Best Peaky Blinders Haircuts (and What to Ask For)

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Plus, get the best styling tips for each look
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The Netflix series Peaky Blinders has inspired viewers to look to the past—specifically, to the hairstyles worn by the rough and tumble gang themselves. Most Peaky Blinders haircuts are some variation of an undercut, and getting one is a popular way to pay homage to Thomas Shelby and his crew. Scroll down for a complete guide to Peaky Blinders hairstyles, including details on how to ask for the cuts and style them.

Peaky Blinders Haircuts by Character

  • Thomas Shelby has a textured crop undercut with medium-length hair on top.
  • Arthur Shelby sports a dramatic slicked-back undercut with longer combed-back hair on top.
  • John Shelby goes for a tight short crop undercut worn very close to his head.
  • Michael Gray combines the Ivy League cut with a visible side part.
  • Isaiah Jesus wears a curly undercut emphasizing textured curls on top.
  • Alfie Solomons has a longer Ivy League haircut paired with a beard.
Section 1 of 7:

What is the Peaky Blinders Haircut?

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    Each Peak Blinders character has a different style on top, but they all have a variation of the undercut. [1] Peaky Blinders cuts also have a fade, referring to hair that grows shorter down the sides until it seems to fade into the skin. [2]
    • The Peaky Blinders haircut is historically accurate. Known as an undercut or textured crop, the haircut originated in Glasgow with the Neds gang. It was also popular with the Peaky Blinders and other early 20th-century street gangs in England because long hair was considered dangerous during a street fight. [3]
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Section 2 of 7:

Thomas Shelby: Textured Crop

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  1. 1
    Thomas’ iconic hairstyle is a French crop with a short, tapered undercut. Thomas wore his hair a bit longer on top, and the top part faded seamlessly into the undercut. This look is the most versatile of the Peaky Blinders haircuts and suits most face shapes and hair textures. Thomas styled his hair a little differently each season, so think about which look you liked the most. [4]
    • Works best for: This cut offers the most versatile style and works well for nearly any face shape. You could wear the longer top hair over your forehead, swept to the side, or messy since Thomas rocked all those looks in different seasons. [5]
  2. 2
    Ask your barber for a #3 crop that’s short in the back and on the sides. Let them know that you want to leave the hair on top slightly longer so you can style it forward or to one side as a fringe. Ensure the barber thins out the crop edges so they blend seamlessly into the undercut.
    • How to DIY: Set the clippers on 1 or 2 for the sides and back. Leave 2 to 3 inches of length on top. [6]
  3. 3
    To style it, use pomade to tousle the top and add texture. Comb the top hair in whatever direction you like best. Then, soften a small amount of styling pomade in your hands and run your fingers through your hair to add more texture and sculpt the style. [7]
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Section 3 of 7:

Arthur Shelby: Slicked-back Undercut

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  1. 1
    Arthur's variation features much longer hair on top. The extreme contrast between Arthur's longer, slicked-back hair on top and the super short undercut is stark and dramatic—much like Arthur's character. Arthur sometimes allows the longer top hair to fall to one side, as well, so you don't always have to slick it straight back. [8]
    • Works best for: This cut works well for most face shapes, especially if you have straight, fine hair that can be easily swept back.
  2. 2
    Grow a few inches of top length and ask for a grade 1 undercut. The length of the top hair is up to you, depending on whether you want to slick it back or let it flop to one side. Make sure your barber goes super short on the back and sides to create an extreme contrast for the undercut.
    • How to DIY: Shave the back and sides high and tight with undercut clippers set to 1 or 2. Leave the hair long on top. Aim for a length that hits the bottom of the nose or top of the mouth. [9]
  3. 3
    To style it, use a blow dryer and a small amount of pomade. Apply the styling pomade to slightly damp hair. Then, comb the longer top hair as you blow-dry it straight back, guiding the roots in that direction. For additional hold, finish the look with a spritz of hairspray.
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Section 4 of 7:

John Shelby: Undercut Crop

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  1. 1
    John Shelby's undercut is less extreme with shorter top hair. John sports a much shorter, neater hairstyle than his brothers. Overall, this variation is easier to style and maintain than the longer styles. [10]
    • Works best for: John Shelby's short-cropped hair involves the least amount of styling, so it works for well for no-nonsense gentlemen who don’t like to fuss too much with their hair.
  2. 2
    Ask your barber for a disconnected undercut and a short crop on top. Ask your barber to shave the sides of your head and leave a short crop on top.
    • How to DIY: Set your clippers to zero for the back and sides and leave the top just a bit longer. For added contrast, you can finish by shaving the undercut area. [11]
  3. 3
    Style it with spray wax or styling pomade. Apply the product of your choice to your hair, then blow-dry your top hair back in a downward direction so it ends up close to the head. [12]
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Section 5 of 7:

