Here’s a classic men’s short haircut that will never go out of style. If you’re looking for pictures of modern ways to wear the crew cut, you’ve come to the right place.
What is a Crew Cut?
A crew cut is a type of men’s haircut that features short hair on top with short hair graduated in length on the sides and back. It gets its name from crew teams at American Ivy League schools as a way for guys to keep their hair short and out of their eyes while rowing. This cut became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, especially at universities like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and Cornell.
Initially, it used to be more known as the short pompadour. It’s also sometimes referred to as a butch cut, but the difference between the two is that butch or a men’s buzz cut is very short and all one length at the top. The sides and back are evenly buzzed or shorter, typically faded using taper fade or shorter faded clippers down anywhere between a skin fade to clipper sizes from 1 to 4, depending on the look you’re going for.
How to Style a Crew Cut
It’s common to brush the crew cut hair on the top forward, while the bangs go straight up, up, and back or parted to the side, depending on how long it is on top. Depending upon your hair length on the top, you may not have to style it at all. The longer it is on top, the more you’ll want to style your haircut. If you wish for a brush-up, short pomp look, you’ll want to use a hair product like wax or pomade. For a younger look, comb and blow-dry your hair to force it to go up and to the side.
Tips for Crew Cuts
The neckline is great to taper off for an even cleaner and more modern look. For an even cleaner look, keep your face shaved and short sideburns. For a more casual crew cut style, go with a longer length on top and keep it more tousled. A short haircut like this is easier to style but requires more frequent cuts to maintain the look.
Talking to Your Barber/Stylist
Here’s how to ask for a crew cut:
– Ask them for a short, medium, or long crew cut.
-Let them know if you’re willing to style it or not, as this will affect the length of the top.
– Request your fade type. This can range from a simple taper fade with scissors to a skin fade with clippers.
Who Pulls off The Crew Cut Best?
Crew cuts are classy hairstyles for men and a great choice regardless of age, especially for professionals or those who have a more active lifestyle and don’t want their hair getting in the way. This cut also works well with sideburns and short and long beards.
This crew haircut tends to work best for guys with thicker hair. Guys with thinner hair can pull it off at the right length. This can also work well if you have a receding hairline or want a more mature look. Talk to your barber and get their input. The best thing about the crew cut is that it compliments most head and face shapes, which is one of the reasons why it’s a popular look.
The Most Popular Crew Cut Hairstyles:
#1: Faux Hawk Crew Cut
Sometimes it’s hard to break away from the traditional clean crew cut, so consider this faux hawk crew cut as your new hairstyle. Upon visiting your barber, ask for a zero fade on the sides. Ask for a recommendation for a proper length on top based on the size of your head and face shape. Finish with matte wax for a dry, textured finish or a pomade for added shine and moisture.
#2 Side Part Crew Cut with Hard Part
A side part crew cut with a hard part is simple yet effective. It’s paired with faded sides and does a great job of getting attention to your top hair. A side-parted crew cut like this makes you look dope, as always.
#3 Taper Fade Crew Cut with Mid Fade
Rock a suave and structured look with this taper fade crew cut that transitions into a subtle pompadour look on top. Ideal for the gent with straight, dense hair aiming for a sharp yet manageable style. The mid fade offers a modern edge that pairs well with the voluminous top, perfect for those who like to merge classic and contemporary vibes. To maintain, a quick swipe of pomade will keep you looking dapper all day.
#4 The Classic Crew Cut with a Beard
Dapper and polished, this classic crew cut sports a skin-tight fade that ascends to a voluminous, textured top—a versatile look that pairs seamlessly with a full beard for modern sophistication. Ideal for thick hair, it maintains a neat silhouette with minimal styling effort. A great choice for gents not wanting the upkeep of longer boys haircuts, this style ensures you look sharp with a simple run of pomade through your locks.
#5 The Ivy League Cut
Sport a suave look with this Ivy League crew cut, a smart blend of tradition and trend. This cut’s longer top tapers into clean, skin-faded sides, similar to an undercut, but with a neat, more subtle transition. Thick-haired gents, this style gives you a professional edge with a hint of playfulness. The structured top with a precise fade offers a sharp, defined look that’s versatile for both work and weekend vibes. Maintenance is a breeze, but you’ll need a touch-up now and then to keep it crisp.
#6 Crew Cut Blowout Style
Perfect for adding fullness to finer hair, the upward styling exudes a youthful edge. To maintain the look, a quick tousle with a blow-dryer and some texturizing product does the trick. Just a heads-up, it’ll require upkeep to keep those sides sharp!
