What do Grace Jones, Duke Nukem, Simon Cowell and Paul Phoenix from Tekken have in frequent? Effectively, other than the truth that they may in all probability all kick your ass (though we’d take our possibilities with Cowell), you’d be forgiven for pondering not an ideal deal.

Nevertheless, solid your gaze hair-wards and also you’ll discover a standard theme rising. All 4 are follically outfitted to hold their pints from bar to desk in handsfree mode because of their reasonably fetching angular haircuts.

Jokes apart, flat tops usually get a foul wrap. The mere point out of their identify tends to conjure up photos of both stern-faced Nineteen Fifties US navy officers or, on the whole reverse finish of the spectrum, Will Smith sporting his high-school blazer inside out, circa 1992. There’s no in-between… or is there?

Effectively, sure. With the fitting method, you possibly can sport this throwback minimize with out your fashion credentials falling, er, flat. So get your spirit degree on the prepared and uncover find out how to embrace one among barbering’s most fascinating and difficult creations.

What Is A Flat High Haircut?

It must be pretty self-explanatory however simply in case you’re a bit sluggish on the uptake, a flat high, within the broadest sense, is any haircut the place the hair has been minimize or styled to look flat and degree throughout the highest of the pinnacle. This will embody something from conventional navy crew cuts, proper by to the high-top fades of the eighties hip-hop group.

Flat tops are normally taken brief on the again and sides, narrowing and elongating the form of the face, which means that If you happen to’ve acquired a peanut head, this basic minimize could be your new greatest pal.

Granted, this method hasn’t fairly labored for Kim Jong Un, however we are able to in all probability all agree that he’s a reasonably excessive instance.

Historical past Of The Flat High

Created for the navy, the flat high crew minimize rapidly turned some of the fashionable armed forces trims in america. Its shorn again and sides supplied all of the practicality of a buzz minimize whereas the patch of hair on high enabled it to sidestep the ‘white trash’ connotations {that a} absolutely shaved head carried with it on the time.

So, when and the way did this sensible, navy minimize make its manner out of the forces and into the subcultures?

“I feel we are able to safely say from the tip of the Second World Warfare,” says Joe Mills, proprietor of Joe & Co. and long-time lover of flat tops. “Quite a lot of regular guys had been conscripted into the forces and acquired used to noticeably brief hair. After they had been demobbed lots of them saved it brief, particularly stateside.

“[The style] doesn’t actually pop up within the UK till the later Nineteen Fifties, however if you happen to have a look at loads of images from the States throughout that interval it’s notably prevalent.”

From right here, the flat high was picked up by varied subcultures, which wore it proudly as an emblem of insurrection. From rockabilly guys with their baseball jackets and creepers, to early hip-hoppers and their sky-grazing high-top fades, it was the youth tribes that had been answerable for turning this smart, navy coiffure into the daring style assertion it’s at the moment.

Really useful Merchandise 

Earlier than you attempt to deep dive into the shallow finish of the pool, be sure to’re absolutely outfitted to get the job accomplished. Click on by to search out our favourite merchandise for finishing any of the flat high types included in our listing with ease and elegance.

Finest Flat High Haircuts 

1. Traditional Flat High Haircut

The basic flat high is actually the minimize that began all of it. It’s for sure the flat high in its purest type. Easy, clear, and tight – it has the entire traits of a primary trim however with a extra refined look. 

2. Army Flat High Haircut

The minimize that (really) began all of it. This fashion is the flat high in its purest type. Easy, clear and tight – it could sport all of the traits of a primary trim, however the navy flat high is something however.

“The everyday traits of this fashion are the tight, pores and skin pale sides, which give this fashion its navy really feel,” says Adam Harant, senior stylist at Pimps And Pinups. “Along side this, it’s utterly sq. on high. There’s some size left on the entrance, which elongates the face, however the extreme construction of the haircut creates a extra sq. and masculine face form.”

Harant suggests asking your barber for a excessive and tight pores and skin fade on the perimeters and a flat, sq. high. “The size can then be personalized to your preferences. Simply be sure to don’t have it too lengthy within the fringe space, as an excessive amount of weight may cause the fashion to droop.

“When it comes to styling at dwelling, I’d advise purchasers to blow-dry, if doable, all of the hair within the fringe space straight up and away from the face. End with a powerful, matte styling wax or clay to make sure the fashion stays secure and stuck all through the day.”

3. Trendy Flat High Haircut

If a standard flat high is just too outdated for you, strive placing a contemporary spin on it by having a much less distinct crown and mixing the flat high into the remainder of the hair. Having a really gradual fade from the highest of the pinnacle right down to the nape of the neck is much less drastic. 

