The Essential Guide to Crew Cuts: Variations and How to Style Them

What is a Crew Cut?

A crew cut is a short hairstyle that features a bristle of hair at the top with tapered sides and back. Its plus point? You don’t have to spend too much time on its upkeep … which is perfect for time-starved individuals!

Unlike the ultra-short buzz cut, the crew cut’s length at the top (about 1/2 to 2 inches) gives you the flexibility to style it the way you want. So why not use some wax or pomade to add some texture or create a neat, side-swept look?

Origins of the Crew Cut

Did you know that the crew cut has been around for close to a century? The crew cut is believed to have gotten its name from crew members of rowing teams at Ivy League universities in the 1920s. They wore this style for practical reasons - to keep their hair out of their eyes while rowing.

Fun fact: the crew cut is also known as the Ivy League cut because this preppy look was in vogue in Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Yale during the 1950s.

This less-is-more hairstyle has certainly transcended time and suits men of all ages. Celebrity-approved, stars such as both Ryans (Reynolds and Gosling) and the two Chrises (Evans and Hemsworth) have been known to rock this look.

Types of Crew Cuts: Casual vs Classy

Depending on the vibe you’re going for, there are several ways to sport the crew cut. For a casual look, a longer length at the top gives you more options. That way, you can have it messy, tousled or textured. A classy crew cut is for those who want an all-round neat and smart appearance. Here, a shorter top with faded sides is the way to go. Let’s check out the different types of crew cuts.

Casual Crew Cuts

Depending on the vibe you’re going for, there are several ways to sport the crew cut. For a casual look, a longer length at the top gives you more options. That way, you can have it messy, tousled or textured. A classy crew cut is for those who want an all-round neat and smart appearance. Here, a shorter top with faded sides is the way to go. Let’s check out the different types of crew cuts.

Textured Crew Cut with Fade

The textured crew cut works best if your hair is thick or has a natural wave. Giving off a relaxed vibe, this style features a longer tuft at the top with faded sides and back. To add some character, use a product that can give texture such as GATSBY Inside Lock Natural Lift to give it some tousle at the top.

Spiky Crew Cut

If you prefer an edgier look, a spiky crew cut might be just for you. Whether you’re opting for messier spikes or a neater upright style, you’ll need a product with an excellent hold to get the right finish. For example, GATSBY Moving Rubber Spiky Edge does the job well of keeping those spikes up.

French Crop

The French crop is clipped very short on the back and sides but has a longer top for which anything goes. You can sweep it to the front or side, or mess it up for a laid-back vibe. This youthful style is super-easy to maintain. Apply a small amount of pomade and use your fingers to loosely style it.

Uniform Crew Cut

As the name suggests, the hair for this style is kept at a short, uniform length across the head. The uniform crew cut is a very versatile look which suits any occasion. The upside? There’s no styling commitment, which means you won’t have to spend much time in front of the mirror.

Wavy Crew Cut

If you have naturally wavy hair, embrace your glorious locks with a wavy crew cut. To rock this cool hairstyle, get a fade cut on the sides so that the focus is kept on the voluminous top. For some flair, invest in a combination gel and wax to add texture while taming frizz.

Messy Crew Cut

The messy crew cut is a part-scruffy, part-sexy look that’s incredibly fun. Unruly strands are not a problem here. The messy finish on top looks great when contrasted with tapered sides. To achieve that I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look, use a matte hair product to ruffle it up on top and to create some texture.

Classy Crew Cuts

Clean Crew Cut with High Fade

This almost-military style cut is crisp and sharp. The high fade starts at around the temples and features a very close shave along the sides and back of your head. Simple yet stylish, this hairdo will easily take you from the office to the bar. Hardly any styling is necessary.

Side Part Crew Cut with Mid Fade

For a well-groomed and professional look, go for the side part crew cut. This sleek hairstyle is best complemented with a mid fade, where the short sides and back start from the middle of the head. A high-hold product such as GATSBY Dressing Pomade Classical Tight will keep the elegant side part neat and locked in place.

Brushed Up Neat Crew Cut

If you have a thin mane, this brushed-up style can give the impression of fuller locks. This contemporary hairstyle is easy on the eye and very presentable. Keep the hair on the side very short and use pomade to help you get that definition on top.

What to Tell Your Barber at the Salon

If you’ve decided to change up your hairstyle and get a crew cut, the next step is to head to the salon to get your locks cut. Communication with your barber is key to get the style you want.

If you’re not a master of the barber’s lingo, you may not know how to ask for the right thing. Here are some useful tips to avoid getting things lost in translation.

Know What Style You Want First

The whole process of communicating with your barber can be made much simpler if you know exactly what style you want. Any hairstyle can have different variations, so it helps if you’ve done your homework.

A picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes. So do save a reference image of the type of crew cut you want from Instagram or Pinterest onto your mobile phone so you can show this to your barber.

When it comes time to describing the crew cut that you want, try to be precise as possible. For example, instead of saying a “shorter cut at the top”, you might be more specific and say exactly how many inches you want taken off.

Get the Opinion of Your Barber

Even though you may have a clear picture of what you want in your mind, it may be a good idea to ask your barber what he thinks of your chosen style. After all, he’d have lots of experience trimming, cutting, clipping, shaving and sculpting the locks of many customers.

Your barber should be able to advise you on the best cut for your face shape or provide suggestions on hair maintenance. A good barber listens to what the customer wants but is also not afraid to suggest an alternative if your initial choice may not look good on you.

Conclusion

The go-to men’s hairstyle for anyone who wants to look polished, the crew cut suits both Asian and Western faces. Once you’ve chosen the right cut for your face shape, all you need are the right hairstyling and men’s grooming products to spruce up your look.

You can hardly go wrong if you’ve got your heart set on the crew cut. With its enduring, timeless appeal, this minimal-fuss hairstyle looks good on just about anyone and will see you through any occasion.