How to Ask Your Barber for a Classic Ivy League Haircut
Learn what to tell your barber to get a clean Classic Ivy League haircut, who it looks best on, and how to style it.
The Ivy League haircut is a clean, neat style that never goes out of fashion. Some people call it a Harvard clip or a Princeton cut. It looks like a regular crew cut, but the hair on top stays long enough to part to one side.
It is smart, tidy, and works great for school, work, or sports.
Who Does It Look Best On?
This cut works well on almost anyone. But it looks best on certain head shapes:
Square or oval faces: The neat sides show off a strong jawline. Round faces: Keeping a little height in the front makes a round face look longer. * Straight or slightly wavy hair: This hair type is the easiest to part neatly on the side.
If you have very curly hair, your barber can still do it, but you will need to cut it a bit shorter so it behaves.
Exactly What to Say to Your Barber
Barbers hear different names for cuts every day. The best way to get what you want is to use clear details, not just names.
Tell your barber:
The top: Ask for about an inch or an inch and a half of hair in the front, getting shorter toward the crown at the back. The sides: Ask for a taper. You can ask for a number 2 or number 3 guard on the clippers, blended smoothly into the top. The part: Tell them which side you naturally part your hair on. The back: Ask for a neat, tapered neckline. This looks softer and grows out cleaner than a hard line.
Always bring a photo on your phone. Showing a real picture helps your barber see the exact length you want.
How to Style It Every Morning
Styling this cut takes less than three minutes.
Get your hair damp with water. Put a dime-sized amount of light pomade or styling cream in your hands and rub them together. Run your fingers through your hair, moving from back to front, then brush or comb it. Make a clean line where your hair naturally parts. Comb the sides flat, and comb the front hair up and slightly to the side.
How to Keep It Looking Fresh
Because the sides are neat and short, you will need a trim every three to four weeks. If you wait longer than a month, the hair over your ears will look puffy and lose its shape.
If you are nervous about cutting your hair short, you do not have to guess how you will look. Use HairMatch AI to check your face shape for free, then preview this exact haircut on your own face starting at just $0.99 before you visit the barbershop.