faces: Almost any cut works on an oval shape, and this one looks very balanced. Square faces: The short sides show off a strong jaw, while the soft top keeps your head from looking like a block. * Round faces: Brushing the front hair up adds a little height, which makes a round face look a bit longer.
If you have a very long face, ask your barber to keep the top a bit shorter. If the top is too tall, it can make your face look even longer.
How to Ask Your Barber
Barbers know this cut well, but using clear words always helps. Here is what you should tell them:
Ask for an Ivy League cut with a short fade or taper on the sides. Tell them you want about one to two inches of hair left on top. Make sure to say that you want the front left just long enough to comb to the side. You can also bring a photo on your phone to show the exact length you like.
How to Style and Care for It
This cut takes almost no work in the morning. When your hair is damp, take a dime-sized drop of pomade or hair paste. Rub it between your hands and run it through the top of your hair. Use a comb to make a clean side part, or just use your fingers to push the front up and to the side. It takes two minutes.
To keep it looking sharp, visit your barber every three to four weeks. The sides grow out fast, so quick trims keep the shape looking fresh.
Before you let anyone touch your hair with clippers, you can see how it looks on you. Use the HairMatch AI app to get a free face-shape check, then preview this cut directly on your own face with our photo packs starting at just $0.99.