The Ivy League haircut, a refined variation of the classic crew cut, has long symbolized sophistication. It originated in prestigious Ivy League universities in the United States, complementing the broader Ivy style.
This timeless haircut, often called the Ivy haircut, was initially adopted by students who wanted a neat, low-maintenance style that still exuded an air of refinement.
Ivy League Haircuts
Characterized by its short, closely-cropped sides and slightly longer top, the Ivy cut allows for various styling options. Over the years, the men’s Ivy League haircut has evolved to include modern interpretations, including fades, undercuts, and textured tops.
Classic Ivy League Haircut
The classic Ivy League haircut, characterized by enough length to part the hair and sometimes feature short bangs, offers both a polished image and practicality. To maintain this look, invest in a high-quality hair conditioner that caters to short hair, ensuring it stays healthy and manageable.
About every three to four weeks, regular trims are essential to keep the sides trim and the top impeccably uniform. Utilizing mineral oil can enhance the hair’s natural luster without weighing it down.
Brushed Up Ivy League Haircut
The brushed up Ivy League haircut is modernized with a brushed-up technique that adds volume and a sense of motion. It’s cut to allow the hair to be styled upward, creating a fuller look at the front that gradually tapers to the neatly trimmed sides and back.
To maintain this refined yet spirited appearance, washing with a volumizing shampoo and using a light conditioner to keep the strands pliable is key. A medium-hold pomade or styling foam can lift the hair at the roots, providing both height and manageability.
Curly Ivy League Haircut
The Curly Ivy League allows those with natural curls to enjoy the refined aesthetics of this classic style. The haircut features the Ivy League’s traditional neat, short sides, while the top retains a bit more length to showcase the curls.
Maintaining this hairstyle involves using a curl-enhancing shampoo and a deep conditioner to hydrate and define the curls. Post-shower, a light curl cream can be applied to control frizz and add definition without the crunch.
Ivy League Crew Cut
The Ivy League crew cut stands out for its clean lines and low-maintenance appeal, capturing the spirit of classic collegiate grooming. This version of the crew cut keeps the top slightly longer for subtle styling options, while the sides and back are neatly tapered for a sharp finish.
For a shorter, more streamlined take, the crew cut can be trimmed down further into an Ivy League buzz cut—maintaining the shape but minimizing length for maximum ease.
A light application of hair wax or matte pomade can add definition to the top without disrupting its natural look. Regular trims every few weeks help maintain the signature clean edges and balanced length.
Ivy League Fade Haircut
This modern Ivy League haircut adds a gradual fade on the sides and back, giving the style a sharper, more contemporary edge. The traditional Ivy League haircut, by contrast, maintains a more uniform length throughout, emphasizing clean lines without the fade.
In the updated Ivy League fade, the longer top blends into shorter sides, with the fade starting near the ears and nape. To keep the top looking sharp, a matte pomade or clay adds hold and volume. Maintaining the crisp gradient requires regular trips to the barber.
Ivy League with Undercut
The Ivy League with undercut hairstyle is an innovative mix that combines the traditional upper-class charm of the Ivy League haircut with the boldness of an undercut. This style features a neatly kept, longer top that is classically parted and styled, with shaved or closely trimmed sides for a striking contrast.
To maintain the structure of the top hair, it is advisable to use a volumizing shampoo coupled with a conditioner that adds body without residue. When styling, a matte finish product can provide a modern touch and help maintain the hair’s position throughout the day.
Long Ivy League
The long Ivy League hairstyle provides a relaxed take on the classic cut, allowing for more length and movement. A light hair relaxer can occasionally manage natural waves or curls, ensuring the hair is flat and smooth.
Styling this longer version of the Ivy League requires minimal product; a touch of light hold pomade or cream can keep the hair in place without sacrificing its natural flow. Regular trims are necessary to keep the edges neat, and the length controlled, providing a clean-cut look that transitions effortlessly from the office to rowing practice.
