The Ivy League haircut, also known as the Harvard Clip, Princeton Cut, or the collegiate cut – is a classic old-money hairstyle that has graced the heads of academics, politicians, and style icons for decades.
Born in the hallowed halls of America’s most prestigious universities, the Ivy League haircut has evolved from its preppy roots to a staple of refined masculinity and a favourite among men who appreciate a polished yet effortless look.
Whether you’re a student aiming for that academic aesthetic or a professional seeking a sharp, low-maintenance style, the Ivy League haircut is the solution.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 most popular Ivy League haircuts, from the classic Harvard Clip to modern interpretations, and show you how to choose the right cut for your face shape and hair type.
1. Classic Ivy League Haircut
The classic Ivy League haircut, or the Princeton Cut, is the foundation of refined men’s styling.
This timeless look features short, neatly trimmed sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top—2.5 to 5 centimetres in length.
The longer top allows for a side parting, creating that distinguished, scholarly appearance synonymous with success.
This old-money haircut is flattering for men with oval, square, and diamond face shapes.
The clean lines complement angular features, creating a harmonious balance.
For body types, the classic Ivy League works exceptionally well on athletic and rectangular builds, enhancing the appearance of a strong, masculine silhouette.
Regarding hair texture, the classic Ivy League is most suited to those with straight or slightly wavy hair of medium to thick density.
The additional volume on top can help elongate rounder face shapes while the short sides maintain a neat, professional look.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Start with damp hair and apply a small amount of pomade. Create a neat side parting and comb the top hair to the side, styling the front slightly upward for a subtle quiff effect.
For a modern twist, ask your barber for slightly more length on top to create a relaxed, textured style perfect for casual weekend looks.
2. Textured Ivy League Haircut
The Textured Ivy League haircut is a modern interpretation of the classic collegiate style.
This contemporary version maintains the sophisticated essence of the traditional cut while introducing a more relaxed, effortless vibe.
The signature short sides and back remain, but the longer top section boasts added depth and movement.
This variation of the academic cut is ideal for those with round, heart-shaped, or oval faces. The added texture on top creates visual interest and helps elongate fuller face shapes.
The Textured Ivy League complements lean and athletic body types, its tousled appearance adding a casual, youthful aesthetic to the wearer’s look.
The Textured Ivy League excels in its ability to accommodate various hair textures.
While the classic Princeton Cut favours straight hair, this modern version is a boon for men with wavy or slightly curly locks.
The natural movement in the hair becomes an asset, adding character and depth to the style.
Even those with finer hair benefit from this cut, as the textured styling techniques create the illusion of volume and fullness.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Begin with damp hair and apply a texturising product such as sea salt spray or mousse. Use your fingers to tousle and lift the hair while blow-drying to add volume and enhance natural texture.
Once dry, work a small amount of matte clay or paste through your hair, focusing on creating a piece-y definition rather than a smooth, uniform appearance.
For a bold, confident look, style the front into a textured quiff by adding height at the front while maintaining the Ivy League tradition.
3. Long Ivy League Haircut
The Long Ivy League haircut pushes the boundaries of the traditional style, offering a perfect blend of classic sophistication and modern flair.
This variation features more length on top, ranging from 10 to 15 centimetres, with shorter sides and back.
This elongated version of the preppy cut is excellent for men with oblong, diamond, or heart-shaped faces.
The added length on top and sides provides versatility in styling and can help balance longer face shapes.
The Long Ivy League is well-suited for tall and athletic body types, its proportions complementing a statuesque physique.
The Long Ivy League works best with straight to wavy hair of medium to thick density.
The extra length allows for more styling options, from sleek and polished for formal occasions to tousled and relaxed for casual settings.
This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for men who want a versatile, low-maintenance hairstyle that can transition seamlessly from day to night.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Start with damp hair, apply volumising mousse, create a side part, and use a round brush while blow-drying to create volume and shape.
For a polished look, apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream and comb the hair neatly to the side.
