Ivy League hairstyle example

Ivy League: See It on Your Photo

A longer take on the crew cut with enough length on top for a neat side part. A polished men's cut for oval, square and round faces.

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Try this style on your photo

Face shapes it suits

  • Oval
  • Square
  • Round

How to find your face shape

Sometimes called a Princeton, the Ivy League is essentially a crew cut that has been allowed to grow a little. The sides and back stay short and tapered, but the top is left at roughly one to two inches, just enough to comb into a clean side part.

That flexibility is its best feature. With a light pomade and a fine-tooth comb, the part is sharp and slightly glossy; with a matte cream and your fingers, the top can be pushed up and back.

The side part creates a gentle diagonal that tends to flatter round faces, and the short sides highlight a strong square jaw. Oval shapes can switch between parted and unparted versions freely. Straight or wavy hair of medium thickness parts most cleanly; very curly hair may need extra length on top. Blow-drying the front slightly up and over sets the part, and a trim every three to five weeks keeps the taper neat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should the top be for an Ivy League cut?
Usually about one to two inches, enough to comb into a side part while still looking short and tidy.
Can I wear an Ivy League cut without a part?
Yes. It can be pushed up and slightly back or roughed up with a bit of clay for a more casual look.
What product works best?
A light pomade gives a neat, slightly shiny part, while a matte cream or clay suits a softer, more casual finish.

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