Medium Length Ivy League
The medium length Ivy League is for the individual who enjoys the classic nuances of an Ivy League cut but prefers a bit more length to play with. This hairstyle is tailored with enough length on top to allow for a noticeable part and styling versatility, while the sides are cut close to maintain that distinctive Ivy League shape.
Regularly using fortifying shampoo and a hydrating conditioner is recommended to keep this hairstyle looking its best. For styling, a medium-hold pomade can enhance the hair’s natural texture and allow for a sleek, combed look or a casual, tousled appearance.
Military Ivy League Haircut
The military Ivy League, often adopted by service members, merges the crisp neatness of the traditional Ivy League with the practicality of a military cut. It features a tidy, longer top that can be neatly parted or styled, and sides that are faded to a very short length.
The precise nature of the fade will differentiate it from civilian styles, emphasizing the hair’s meticulous lines and angles. A dab of medium-hold pomade can be used for a slight sheen and to keep the top in place.
Princeton Haircut
The Princeton haircut is renowned for its neatness and ease of maintenance. This classic variation of the Ivy League hairstyle features a more pronounced length on top while maintaining short, tidy sides, giving it a distinctly professional look.
To sustain its refined look, a regular haircut schedule is advised, ideally every four to six weeks, to keep the edges crisp. A minimalistic approach to styling with a lightweight pomade or grooming cream can help maintain a natural look while controlling unruly strands.
Short Ivy League Haircut
The short Ivy League haircut maintains the essence of its classic roots while offering a minimalist, modern twist. The top is kept long enough to part and style but short enough to qualify as low-maintenance.
The sides are tapered to a shorter length, blending seamlessly with the top. Styling can be achieved with a small amount of matte pomade or styling cream for texture and hold, perfect for a neat yet understated look.
Slick Back Ivy League
This adaptation of the classic Ivy League keeps the sides short and clean, while the longer top is swept back for a sleek and controlled hairstyle. The slick back Ivy League exudes a mature yet fashionable vibe, perfect for those who take their grooming seriously.
A strong-hold gel or pomade, applied to damp hair, will tame the longer strands into place and provide a glossy finish. Regular touch-ups will keep the sides immaculately short and the top perfectly groomed.
Tapered Ivy League with a Wavy Top
The tapered Ivy League with a wavy top combines the polished contours of a traditional Ivy League with the casual allure of a wavy top. The hair is cut to allow the natural waves to take center stage, adding a lively texture.
Tapered sides graduate into these waves, providing a seamless and sophisticated profile. For styling, a light pomade or curl cream applied to damp hair will define the waves without sacrificing their natural bounce.
Textured Ivy League Cut
The textured Ivy League cut elevates the classic style with added volume. This contemporary take allows for more length, providing flexibility to create a tousled look that adds character and depth.
To achieve optimal texture, use a volumizing shampoo and a light conditioner that won’t weigh the hair down. For daily styling, a texturizing product such as a sea salt spray or a matte pomade can enhance the natural wave, offering a look that’s both casual and cultivated.
Wavy Ivy League Haircut
This wavy Ivy League takes the esteemed style to new heights by allowing natural waves to shape the hair’s silhouette. The sides are tapered, highlighting the wavy texture on top, which can be styled for volume and movement—or left tousled for a more relaxed, messy Ivy League haircut.
For styling, a lightweight mousse or a touch of texturizing cream will bring out the waves and hold them in place. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the taper’s clean lines and the waves’ artful shape.
Embrace the Ivy League Cut
The Ivy League haircut is a classic men’s style that has stood the test of time. It seamlessly combines tradition and contemporary flair, adapting to suit the evolving tastes of modern men.
Whether you choose the timeless brush up, embrace your natural curls, or opt for a bold fade or undercut, the Ivy League is versatile enough to make a statement of elegance and sophistication.
From the office to the barbershop, the Ivy League men’s haircut remains a symbol of a well-groomed man who is confident in his future and respectful of his past.