#7 The Military Crew Cut Fade
Embrace the sharp, disciplined look with this military crew cut. The neat and even top, combined with a clean fade, provides a bold yet low-maintenance style perfect for those who appreciate a streamlined routine. This cut suits most hair types and accentuates the jawline and cheekbones for a strong, masculine profile. It’s an exemplary choice for men who value a tidy and professional appearance with an air of authority.
#8 The French Crop Crew Cut
The French crop crew cut is becoming more popular. The texture on top, combined with the straight, forward-facing bangs, gives this a clean and easy-to-style look.
#9 The Modern Crew Cut with High Fade
Tidy up your look to achieve that professional form with a modern crew cut with a high fade! It fits the criteria of being sleek and stylish.
#10 Easy Crew Cut with a Surgical Line
Like the famous Japanese paintings of waves, this short crew cut with a surgical line keeps everything low and trimmed. This then directs attention to the front side, where a gush of hair goes across.
#11: Side-Swept Crew Cut Style
Another fade cut is this side-swept crew haircut, but more casual, with a natural look for the top portion and medium to short hair to match. This works well for guys with straight hair and creates one of the most well-balanced haircuts for men.
#12: Dapper Combover Slightly Longer In the Front
Short and tidy is often asked for, and this dapper comb-over is slightly longer in the front. A lot of length and weight has been left in the fringe to create a style, while the back has been cut shorter. This is often done when clients have a troublesome crown area. You get the best of both with this style, as it’s easy to manage, and you can rock a cool style.
#13: Blonde Crew Cut with Faded Sides
Into classic, timeless hairstyles for men? I recommend this blonde crew cut with faded sides. Ask your barber to cut down all the hair around your cowlicks. But to keep the front of your hair a bit longer for dimension and shape. You might want to take a selfie for Instagram after a handsome style like this!
#14: Voluminous Crew Cut on Thick Hair
If you can handle getting rid of some hair, try this voluminous crew cut on thick hair. When talking to your stylist about cutting your hair, ask them to add as much texture as possible. Not only will this remove unnecessary hair, but it will help to add volume to your dense hair. I recommend a matte pomade styled from roots to ends on a towel or blow-dried hair.
#15: Mid Drop Fade for a Crew Cut
Need a haircut for a formal event? Ask your barber to take on this mid-drop fade for a crew cut to make your night much better. A zero fade on the sides with a scissor cut on top will always be a classic. It’s easily styled with a pomade like Suavecito’s Original Hold Pomade for that gentlemanly look.
#16: Short Pompadour Crew Cut for Older Men
Trying to balance out feeling age appropriate while still being stylish? If this sounds like you, I recommend asking your barber for this short pompadour crew cut for men. The overall shape of this haircut is quite youthful. But it strays away from some of the tighter fades you’ll see on some more modern cuts. This creates a classic and tidy feel to this style without feeling too overdone. Style the top of your hair with a styling cream to keep your hair relaxed.
#17: Textured and Faded Short Ivy League
This textured and faded short Ivy League cut is neat and stylish and will never go out of style. You’ll see that the fade on the sides is a soft graduate from the skin to a 2. It features a texturized haircut on top to maintain a relaxed appearance.
#18: Short Disconnected Crew Cut with a Textured Style
Thanks to Instagram, a short disconnected cut has taken the internet by storm. You will always look great with a zero fade on the sides. And you can wear the top of this haircut pushed forward or up, depending on your mood!
#19: Swept Forward with a Height Number One Fade
Like to go short, but a skin fade has been too short for you in the past? This swept forward with a height number one fade is short enough not to show much skin. It’s perfect for keeping coarse textures condensed and easy to manage. Throw some gel up top for extra control!
#20: High Skin Fade on a Crew Cut
This high skin fade on a crew cut is cool, office ready, and works on every guy. Next time you visit your barber, ask for a zero fade on the back and the sides with a crew cut on top. Or better yet, show them this photo!
#21: Thick Crew Cut with Tapered Sides
Are you a trendsetter and hoping to pair your look with your locks? With this thick crew cut with tapered sides, your hair can easily be as cool as the rest of your style. When visiting your local barber, ask for a zero-drop fade on the sides and a buzz with a lineup on top. Style with matte clay to emphasize your new, edgy haircut.
