What do Grace Jones, Duke Nukem, Simon Cowell and Paul Phoenix from Tekken have in frequent? Properly, other than the truth that they might in all probability all kick your ass (though we’d take our probabilities with Cowell), you’d be forgiven for considering not an amazing deal.
Nevertheless, solid your gaze hair-wards and also you’ll discover a typical theme rising. All 4 are follically outfitted to hold their pints from bar to desk in handsfree mode because of their relatively fetching angular haircuts.
Jokes apart, flat tops typically get a nasty wrap. The mere point out of their title tends to conjure up photos of both stern-faced Fifties US navy officers or, on the overall reverse finish of the spectrum, Will Smith sporting his high-school blazer inside out, circa 1992. There’s no in-between… or is there?
Properly, sure. With the appropriate strategy, you possibly can sport this throwback reduce with out your fashion credentials falling, er, flat. So get your spirit stage on the prepared and uncover how you can embrace one in all barbering’s most attention-grabbing and difficult creations.
What Is A Flat Prime Haircut?
It must be pretty self-explanatory however simply in case you’re a bit sluggish on the uptake, a flat high, within the broadest sense, is any haircut the place the hair has been reduce or styled to look flat and stage throughout the highest of the top. This could embody something from conventional navy crew cuts, proper via to the high-top fades of the eighties hip-hop group.
Flat tops are often taken brief on the again and sides, narrowing and elongating the form of the face, that means that In the event you’ve acquired a peanut head, this basic reduce may be your new finest pal.
Granted, this strategy hasn’t fairly labored for Kim Jong Un, however we are able to in all probability all agree that he’s a reasonably excessive instance.
Historical past Of The Flat Prime
Created for the navy, the flat high crew reduce shortly turned one of the crucial common armed forces trims in the US. Its shorn again and sides supplied all of the practicality of a buzz reduce whereas the patch of hair on high enabled it to sidestep the ‘white trash’ connotations {that a} absolutely shaved head carried with it on the time.
So, when and the way did this sensible, navy reduce make its method out of the forces and into the subcultures?
“I think we can safely say from the end of the Second World War,” says Joe Mills, proprietor of Joe & Co. and long-time lover of flat tops. “Loads of regular guys have been conscripted into the forces and acquired used to noticeably brief hair. After they have been demobbed a lot of them stored it brief, particularly stateside.
“[The style] doesn’t really pop up in the UK until the later 1950s, but if you look at a lot of photography from the States during that period it’s particularly prevalent.”
From right here, the flat high was picked up by varied subcultures, which wore it proudly as a logo of riot. From rockabilly guys with their baseball jackets and creepers, to early hip-hoppers and their sky-grazing high-top fades, it was the youth tribes that have been liable for turning this wise, navy coiffure into the daring vogue assertion it’s at the moment.
Advisable Merchandise
Earlier than you try to deep dive into the shallow finish of the pool, be sure you’re absolutely outfitted to get the job completed. Click on via to search out our favourite merchandise for finishing any of the flat high kinds included in our record with ease and magnificence.
Finest Flat Prime Haircuts
1. Traditional Flat Prime Haircut
The basic flat high is actually the reduce that began all of it. It’s definitely the flat high in its purest type. Easy, clear, and tight – it has the entire traits of a fundamental trim however with a extra refined look.
2. Army Flat Prime Haircut
The reduce that (really) began all of it. This fashion is the flat high in its purest type. Easy, clear and tight – it could sport all of the traits of a fundamental trim, however the navy flat high is something however.
“The typical characteristics of this style are the tight, skin faded sides, which give this style its military feel,” says Adam Harant, senior stylist at Pimps And Pinups. “In conjunction with this, it is completely square on top. There is some length left at the front, which elongates the face, but the severe structure of the haircut creates a more square and masculine face shape.”
Harant suggests asking your barber for a excessive and tight pores and skin fade on the perimeters and a flat, sq. high. “The size can then be custom-made to your preferences. Simply be sure you don’t have it too lengthy within the fringe space, as an excessive amount of weight may cause the fashion to droop.
“In terms of styling at home, I would advise clients to blow-dry, if possible, all the hair in the fringe area straight up and away from the face. Finish with a strong, matte styling wax or clay to ensure the style stays stable and fixed throughout the day.”
3. Trendy Flat Prime Haircut
If a conventional flat high is simply too outdated for you, attempt placing a contemporary spin on it by having a much less distinct crown and mixing the flat high into the remainder of the hair. Having a really gradual fade from the highest of the top right down to the nape of the neck is much less drastic.
