The Ivy League Haircut – 32 Classy Styles for Modern Men

What Is The Ivy League Haircut?

When I first heard about the mid fade hair cut and Ivy League haircut, I honestly thought it had something to do with being smart. Funny, right? But actually, the Ivy League haircut, sometimes called the Harvard clip, is a short, neat hairstyle that’s super popular among men who prefer a clean-cut look. It’s similar to a crew cut but leaves more length on top, so you can style it a bit more freely. The sides and back are usually shorter, making it look sharp but still easy to manage every day.

Ivy League Haircut Variations

Brushed Up Ivy League

I tried the brushed-up Ivy League style last summer, and I got tons of compliments. This style involves brushing the hair upward to add volume on top while keeping the sides neatly trimmed. The secret to nailing this look is using a small dab of pomade or hair gel to keep it in place without making it look stiff. It’s great for looking fresh during meetings or just hanging out with friends because it stays sharp but relaxed.

Classic Ivy League Haircut

The classic Ivy League haircut is what you’d probably see in old-school movies. When I opted for this classic style, my barber used scissors to maintain around an inch of length on top, while cutting the sides and back quite short. It’s perfect for guys who want something traditional yet versatile enough for different occasions. I found it super easy to style—just comb it neatly to the side, and you’re good to go.

Curly Ivy League

Having curly hair can sometimes feel like a challenge, but when I got a curly Ivy League cut, I finally embraced my curls. This style leaves more length on top so the curls can do their thing naturally. To keep it looking neat, the sides and back are trimmed short with clippers. Using a bit of mousse really helped me manage the curls, and I learned it looked best when I air-dried it after showering.

Fresh Ivy League with Clean Tapered Sides

I recently went for the fresh Ivy League haircut with clean tapered sides, and it immediately boosted my confidence. This style tapers gradually from longer on top to very short on the sides, creating a smooth transition. It gives a super tidy appearance that’s professional yet trendy. All it took was some quick combing in the morning, and I was ready for any meeting or casual outing.

Hard Side Part

When I tried the hard side part, I felt like I’d stepped straight out of a fashion magazine. This haircut has a sharply defined line shaved into the scalp to separate the top section from the sides clearly. It requires regular visits to my barber to maintain the line, but the crisp appearance was worth it. A little hair wax each morning kept the part defined throughout the day.

Ivy League Comb Over

The Ivy League comb over isn’t your grandfather’s hairstyle—I learned that the cool way. It involves leaving slightly longer hair on top, then neatly combing it to one side. Unlike old-school comb overs, it doesn’t look forced or thin; instead, it feels modern and stylish. A touch of pomade kept mine in place without looking greasy, making it a reliable everyday style.

Ivy League Crew Cut

When I first tried the Ivy League crew cut, it felt like I’d discovered the easiest hairstyle ever. It’s similar to a regular crew cut but with slightly more length on top, giving room to style if you want to. Short sides and back make it incredibly low-maintenance. Just a quick brush or a bit of gel, and I was out the door, looking sharp and ready for whatever came next.

Ivy League Fade

My barber suggested trying an Ivy League fade, and honestly, I’ve never looked back. The fade gradually transitions from longer hair on top to very short on the sides and back. It made my mornings simpler because this cut practically styles itself. All I needed was some lightweight gel or wax to keep the top tidy, and the fade kept everything else looking fresh and sharp.

Ivy League with Low Fade

When I experimented with an Ivy League with a low fade, I found the style incredibly versatile. This style keeps more length on top with a subtle fade just above the ears, creating a sophisticated yet casual look. It was ideal for both formal occasions and laid-back weekends. Adding some matte pomade helped to keep the style neat without making it overly shiny.

Long Ivy League

If you like having a bit more hair to play with, the long Ivy League style might be perfect—I certainly enjoyed it. The top hair is kept longer than usual, offering great styling flexibility, while the sides stay neatly trimmed. I often styled mine slightly messy with some texture cream, which added a relaxed, modern feel. It’s ideal if you want the classy Ivy League look with more styling options.

Low-Maintenance Ivy League

The low-maintenance Ivy League is exactly as it sounds: easy and hassle-free. This style has short sides and a neatly trimmed top that’s just long enough to style slightly if desired. It saved me tons of time each morning, especially because it required minimal product and upkeep. Perfect for anyone who wants a smart appearance without much daily fuss.

Medium Length Ivy League

The medium-length Ivy League hairstyle offered the perfect balance for me. It has just enough length on top to experiment with different styling methods, yet remains manageable. I typically used a light pomade to give my hair some texture and hold without weighing it down. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a polished yet slightly relaxed appearance.

Messy Ivy League

The messy Ivy League is where classic meets casual. I went for this look during a beach trip, and it was surprisingly easy to maintain. I let the top grow out just a bit longer than usual, added some texturizing cream, and gave it a little finger tousle. It gave me that just-out-of-bed but still-put-together vibe.