#22: Very Short Slicked Crew Cut
This short-slicked crew cut is perfect for a guy who wants to maintain a clean-cut image. Let me explain! By asking your barber for a taper fade on the sides and a crew cut, you can easily jump out of the shower, apply some gel, and go! Looking closer, you’ll see that the fringe of this haircut softly covers the forehead. The zero fade allows you to have a clean-cut feel while providing longevity to this style.
#23: Side Parted with a Zero Fade
Possibly one of the most classic haircuts of all time – you don’t want to miss this side-parted hair with a zero fade. Not only is this style timeless, but it’s also as easy as it gets to style and manage. A fade on the side ensures longevity and cleanliness of the haircut. All while the disconnected top allows for easy styling.
#24: Fuzzy Crew Cut with a Shaved Line
There are endless options out there when looking at short haircuts for men. But if you’re feeling bold, you should check out this fuzzy crew cut with a shaved line. Make sure you grow the top a bit before visiting your barber, and ask for a zero fade on the sides with a line. Add some matte clay for a textured feel and finish with a hairspray for all day hold! I recommend Paul Mitchell’s Freeze and Shine Super Spray as your finishing spray.
#25: Grey Textured Top with Short Sides
If your salt and pepper hair has become difficult and unruly, why not embrace the change? Go for this grey textured top with short sides. With a fade on the sides, this will help eliminate most of the maintenance of your daily styling. The best part about crew cut maintenance is that you will only need to spend a little time returning to the barbershop!
#26: Spiked Crew Cut with Shaved Sides
Are you bored with the side-parted haircut you’ve been rocking the last few years? If so, opt for this spiked crew cut with shaved sides. It’s clean cut, masculine, and fresh without hair around your ears. I recommend a pomade to hold and rebooking with your barber every four weeks for maintenance.
#27: Brushed-Up with Mid Bald Fade
A brushed-up crew cut with a mid-bald fade is an ultra-modern and stylish look that works best on guys with thick hair. It’s a great way to add texture and volume while keeping things neat. For styling, work some lightweight pomade through the top of your hair. It will give you an added definition. This will also help you without looking greasy or weighed down throughout the day.
#28: Short-Faded Quiff with Line Up and Texture
This classic look works best for men with medium-length hair. But, it can be tailored for those with longer or shorter locks. An angular face shape looks particularly appealing with this look. The contrast between the softness of the quiff and the sharp lines of the fade makes it eye-catching. Use a light styling cream to get the most hold all day without compromising texture. Try Hanz de Fuko’s Quicksand before blow-drying your hair into place. For added definition, finish by using matte clay.
#29: Swept Style with Shorter Sides and Bald Fade for Thick Hair
This clean cut works best on thick hair with natural texture or curl. It can be styled in multiple ways depending on your preference. To achieve this look, ask your barber to trim the sides of your hair close to your head. Keep some length on top so it can be styled as desired. Opt for a bald fade around the sides and back of your head for extra definition. The fade should blend seamlessly into the neckline. Finish off by using a matte wax like Suavecito Matte Pomade. It’s good to sweep back any flyaways or add more texture if needed. The result is shiny and styled with hold.
#30: The Modern Crew Cut Trend
When it comes to modern crew cuts, this is it! Short haircuts like this are perfect for college guys who want that clean, sharp look.
#31: Caesar-Inspired Crew Cut with a Beard Fade
If you want to try a men’s bald fade but also have a beard, ask your barber to fade your beard as well. This will create a sharp connection between your haircut and your beard. Pair this with a crew cut on top for an even crisper look. You might be able to recreate this exact style at home by using products. Ask your barber or stylist for suggestions.
#32: Stylish Crew Cut with a High Fade
With the darkness of the afro Caribbean hair type, crew cuts with high fades work well. This has faded to the skin around the back and sides and at the midpoint of the skull, starting near the temples. The top is clippered short and then brushed forward to be able to line up the hairline sharply. A trendy cut and style for many, regular cuts are needed to keep it fresh.
#33: Silver Crew Cut with Bangs
Color is popular with men now. This silver crew cut with bangs could be a good choice for you. As with all colors, you want to pay attention to your complexion as you choose what to have. With silver being very light, it’s recommended to have a bit of color on your face instead of a pale look. A light hair color can make a pale complexion look even lighter. I recommend silver to men who have a glow or Mediterranean complexion.