Use your fingers to style for a more casual appearance, creating a slightly dishevelled effect.
4. Ivy League with Fade
The Ivy League with Fade combines the classic top of the Ivy League with a modern fade on the sides and back.
This contemporary twist on the collegiate cut offers a sharp, clean, sophisticated, and edgy look.
The fade can range from a subtle taper to a high skin fade, allowing for personalisation based on individual preferences.
This style suits men with square, oval, or diamond-shaped faces. The contrast between the longer top and faded sides can help accentuate strong jawlines and cheekbones.
The Ivy League with Fade is particularly flattering on an inverted triangle and trapezoid body shapes, as it balances broader shoulders and narrower waists.
The Ivy League with Fade works well with all hair textures, from straight to curly.
If you have thicker hair, the fade reduces bulk on the sides, creating a sleek silhouette.
If your hair is finer, you benefit from the illusion of density that the fade creates by contrasting with the fuller top.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
- Inverted Triangle, Trapezoid
Styling Tip:
Apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream to damp hair. Use a comb to create a neat side part and style the top hair accordingly.
For a more textured look, switch to a matte product and style with your fingers, creating a deliberately tousled appearance on top.
5. Curly Ivy League Haircut
The Curly Ivy League Haircut is a dynamic interpretation of the classic style, embracing and showcasing natural curl patterns.
This variation maintains the fundamental structure of the Ivy League – shorter sides and back with a longer top – but allows for more length and volume to accommodate and enhance curly textures.
This hairstyle suits men with oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces.
The added volume from the curls can help balance elongated face shapes and sharp features.
The Curly Ivy League is particularly flattering on oval and hourglass body shapes, adding height and dimension to the overall silhouette.
The Curly Ivy League is designed for men with curly or wavy hair; it works well with all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils.
This cut allows for the natural texture of the hair to shine, creating a look that’s both sophisticated and full of personality.
For men with thicker, coarser curls, this style helps manage volume while maintaining a polished appearance.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Start with freshly washed, damp hair. Apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel, distributing it evenly through your hair.
Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your curls without creating frizz. Alternatively, allow your hair to air dry for a more natural look.
Once dry, use your fingers to separate and define curls gently, and avoid using a comb or brush, as it can disrupt the natural curl pattern and create frizz.
6. Side-Parted Ivy League Haircut
The Side-Parted Ivy League Haircut is a refined variation that emphasises the original style’s classic, scholarly aesthetic.
This cut features a distinct side part, with the hair on top styled neatly to one side. The sides and back are kept short, creating a clean, polished look.
This style is exceptionally flattering for men with square, rectangular, or oval face shapes. The defined side part can help add structure to softer face shapes and enhance the angles of more chiselled features.
The Side-Parted Ivy League complements rectangle and trapezoid body types, its neat lines contributing to an overall impression of height and good posture.
The Side-Parted Ivy League works best with straight to slightly wavy hair of medium density.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Begin with damp hair and apply a small amount of styling cream or pomade.
Use a fine-toothed comb to create a precise side part. Comb the hair on top neatly to the side, following the direction of the part.
7. Textured Crop Ivy League
The Textured Crop Ivy League is a modern, edgy take on the traditional Ivy League cut.
This style features a shorter top length than the classic version, with added texture for a more contemporary look.
The sides and back are kept short, creating a clean contrast with the textured top.
This style suits men with round, oval, or heart-shaped faces.
The added texture on top can help elongate rounder face shapes, while the short sides enhance facial features.
The Textured Crop Ivy League is flattering on an inverted triangle and trapezoid body type, as it adds balance to broader shoulders and creates a streamlined silhouette.
The Textured Crop Ivy League works well with straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair.
It’s an excellent choice for men with fine to medium hair thickness, as the textured styling can create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair.
This low-maintenance cut is perfect for those who want a stylish look without spending too much time on daily styling.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
- Inverted Triangle, Trapezoid
Styling Tip:
Start with towel-dried hair and apply a small amount of texturising paste or clay.
