The Ivy League haircut, also known as the Harvard Clip, is a timeless hairstyle that has been popular with men for decades. Moreover, it has become ubiquitous among these groups, further cementing its appeal. Additionally, its classic yet modern design has made it a timeless staple. Consequently, it has gained a significant following of devoted fans, becoming one of the most sought-after looks in the fashion world. In this article, we will dive into the details of the Ivy League haircut – its history, its variations, and how to achieve the perfect look.
History of the Ivy League Haircut
The Ivy League haircut originated in the 1950s and 1960s and was a popular style amongst college students at prestigious Ivy League universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. These institutions sought to project a clean-cut and professional image which the hairstyle designed reflected neatly and tidily.
Military men popularized the classic crew cut, which was varied in style. Subsequently, the Ivy League version emerged, which was slightly longer on top and graduated down the sides and back. To create a neat and sophisticated look, someone would then comb the hair to the side and slightly back.
The Ivy League haircut quickly gained popularity amongst professionals, as it projected a polished and put-together image. The style was also a favorite amongst politicians, such as known for his perfectly coiffed Ivy League hairstyle, John F. Kennedy was.
Variations of the Ivy League Haircut
While the traditional Ivy League hairstyle is still popular today, there are many variations that have evolved over time. Here are some of the most popular variations:
1. Classic Ivy League Haircut
The classic Ivy League hairstyle features short, tapered sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. Moreover, the hair is combed to the side and back, resulting in a neat and tidy look. Consequently, this style is perfect for professionals who desire a polished and put-together look.
2. Modern Ivy League Haircut
The modern Ivy League hairstyle features a slightly longer top, with a more relaxed and textured look. Comb the hair to the side and back while adding more volume and movement. This style is perfect for men who want a more casual and laid-back look.
3. Undercut Ivy League Haircut
The undercut Ivy League hairstyle features shaved sides and back, with longer hair on top. Moreover, the longer hair on top is combed to the side and back, resulting in a sleek and modern look. Ultimately, this style is ideal for men who desire a more edgy and contemporary look.
4. Textured Ivy League Haircut
The textured Ivy League hairstyle features short, layered hair on top, with a more tousled and messy look. The hair is still combed to the side and back, but there is more texture and movement in the hair. This style is perfect for men who want a more relaxed and casual look.
Short Ivy League Haircut
If you’re after a cropped hairdo, the short ivy league might just be the look for you. Comparable to a traditional crew cut, this style differs with a slight side sweep. It provides the perfect mix of “short and sweet” that gives any man a stylishly sophisticated look, and is surprisingly simple to style.
Long Ivy League Haircut
Long ivy league haircuts can offer men stylish and flattering options. Thanks to it being longer on the top, this cut looks significantly more fashionable and attractive than shorter hairstyles. As a result, there is more room to switch up your style; from a sleeker ivy league cut to a big, quiffed hairstyle. Nonetheless, if your hair grows too long it won’t be an ivy league cut anymore.
Curly Ivy League Hairstyle
Don’t let your curls stop you from rocking a killer ivy league hairstyle! It might be traditionally smooth and straight, but the style works surprisingly well with curly hair too. All you need to do is choose the right length. For lighter waves, try a shorter cut, while a longer hairstyle that is 1 or 2 inches on top of your head will make your bouncy curls look amazing!
Medium Length Ivy League Haircut
A medium Ivy League hairstyle is a great option for a stylish and flattering look. To pull off the look, allow your barber to leave around an inch of hair on top. This amount of length allows you to easily style your hair to one side after washing.
Messy Ivy League Hairstyle
If you’re looking for a modern twist on the classic ivy league hairstyle, opting for a messier style can be a great way to go. This updated look offers the same level of sophistication, but with an edgier vibe that’s perfect for guys who prefer a more laid-back style without crossing into unkempt territory.
Side Part Ivy League Haircut
To make your part stand out in an Ivy League haircut, start by combing your hair backward. Use a fine comb to create a straight part on one side, brushing the hair on either side away. Then, either leave it to dry naturally or blow-dry it to increase volume. With this method, you can make your part stand out more than the typical Ivy League style.
Fade Ivy League Hairstyle
For a neat and stylish ivy league hairstyle, ask your barber for a fade. This will create a gradient effect, with longer hair at the top of your head and gradually shorter hair at the sides and back. This will ensure that the hair around your ears is neatly trimmed, but still has a smooth transition into the longer hair at the crown. Read more Comprehensive Guide to Fade Haircut.
Hard Part Ivy League Haircut
If you’re looking for a more modern twist on a classic, consider swapping out the traditional side part for a bolder hard part. A hard part is simply a line shaved into the hair to create a more structured partition. This look is sure to turn heads and give your style a much needed boost.
Asian Ivy League Hairstyle
The ivy league hairstyle is a classic style which can look fantastic on all gentlemen. A perfect example of this coiffure is when it is paired with traditional Asian hair textures, as they are typically smooth and straight and work in harmony with the smart but preppy look of the ivy league. Nevertheless, if you desire a more modern and youthful style, you can add texture with some styling products.
Receding Hairline Ivy League Haircut
The Ivy League haircut is a great choice for men with receding hairlines. Not only is it stylish, but it also serves to camouflage the problem. To get the perfect look, begin your side part at the corner of the hairline which is least receding, and then use a comb to sweep the hair to the side to conceal the more receded sections.
Round Face Ivy League Hairstyle
The ivy league hairstyle is a great choice for gents with round face shapes, as its proportions help to visually lengthen the face and create a more flattering appearance. The tapered sides and long length on top work together to slim and balance out the natural roundness of the face. If desired, you can even add more volume to the top for added effect.
How to Achieve the Perfect Ivy League Haircut
Achieving the perfect Ivy League haircut is easy if you follow these simple steps:
1. Start with clean, dry hair.
2. Use a clipper to trim the sides and back of your hair. Start with a longer guard and work your way down to a shorter guard.
3. Use scissors to trim the hair on top. Start by cutting the front of the hair, then work your way to the back.
4. Create the part by combing the hair to the side and slightly back.
5. Apply a styling product, such as pomade or wax, to hold the style in place.
FAQs
Q: What face shapes look best with the Ivy League haircut?
A: The Ivy League haircut looks good on almost any face shape, but it is particularly flattering on men with oval or rectangular faces.
Q: How do I maintain the Ivy League haircut?
A: To maintain the Ivy League haircut, you should get a trim every 4-6 weeks. You should also use a styling product, such as pomade or wax, to hold the style in place.
Q: Can the Ivy League haircut be styled differently?
A: Indeed, the Ivy League haircut is incredibly versatile, accommodating all manner of styling options. Notably, you can craft a more laid-back, tousled aesthetic, or even opt for a more polished, refined look — truly, the possibilities are limitless.
Q: How long does it take to achieve the perfect Ivy League haircut?
A: The length of time it takes to achieve the perfect Ivy League haircut depends on the length and texture of your hair, as well as the style you are going for. On average, it takes about 30-45 minutes to achieve the perfect Ivy League haircut.
Conclusion
The Ivy League haircut is a classic style that has stood the test of time. Its clean and preppy look is perfect for professionals and men who want to project a polished and put-together image. With its many variations, the Ivy League haircut can be customized to suit your personal style and preferences. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you will be able to achieve the perfect Ivy League look and turn heads wherever you go.