4. Brief Flat High Haircut 

Although practically all flat tops are on the shorter aspect, go for a pores and skin shave on the again and sides of the pinnacle in order for you one thing further brief. Whereas it should undoubtedly require common visits to the barber, brief haircuts place an emphasis on the flat high itself since there’s little to no distraction from the remainder of your hair.

5. Flat High with Beard 

A beard enhances the masculine facets of a flat-top haircut and helps to even out the form of 1 face. Whereas the boxy form of a flat high would possibly spotlight some asymmetry within the face, a beard does nice at hiding that asymmetry with out a lot effort. Simply make sure you hold your chosen beard fashion strimmed and formed in order that it doesn’t conflict with the outlined form of the flat high. 

6. Fade Flat High Haircut

This placing flat high variation was introduced into reputation by funk/early hip-hop band Cameo, which is why it’s typically known as a ‘Cameo minimize’ or ‘Cameo afro’. To be able to hold this look sharp it’s going to take fairly a bit of labor, so don’t take it on except you’re prepared to commit. Styling at dwelling may be achieved with a little bit of pomade (for a wholesome shine), a wide-tooth comb, and a pleasant clear tapper – however you continue to would possibly end up in want of weekly journeys to the barber.

7. Curly Flat High Haircut

Historically, flat tops are seen on brief, straight hair. Nevertheless, a curly flat high possesses a extra fashionable aptitude that’s much less refined and extra touseled. Along with pairing your curly crown with a temple or brief fade, it’s also possible to use a salt spray to present your curly crown some texture.

8. Flat High Mullet Haircut

Let’s be clear – mullets undoubtedly aren’t for everybody however they’re coming again into mainstream style. That being stated, if you happen to’re enthusiastic about giving it a strive, flat high mullets are much less dramatic than normal mullets, and they are often made extra fashionable by bleaching your hair or utilizing gel so as to add some spikey texture. 

9. Flat High for Receding Hairline

A receding hairline is solely one thing that many males are pressured to cope with at one level or one other. Whereas it could be tempting to develop your hair so long as doable to cover it, a flat high can really tone down the obviousness of receding hairline by giving the hair some form. If you happen to discover a flat high nonetheless doesn’t assist your hairline, take extra size off the highest or just go for a buzz minimize. 

10. Flat High Boogie Haircut

A glance favored by American teenagers within the late sixties and later by rockabilly revivalists, in every single place from Hoxton to Harajuku, the flat high boogie is a minimize with critical perspective.

“It encompasses a flat high from the crown, graduating to longer size on the entrance, with sufficient size on the perimeters to be brushed or blow-dried again right into a DA [duck’s arse], and tapered brief into the nape of the neck,” says Joth Davies, proprietor of Savills Barbers and Savills Academy. “Ask your barber for a ‘flat high with fenders’ or, to these within the know, a ‘flat high boogie’.”

This minimize takes stringent upkeep and cautious styling to maintain it trying sharp. Davies suggests working a small quantity of paste into damp hair and blow drying again with a vented Denman brush for the smoothest doable end.

“Sure hair sorts might require straighteners to fashion,” provides Davies. “Haircuts are additionally required at the least each few weeks, with some flat high wearers sitting within the chair as usually as as soon as per week.”

11. Excessive Flat High Haircut

A excessive flat high haircut encourages further size on the crown of the pinnacle and is a bit boxier than a typical flat high. This coiffure turned fairly fashionable amongst younger black males within the 90s, and if you wish to have loopy size, coarse and compact garners the most effective outcomes. 

12. Lengthy Flat High Haircut

With a protracted flat high haircut, the hair on the crown blends into the remainder of the hair on the again and sides of the pinnacle. This tackle the flat high has a extra uniform size than most types. To be able to obtain a glossy and cohesive look, rub some pomade or hair gel between your fingers and slick again your hair.

13. Flat High with Design

Since many flat tops are accompanied by some type of fade, shaving a enjoyable design onto the aspect of the pinnacle provides some character and aptitude for males hoping to catch some further consideration. Whereas this won’t enchantment to a extra formal or skilled crowd, your hair ought to develop out rapidly, making the design very non permanent and funky for particular events. 

14. Flat High with Laborious Half

If you wish to add some dimension and depth to your flat high haircut, ask your barber for a tough half. Although that is mostly achieved with a aspect half that leans towards the middle, go for one thing extra funky and drastic if you happen to’re feeling daring. 