4. Quick Flat Prime Haircut
Although almost all flat tops are on the shorter aspect, go for a pores and skin shave on the again and sides of the top if you would like one thing additional brief. Whereas it is going to positively require common visits to the barber, brief haircuts place an emphasis on the flat high itself since there’s little to no distraction from the remainder of your hair.
5. Flat Prime with Beard
A beard enhances the masculine elements of a flat-top haircut and helps to even out the form of 1 face. Whereas the boxy form of a flat high would possibly spotlight some asymmetry within the face, a beard does nice at hiding that asymmetry with out a lot effort. Simply be sure you preserve your chosen beard fashion strimmed and formed in order that it doesn’t conflict with the outlined form of the flat high.
6. Fade Flat Prime Haircut
This putting flat high variation was introduced into reputation by funk/early hip-hop band Cameo, which is why it’s generally known as a ‘Cameo cut’ or ‘Cameo afro’. In an effort to preserve this look sharp it’s going to take fairly a bit of labor, so don’t take it on except you’re keen to commit. Styling at house will be achieved with a little bit of pomade (for a wholesome shine), a wide-tooth comb, and a pleasant clear tapper – however you continue to would possibly end up in want of weekly journeys to the barber.
7. Curly Flat Prime Haircut
Historically, flat tops are seen on brief, straight hair. Nevertheless, a curly flat high possesses a extra trendy aptitude that’s much less refined and extra touseled. Along with pairing your curly crown with a temple or brief fade, you may as well use a salt spray to provide your curly crown some texture.
8. Flat Prime Mullet Haircut
Let’s be clear – mullets positively aren’t for everybody however they’re coming again into mainstream vogue. That being mentioned, should you’re keen on giving it a attempt, flat high mullets are much less dramatic than normal mullets, and they are often made extra trendy by bleaching your hair or utilizing gel so as to add some spikey texture.
9. Flat Prime for Receding Hairline
A receding hairline is solely one thing that many males are pressured to take care of at one level or one other. Whereas it is likely to be tempting to develop your hair so long as potential to cover it, a flat high can really tone down the obviousness of receding hairline by giving the hair some form. In the event you discover a flat high nonetheless doesn’t assist your hairline, take extra size off the highest or just go for a buzz reduce.
10. Flat Prime Boogie Haircut
A glance favored by American teenagers within the late sixties and later by rockabilly revivalists, in every single place from Hoxton to Harajuku, the flat high boogie is a reduce with severe angle.
“It features a flat top from the crown, graduating to longer length at the front, with enough length on the sides to be brushed or blow-dried back into a DA [duck’s arse], and tapered short into the nape of the neck,” says Joth Davies, proprietor of Savills Barbers and Savills Academy. “Ask your barber for a ‘flat top with fenders’ or, to those in the know, a ‘flat top boogie’.”
This reduce takes stringent upkeep and cautious styling to maintain it wanting sharp. Davies suggests working a small quantity of paste into damp hair and blow drying again with a vented Denman brush for the smoothest potential end.
“Certain hair types may require straighteners to style,” provides Davies. “Haircuts are also required at least every few weeks, with some flat top wearers sitting in the chair as often as once a week.”
11. Excessive Flat Prime Haircut
A excessive flat high haircut encourages additional size on the crown of the top and is a bit boxier than a regular flat high. This coiffure turned fairly common amongst younger black males within the 90s, and if you wish to have loopy size, coarse and compact garners one of the best outcomes.
12. Lengthy Flat Prime Haircut
With a protracted flat high haircut, the hair on the crown blends into the remainder of the hair on the again and sides of the top. This tackle the flat high has a extra uniform size than most kinds. In an effort to obtain a smooth and cohesive look, rub some pomade or hair gel between your palms and slick again your hair.
13. Flat Prime with Design
Since many flat tops are accompanied by some kind of fade, shaving a enjoyable design onto the aspect of the top provides some character and aptitude for males hoping to catch some additional consideration. Whereas this won’t enchantment to a extra formal or skilled crowd, your hair ought to develop out shortly, making the design very non permanent and funky for particular events.
14. Flat Prime with Onerous Half
If you wish to add some dimension and depth to your flat high haircut, ask your barber for a tough half. Although that is mostly achieved with a aspect half that leans towards the middle, go for one thing extra funky and drastic should you’re feeling daring.
