How to Get the Perfect Peaky Blinders Haircut: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Peaky Blinders haircut, a distinct and sharp style popularized by the hit TV show, has experienced a massive resurgence in recent years. More than just a haircut, it’s a statement, a nod to a particular era, and a testament to timeless style. Achieving this look requires precision and understanding of its key components. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the different variations to maintaining your new Peaky Blinders inspired ‘do.
Understanding the Peaky Blinders Haircut
The Peaky Blinders haircut, at its core, is a variation of the undercut or disconnected haircut. It’s characterized by:
* **Short Sides and Back:** The sides and back are typically clippered very short, often down to a #0 or #1 guard. The fade is optional; some prefer a sharp, abrupt transition.
* **Longer Hair on Top:** The hair on top is left significantly longer, allowing for various styling options.
* **Disconnected Style:** The defining feature is the stark contrast between the short sides/back and the longer top. There’s little to no blending.
* **Texture (Optional):** While not strictly necessary, adding texture to the top can enhance the overall look and make styling easier.
While the core concept remains the same, several variations exist within the Peaky Blinders style, influenced by individual character preferences and modern interpretations. Let’s explore some of the popular variations:
* **The Classic Undercut (Thomas Shelby):** This is the most recognizable version, featuring closely shaved sides and back with a longer, slicked-back top. It’s clean, sharp, and undeniably stylish.
* **The Textured Crop (Arthur Shelby):** Arthur’s look incorporates a slightly messier and more textured top. The sides are still short, but the top is styled with a matte product to create a more rugged appearance.
* **The Side Part (John Shelby):** This variation features a defined side part on top, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall look. The sides are typically clippered short, but the part can be styled with shine or matte products depending on your preference.
* **The Modern Peaky Blinders:** This encompasses various adaptations that incorporate contemporary trends. This might include a gradual fade on the sides, textured styling with sea salt spray, or even incorporating a hard part.
## Preparing for Your Peaky Blinders Haircut
Before you head to the barber or attempt a DIY cut, it’s essential to prepare. Here’s what you need:
* **Reference Pictures:** The most crucial step is to gather reference pictures. Show your barber exactly what you want. Don’t just say “Peaky Blinders haircut”; specify which character’s style you’re aiming for or provide photos of similar cuts you like.
* **Communicate Clearly:** Discuss your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle with your barber. This will help them tailor the cut to suit you. A skilled barber can advise on the best variations for your individual features.
* **Haircutting Tools (for DIY):** If you’re brave enough to attempt this at home, you’ll need a good set of clippers with various guard sizes, a comb, scissors (preferably thinning shears), and a mirror (or two for viewing the back of your head).
* **Styling Products:** Depending on the style you choose, you’ll need styling products like pomade, wax, clay, or sea salt spray. Choose products based on your desired hold, shine, and texture.
* **Patience:** This haircut requires precision and attention to detail. Don’t rush the process, whether you’re at the barber shop or doing it yourself.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Peaky Blinders Haircut
This guide assumes you’re comfortable using clippers and have some basic haircutting knowledge. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s highly recommended to seek professional help.
**Step 1: The Consultation (Barber Shop) / Planning (DIY)**
* **Barber Shop:** Show your barber your reference pictures and discuss the details of the cut. Be clear about the desired length on top, the guard size for the sides and back, and the type of styling you prefer.
* **DIY:** Carefully analyze your reference pictures. Determine the desired length on top and the clipper guard size you’ll use for the sides and back. Plan the cut meticulously before you start.
**Step 2: Clipping the Sides and Back**
* **Choose Your Guard:** Start with a higher guard size (e.g., #2 or #3) if you’re unsure. You can always go shorter later. For a more drastic look, use a #0 or #1 guard.
* **Clip Against the Grain:** Hold the clippers against the natural direction of hair growth. This will ensure a clean and even cut.
* **Start at the Bottom:** Begin clipping at the nape of your neck and work your way upwards, maintaining consistent pressure and angle.
* **Maintain Evenness:** Regularly check your work in the mirror to ensure the sides and back are evenly clipped. Use a comb to guide the clippers and prevent uneven patches.
* **Blend (Optional):** While a stark disconnection is characteristic, you can opt for a slight fade. To create a fade, use a slightly longer guard size as you move upwards towards the longer hair on top. For example, if you used a #1 guard on the bottom, use a #2 guard for the next section.
**Step 3: Cutting the Hair on Top**
This step requires more precision and depends on the style you’re aiming for.
* **For a Slicked-Back Look:** Use scissors or clippers to trim the hair on top to the desired length. The length will depend on your hair type and personal preference, but typically it should be long enough to slick back comfortably. Use a comb to lift the hair and cut straight across, ensuring an even length.
* **For a Textured Crop:** Use scissors to create textured layers on top. Point-cut into the hair (holding the scissors at an angle) to remove bulk and create a more choppy effect. Alternatively, use thinning shears to remove weight and create a softer texture.
* **For a Side Part:** Decide where you want your part to be and comb your hair in that direction. Use scissors to trim the hair on top, ensuring it’s long enough to style into a side part. You may want to slightly angle the cut so that the hair is slightly longer on the side of the part.
