In 2023, army haircuts for men continue to embody a timeless blend of practicality, professionalism, and a touch of rugged charm. These iconic styles have not only withstood the test of time but have also evolved to complement contemporary trends. Inspired by military grooming standards, these haircuts exude confidence and a sense of discipline.
One of the most popular iterations is the High and Tight, characterized by closely cropped sides and back with a slightly longer, neatly groomed top. This clean-cut style not only presents a sharp, no-nonsense appearance but also requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical choice for those leading an active lifestyle.
The Crew Cut, another classic, maintains its popularity for its versatility and understated elegance. With a uniformly short length all around, it strikes a balance between a polished look and easy upkeep. This style remains a favorite among men seeking a timeless, no-fuss option.
What Is A Military Haircut Called?
There is no one-and-done term for a military haircut. A common hairstyle for Marines is the high and tight, while the buzz cut remains popular in the U.S. Army. The long list of other types includes the induction cut, high and tight recon, the burr cut, regulation cut, recon, ivy league, flat top, brush cut, and crew cut.
Also Read: 25+ Stylish Angular Fringe Haircuts for Men in 2023
How Do You Ask For A Military Haircut?
A military haircut embodies a conservative, tidy aesthetic. Typically, the top portion is left slightly longer, around one to two inches, while the sides and back are tapered closely to the skin. Barbers skillfully employ clippers or scissors to achieve a uniform shape.
The high and tight cut stands out as the most frequently requested style. For a precise rendition, it’s advisable to specify a length of one to two inches on top, coupled with a high to medium fade. Engage in a discussion with your barber about clipper guards and communicate your preferences. As a helpful backup, consider bringing visual references to ensure your exact ideas are realized. This approach ensures clear communication and a successful outcome in achieving your desired military-inspired look.
Ivy League Haircut
As your hair lengthens, necessitating the use of extra products and increased maintenance, you begin to depart from the realm of military-inspired haircuts. The Ivy League cut provides a charismatic alternative to the classic crew cut, offering a broader range of styling possibilities.
Rather than opting for a traditional side part, embrace a soldier’s enigmatic precision by adding some texture and spiking your hair. To maintain a unified and cohesive look, ensure that the hair maintains an even length, complemented by a medium fade.
Short Comb Over
The short comb over and regulation cut share a similar base, yet they possess distinctive features. Both styles involve a side part, but the short comb over introduces a slight puff near the forehead. The length and brushing technique aim to achieve the gentlest elevation.
To infuse a modern touch, consider incorporating a burst fade. This technique extends the hair from the crown while tapering it shorter along the sides, resulting in a fresh and contemporary variation.
Buzz Cut + Skin Fade
A buzz cut is instantly recognizable to anyone who sees it. The uniformly short length on top, harmonizing with the even sides, radiates a commanding masculinity while retaining a timeless and stylish appeal. For an elevated twist on this classic, contemplate combining a buzz cut with a skin fade.
This unexpected, closely shaved area along the sides creates an illusion of added height, particularly beneficial for individuals with oval or round face shapes. This fusion of elements enhances both the traditional and contemporary aspects of the style, resulting in a truly distinctive look.
Military Cut
Few styles exude as much classic appeal as the military cut. The hair lays flat across the crown, gently sweeping towards the forehead. With no discernible transition between the taper and fade, this cut emits a rebellious, punk-rock inspired aura.
While military regulations typically disallow facial hair like a beard, a pronounced streak of hair tracing the jawline for civilians can introduce a touch of softness, effectively tempering the edginess of the high and tight cut. This juxtaposition creates a unique blend of structured precision and individual expression, making it a time-honored yet versatile choice in men’s grooming.
Crop Top Haircut
While crop tops may not initially align with the conventional French crop, they share some striking similarities. The hair is directed forward towards the forehead, creating a resemblance. However, the crop top deviates from the classic approach by opting for a more defined, blunt cut with less than an inch of hair along the top.
This style is easily combed forward and distinguishes itself with a clear disconnection, achieved by shaving the sides and back. This departure from the norm introduces a bold and contemporary edge to the traditional French crop, resulting in a distinctive and fashion-forward look.
Army Burr Cut
The burr cut stands out as one of the most minimalistic army-inspired hairstyles. Its simplicity allows for easy at-home execution, requiring only a clipper equipped with a one or two numbered guard. The trim should result in just 1/8 of an inch of hair on top, ensuring uniformity from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
To enhance this style’s crispness, consider pairing it with a rugged beard, adding a complementary dimension to the overall appearance. This combination of a precise burr cut and a well-maintained beard emphasizes the short length of the hair, projecting a confident and robust aesthetic.
Regulation Cut
Embrace a touch of vintage military flair with the ever-trendy regulation haircut. This style works best with short to medium length hair, allowing for a classic comb-over effect that sweeps across the hairline at the temple. A skillful brush-up in the front imparts an added lift, contributing to a polished finish.
The soft, deliberate parting maintains a neat distinction between the two sides, seamlessly transitioning into a medium fade. This fusion of elements results in a refined and timelessly fashionable look, perfectly marrying military precision with contemporary style.
