What Is a Line-Up Haircut? Styles, Tipping Etiquette & More

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Everything you need to know about getting a line-up
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A line-up is an essential part of a clean, fresh haircut. It involves cutting the hairline, sideburns, and edges of the hair into a straight line. When you’re taking a trip to the barber, knowing what a line-up is and how to ask for one can make or break your haircut. That’s why we put this guide together, so we can help you out! Read on to learn what a line-up is , how to ask for one , what hairstyles go well with a lineup , and more.

What is a line-up in hair terms?

A line-up is when the hairline, edges, and/or back of the head are cut into straight lines. When people talk about line-ups, they’re usually referring to a straight-cut hairline. But there is also the all-around line-up, which involves cutting the hairline, edges, and back of the head, rather than one area.

Section 1 of 9:

What is a line-up haircut?

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  1. A line-up is when you cut the hairline and hair edges into a straight line. A line-up (also known as a shape-up or edge-up) is a type of haircut that involves cutting the edges of the hair, the hairline, and sideburns to keep them straight. They’re usually cut using short-guarded clippers or a straight razor. When people talk about line-ups, they’re usually referring to the cutting of the hairline into a straight line, but it also refers to any of the other previously mentioned areas. [1]
    • An all-around line-up is a lineup that encompasses the hairline, edges, sideburns, and back of the head, not just the hairline.
    • A fresh line-up is a line-up haircut that’s just been cut. For example, say your buddy just came out of the barbershop and got a line-up and a taper fade. When you see them, you’d say something like “Okay, bro, I see you with the fresh line-up.”
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Section 2 of 9:

How is a line-up different from a regular haircut?

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  1. A line-up cleans up the hairline and edges; a haircut changes the style. A line-up is typically less work than regular haircuts, as it involves cutting the hairline, sideburns, and edges into straight, crisp lines. On the other hand, a regular haircut involves cutting the sides and top of the hair into a new style or shape, which typically requires more effort by barbers.
    • Since a line-up is less work, barbers usually charge less for them.
Section 3 of 9:

Hairstyles to Get a Line-Up With

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  1. 1
    Caesar Cut The Caesar cut is one of the best hairstyles for a line-up. It’s a short hairstyle that cuts the hair to a length that’s just above the top of the head, making for a smooth, circular-shaped look. The only problem with the Caesar cut is the bangs, as they take away from the crispy look on top of the head. The solution? A line-up, of course, as it straightens the bangs and brings that crispy look to the rest of the head.
    • It’s best to visit the barber every two weeks to get your lineup and Caesar cut cleaned up, as it starts to look more disheveled as the hair grows back.
  2. 2
    High-Top Fade The fade is a classic haircut that was paired with a high-top in the 1980s and 90s. The cut features a tall square of hair that fades into a short length as it approaches the lower sides of the hair. When paired with a line-up, the high-top fade becomes even more crispy, matching well with the fade on the sides. So for a crispy look, ask your barber for a high-top fade with a line-up. [2]
  3. 3
    Undercut An undercut is a haircut that features stark contrast, with short hair on the sides and back of the head and long hair on top. When paired with a lineup, this contrast is given a sharp accent that makes it look even cleaner than it already is.
  4. 4
    Pompadour Like an undercut, the pompadour contrasts short hair on the sides and long hair on top. The difference between the two is that the sides aren’t cut as short on pompadour haircuts and the top is styled upward for a voluminous look. When paired with a lineup, the tall top is accentuated, with the straight hairline and edges helping form a clear defining line and make a clean look.
  5. 5
    Locs For a clean contrast between thick locs and crispy edges, request a line-up if you’re sporting locs. The loc style you rock doesn’t matter, either. Whether you’ve got barrel twists in or took the time to grow out freeforms , pairing the style with a line-up is a surefire way to get a clean, crispy look.
  6. 6
    Afro For another clean, contrasting look, pair your afro with a lineup. For a clean look, sport a short afro and get an all-around line-up. For a more relaxed look that’s still sharp, sport a large afro with a line-up on the hairline and edges. To elevate the look even more, consider adding a fade .
  7. 7
    Faux Hawk While a tall mohawk may not work best with a line-up, a faux hawk pairs well with it. The faux hawk is a modern hairstyle that features longer, slightly spiky hair up top and a fade on the sides. When paired with a line-up, the fade becomes even sharper and helps create a cleaner contrast with the top. [3]
  8. 8
    Man Bun If you’ve got long hair, put it up in a bun and get a line-up for a sharp look. Up top, the bun will create texture and give your hair a unique shape. Towards the bottom, the line-up will provide a clean edge and give you that sharp look you’re looking for. To freshen your look even more, pair it with a fade .
  9. 9
    Curly Top To add some sharp definition to your curly top, pair it with a line-up. The length can be your choice, but the contrast works best if your curls are noticeable. For a stronger contrast, wear your curls high and get a line-up all around. For a more casual, subdued look, get a line-up on the edges and keep the curls relatively short.
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Section 4 of 9:

How to Ask Your Barber for a Line-Up

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  1. 1
    To straighten your hairline, ask your barber for a lining on your hairline. Most barbers you visit will know what a line-up is, so there isn’t too much you have to ask for. When you sit down in the chair, simply ask your barber to line-up your hairline and avoid touching any of the other edges of your hair. Make sure to bring inspo photos of line-ups you like to help your barber achieve your desired look. [4]
  2. 2
    To straighten all of your edges, ask for a lining all-around. To get that crispy look all-around, ask your barber for a lining all-around. If you ask for a lining, they’ll typically assume that you mean all around (hairline, edges, and all), but to be safe, specify that you want it all-around. If there are any areas you want them to avoid, specify that before they put the clippers to your head.
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Section 5 of 9:

How much do you tip for a lineup?

