Regular haircut

What it is

This style features hair on the crown and front long enough to comb, often with a defined or deconstructed side part. The back and sides vary in length, ranging from very short to extra long, but always taper towards the lower hairline. It is a versatile cut for men and boys, suitable for daily wear and professional settings. The look balances neatness on the edges with volume on top, allowing for various interpretations of the taper intensity.

Where it comes from

The short back and sides originated in the Roman Empire as a regulation cut for legionaries to prevent lice and enemy grabs. It resurfaced during the Renaissance and again in the Regency era when men abandoned powdered wigs due to tax laws. By the early twentieth century, it replaced longer styles and muttonchops, becoming the norm for professional men. After World War II, it remained a white-collar standard until the late 1960s, with recent revivals in hipster subcultures.

What it means

Historically, this cut signified discipline and civilisation, distinguishing Romanised subjects from traditionalists. In modern times, it represents professionalism and conformity in business environments. The style allows for subtle personal expression through sideburn length and neck edge shape, helping to normalise facial proportions. It serves as a neutral, accepted standard in many Western workplaces, contrasting with more expressive or lengthy hairstyles.

How it is made

Barbers begin with edging, using clippers to define the hairline around ears and nape. Siding follows, tapering the back and sides using clipper over comb or shear techniques to blend lengths. Topping involves cutting the crown and front, typically using shears over finger to layer and graduate the hair. The angle of lift determines the layering effect. Thinning shears or razors may blend thick areas, while specific clipper guards control the final length on the sides.

Who and what it suits

This cut works for any hair texture. Face shape adjustments are made via sideburn length and neck edge height. Shorter chins suit higher neck edges, while longer chins benefit from lower edges. Wide necks look better with narrower edges, and thin necks or protruding ears suit wider edges. Sideburn length can visually shorten or lengthen the face, helping to balance proportions for those with shorter or longer lower faces.

Versions

Tapers range from short to extra long. Short tapers use coarse blades high up, often blending into crew cuts or flattops. Semi-short tapers stop halfway up the crown. Medium tapers complete at the top of the ears, suiting average face shapes. Long tapers finish at mid-ear, often blocked at the nape. Extra long tapers end below the ears, sometimes featuring deconstructed arches. Each variant changes the formality and maintenance level.

In culture

The style has deep roots in Western military and professional culture. It was adopted by Romanised Jews and Gallo-Romans to signal alignment with Roman civilisation. In the twentieth century, it became synonymous with the corporate businessman. Recently, variations like the undercut have been appropriated by subcultures, showing the style's adaptability. It remains a dominant form for men seeking a low-maintenance, socially accepted appearance.

Questions people ask about Regular haircut

Good reading and sources

• A Haircut Returns From the 1930s (Published 2011)The New York Times, Article
• Steven Gerrard's Liverpool career in stickersBBC, Article

• Regular haircut on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data