The perfect masculine hairstyle might feel elusive, but you know it when you see it. You want a cut that feels classic but expresses your personal style. You want a look that suits your face shape and your busy lifestyle. Chances are, you also don’t want to spend hours a day styling your hair. That’s where the classic “high and tight” haircut comes in. So, what is a high and tight haircut? Read on to find out.
High and Tight Haircuts: The Basics
Rumor has it that the classic high and tight haircut originated as a military style, popular with Marines who were allowed to grow the top of their hair out a bit after the demands of basic training came to an end. Whether or not that’s factual, a high and tight does have a clean, crisp, uniform look to it. The cut involves clipping the hair high on the back and sides of the head and leaving the hair a bit longer up top without much of a blend. Unlike a longer fade, you generally won’t see hair falling toward the front of the face with a high and tight. Think of a classic crew cut, and you’ve essentially got a high and tight.
Is a High and Tight the Same as a High Fade?
A high and tight isn’t quite the same as a high fade, although that’s a common misconception. If you like, you can think of a high and tight as an extreme high fade, with more attention paid to the natural rounding of the head. A high and tight will blend above where the head rounds, leaving a silhouette that mimics the head’s natural shape. Meanwhile, a standard high fade allows for some flexibility when it comes to the length of the hair on top of the head. (Think of a side-parted, Mad Men-style cut. That’s technically a high fade — one that involves taking the sides down short, leaving length on top, and razoring in a hard part.) But ultimately, most barbers associate the term “high and tight” with a clean, tight, military style that doesn’t require as much maintenance as a buzz cut.
How to Ask for a High and Tight Haircut
Not sure how to ask your barber for a high and tight haircut? First, put some thought into your ideal look. How long do you want the hair on the top of your head? How tight do you want the back and sides? Do you want a sharp look with a distinct skin fade, or would you prefer a more relaxed cut? If you want a bit more length on top, you might be more interested in a high fade. If you like the classic military look and aren’t interested in any hair falling toward your face, just ask for a classic high and tight.
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So, what is a high and tight haircut? In a word: classic. But it’s also a highly customizable cut, especially in the hands of a skilled barber. If you’d like a fresh, clean look to take you into fall, a high and tight might be your best bet.
Need advice on your next haircut? We can help. If you’re looking for that classic, community-oriented barbershop feel, look no further than Hudson / Hawk Barber & Shop. Since launching in 2013, we’ve become the go-to barbershop in numerous Midwestern communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. We offer community, conversation, and, of course, quality haircuts. Give us a call if you’d like to schedule an appointment.