The crew cut remains one of the most popular men's hairstyles for good reason — it’s low maintenance, clean, and effortlessly cool. We spoke to top barbers and grooming experts to explore what makes this iconic style such a versatile favourite across generations.
What Is a Crew Cut?
Similar to the buzz cut, the crew cut is a military-inspired hairstyle known for its practicality and style. Unlike the buzz cut, which is typically one uniform length, the crew cut features a subtle graduation - longer on top and tapered on the sides and back. This gives it more texture and styling flexibility.
According to Miles Wood-Smith, Master Barber at Murdock London, “Put simply, the crew cut is short on the sides and shorter on top but with enough length to give it some texture and movement.”
Where Did the Crew Cut Originate?
The crew cut is believed to have originated in American Ivy League universities such as Yale, Harvard, and Princeton. The term is tied to rowing teams - or "crews" - where athletes favoured the cut for its minimal wind resistance and sharp appearance.
John "Jock" Hay Whitney, a Yale rower, famously requested a “Hindenburg” military cut at a local barbershop to enhance his rowing performance. The barber, wary of post-WWI associations, renamed the style to honour the Yale crew - and so, the crew cut was born.
Expert Tips on Styling the Crew Cut
Janene Hawkins-Bush, owner of Sir & Co. Barbers, explains: “A crew cut is a haircut in which the upright hair on the top of the head is cut relatively short and gradually gets shorter from the front hairline to the crown. The side profile creates a clean, almost horizontal line.” This makes it ideal for anyone looking for structure with a hint of boldness. Keri Blue, founder of Human First UK and a specialist in short hair, says: “This cut works for any hair type or texture. It doesn’t require a specific face shape to look great and pairs especially well with a low skin fade and added texture on top. Just make sure your client leaves with the right product to keep the look sharp.”
Why the Crew Cut Still Works Today
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Low maintenance: Requires minimal styling and upkeep.
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Versatile: Works on straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Universally flattering: Complements most head shapes and facial structures.
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Timeless: Whether military-inspired or fashion-forward, the crew cut continues to evolve with modern grooming trends.
Want to know how to cut the perfect crew cut? Check out Jim Shaw's tips here.