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  1. 1
    For a line-up that’s average or below average, tip 15-20 percent. Whether it’s your long-time barber or you’re just trying them out for the first time, tip 15 percent if the line-up is below your expectations or just meets them. When you don’t like how it turned out, let your barber know what you don’t like about the cut so they can do better next time. When you like the line-up and plan on returning, tip closer to 20 percent. [5]
    • Although tipping isn’t mandatory, it is a big factor in the barber’s check at the end of the week, so it’s really useful for them!
  2. 2
    For a great looking line-up that you're happy with, tip 20-25 percent. 20 percent is usually the standard when it comes to tipping in the hair industry, so when you think the line-up is good and the look you want to shoot for every time, tip 20 percent. If it’s a really good line-up, tipping closer to 25 percent is welcomed and encouraged, especially if you don’t regularly go to that barber. [6]
    • Tipping properly is a great way to build the relationship between you and your barber.
  3. 3
    For a line-up that exceeds your expectations, tip 25 percent or more. Whether you’re visiting your regular barber or trying out someone new for the first time, tip 25 percent or more when they give you a line-up that completely blows you away. When they give you the mirror and a crispy, model-esque line-up looks back at you, give your thanks in a large tip. [7]
    • For a $40 haircut, the general rule of thumb is $6 for an average or below average cut (15%), $8 for a good or great cut (20%), and $10 or more (25%+) for a cut that’s excellent. [8]
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Section 6 of 9:

Line-Up Maintenance

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  1. To keep your line-up fresh, get it cut every two weeks. Although your line-up may be fresh when you first walk out of the shop, once your hair starts to grow back it may look a little rough. To avoid that rough look and stay fresh, visit your barber or cut it yourself once every two weeks
Section 7 of 9:

Tools to Use for a Line-Up

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  1. 1
    A fine blade To cut a sharp, clean line-up, it’s best to use a fine blade like a straight razor or short-guarded clippers. Using dull clippers may make it harder to cut the line-up and increase the chances of a mistake (like a crooked or pushed back hairline).
  2. 2
    An edge-up tool When you first start to cut line-ups, use an edge-up tool to make sure your lines are straight and properly curved. Place the edge-up tool with the straight side matching the hairline and the curved side matching the curve into the beard or jaw. Then, use your fine blade to cut it.
    • As you improve at cutting line-ups, you likely won’t need this tool, but it’s always nice to have!
  3. 3
    Mirror When you’re giving yourself a line-up, a mirror is crucial for making sure you cut it straight and avoid any mistakes. Whether you’re using a handheld mirror , a vanity mirror , or your bathroom mirror, make sure you have some way to look at yourself as you line your hair up so your cut is as straight and sharp as it can be.
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Section 8 of 9:

History of the Line-Up

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  1. Line-ups came along after the afro in the 1980s. Although the afro had been a symbol of Black pride in the 1960s and 70s, the 80s ushered in more versatile haircuts to take its place, with the line-up being one of them. Towards the end of the 80s, hip-hop artists like Big Daddy Kane and Rakim popularized the cut. By the 1990s, the line-up became common in barbershops across America. [9]
Section 9 of 9:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Can you give yourself a line-up? Yes, you can give yourself a line-up at home. By using a mirror and a straight razor, low-guard clippers, or liners, you can give yourself a line-up at home. Make reference points on your hairline for where to cut your hair so that it’s a straight line rather than trying to draw a straight line freehand, then get to cutting. As you cut the edges, let your clippers do the cutting before moving them downward. That way, they’ll be straighter. [10]
    • If you have a front taper, brush your hair down and use clippers with the 1-guard open to cut down on the front taper and bring your hair down before giving yourself a line-up.
  2. 2
    What is a line-up for beards? A beard line-up is when the beard is cut with a sharp razor to define the shape. Like a regular line-up, a beard line-up involves using a sharp blade to cut along the natural curves of your hairline (in this case, your beardline). A beard-line up is done to sharpen the edges of your beard and give it a more clean, groomed look. If you regularly line up your beard and take care of it , it will look clean and sharp, as opposed to someone who doesn’t get it lined up.
  3. 3
    Are line-ups necessary? Line-ups aren’t necessary, they just make you look clean and sharp. You don’t have to get a line-up whenever you go to get a haircut, but it does add to the cut. If you want to stick to the basics and just get a trim, that’s completely fine! But, if you want to get a line-up and have a sharp, clean look, that’s also fine! Whatever you decide, it’s okay. It’s your hair, not anyone else’s!
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      Tips

      • Do your research on barbers before going to one for a line-up. Ask your friends for recommendations and check reviews. A seasoned barber will typically cut a better line-up than a part-time SportsClips employee.
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      Warnings

      • Some barbers may not be experienced with line-ups, which can result in uneven line-ups or pushed back hairlines.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/a9CWt6lmRj4?si=fkhI1d_Thm5G-dIA
      2. ↑ https://www.ebony.com/history-fade-haircut/
      3. ↑ https://manofmany.com/fashion/mens-hairstyles/10-faux-hawk-haircuts-hairstyles-men
      4. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-talk-to-your-barber
      5. ↑ https://www.hair.com/tipping-hairdresser.html
      6. ↑ https://www.hair.com/tipping-hairdresser.html
      7. ↑ https://www.hair.com/tipping-hairdresser.html
      8. ↑ https://www.hair.com/tipping-hairdresser.html
      9. ↑ https://www.history.com/articles/black-hairstyles-visual-history-in-photos
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/HoX5J741szY?si=2bogtP6e6P7dSgMg&t=116

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