Ever stood in front of the mirror the morning of a big meeting, interview, or first date and wished your hair looked effortlessly put-together? If you want a hairstyle that reads professional, preppy, and polished without hours of fuss, the ivy league haircut might be your new go-to. It’s timeless, versatile, and—when done right—works with nearly every outfit in your wardrobe.
What is the Ivy League haircut?
The Ivy League haircut (sometimes called the Ivy League cut or Princeton cut) is a refined variation of the classic crew cut. It keeps the sides clean and tapered while leaving enough length on top to create a defined side part and a little texture. Think short back and sides with a longer, combable top. It’s the quintessential preppy hairstyle for men who value a neat look without sacrificing personality.
Why the Ivy League works: Versatility and style
One reason the Ivy League remains popular is its adaptability. Whether you’re aiming for a business-casual office look, a sharp wedding style, or relaxed weekend vibes, this cut can be styled multiple ways. It reads as:
- Professional and conservative for interviews and client meetings
- Preppy and collegiate for campus events and social outings
- Modern and textured when you let the top grow slightly and style with matte products
How to ask for an Ivy League haircut at the barber
Knowing how to communicate with your barber saves time and prevents disappointment. Use these tips to get the cut you want:
- Say “I want an Ivy League haircut” and follow up with length specifics: “Leave about 1.5–2.5 inches on top and taper the sides to a short scissor blend or a #2 guard.”
- Mention the part: “I want a natural side part—don’t cut it too short on that side.”
- Point out photos if you have them (photos are worth a thousand words).
- Ask for a scissor finish on the top for texture rather than a heavy clipper top.
Barber lingo to use
Use phrases like “tapered sides,” “scissor-over-comb on top,” and “textured finish.” If you prefer a slightly longer top for styling, ask for “2.5–3 inches on top.” For a cleaner look, request a tighter taper at the nape and around the ears.
Styling tips and products for the Ivy League cut
Styling this cut takes 2–5 minutes. Here’s a quick routine:
- Start with towel-dried hair.
- Use a blow dryer to direct the hair into a side part—use your fingers or a comb to create volume at the front.
- Apply a small amount of product: matte paste or light pomade for a controlled, natural finish; cream or sea salt spray for a softer, textured look.
- Comb through to set the part. For a modern finish, finish with a few passes of your fingers to break up the shape slightly.
Product recs depending on hair type:
- Fine hair: volumizing mousse or lightweight blow-dry cream
- Thick hair: medium-hold matte paste or pomade
- Curly or wavy: styling cream to define texture without a heavy shine
Ivy League haircut outfit combinations
The haircut pairs beautifully with classic, well-fitted clothes. Here are go-to combinations that complement the look:
Business casual
- Navy blazer + white oxford shirt + khaki chinos + brown loafers
- How it works: the clean side part of the Ivy League matches the structured blazer for a polished office look.
Preppy weekend
- Pastel sweater over a button-down + slim chinos + white sneakers
- How it works: the preppy haircut reinforces the collegiate aesthetic without feeling costume-y.
Date night / Smart casual
- Dark denim + crisp shirt + leather Chelsea boots
- How it works: the Ivy League haircut keeps the look intentional and groomed.
Maintenance and variations
Keep in mind:
- Frequency: Schedule a trim every 3–6 weeks depending on how sharp you want the taper to stay.
- Variations: The cut can lean more classic (slicked side part), textured (matte paste, tousled top), or modern (shorter sides with a longer textured top).
- Face shape: The Ivy League flatters most faces. For round faces, keep more height on top; for longer faces, avoid excessive top height and soften the sides slightly.
Who should get an Ivy League haircut?
If you want a low-maintenance but stylish men’s haircut that transitions smoothly from work to weekend, this is a great choice. It works well for college students, young professionals, grooms, and anyone who prefers a neat, classic aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does an Ivy League haircut take to style every morning?
Usually 2–5 minutes. With a quick blow-dry and a small amount of product, you can shape the side part and add volume in under five minutes.
2. Can the Ivy League haircut work with curly or wavy hair?
Yes. Keep the top slightly longer to let natural texture show. Use a light cream or sea salt spray to define waves without heavy shine. Ask your barber for a scissor-cut top to avoid a boxy look.
3. How is the Ivy League different from a crew cut or a side part?
The Ivy League is a hybrid: shorter than a classic side part but longer than a traditional crew cut. It’s designed to be combable and wearable with a defined side part, whereas a crew cut is shorter all over and less versatile for styling.
Conclusion — Why the Ivy League haircut deserves a spot in your rotation
The ivy league haircut is proof that classic hairstyles endure because they work. It’s adaptable, flattering, and simple to maintain—making it one of the best men’s haircuts for anyone who wants to look sharp with minimal fuss. Ready to try it? Bring a photo to your next appointment and use the barber cues above to get the exact look you want.
Liked this guide? Check out more styling advice on Best Men Hairstyles and learn detailed techniques in our How to Style a Side Part tutorial. If you have questions about products or face-shape variations, leave a comment or book a consult with your barber this week—then tag us when you post the result.