15. Flat Prime Haircut with Fenders
Much like a burst fade, a flat high haircut with fenders takes you again in time to the 50s and 60s. Whereas it’s not a quite common reduce in trendy occasions, it nonetheless has a particular appeal. A flat-top haircut with fenders is finest characterised as having the hair on the nape of the neck blended as much as meet the flat high on the crown of the top.
16. Rockabilly Flat Prime Haircut
The flat high is likely one of the defining parts of the rockabilly subculture’s signature look. A lot so in truth that the motion has put its personal stamp on the fashion. Right here’s how one can get it for your self.
“When that top is flat and cleanly cut it is one of the most striking shapes in the entire hair world,” says Tom Chapman, founding father of the Lions Barber Collective and ambassador to The Bluebeards Revenge grooming merchandise. “There are a lot of variations, and it doesn’t have to be skin short on the sides. However, it does have to be flat on top.”
This fashion might look nice nevertheless it’s very area of interest and so conveying to a barber precisely what you need utilizing mere phrases could be a little bit of a problem. Fortunately, Chapman has an answer: “I might say take a photograph with you. It’s really easy to do as of late.
“This cut isn’t for everyone,” warns Chapman. “A strong hairline and growth pattern will make life much easier. To style, use a good pre-styling product for added control and volume, then blow dry and brush up at the same time.” End with a strong-hold hairspray to maintain your hair in place all day lengthy.
17. Semi-Flat Prime Haircut
A semi-flat high haircut doesn’t have as a lot top as a full flat high haircut. In the event you like the form of a flat high however need one thing extra delicate, it is a nice choice. A semi-flat high haircut could be very nostalgic for a shorter fashion that was common through the 50s.
18. Flat Prime Haircut with Pompadour
If you wish to channel your inside Elvis, go for a flat high haircut with a pompadour. This distinctive coiffure requires an honest quantity of effort to keep up, nonetheless, the outcomes are effectively value it. The pompadour provides a chic contact to a extra informal haircut, simply just remember to have some hardcore hair gel and hairspray readily available in order that it may be styled with the right form and quantity.
19. Flat Prime Dreads
Regardless of being an odd pairing, this look is definitely tremendous revolutionary and funky. Dreading the longer locks on the crown of the top requires that you just sculpt your dreads up relatively than down, and also you’ll need to form them right into a cohesive dice in addition to you possibly can. In an effort to preserve a way of class and grooming, pair your dreaded flat high with a clear temple fade.
20. Dyed Flat Prime Haircut
Bleaching your flat high is a good way so as to add a contemporary twist to this retro haircut. Whereas you may as well go for some enjoyable or eye-catching colours, bleaching makes a press release with out going overboard. Although it’s distinctive, a bleach flat high haircut can nonetheless slot in in a extra skilled or formal setting.
Flat Prime FAQ:
How To Minimize A Flat Prime
To the informal observer, it could appear as if all you would possibly have to create the proper flat high can be a pair of backyard shears, however in actuality, it requires laser precision, a watch for element, and a talented, regular hand.
“The difference with a flat top, as opposed to almost any other style, is it doesn’t follow any of the traditional rules for cutting hair,” says Mills. “It’s totally visual.”
There are a number of strategies generally used to get the fashion proper, however Mills explains that this varies so much from barber to barber.
“Generally, It’s all about standing the hair up with a dryer, then spraying and shaping it with hair clippers,” he says. “There’s no easy way to do it and that’s why it’s not an easy cut to deliver. I don’t think a lot of barbers have ever been shown or would know how to approach it… but personally, I think it’s a great look and when I cut in the shop the whole team wants to watch and get involved.”
Is a Flat Prime For Me?
In the event you’re a busy man on a decent price range, then a flat high might not be your trim. Its exact styling signifies that it grows out in a short time and would require a touch-up each week or two with a purpose to keep wanting contemporary. Clearly, this isn’t going to be straightforward on the pockets, to not point out will probably be extraordinarily time-consuming.
One other factor to remember is your face form. We talked about {that a} flat high – top dependent – can add size to the face, that means you would possibly need to give it a miss should you’re eager to keep away from any “why the long face?” jibes out of your hilarious mates.
Individuals with sq. faces must also err on the aspect of warning when excited about getting a flat high, as its angular look will solely exaggerate the boxiness of the top.
The right way to fashion a flat high haircut
Although your barber will form your flat high, you’ll positively want some heavy-duty hair gel or wax to make use of on the each day if you wish to rock an outlined flat high haircut. The extra coarse your hair the much less gel or wax that you just’ll want.