15. Flat High Haircut with Fenders

Just like a burst fade, a flat high haircut with fenders takes you again in time to the 50s and 60s. Whereas it’s not a quite common minimize in fashionable instances, it nonetheless has a particular appeal. A flat-top haircut with fenders is greatest characterised as having the hair on the nape of the neck blended as much as meet the flat high on the crown of the pinnacle. 

16. Rockabilly Flat High Haircut

The flat high is likely one of the defining parts of the rockabilly subculture’s signature look. A lot so actually that the motion has put its personal stamp on the fashion. Right here’s how one can get it for your self.

“When that high is flat and cleanly minimize it is likely one of the most placing shapes in the whole hair world,” says Tom Chapman, founding father of the Lions Barber Collective and ambassador to The Bluebeards Revenge grooming merchandise. “There are loads of variations, and it doesn’t need to be pores and skin brief on the perimeters. Nevertheless, it does need to be flat on high.”

This fashion might look nice but it surely’s very area of interest and so conveying to a barber precisely what you need utilizing mere phrases could be a little bit of a problem. Fortunately, Chapman has an answer: “I’d say take a photograph with you. It’s really easy to do nowadays.

“This minimize isn’t for everybody,” warns Chapman. “A robust hairline and progress sample will make life a lot simpler. To fashion, use pre-styling product for added management and quantity, then blow dry and brush up on the identical time.” End with a strong-hold hairspray to maintain your hair in place all day lengthy.

17. Semi-Flat High Haircut

A semi-flat high haircut doesn’t have as a lot top as a full flat high haircut. If you happen to like the form of a flat high however need one thing extra refined, it is a nice choice. A semi-flat high haircut may be very nostalgic for a shorter fashion that was fashionable throughout the 50s. 

18. Flat High Haircut with Pompadour

If you wish to channel your internal Elvis, go for a flat high haircut with a pompadour. This distinctive coiffure requires a good quantity of effort to keep up, nonetheless, the outcomes are nicely value it. The pompadour provides a chic contact to a extra informal haircut, simply just be sure you have some hardcore hair gel and hairspray available in order that it may be styled with the right form and quantity. 

19. Flat High Dreads

Regardless of being an odd pairing, this look is definitely tremendous modern and funky. Dreading the longer locks on the crown of the pinnacle requires that you just sculpt your dreads up reasonably than down, and also you’ll wish to form them right into a cohesive dice in addition to you possibly can. To be able to keep a way of magnificence and grooming, pair your dreaded flat high with a clear temple fade.

20. Dyed Flat High Haircut

Bleaching your flat high is a good way so as to add a contemporary twist to this retro haircut. Whereas it’s also possible to go for some enjoyable or eye-catching colours, bleaching makes a press release with out going overboard. Although it’s distinctive, a bleach flat high haircut can nonetheless slot in in a extra skilled or formal setting. 

Flat High FAQ:

How To Lower A Flat High

To the informal observer, it could appear as if all you would possibly must create the right flat high can be a pair of backyard shears, however in actuality, it requires laser precision, a watch for element, and a talented, regular hand.

“The distinction with a flat high, versus nearly some other fashion, is it doesn’t observe any of the standard guidelines for chopping hair,” says Mills. “It’s completely visible.”

There are a number of methods generally used to get the fashion proper, however Mills explains that this varies so much from barber to barber.

“Usually, It’s all about standing the hair up with a dryer, then spraying and shaping it with hair clippers,” he says. “There’s no straightforward method to do it and that’s why it’s not a straightforward minimize to ship. I don’t suppose loads of barbers have ever been proven or would know find out how to method it… however personally, I feel it’s an ideal look and once I minimize within the store the entire workforce needs to observe and become involved.”

Is a Flat High For Me?

If you happen to’re a busy man on a good funds, then a flat high might not be your trim. Its exact styling implies that it grows out in a short time and would require a touch-up each week or two with a view to keep trying contemporary. Clearly, this isn’t going to be straightforward on the pockets, to not point out it will likely be extraordinarily time-consuming.

One other factor to keep in mind is your face form. We talked about {that a} flat high – top dependent – can add size to the face, which means you would possibly wish to give it a miss if you happen to’re eager to keep away from any “why the lengthy face?” jibes out of your hilarious mates.

Individuals with sq. faces must also err on the aspect of warning when fascinated with getting a flat high, as its angular look will solely exaggerate the boxiness of the pinnacle.

Learn how to fashion a flat high haircut

Although your barber will form your flat high, you’ll undoubtedly want some heavy-duty hair gel or wax to make use of on the each day if you wish to rock an outlined flat high haircut. The extra coarse your hair the much less gel or wax that you just’ll want.