Work the product through your hair with your fingers, focusing on creating piece-y texture.
8. Ivy League with Hard Part
The Ivy League with Hard Part is a bold, high-contrast variation of the classic cut.
This style incorporates a shaved-in line (the hard part) to create a stark, defined separation between the longer top and the shorter sides.
The result is a sharp, eye-catching look combining traditional elegance and modern edge.
This style suits men with square, rectangular, or diamond-shaped faces.
The hard part adds a strong structural element that can enhance angular features and create the illusion of a more defined face shape.
The Ivy League with Hard Part complements rectangle and hourglass body types, its clean lines contributing to an overall polished and put-together appearance.
The Ivy League with Hard Part is best suited for straight to slightly wavy hair of medium to thick density.
The defined part works well with neatly styled hair, allowing for a crisp, clean look.
This style is perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair while maintaining a professional appearance.
Ideal Face Shape:
- Square, Rectangle, Diamond
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Begin with damp hair and apply a strong-hold pomade or gel.
Use a fine-toothed comb to create a neat part along the shaved line. Comb the top hair to the side, away from the part.
9. Messy Ivy League
The Messy Ivy League is a relaxed, contemporary take on the traditional cut.
This style maintains the classic Ivy League structure – shorter sides and back with more length on top – but introduces a deliberately tousled, undone look.
The result is a versatile, youthful appearance that balances sophistication with effortless charm.
This style is particularly flattering for men with oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces and suits oval and inverted triangle body types in particular.
The Messy Ivy League works exceptionally well with wavy or slightly curly hair, as these textures naturally lend themselves to a more tousled look.
However, it can be adapted with the right styling techniques for straight hair.
This cut is ideal for men who want a low-maintenance style that can easily transition from professional to casual settings.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Start with damp hair and apply a sea salt spray or texturising mousse.
Use your fingers to tousle your hair while blow-drying for added volume and texture.
10. Ivy League for Thinning Hair
The Ivy League for Thinning Hair is a skilful adaptation of the classic cut, designed to create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.
This variation typically features a shorter top length than the traditional Ivy League, with carefully blended sides to minimise the contrast between areas of different hair density.
This style suits men with oval, square, or rectangular face shapes.
The strategic cutting and styling techniques can help to create the illusion of more volume, balancing facial proportions.
The Ivy League for Thinning Hair is flattering on rectangle and trapezoid body types, its neat lines contributing to an overall polished appearance.
This variation of the Ivy League is specifically designed for men with fine or thinning hair.
It works with the natural growth patterns and remaining hair density to create a smart, professional look that doesn’t draw attention to areas of thinning.
This cut is perfect for men who want to maintain a classic, refined style while addressing concerns about hair thinning.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Begin with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a volumising mousse to the roots, focusing on areas where you want to create the appearance of more fullness.
11. Long Top Ivy League
The Long Top Ivy League is a bold, modern interpretation of the classic cut.
This style features significantly more length on top – 7-10 centimetres, while maintaining the traditional short sides and back.
The additional length on top allows for more versatile styling options, from sleek and polished to textured and voluminous.
This style is particularly flattering for men with oblong, diamond, or heart-shaped faces.
The extra length on top can help balance elongated face shapes and add softness to angular features.
The Long Top Ivy League complements trapezoid and inverted triangle body types, its proportions adding balance to broader shoulders and creating a streamlined silhouette.
The Long Top Ivy League works best with straight to wavy hair of medium to thick density.
This cut allows for various styling options, making it ideal for men who enjoy experimenting with different looks.
It’s perfect for those who want to maintain the classic Ivy League aesthetic while incorporating more contemporary styling trends.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
- Trapezoid, Inverted Triangle
Styling Tip:
Start with damp hair and apply a volumising mousse or sea salt spray. Use a blow dryer and round brush to create volume and shape in the longer top section.
For a sleek look, apply a small amount of pomade and comb the hair back or to the side.
Use matte clay and style with your fingers for a more textured appearance, creating movement and separation.
