No pop-culture phenomenon in the last 20 years has significantly impacted men’s hair more than Peaky Blinders. The BBC drama about the rise of the Shelby family from small-time crooks to international crime lords is as famous for the undercuts as it is for the Brummie accents and the punch-ups.
When the show first launched nearly 10 years ago, it sparked a renewed interest in early 20th-century men’s fashion. Young lads were excited about tailoring again, trying to work out if they could pull off a flat cap (spoiler: most couldn’t), and most importantly, heading to their local barbers with pictures of the main characters in their hands.
While Tommy Shelby’s messy crop and disconnected sides get most of the attention, they’re not the only hairstyles in Peaky Blinders. Below, we’ll look at some of the show’s signature cuts and how to get them. We’ll also answer the all-important question: what is a “Peaky Blinders haircut”?
What Is A Peaky Blinders Haircut?
There are several hairstyles across various Peaky Blinders characters, and styles evolve slightly from season to season. So, can we group them all under one umbrella? The answer lies in a common thread that runs through many of the show’s most iconic cuts: the undercut.
The Disconnected Undercut
Apart from a few exceptions, most of the main characters in Peaky Blinders have an aggressive disconnected undercut. This style is very short on the back and sides, with longer hair on top and no fade between the two. The contrast between the short sides and the longer top is bold and striking. It was a style popular among young working-class lads during the period when Peaky Blinders was set and is more fashionable now than ever.
The disconnected undercut is great for several reasons. First, it’s neat and low-maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy men. The short sides mean fewer trips to the barber, and the longer top can be styled in many ways, so you have options.
Styling Options
This haircut can be styled in many ways, depending on how the top is cut and styled. Some may keep the top longer and messy for a more relaxed look, while others may style it back for a more polished look. The versatility of the disconnected undercut means it can go from day to night, so it’s suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Also, the disconnected undercut is a way to reduce volume in longer hair, which can be great for those with thick or wavy hair. It’s a more manageable style that still has character. Or it can add some extra flair to classic trims like crew cuts and Ivy Leagues and give them a modern twist.
Should I Get A Peaky Blinders Haircut?
Thinking of getting a Peaky Blinders haircut yourself? You might be wondering if it will suit you. The good news is there are so many styles to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. The most important thing to consider when deciding which style will suit you is your face shape.
Face Shape
Face shape is the overall shape of your face, which is most resembled by one of five shapes—oval, square, round, rectangle, and heart. Think of the oval shape as the tonsorial status quo. The goal is to balance out the proportions of your head to get an oval shape as close as possible.
For example, if you have a long rectangular face, you need to add bulk to the sides or avoid adding volume on top of the head. Adding height will lengthen the face and move the overall shape away from that oval target. Since the short sides define the Peaky Blinders haircut, the best option for someone with a rectangular face would be to choose a style that’s cut very close to the head on top. This will help balance out the look.
Your Lifestyle
Another thing to consider before you go to the barber is your lifestyle and work environment. The office is a very different place now than it was even 10 years ago, but those who work in more traditional corporate environments may still get some funny looks if they show up on Monday morning with the sides of their head shaved.
If you work in a creative field or a more relaxed environment, you may have more freedom to try bold styles like the Peaky Blinders cut. But if you’re in a conservative workplace, you may want to opt for a more subtle version of the professional haircut that allows you to still have the style.
Maintenance and Commitment
Also, consider the maintenance involved with a Peaky Blinders haircut. The disconnected undercut is easy to style but requires regular trips to the barber to keep the sides sharp and the top looking good. If you prefer low-maintenance haircuts, you may want to consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into upkeep.
The Peaky Blinders Haircuts
1. Tommy Shelby’s Textured Crop
Tommy Shelby is the leader of the Shelby family and the main character of Peaky Blinders. He’s calm and measured but can also be brutal and unhinged when he loses his temper—traits that are reflected in his haircut.
The Cut
Tommy’s haircut features a soft, textured crop on top that’s swept to the side. It’s stylish and cool. The top is contrasted by an aggressive, disconnected undercut on the back and sides, where the hair is shaved almost to the skin. This contrast not only emphasizes the texture on top but also adds an edge to the overall look.
How to Get the Look?