Michael Gray: Side Part

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  1. 1
    Michael Gray's cut is a softer and more traditional 1920s side part. Also known as an Ivy League, this cut features a slightly longer crew cut with a sharp, neat side part and tapered sides. It's a timeless look with a lot less contrast than other characters' styles. [13]
    • Works best for: Michael Gray's Ivy League represents a softer vintage look for those who like their haircuts less severe and more classic.
  2. 2
    Ask your barber for the 1920s-style Ivy League cut. It should feature a strong side part with the back and sides cropped (with scissors) for a close feathered look and soft transition. You can also ask your barber to use a cut-throat razor to help define the distinguished part you’re looking for.
    • How to DIY: Once you set your part, use clippers to gently thin down the top and sides, so they taper around the ears. Leave the top short and neat, so you can wear it close to the head. [14]
  3. 3
    Style it by creating a neat part while your hair is still wet. Apply grooming gel or styling cream to the longer hair on top to your part and natural waves on top. You can also blow-dry your hair with a round brush if you want more control. To finish, comb the hair into place and spritz a little hairspray for added hold.
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Section 6 of 7:

Isaiah Jesus: Short Tapered Curls

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    This style is perfect for wavy, curly, or kinky hair and looks quite dramatic due to a lack of fade in the undercut (meaning it stops sharply). [15]
    • Works best for: Isaiah Jesus' style is the ideal Peaky Blinders haircut for men who want to highlight their curls.
  2. 2
    Ask your barber for a short crop that emphasizes your natural curl texture. Make sure your undercut creates a nice contrast with the longer hair on top of your head.
    • How to DIY: Set the clipper to zero for the back and sides and leave the top a bit longer. Taper and trim the top with both scissors and clippers. You may also wish to shave the undercut completely. [16]
  3. 3
    To style it, tousle your curls and apply an anti-frizz oil . To emphasize your top curls, apply a curl-enhancing cream made for natural or African-American hair. [17]
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Section 7 of 7:

Alfie Solomons: Messy Crop with a Beard

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  1. 1
    Alfie Solomons' hairstyle focuses more on a lumberjack-style beard. The haircut is a longer Ivy League cut and features a long, full beard that complements the crop. [18]
    • Works best for: Alfie Solomons' longer hairstyle is all about the beard. It's made for those who spend more time on their facial hair than they do their head hair.
  2. 2
    Ask your barber for a longer variation of an Ivy League haircut. Grow out a Lumberjack-style beard to go with the cut. Ask your barber for tips on the best location for a shave line on the neck (where the beard stops). Be sure it fits with whatever beard length you settle on.
    • How to DIY: Trim your beard with scissors while growing it out, and snip any wayward beard hairs on your cheeks. [19]
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    Blow dry your hair and follow by creating a side part with styling pomade. This creates additional volume and keeps the hair in place. [20] Use scissors and a beard comb to maintain your mustache and beard, along with beard oil to promote healthy facial hair. [21]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/jDIWQFD2P1Q?si=2o2F4WC2Bp2URpUq&t=10
      2. ↑ https://www.styleseat.com/blog/barber-terms/
      3. ↑ https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1306625/Peaky-Blinders-haircut-hairstyle-is-the-Peaky-Blinders-haircut-historically-accurate
      4. ↑ https://manforhimself.com/grooming/hair/styling/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-french-crop-hairstyle/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/ERv6WqsBaL0?si=pmzmrbwqiv1ntaey&t=104
      6. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/ERv6WqsBaL0?si=pmzmrbwqiv1ntaey&t=104
      8. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/peaky-blinders-haircuts/
      9. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut
      1. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/peaky-blinders-haircuts/
      2. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/wNA6IXrjeW0?si=f7RWOU_X5WjHjP6j&t=412
      4. ↑ https://regalgentleman.com/blogs/blog/ivy-league-haircut
      5. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut
      6. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/peaky-blinders-haircuts/
      7. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/NaojDhZLtKc?si=6kr347kmKx755xc6&t=700
      9. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/peaky-blinders-haircuts/
      10. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/zhNNl83NOSA?si=2Sg1CZv9Tlhayfal&t=627
      12. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/peaky-blinders-haircut

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