Military Buzz Cut
Buzz cuts represent a step up from an induction haircut or a completely shaved head. They mimic the appearance of a five o’clock shadow along the scalp, as if you haven’t shaved for a week or two. This style brings attention to even the minutest details on your head, such as prominent ears, irregular bumps, or scars.
Opting for a buzz cut requires a certain level of confidence, especially if it’s your first time trying this bold and revealing style. It’s a statement look that exudes a no-nonsense, effortlessly rugged charm, making it a popular choice for those who value simplicity and self-assuredness in their grooming choices.
Butch Cut
The butch cut offers solutions to a range of hair concerns, from streamlining your grooming routine to concealing thinning hair. This style keeps a uniform length of fuzz on top of your head, minimizing the need for extensive upkeep. If you encounter trouble with maintaining a flat appearance, a touch of butch wax can come in handy. To inject a touch of flair into the style, consider incorporating a dramatic tram line near the temple.
This subtle addition serves to break the monotony and adds a distinctive touch to the otherwise straightforward butch cut. With its practicality and adaptability, the butch cut proves to be a versatile choice for individuals seeking both ease of maintenance and a touch of individuality in their hairstyle.
Crew Cut + Wavy Top
While military haircuts typically harmonize best with short, fine hair, those with thicker locks can still craft a distinctive look, particularly with a crew cut. This style lays a gentlemanly foundation, ensuring a clean trim along the sides near the top. By keeping the length slightly longer, around three to four inches, and incorporating uneven trims in the fringe, you introduce a textural dimension that enhances volume.
To achieve a sleek, flat appearance, consider applying a dab of smoothing cream to weigh down any natural waves. This approach allows individuals with thicker hair to enjoy the timeless appeal of a crew cut while infusing a touch of individuality and depth, resulting in a tailored and refined aesthetic.
Military Crew Cut
For younger college students and businessmen seeking a blend of masculinity and sophistication, the crew cut is a highly recommended hairstyle. This versatile look features hair on top that measures around four inches in length, while the rest is trimmed even shorter, typically with a taper or medium fade. Despite the relatively modest amount of hair on top, it can be easily styled using a gel product to achieve tidy, upward-swept spikes.
This not only imparts a polished finish but also adds a touch of individuality to the classic crew cut. The result is a refined and contemporary appearance that perfectly balances professionalism with a youthful edge, making it an excellent choice for those navigating the demands of both academia and the business world.
Jarhead Haircut
The jarhead, also known as the “walker” in civilian circles, is another prime example of a military-inspired haircut. This style leaves only about 1/8 inch of hair in close proximity to the scalp, complemented by a high fade. Its design naturally conforms to the contours of the head, eliminating the need for any styling and ensuring you’ll never have to contend with a “bedhead” look.
As the hair begins to grow out and lose its crispness, it serves as a clear indicator that it’s time for a touch-up. This low-maintenance yet sharply defined cut is a practical choice for individuals who value simplicity and a no-nonsense approach to their grooming routine. Its clean lines and structured appearance make it a timeless option that exudes a confident and disciplined aura, both in military and civilian contexts.
Marine High and Tight
The Marine high and tight cut continues to be a favorite due to its no-fuss nature, allowing you to effortlessly throw on any attire and head out the door with minimal grooming required. While the clean and restrained finish at the crown of the head appeals to many, it might not resonate with everyone. For those seeking a slightly different twist, introducing a slightly messy fringe that extends an extra inch beyond the crown can add a touch of individuality.
This departure from the traditional reserved style still maintains a refined appearance, especially when paired with a medium fade. This updated take on the classic high and tight cut strikes a balance between a disciplined military aesthetic and a more contemporary, relaxed vibe, offering a versatile option for those who value both convenience and personal style.
Flat Top
With just half an inch of hair to work with, the flat top style is an excellent choice for achieving a clean and polished look. A skilled barber will expertly shave the sides and back, leaving a strip of hair on top. This hair is meticulously trimmed parallel to the floor, creating subtle spikes near the crown. To maintain this precise appearance, a small amount of gel will be required daily to brush the hair upwards.
For those interested in complementing their Marine haircut with facial hair, a sleek mustache is a fitting option. It should extend along the upper lip, while the rest of the face remains freshly shaven. This combination not only adds a touch of individuality to the look but also maintains a sharp and disciplined overall appearance. The flat top with a well-groomed mustache embodies a balance between tradition and personal style, making it a distinguished choice for those who appreciate a refined and polished aesthetic.
High Top with Disconnected Sides
Disconnected haircuts are characterized by a distinct transition from shorter to longer hair, without the gradual blending seen in some other styles. To create a high top with disconnected sides, incorporating a hard part is a key technique. This involves creating a razor-sharp edge near the temple, which sharpens the delineation between the fringe, crown, and the taper underneath.
The hard part effectively creates the illusion that the top section is distinct and separate from the sides and back, adding a bold and modern twist to the overall look. This approach combines precise detailing with a touch of artistic flair, resulting in a distinctive and stylish haircut that commands attention.
