Suave celebrities like David Beckham and Zayn Malik are huge fans of the undercut, an incredibly versatile hairstyle with enduring popularity across the men’s grooming world. The undercut is a style that offers a striking contrast, a modern feel, and as much (or as little) edge as you like. But what is an undercut? And how do you ask your barber for one? Read on to find out.
Edgy Style 101: What Is an Undercut?
Though popular with today’s edgy style icons, the undercut has humbler origins. Though the legends vary, many sources point to working-class British blokes as the original trend-setters, rocking the undercut in the early 1900s. Later in the 20th century, the undercut became associated with rock-and-rollers and the punk scene. But today, you might see the cut on anyone and everyone.
What is it, exactly? The undercut is a bold look that features very short hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top of the head. As we mentioned above, it’s a very versatile cut. You can go for a sharp, clean undercut, or you can leave the top longer for a textured, messy vibe. This style is popular thanks to its customizable length, cool styling options, and versatility for a wide range of hair types.
Is This Cut Right for You?
As far as maintenance goes, it’s worth noting that an undercut requires a bit more upkeep than other styles. To keep your cut looking sharp, you’ll want to plan on regular trims, at least once every three or four weeks. An undercut also generally requires a bit of styling, with products like pomade and wax going a long way toward keeping your look fresh.
Like a tight fade, an undercut also requires a healthy scalp. Depending on the height of your neck fade, you could be exposing a significant amount of skin. You want to make sure that area stays clean and moisturized, potentially with the help of a good conditioner or hair oil. If that amount of maintenance doesn’t sound like your style, an undercut may not be the best fit for you.
How to Ask for an Undercut
With so many options, it can be easy to get confused when you’re communicating with your barber about an undercut. Before you find yourself in the chair, consider these factors:
- Style preferences: Do you want a short, clean undercut like David Beckham? Maybe you’re going for a longer, edgier pompadour. Or maybe you’d like to lean into your hair’s natural texture with an undone look. Either way, don’t be afraid to bring photos of your ideal style to the barbershop.
- Your face shape: An undercut can work on any face shape, but you’ll want to consider the effect nonetheless. For example, if you have a round face, you might want your hair slightly longer on the top to elongate your features. If you’re not sure about your face shape, be sure to ask your barber for their thoughts.
- Length: Take a minute to think about how long you want the hair on top of your head. If you can communicate the length to your barber in terms of inches (“about four inches on top”), that’ll make things much easier. The same goes for the height of your fade, or where you’d like the fade to begin.
So, what is an undercut? Put simply, this endlessly stylish cut features hair that is very short on the sides and back, with longer, often textured hair on top.
Looking for a barber shop that promises good vibes and a quality cut? If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, stop by your neighborhood Hudson / Hawk. In our modern, comfortable spaces, people of all ages enjoy stylish haircuts and good conversation. We offer a variety of cuts — from zero fades to shear cuts and everything in between — as well as shaves, beard grooming, and waxing. Book your next haircut today.