**Step 4: Refining the Haircut**
* **Clean Up the Edges:** Use the clippers (without a guard) to clean up the edges around your ears, hairline, and nape of the neck. Be careful not to go too far and create an unnatural hairline.
* **Check for Uneven Patches:** Thoroughly inspect your haircut in the mirror to identify any uneven patches or stray hairs. Use scissors or clippers to correct them.
* **Thinning Shears (Optional):** If your hair is thick, you can use thinning shears to remove bulk and make it easier to style. Focus on the thicker areas of your hair and avoid over-thinning.
**Step 5: Styling Your Peaky Blinders Haircut**
The styling process is crucial for achieving the desired Peaky Blinders look. Here’s a breakdown of styling options based on the different variations:
* **Classic Undercut (Thomas Shelby):**
* **Product:** Pomade or strong-hold gel with a high shine.
* **Technique:** Apply a generous amount of product to damp hair. Comb the hair back and to the side, creating a sleek and polished look. Use your hands to shape the hair and ensure it stays in place. Consider using a hairspray for extra hold.
* **Textured Crop (Arthur Shelby):**
* **Product:** Matte clay, styling paste, or sea salt spray.
* **Technique:** Apply a small amount of product to dry hair. Work the product through your hair, focusing on creating texture and separation. Use your fingers to tousle the hair and create a slightly messy look. Avoid over-applying the product, as this can weigh the hair down.
* **Side Part (John Shelby):**
* **Product:** Pomade, wax, or medium-hold gel.
* **Technique:** Apply a small amount of product to damp hair. Comb the hair into a defined side part. Use your fingers to shape the hair and create a clean and polished look. You can choose a product with shine for a more classic look or a matte product for a more modern feel.
**General Styling Tips:**
* **Start with Damp Hair:** Most styling products work best when applied to damp hair.
* **Use Small Amounts of Product:** It’s always better to start with a small amount of product and add more as needed. Over-applying product can make your hair look greasy and unnatural.
* **Experiment with Different Products:** Don’t be afraid to try different products to find what works best for your hair type and desired style.
* **Use a Comb or Brush:** A comb or brush can help you to distribute the product evenly and create a more polished look.
* **Use Your Fingers:** Your fingers can be used to create texture and separation.
* **Practice:** Styling your hair takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep experimenting and you’ll eventually find a style that you love.
## Maintaining Your Peaky Blinders Haircut
Maintaining the Peaky Blinders haircut requires regular trims to keep the sides and back short and the top at the desired length.
* **Regular Trims:** Visit your barber every 2-4 weeks to maintain the shape of your haircut. This is crucial for keeping the sides and back short and the overall look sharp.
* **Home Maintenance (Optional):** If you’re comfortable using clippers, you can trim the sides and back yourself between barber visits. However, it’s important to be careful and avoid cutting the hair too short.
* **Proper Hair Care:** Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive heat styling, as this can damage your hair.
* **Styling Product Removal:** Always wash out styling products thoroughly before going to bed. Leaving product in your hair overnight can lead to buildup and scalp irritation.
## Adapting the Peaky Blinders Haircut to Your Face Shape
The Peaky Blinders haircut, while undeniably stylish, isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Adapting it to your face shape is crucial for achieving the most flattering look. Here’s a guide:
* **Oval Face:** Considered the most versatile face shape, most variations of the Peaky Blinders haircut will suit an oval face. Experiment with different lengths and styles on top.
* **Round Face:** Add height and volume on top to elongate the face. Avoid styles that are too flat or close to the head. A textured crop with some lift can work well. Avoid too much width on the sides.
* **Square Face:** Soften the angular features with a more textured style. Avoid overly harsh lines or sharp angles. A side part with some wave or curl can be a good option. Some length on top can also help soften the jawline.
* **Heart-Shaped Face:** Balance the wider forehead with volume on the sides. Avoid styles that are too top-heavy. A side part or a textured crop can work well. Keep the sides slightly longer to add width to the lower portion of the face.
* **Long Face:** Avoid adding too much height on top, as this will further elongate the face. Opt for styles that are shorter on top or have some volume on the sides. A side part can also help to add width.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Hair Texture:** Fine hair may require more product and styling to achieve the desired volume and hold. Thick hair may require more thinning to remove bulk and make it easier to style.
* **Hairline:** A receding hairline can be accommodated by adjusting the length and style on top. A skilled barber can advise on the best options for concealing or minimizing a receding hairline.
* **Personal Style:** Ultimately, the best Peaky Blinders haircut is one that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find a variation that suits you.
## Conclusion
The Peaky Blinders haircut is a timeless and stylish look that can be adapted to suit a variety of face shapes and hair types. By following this comprehensive guide, you can achieve the perfect Peaky Blinders ‘do, whether you’re opting for the classic undercut or a more modern interpretation. Remember to communicate clearly with your barber, use the right styling products, and maintain your haircut with regular trims. With a little effort, you can rock the Peaky Blinders look with confidence and style. So go ahead, step into the world of sharp haircuts and even sharper style. By order of the Peaky Blinders, of course!
