The Peaky Blinders haircut has become the go-to style for men who want to channel their inner Tommy Shelby (minus the, you know, criminal activity). With its clean fade, short back and sides, and longer top, this style is a great shout; whether your MO is to be more fashion-forward or if you’re simply tired of your hair looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.
Not sure what to ask your barber for, or if the style will even suit you? Hasan Sahin, Stylist at Larry King Marylebone, reveals the best Peaky Blinders haircuts to try now. Brummy swagger optional.
What is the Peaky Blinders haircut?
‘The Peaky Blinders haircut is essentially a very extreme disconnected hair cut,’ reveals Sahin. The crop tends to either be textured or slicked back, but the back and sides are extremely short.
As for why it’s trending? ‘When Cillian Murphy’s character is this cool and effortless, it’s hard to see why it wouldn’t trend. There’s a level of attitude attached to it as well, so for people getting, it’s a style that translates to having a bit about them,’ adds Sahin.
A Peaky Blinders haircut: What should you ask for?
If you want a Peaky Blinders-inspired haircut, it’s worth having a few images on your phone to show your barber.
Hassan adds that ‘you should tell your stylist that you want it taken very short at the back and sides. No longer than a half guard and leave the top of the hair longer, and disconnected so that you can slick it back or have it dropped down like a French crop fringe.’
Tommy Shelby
Style: Thomas Shelby’s styled French crop features short hair on the back and sides, while the top remains longer and has lots of texture. To achieve his slightly messy look, leave the top relatively long so you can pull it forward and sweep it to one side. By playing around with different lengths and textures, you can adjust the style to complement your face shape.
Use: Styling products like pomade, clay, or matte paste work well for adding texture to your hair.
Arthur Shelby aka the Slicked Back Undercut
Style: Arthur Shelby sports a bold undercut that features a shaved back and sides with longer, slicked-back hair on top. This style is ideal for straight, fine hair that can be smoothly swept back. To achieve the look, use a hairdryer and a brush to blow-dry the hair from the roots toward the back.
Use: Opt for a pomade with high shine or use strong hold hairspray to keep the hair looking sleek and in.
Fin Shelby
Style: Fin’s also wears his own variation of an undercut, however his is contrasted with textured curls on top and the undercut comes up slightly higher towards to the top. Along with fellow Peaky character, Isaiah Jesus, this style works well if you have curly or kinky hair.
Use: Opt for products that enhance your curls and use a hydrating shampoo to keep moisture locked in.
How to Maintain and Style the Peaky Blinders Haircut
‘The only thing you need to maintain is keeping the sides short, so every few weeks or so just shaving it off or trimming it down to desired length. The top can be left for several weeks, then cut as usual once it starts getting too long or annoying,’ reveals Sahin.