Modern Ivy League Haircut

This one is my go-to when I want to feel updated without giving up tradition. The modern Ivy League often includes a low or mid fade on the sides with a longer, slicked-back top. My barber once combined it with a hard part, and I felt instantly sharper. It fits right in whether I’m going for brunch or heading to the office.

Preppy Ivy League

The preppy Ivy League cut is what I call the “meeting my girlfriend’s parents” look. Clean lines, side part, and a touch of mousse gave me a polished appearance without looking like I tried too hard. It has just enough edge to feel young but still respectful enough for formal settings.

Professional Ivy League with Tapered Sides

If your office has a dress code, this one checks all the boxes. I wore this style for an interview once, and let’s just say—I got the job. The taper on the sides blends smoothly with a conservative length on top, perfect for serious occasions. It stays sharp with little effort.

Short Ivy League Haircut

The short Ivy League was my choice during the hottest days of the year. With just enough length on top to run a comb through, it’s quick, tidy, and keeps your head cool. I didn’t need much product—just a light mist of water and a comb did the trick. If you’re all about speed and comfort, this one’s hard to beat.

Side Swept Ivy League with Low Taper Fade

When I mixed in a low taper fade with a side-swept Ivy League, it gave my face more structure. The gradual taper along the neckline and ears looked clean, and the side-swept top added a modern flair. This combo worked well with my thick hair and made my overall style look more intentional. I loved how it looked dressed up or down.

Simple Short Ivy League with Texture

This one’s for guys who hate fuss—like me on lazy mornings. The simple short Ivy League has just enough on top to add texture, but not so much that it gets messy. I used matte clay for a natural finish and didn’t even need a comb most days. It’s quick, casual, and always presentable.

Textured Ivy League Taper Fade with Stubble Beard

Adding a stubble beard to my textured Ivy League taper fade was honestly a game-changer. The fade gave a clean base while the top added volume, and the stubble tied it all together for a masculine, stylish finish. It’s a great look if you want something laid-back yet polished. I even got compliments at a wedding—and I wasn’t the groom!

Textured Ivy League with Taper Fade

If I had to pick one style that balanced everything—work, weekends, date nights—it’s the textured Ivy League with a taper fade. The top had just enough height and movement, and the taper kept the edges crisp. It worked well with my square face shape and gave a confident, well-groomed appearance. It quickly became my default style.

FAQs

1. What face shape is best for an Ivy League haircut?
The Ivy League haircut works well on oval, square, and rectangular face shapes, but it’s versatile enough to be adapted to most face types with minor tweaks.

2. Is the Ivy League haircut easy to maintain?
Yes, most Ivy League styles require low maintenance. A quick brush or a small amount of product is usually enough to keep it looking sharp.

3. How often should I get an Ivy League haircut?
To keep it neat, I usually visit my barber every 3 to 4 weeks, especially if I have a fade or a hard part.

4. Can I get an Ivy League cut with curly hair?
Definitely. I’ve worn a curly Ivy League myself. Just make sure your barber knows how to shape curls properly and recommend products like mousse or curl cream.

5. What’s the difference between a crew cut and an Ivy League haircut?
An Ivy League keeps more length on top than a crew cut, which allows for more styling options like a side part or quiff.

6. Is this hairstyle good for professional settings?
Absolutely. Styles like the professional Ivy League with tapered sides are perfect for work, meetings, and formal events.

7. Can teenagers try this haircut?
Yes, I’ve seen lots of teenagers rock it. It’s youthful, clean, and very Instagram-friendly if that matters to you.

8. What products should I use for styling?
I usually stick to light pomade, gel, or matte clay depending on the finish I want—shiny or natural.

9. Is the Ivy League haircut suitable for thin hair?
Yes, but I’d recommend a shorter top with added texture to give the appearance of more volume.

10. Can I style an Ivy League haircut without a blow dryer?
Yes. Most styles are easy enough to shape with just your hands and a little product. A blow dryer just helps with volume if you need it.

11. Is the Ivy League haircut good for hot weather?
The short Ivy League cut is my go-to during summer. It keeps you cool and still looks stylish.

12. Do Ivy League cuts work with beards?
For sure. I pair mine with a stubble beard, and it creates a balanced, masculine look.

13. Can I get a fade with an Ivy League cut?
Yes, fades work really well with this style—especially low or taper fades that keep the look clean and sharp.

14. How long does it take to style in the morning?
Usually under 5 minutes. A bit of product, a quick comb or brush, and you’re set.

15. Will the Ivy League haircut grow out nicely?
Yes, that’s one of the best parts. It doesn’t lose its shape quickly, and even as it grows, it still looks neat.

What is the Ivy League haircut called?
It’s also called the Harvard clip or Princeton cut—a neat, short style with more length on top for easy styling.

How do I ask for an Ivy League haircut?
Tell your barber you want short sides with 1–2 inches on top that can be parted or brushed back.

What does 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mean in haircuts?
These numbers refer to clipper guard lengths. A “1” is very short, while a “5” leaves more hair.

How to do an Ivy League hairstyle?
Apply pomade to damp hair, then comb it to the side or brush it up. Keep the sides tidy.