In the past decade, the haircut of Thomas Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy), or ‘Thomas Shelby Haircut’ has ascended to a reputation equivalent to that of Peaky Blinders. The look is not just a haircut. The rather iconic style is more than a haircut; it is a statement. Even college-graded boys and men tend to turn towards the trend in clean, angular features of vintage and modern appeal.
Whether you’re emulating the tough yet stylish persona of Shelby or looking for a nice haircut that is sure to turn heads, knowing the specifics of this look is important. Well, let’s see what has made this haircut hugely popular, how one can get it, and look at some real-life examples that are going to inspire your next visit to the barber.
Table of Contents
What is the Thomas Shelby Haircut?
The Thomas Shelby haircut is a bold one. The length on the sides and back is extremely short or shaven, but the top is left relatively long. The longer top hair can be slicked back, parted, and tousled to look a little disheveled or roughed up but clean at the same time. This style grew in popularity during the 1920s, while it currently gains new life due to the show Peaky Blinders.
Its appeal is in its versatility. This haircut appears to suit different facial shapes and adapts to different hair textures. The undercut draws attention to the facial features while the long top allows for creativity in styling.
How to Ask for the Thomas Shelby Haircut
You can’t just walk into a barbershop and show them a picture to get the Thomas Shelby haircut. Mostly, you will have to know the right terminologies for it. Here is how you would ask for it:
- Mention the Undercut: Tell him that you need a disconnected undercut. This means that the upper part will be quite long compared to the back and sides.
- Specify the length: Sides and back should be either a close shave or a clipper cut, with either a number 1 or 2 guard. On top, it just depends on how long you would like it—usually, around 2-3 inches is just perfect.
- Describe the fade: If you would like a fade, specify that you would like a high, mid, or low fade. The fade transitions long hair on the sides to the longer top.
- Discuss Styling: Let your barber know how you style your top. Whether you like to slick it back or keep the style natural and tousled makes a difference in how the top is cut.
- Bring a Picture: Bring a picture of the desired haircut, especially one where it’s from multiple angles. This puts you and your barber on the right track toward what you’re looking for.
How to Get the Thomas Shelby Haircut
After expressing your desire for a Thomas Shelby haircut, you will experience this for the haircut process:
- Preparation: The barber will first wash your hair to ensure they are clean and ready for the cut.
- Shaving the Sides and Back: Here, the barber utilizes clippers to shave the sides and back. This is where the undercut begins to take shape.
- Trimming the Top: Next, the top will be cut down to your preferred length. A barber may use scissors if you want a more textured look or clippers if uniformity of length is what you prefer.
- Styling: After all the cutting, then your barber will style you according to your taste. It could be back-slicked, with a parting line, or just a mess-up. This will be done with pomade, gel, or wax.
- Maintenance Tips: For the haircut to stay sharp, it needs regular trimming, especially on the sides and the back. The right hair products also work wonders in keeping the style.
10 Real-Life Examples of Thomas Shelby Haircuts
To inspire you, here are ten examples of a Thomas Shelby haircut style in real life. From celebrities and influencers to everyday men, these looks show how versatile this cut is. Their haircuts show the diversity of the haircut and how it can be adapted to suit different looks.
David Beckham
He rocks a high fade with a Thomas Shelby-inspired cut, paired with sleek slicked-back tops. The style goes equally great with formal events and casual outings.
Zayn Malik
Malik’s take features a mid-fade and textured top for a more contemporary feel. Zayn usually sets it with a tousled finish for the perfect laid-back look.
Brad Pitt
Pitt, in the movie Fury, donned a variant of the Shelby haircut, but the top was cut slightly shorter. This haircut is suitable for low-maintenance hair.
Chris Hemsworth
Hemsworth’s version is a bit looser, with a longer top that’s brushed back. A great look for those blessed with thick hair.
Justin Timberlake
Timberlake adds some of his own flair to the haircut with the addition of a hard part. This sharp line adds structure and definition.
Everyday College Guy
This is an example of a student who wears his Shelby haircut with a low fade. It looks neat and can be worn for a more conservative look.
Instagram Influencer
One of the biggest influencers today goes for a Thomas Shelby cut, with a pompadour on top, to show how modern one can put the haircut into service.
Corporate Professional
For a more discreet approach, this example features a man with a low fade and a neat combed top. Good for the office environment.
Fitness Enthusiast
A gym-goer pairs the rugged Shelby haircut with a rugged beard. At once rough and stylish.
Casual Dude
Follow this example with a textured top and messy finish, suitable for a casual everyday look.
FAQs
What is Thomas Shelby haircut?
He has a classic disconnected undercut known as a textured French crop hairstyle, though it is cut longer on top.
What haircut does Thomas Shelby have?
It is a short back and sides with a longer top, finished off with a slicked-back presentation. Though it is known as a textured French crop but it is a classic undercut with a textured hairstyle.
What is the Thomas Shelby haircut called?
It’s commonly known as a “textured French crop” but the best word used to describe it is “disconnected undercut”.
What type of haircut does Thomas Shelby have?
Thomas Shelby’s haircut is a disconnected undercut. There is a huge contrast between the shaved sides and the longer top. This is also popular as the “textured French crop hairstyle”.
How to get Thomas Shelby haircut?
You must visit a skilled barber and ask for a slicked-back top with a disconnected undercut or “textured French crop”.
What is the name of Thomas Shelby haircut?
It’s called the “Disconnected Undercut” also known as “textured French crop”.
How to ask for Thomas Shelby haircut?
Ask your barber to give you a Disconnected Undercut or textured French crop, specifying the length of the top and sides.
How to cut Thomas Shelby haircut?
Start with a close shave on the sides, leave the top longer, and style it back or to the side.
Final Thoughts
The Thomas Shelby haircut is way more than just a trend. It’s a classic, timeless look that has reached into the hearts and eyes of men from all corners of the world. Whether still a collegian or already working, this hairstyle gives a bold and versatile alternative. With the right barber and another little push from looking at real-life examples, you will easily be able to claim this iconic look all for yourself.
