A traditional short Ivy League

This series of photos shows a traditional Ivy League cut. If you have been visitng the Buzztown Barber Shop regularly, you will know by now that an Ivy League is a cut in which the back and sides are cut short (around a quarter of an inch, similar to a crewcut). Over the crown of the head, the hair is also cut quite short. It may be cut at the same length as the back and sides (around a quarter inch), or it may start to get a little longer. From the crown forward, the hair gets a longer. If it is not short over the crown, then it is not an Ivy League.

At the front and on top, it may range from being just long enough to be brushed over or it may even be an inch or two in length. How the hair looks on top depends upon its length and also the thickness and texture of the hair. For some guys, the hair will naturally stay close to the head. On other guys it may stick up more. Either way, you can control it with gel-type products if it doesn't do what you want.

It is the front and top that differentiates an ivy league from other short cuts and that's the great thing about this style. Depending on the length and hair type, you can have different options. The hair can be brushed to one side, as shown here, brushed forward, or brushed back as a short pompadour.

For a guy who doesn't want to go all the way to a traditional crewcut, this is a great style. You still have some length on top and can have some hair in front. You can still have a part. If you are experimenting with short hair and decide that the buzzed look isn't for you, you have less time to wait (and it's the length on top that will make the difference if you are growing your hair longer).

An ivy league is a good low maintenance cut. As you can see here, the hair at theh back and sides and over the crown are clipped nice and short. Notice that there is a slight outline around the ears, which adds to the neat appearance.

At the back, the hair can be tapered just a little, as shown here, which adds to the clipped appearance that is so popular right now.

At the back, the hair can be tapered just a little, as shown here, which adds to the clipped appearance that is so popular right now. This shot also shows nice tapering at the back. This third shot also gives you some idea of the length of the hair at the front of the head.

The Ivy League is one of the most versatile short styles. It is lower maintenance than the flattop, which needs to stand up precisely to look its best. The Ivy League gives you more options than the standard crewcut. Although it is a good informal cut, you can use a gel to create a really cool formal style. During the week, wear your Ivy League brushed over as a short businessman's cut. When you are not at work, brush it forward or spike it up a little. It will stay in control when you exercise or if you drive a convertible.

Is Ivy League the style for you? The Ivy League and many other cool styles are available from a barber near you.

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