Cindy has over 15 years of experience as a hair stylist and colorist in Las Vegas, NV. She started this website in 2005 and has influenced over 100 million people. She's personally interviewed over 5,000 hair stylists, colorists and barbers about their work. Her work has been featured in major beauty magazines and online publications. Learn more about Cindy and connect on LinkedIn. Also connect with her on:
An Ivy League haircut, aka Harvard Clip or Princeton Haircut, is a type of crew cut wherein the hair on top is long enough to be parted and swept to the side. This collegiate haircut has its origins from the 1960s and has always been among the most sought-after looks for stylish, smart men.
The high-class Ivy League cut is prestigious because it allows so many options in styling! Choices include sleek side-parts, textured tops, forward brush, faded sides, pompadours, and a lot more.
When it comes to Ivy League styles, styling the hair on top of the head with products like wax and pomade does all the trick! Upkeep is minimal since you can grow this cut out and still have an impressive look.
Top actors Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum, and Ryan Reynolds all wore this business hairstyle and proved how it never gets out of style! Choose from this up-to-date collection of only the most fashionable Ivy League haircut looks!
Bed hair on a proper lad is a different kind of sexy. A disheveled form on a Princeton cut achieves just that. A little messy works for an Ivy League haircut but don’t overdo it.
The Side-Swept Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @bishop_hairstyle
This awesome Ivy League haircut gives more definition to the side comb-over, creating volume and form to this part of the cut.
The Tapered Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @awethebarber
This is a popular Ivy League cut. Create a side part then shave sides and nape areas gradually. Apply styling products for maximum hold and shine.
The Crew Ivy League Cut
Instagram @barbeariasapompeiasp
Peep that smooth taper and a thicker top with this trendy Ivy League look. Get in with the program while still looking slick.
Ivy League Haircut with Skin Fade
Instagram @barberbysinan
Short back and sides go well with a full top like bread and butter. A skin fade creates an edgier Ivy League haircut.
The Comb Over Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @janikatuovila
Stylist Janika left much for the wearer to style and just enough for you to enjoy this amazing Ivy League cut. A cousin of the crew cut, you get more versatility in this style with a bit of the fluff on top.
The Textured Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @wit.salon
This is one of the best Ivy League haircuts for guys with thin hair. Layer hair on top and ruffle it out for that messy gentleman look.
The Curly Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @rachelringwood
Perfect Ivy League hairstyles for guys with curly hair have lots of texture. After that 8-5, you’re guaranteed to start the fun anywhere! Cool curls show the quirky side of that business suit.
The Military Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @gjack907
This is the shortest of Ivy League cuts. The strictest of the strictest cuts is fashionably dapper! Buzzed sides and a short top means less up-keeping.
The Modern Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @barbershop_port
Improvement on the Harvard clip means faded sides and a well-combed pompadour! The pompadour is an old classic Ivy League haircut that has not gone out of style.
The Ivy League Haircut with Fade
Instagram @gentlemens_evoke
An Ivy League haircut with a fade look sharp for gents. A rebellious punch to such a razor-sharp style. Tapering the sides accentuates the styling done on the top. Plus, it’s easier to manage!
The Short Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @nick_barber_arts
Short Ivy League haircuts like this great one are easier to maintain and style. The less fluff on the top means more fun all around! Brandish an on-the-go look that any gentleman can wear at any moment.
The Long Ivy League Haircut
Instagram @javi_thebarber_
Professional by day, party-goer by night. Cool long Ivy League haircuts pair perfectly with a clean side shave and gelled up top.
Q&A with style creator, Robyn Pape Hairstylist @ Red Bloom Salon in Calgary, AB
How would you describe this look?
This is a form of a textured Ivy League hairstyle. On Chris, I have shaped the back more cropped to his head and ascended the length as I worked towards his face due to his very straight hair sitting exactly where I cut it. Like a hedge!
He has the perfect hair for “bedhead” so with every one of his looks I make sure he can basically get out of the shower, put product in, mess it up quickly, and leave, while still looking professional for his job as a photographer.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This Ivy League cut is great for men who want to look put together and professional but don’t want to put in the styling work. For product, I prefer something matte and textured, such as Schwarzkopf’s ‘Mess Up’, which is what I used in this style. This style also looks really nice with cropped sides instead of a high fade, for men who maybe think a fade is too harsh for their work environment.
Q&A with style creator, Rais Barber @ Big Bro Chelyabinsk in Chelyabinsk, Russia
How would you describe this look?
This Ivy League haircut is like for everyday life and also for an official event. I like the shape and styling.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Style it matte or slightly shiny for straight or curly hair. The best face shape for anIvy League haircut like this is oval or elongated. It’s great for students or young entrepreneurs. With this installation, you can go to a party and work.
The Classic Ivy League Cut
Instagram @rodzstyle
Classic Ivy League cuts like this are always trendy. It’s the perfect cut for the guy who has a professional job and likes to maintain a clean-cut look all day and all night.