Comb Over with Undercut
When uncertain about committing to a single haircut, why not go bold and merge two styles, like a comb-over with an undercut? Even if your hair length doesn’t exceed one inch, you can still use the front section to comb upwards for a sophisticated lift. The hair behind this elevated portion is trimmed along the crown, creating an undercut effect.
A clean shave along the sides adds a contemporary touch, seamlessly blending retro elements with a modern twist. This combination not only showcases creativity and individuality but also results in a dynamic and eye-catching look that stands out from conventional hairstyles.
Military High and Tight Haircut
The high and tight haircut epitomizes a clean and uniformed appearance. The wide-framed stripe on top is deliberately kept to just an inch in length, requiring regular trims to maintain its sharpness. A corresponding high taper along the temple provides an elongating effect to the closely shaved neck.
With the face taking center stage, this high and tight Marine-style cut is particularly flattering for individuals with square, oval, and triangular face shapes. Its structured precision and understated elegance make it a timeless choice that exudes confidence and discipline, fitting seamlessly into a variety of professional and formal settings.
Crew Cut with Tapered Sides
A crew cut with tapered sides may not boast extravagance, but it more than compensates with its practicality. The slight puff of hair on top provides a touch of texture, while the tapered sides remain understated, allowing the fringe to command attention.
This style strikes a balance, with just enough playfulness in the brushed-up front and short sides to exude an easy-going vibe without appearing dull or mundane. Its blend of structure and subtle flair makes it a versatile choice that embodies a sense of confidence and effortless style.
Brush Up
Achieving a military-inspired flat top with a brush-up haircut depends largely on your grooming precision. It’s crucial to avoid any flopping forward or messy appearance. To capture the essence, opt for shorter hair, ideally around one to two inches in length. Gently brush the strands from the back towards the front, paying particular attention to spiking the hair near the forehead.
Take your time and pay careful attention to shaping your hair, aiming for the meticulous and polished exterior characteristic of an Army-style cut. This method combines elements of structure and style, resulting in a distinctive look that exudes confidence and attention to detail.
Quiff with High Fade
Break free from the regimented nature of a militant hairstyle and infuse some flair with a quiff accompanied by a high fade. Embrace texture and volume to add a dynamic touch to your civilian look. Allow your hair to grow out to a minimum of three inches in length, enabling you to brush it forward and style the front fringe with pomade for a distinguished lift.
Complement this suave quiff with a high fade for a clean and sharp contrast. To complete the look, opt for a facial-hair-free face to exude a sleek and polished appearance. This combination of elements results in a versatile and refined style that effortlessly balances military precision with contemporary sophistication.
Frequently Asked Question
What is an army haircut?
An army haircut is a style of haircut that draws inspiration from military grooming standards. It typically involves short, closely cropped sides and back, with varying lengths on top depending on the specific style.
Are army haircuts only for military personnel?
No, army haircuts have become popular among civilians as well. They are admired for their clean, practical, and timeless appearance.
What are some popular army haircuts in 2023?
In 2023, popular army haircuts include the High and Tight, Crew Cut, and the Undercut with Fade. These styles offer variations in length and fade patterns, providing options for different preferences.
How do I maintain an army haircut?
Maintaining an army haircut usually involves regular trips to the barber to keep the sides and back short. Depending on the style, the top may require occasional trimming or styling with hair products.
Who can wear an army haircut?
Army haircuts are versatile and can be worn by men of all ages and hair types. They suit a wide range of face shapes and lifestyles.
Are army haircuts suitable for formal occasions?
Yes, army haircuts can be styled for formal occasions. They offer a clean, polished look that can be easily adapted with the right grooming and styling techniques.
Can I customize an army haircut to suit my personal style?
Many variations of army haircuts exist, allowing for customization based on individual preferences. Barbers can adjust the length and fade patterns to complement your style.
Do army haircuts require a lot of maintenance?
Army haircuts are low-maintenance. Depending on the specific style, you may need to visit the barber for regular touch-ups, but day-to-day upkeep is usually minimal.
How do I choose the right army haircut for me?
The best army haircut for you depends on factors like face shape, hair type, and personal style. Consulting with a skilled barber can help you find a style that suits you best.
Conclusion
Army haircuts for men in 2023 continue to epitomize a blend of practicality, professionalism, and enduring style. From the timeless High and Tight to the versatile Crew Cut and the contemporary Undercut with Fade, these styles offer a range of options to suit various preferences and lifestyles.
These haircuts are not confined to the military; they have found popularity among civilians for their clean and no-nonsense aesthetic. Their adaptability makes them suitable for men of all ages, face shapes, and hair types. Furthermore, their low-maintenance nature ensures that they remain a convenient choice for individuals with busy, active lives.
While army haircuts exude a sense of discipline and confidence, they also provide room for personalization. Skilled barbers can tailor these styles to complement an individual’s unique features and style preferences. Whether for a formal occasion or day-to-day wear, these haircuts offer a versatile and reliable option.