To get Tommy Shelby’s textured crop, ask your barber for a crop with a disconnected undercut. Make sure to tell him you want the top styled to the side, as this is key to the look. The barber will use scissors to create the soft texture on top and clippers to create the clean lines of the undercut.
Once the cut is done, styling is key to getting Tommy’s look. After the scissors are put away, you can style them with a bit of pomade. Soften the pomade in your hands before applying it to your hair. This will help create a more natural texture.
Styling
To style your hair, tousle it gently with your fingers to create texture and movement. Work the product through your hair and direct it to one side to get the swept look. You want to look relaxed but polished, like Tommy Shelby.
2. Arthur Shelby’s Slick Back
Arthur Shelby is the most violent, volatile, and unpredictable of the Shelbys. He’s got a short fuse and will use his fists. His haircut reflects his aggressive nature. Arthur’s haircut features an extreme length contrast: long hair on top and clipped hair on the back and sides of the head. It’s bold and striking.
The Cut
To get Arthur Shelby’s slick back, you’ll need hair that’s long enough to start with. The hair on top needs to be long enough to lie flat when combed back over the top of the head to get that slicked-back look. The contrast between the longer top and the shorter sides is what makes this haircut so eye-catching.
How to Get the Look?
When you go to the barber, ask for a slick back with a disconnected undercut. Make sure to tell him you want to keep the top at a reasonable length. Bringing a picture can be super helpful to make sure your barber gets the look. This will avoid any miscommunication, and you’ll leave the barbershop with the style you want.
Styling
You’ll need a few tools to style: a comb, a blow dryer, and some pomade. Apply the pomade to slightly damp hair. This will help the product distribute evenly and hold.
Use the comb and blow dryer to style the hair back and keep it loose. You want to create some volume, not have it stuck to the top of your head. This will give you a more relaxed and natural slick-back look, which is key to getting Arthur’s rough charm.
Finishing Touches
Once styled, you can finish with a light mist of hairspray if you want extra hold throughout the day. But don’t overdo it, as you want to keep it effortless.
3. Michael Gray’s Classic Side Part
Michael Gray is Polly Shelby’s son and cousin to the Shelby brothers. He rises to be a high-ranking member of the gang before the story takes a dark turn. His haircut is a classic 1920s side part, making him one of the most timeless and traditional of the main characters in Peaky Blinders.
The Cut
To get Michael Gray’s classic side part, ask your barber for a traditional side part with tapered sides cut with scissors. Compared to the other haircuts in the show, this will give you a softer, feathered transition between the longer top and the shorter sides. The tapered sides will give you a polished look that’s suitable for both formal and casual wear.
How to Get the Look
When you go to the barber, tell him you want a classic side part. You might also want to specify the length on top. Make sure it’s long enough to create a visible part. Bringing a picture of Michael Gray will help your barber get the look. Once you get the haircut, you can style it as follows:
Styling
Use a blow dryer to push the hair in the direction you want the parting to go. This is key to getting Michael’s clean side part. Once you’ve directed the hair, apply a styling cream or gel to add shine and hold.
Comb it in place, making sure the hair is flat and classic. You want to achieve a neat and sophisticated look that’s elegant in the 1920s.
4. John Shelby’s Short Crop
John Shelby is Tommy and Arthur’s younger brother. He has a shorter version of his brothers’ aggressive undercut. This is a great option for anyone who likes the Peaky Blinders look but wants a neat and low-maintenance version of the longer styles.
The Cut
To get John Shelby’s short crop, tell your barber you want a short side part with a disconnected undercut. As always, bring a picture to reference so both you and your barber are on the same page. This will avoid any miscommunication, and you’ll leave the barbershop with the haircut you want.
The barber will cut the hair into a short crop, leaving just enough length on top to style it into a parting. The disconnected undercut on the sides will give you a clean and sharp contrast and modern edge while still feeling classic.
Styling
One of the best things about John Shelby’s short crop is that it requires minimal styling. To keep the side parting in place, just use some wax or a light pomade. Apply a small amount to your fingers and work it through the top hair, directing it into the parting.
If you want a polished look without over-styling, let your natural texture show through. This is perfect for those who want a simple grooming routine.
Finishing
If you want to add some shine or extra hold, you can finish with a light mist of hairspray, but you don’t need to use a style like John’s. Just keep it fresh and easygoing, like the character.
