Military haircuts look great on men of all ages and are often seen on little boys to professional businessmen. The military cut is called such because it mimics the standards that are required for men who are enlisted in the armed forces in America.
As we all know, men in the military are required to keep their hair at a very short length. Men in the military are allowed to wear just about any style of short hair, but there are a couple of different types of military haircuts.
Of course, you do not need to be in the military to wear one of these hairstyles and some of these military haircut styles are quite popular.
A man will want to take into consideration what type of military haircut style they want to wear. In the following article, we will review some of the different types of military haircuts.
Why Are Military Haircuts Short?
Military haircuts are short for some pretty solid reasons. First off, there’s the practicality factor. When you’re out in the field, it’s all about low maintenance. With short hair, there’s less fuss, and it’s easier to keep clean. Plus, imagine having to wear a helmet all day long – short hair makes that a lot more comfortable.
Now, hygiene comes into play as well. Those close-cropped cuts really cut down on the chances of catching lice or other bugs. That’s the last thing anyone wants to deal with in the middle of a mission.
A clean and neat appearance also plays a big role. In the military, discipline and uniformity is king. So, it’s all about looking sharp and being part of a well-oiled machine.
Another cool point – short haircuts can be a psychological tool. A fresh start, if you will. When recruits first enter the military, that buzz cut is like shedding their old civilian life and stepping into a new role. They’re joining a team, and that haircut is a unifying badge of honor.
Lastly, let’s not forget safety. Long hair can be a hazard in combat situations. It could get caught in equipment or, worse, give an enemy something to grab onto. No one wants that. Short hair is the way to go to keep things running smoothly and safely.
High and Tight Haircut
First off, there is the high and tight cut, which is a variation of the buzz cut. The usual length for this haircut is one-sixteenth of an inch. This is a length that is very nearly shaven.
The reason that many men in the military and out of the military get this type of military haircut style is that it’s known to make the face more attractive looking.
With this haircut, there is more emphasis put on the cheekbones and the eyes. Therefore, if you are interested in putting more emphasis on the regions of your eyes and cheekbones, the high and tight hairstyle to go with.
The high and tight military haircut may very well be the most commonly worn military hairstyle.
Flat-Top Haircut
The flat-top military haircut is another one of the more popular military hairstyles. The flat-top haircut is a style that is done to give the hair on the top of the head a flat appearance while the rest of the hair is shaved off. The hair on top will be kept anywhere from half of an inch to an inch tall.
The men that choose this style in the military are the ones who would like to keep their hair just a little longer than the rest. For those men outside of the military who would like a military style haircut without having to nearly shave their head, the flat-top is the way to go.
There are some other military haircuts, but these two are the most popular among the men who are in the military and the men who are not. Most of the other military haircuts are very similar to the two before mentioned hairstyles in this article.
How to Cut A Military Haircut
The edges of the military haircut define the cut. They are cut in what is commonly referred to as a high and dry cut. This means that the hairs on the back of the neck and the hairs around and above the ears are cut tightly along the growth of the natural hairline. There are no hairs left looking jagged or out of line, this cut is precise.
- The entire head of hair is electric razor or clipper cut; this is also commonly called a buzz cut or crew cut. The cut itself is performed with an electric razor over a comb or with variously sized attachments over the razor, these attachments are numbered. This is how some men ask for their trim: “I would like a number three on the top and a number one on the sides and in the back.” You can ask the professional stylist that is performing your hair cut what number guard or razor attachment they are using for your cut. This will help you to be specific when you return for a trim.
- The hair around the top of the head and the crown should be kept slightly longer and it should be blended into a very tight cut around the ears and neck hairline. The top can be cut into a box effect which will be a flat top or the hair can be rounded to take the shape of the head. The top is usually left no longer than one or two inches in length and the sides and back are usually faded into an eighth of an inch or even bald.
How to Maintain the Military Haircut
Military cuts for men are one of the easiest cuts to maintain and keep looking great day after day. They are a wash and go look that consistently looks great with very little hands on or styling efforts.
This is one of the reasons that so many men enjoy the military cuts. They look great with formal clothing and with casual clothing; at the beach and at a wedding. They look great on children, on businessmen whoever you name it.
Maintaining a military haircut is fairly easy to do. Simply have the cut shaped up and the edges trimmed with an electric razor every few weeks.
If the haircut is not consistently reshaped every four to six weeks (or sometimes even sooner) it will lose the sharpness of the cut and the style will begin to look sloppy and unkempt. There is nothing less professional looking than a man with a haircut that looks totally great for several weeks and then awful before it looks great again.
A true military cut is reshaped consistently and always looks sharp and cared for. The hair around the ears can also be shaped at home with an electric razor once or twice a week to keep it looking great each day.
High & Tight + Flat Top Haircut Ideas
1. The Induction Do
The day you’re inducted, you get yourself a free haircut—one of the most easily recognized military haircuts for men in the world, in fact. There’s a generic version, but different branches and military barbers may have their own twists.
2. The Burr
If anything, the burr cut is even shorter than the scalping you get with an induction buzz. It’s an all-over job, however. You’re not quite bald, and it’s not as short as you can go, but there’s not a lot of hair there, you know what I’m saying?
3. The Butch
The butch cut as the ’50s and early ’60s favorite—just read a few Stephen King books set in those time periods. The name might just be because you need a bit of butch wax to make your hair lie down properly after you get this crop.
4. The Regulation Haircut
The regulation is more than just a handsome military haircut for men. It’s a current trend. It’s the next best thing to an undercut—it just tends to be a bit neater. The small pompadour at the front is vital, by the way.
5. The Crew Cut
Like many other military haircuts, the crew cut is popular among civilians, too. It’s a spring and summer favorite for men with thick hair, and for boys of all ages. The odds are good you sported this ‘do at several points in your life.
6. The Ivy League
The Ivy League resembles an undercut, as well. It differs from the regulation cut because it’s slightly longer at the sides, and often at the top, too. It’s also very delicious, gents. Go forth and Ivy League in peace.
7. The Brush Cut
The brush cut is another retro favorite. It’s a cool coif for hot weather, plus it’s altogether neat and tidy. In addition to being an attractive military haircut for men, it’s also ideal for a more formal professional environment.