The undercut is a classic element in men’s hairstyles. Many men prefer shorter hair on the sides and back of the head, which is achieved through the undercut technique.
Sometimes this hairstyle transitions gradually into longer hair on top, while other times there’s a sharp contrast between the short and long sections. Occasionally, a parting is even shaved into the hair to make that transition more distinct — though a hard part like that isn’t recommended, as it can damage your hairline.
Clipper hairstyle
This is a hairstyle that can be created using clippers, which might explain its popularity — if you’re a bit handy, you can even do part of the haircut yourself.
There are countless tutorials on YouTube showing how to create men’s undercut hairstyles at home.
This haircut became incredibly popular thanks to the Netflix series Peaky Blinders, where nearly all the male characters sport an extreme version of the undercut. The show also demonstrates the variety of styling options for the hair on top — from a side part or natural look to slicking it back for a clean slick-back hairstyle.
Is the undercut right for every face shape?
The undercut is a popular choice, but unfortunately, it doesn’t suit every face shape. It works particularly well for men with square or angular faces, as it can soften sharp features.
However, if you have a round face, an undercut can sometimes emphasise that roundness too much. A skilled barber can give you a “soft undercut” or a semi-undercut to balance it out.
Undercut with longer hair
There are many ways to style your hair when you have an undercut. You could, for example, let the hair on top grow longer.
Your partner might enjoy that too — it’s pleasant to run fingers through your hair before you’ve applied any styling product, or before bed when it doesn’t really matter how it looks.
With longer hair, you can also wear it to the side for a neat and formal look. If you want something cooler or more distinguished, you can comb it backwards and style it with a strong-hold pomade to achieve a slick-back hairstyle.
This instantly gives you a more stylish, masculine appearance. It’s also a bold look often associated with the “bad boy” image — yet in a professional setting, it can convey confidence and a bit of untameable character.
To style your hair neatly backwards, it’s best to use a pomade with a firm hold.
Medium length undercut
Most men opt for an undercut with medium-length hair — around 5 to 7 centimetres — as this length still allows for some lift and styling. It’s also ideal for creating a quiff or a modern variation of it. Faux hawks work very well with this length too.
These types of undercut hairstyles look best with a matte finish, so choose a hair wax, clay, or paste with a medium to strong hold and a matte look. That way, the style appears more natural.
If you let your hair grow a bit longer, you’ll get a messy undercut — a more relaxed, casual look. In that case, a product with a medium hold usually works better, as it keeps the hair flexible and slightly tousled. That way, your undercut is also easy to restyle if it gets blown out of shape by the wind.
For extra volume in your undercut, you can use a sea salt spray on slightly damp hair before blow-drying. This adds texture and works particularly well for faux hawks or other structured styles.
Short hair undercut
Another popular variation is the undercut with shorter hair. This often resembles a classic military look — though it doesn’t have to. This style is very popular because your hair won’t fall into your eyes even without styling. It’s ideal for men in a hurry who care about their appearance but don’t want to spend too much time on it.
Of course, even this shorter hairstyle can be styled for more structure and hold. It’s also a great option for men with wavy or curly hair who want something easier to manage — shorter hair is simply more controllable. By shaving the sides, the haircut looks cleaner and more balanced overall.
Early signs of thinning hair can also be disguised well with this haircut, as you can style the hair forward, like a fringe hairstyle. To keep it looking as natural as possible, use styling products with a matte finish.
Conclusion
The undercut hairstyle has been extremely popular for years. It means the sides are relatively short — and sometimes even fully shaved, which is referred to as a fade. The hair on top is left longer, allowing you to create a clean and stylish look.
You can go for a short, medium, or long version, as long as the sides remain neatly trimmed. That’s what keeps your undercut looking sharp and well-shaped. In most cases, matte styling products work best, as they give the most natural-looking finish.