#34: Easy-Maintenance Crew Cut
Some guys want an easy-maintenance crew cut that only requires a little upkeep. It’s faded to the skin around the ears and blended into the short top. Remember to be specific to your barber on how much you want off the top, and remember the grade last used. This crew cut has been left long enough to style, so I suggest using a good styling powder for the natural finish.
#35: Perfect Crew Cut with a Low Fade
Enhancements are popular with customers and barbers alike to finish off the style. This would be good to consider if you have thin hair or a receding hairline. This crew cut with a low fade has been executed perfectly to enhance the areas to make it look full. Unfortunately, it’s temporary, and regular visits to the barbershop will be needed to keep it fresh.
#36: Short Crew for Thinning Hair
A short crew for thinning hair is excellent for fine textured hair. The short sides will accentuate your hair on top, making it appear fuller than it is.
#37: Messy Crew Cut
The messy crew cut is perfect for men with long, straight hair wanting a quick and easy haircut to style and maintain. The haircut is short and faded tightly around the ears, while a lot of texture has been added to the top to create a messy, lived-in finish. In styling this haircut, use a styling powder and a sea salt spray to enhance the shape of your cut and keep your style longer.
#38: Low-Maintenance Crew Cut
The low-maintenance crew cut is perfect for men who desire a haircut that requires little to no styling. It’s great on any hair texture and has been perfectly cut following the shape of the head, faded to the skin, and worked up into a slightly longer top.
#39: Crew Cut for Balding Men
A crew cut for balding men creates an illusion of thicker tresses. A skin fade at the sides and back is coupled with a lengthier top to compliment the shape of your face and head.
#40: Bold Curly Crew Cut
A curly crew cut is perfect for men who want to boost their bold curls. It’s short around the ears and faded into a heavy disconnected top. Daily styling is needed with this cut. A good quality sea salt spray scrunched into your tresses will enhance the intricacy of the curls.
#41: Cute Crew Cut for Boys
Most parents are fond of a crew cut for boys for its practicality and formality. It’s short on the sides while leaving some length at the top to allow a wide array of styles. Adding a strong pomade keeps the style longer.
#42: The Neat Long Crew Cut
This is a neat and long crew cut with spikes and a surgical line. It’s easy to style and looks fresh. Crew cuts are best for men who prefer shorter haircuts. It suits all hair types. Use a good matte pomade like Byrd Matte or Reuzel Clay when styling.
#43: Modern Tapered Crew Cut with Fade
This is a tapered crew cut fade. It’s short on the sides so that the cut could show off the facial features. There’s enough length on top to get different looks, too. When you have a lot of length and texture up top, depending on how you cut it, it can give you that messy sort of “model” look that you see in the magazines, or you can sleek it down more to be more conservative. If you’re getting this cut, use products such as 18.21 paste. If you don’t, you won’t get the look that you’re going for. It takes at most 2 minutes to put in the product.
#44: Classy Textured Crew Cut with Mid Fade
This textured crew cut with a mid-fade is classic and energetic at the same time. There’s lots of texture in the evenly chopped layers on the top. The uniform layers were cut short, giving the top some movement and thickness that is very easy to manage.
#45: Short Crew Cut with a Hard Line
This short crew cut features a variety of personalities. The short edgy skin fade with a hard line gives it an edgy look while having professionalism at the same time. It has a bit of a greaser feel to it as well as a traditional military feel. Something to think about for this classic crew cut is maintenance. Go in to see your barber every 3 weeks and once in between for a neck trim cleanup.
Commonly Asked Questions:
A crew cut is essentially a clipper cut all over but there are many variations in the style. You can have the top longer than the sides, you can incorporate tapers and skin fades into it, and you can leave sharp lines on the edges and incorporate patterns into it.
A classic crew cut would be a grade two all over. It’s down to the individual on how short they want it or the style that they are trying to create. The most popular crew cut is a skin fade on the side and a grade 4-5 on top. Most clients like a tapered fringe and lined in, although this only suits strong hairlines.
Yes, a crew cut is good for thinning hair. A lot of longer styles don’t suit thinning hair as it looks sparse. Taking it short will take away the emphasis from the thinning areas and give a much cleaner and tidier finish.
A crew cut will be a better style for an oblong face, it will take away length from the face. Longer and higher fringes can draw attention to the face shape and make the face look a lot longer than it actually is.
Ask for a crew cut but you need to know how short you want it and do take advice from your barber. Make sure you know what length you want on top, what length you want on the sides, and how high you want the blend. Research beforehand and as always, pictures are best.
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