12. Ivy League with Fringe
The Ivy League with Fringe combines the classic elements of the Ivy League cut with a modern, eye-catching fringe.
This variation maintains the short sides and back of the traditional style but features a longer top section styled forward to create a distinctive fringe.
The result is a youthful, contemporary look that reflects the cut’s preppy origins.
This style suits men with square, oval, or heart-shaped faces. The fringe can help soften strong jawlines and add interest to oval face shapes.
The Ivy League with Fringe flatters rectangle and oval body types.
Its balanced proportions complement a range of physiques while adding a touch of edge to the overall appearance.
The Ivy League with Fringe works well with straight to slightly wavy hair.
It’s particularly beneficial for men with high foreheads or receding hairlines, as the fringe can be styled to cover these areas.
This cut offers a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, ideal for those who want to make a subtle statement with their hairstyle.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Begin with damp hair and apply a light-hold styling cream. Use a blow dryer and a paddle brush to dry the fringe forward and slightly to the side.
Once dry, use your fingers to piece out the fringe for a textured look or comb it neatly for a more polished appearance.
13. Ivy League with Taper
The Ivy League with Taper is a refined variation that combines the classic top of the Ivy League with a gradual taper on the sides and back.
This style offers a more subtle transition from the longer top to the shorter sides compared to a fade, resulting in a polished, versatile look suitable for various professional and casual settings.
This style is particularly flattering for men with oval, diamond, or triangular face shapes.
The gradual taper helps to soften facial angles while maintaining a clean, structured appearance.
The Ivy League with Taper complements rectangle and trapezoid body types, its balanced proportions creating a sleek silhouette that enhances the overall look.
The Ivy League with Taper works well with all hair textures, from straight to curly.
It’s an excellent choice for men who want a low-maintenance style that retains a sharp, put-together appearance.
This cut offers the versatility of the classic Ivy League with an added touch of modern sophistication.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Start with damp hair and apply a small amount of styling cream. Use a comb to create a side part and style the top hair accordingly.
For a classic look, comb the top hair neatly to the side. For a more relaxed appearance, use your fingers to style, creating a slightly tousled effect.
To maintain the crisp taper, schedule regular trims every 2-3 weeks.
14. Asymmetrical Ivy League
The Asymmetrical Ivy League is a daring, contemporary take on the classic cut.
This style features a longer length on one side of the top, creating an intentional imbalance that adds edge and personality to the traditional Ivy League look.
The sides and back are kept short, emphasising the asymmetrical top.
This bold style is well-suited for men with square, oval, or heart-shaped faces.
The asymmetry can help soften strong jawlines and add interest to more balanced face shapes.
The Asymmetrical Ivy League flatters inverted triangle and oval body types, its unique proportions adding a touch of avant-garde flair to the wearer’s appearance.
The Asymmetrical Ivy League works best with straight to slightly wavy hair of medium to thick density.
This cut is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hairstyle while maintaining a connection to the classic Ivy League aesthetic.
It’s ideal for creative professionals or anyone looking to inject personality into their look.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Begin with damp hair and apply a texturising product. Use a blow dryer to create volume, focusing on the longer side.
Style the longer side dramatically to one side, either sleekly with a comb or more texturized with your fingers. Keep the shorter side neat and close to the head.
15. Ivy League Pompadour
The Ivy League Pompadour combines the classic structure of the Ivy League with the volume and drama of a pompadour.
This style features short sides and back, with significantly more length on top styled upwards and backward to create height and movement.
The result is a bold, eye-catching look that merges vintage charm with modern sophistication.
This style is particularly flattering for men with oblong, round, or heart-shaped faces.
The added height on top can help elongate round face shapes and balance facial proportions.
The Ivy League Pompadour complements trapezoid and hourglass body types, its dramatic silhouette adding a touch of retro glamour to the overall appearance.
The Ivy League Pompadour works best with straight to wavy hair of medium to thick density.
This cut is ideal for those who enjoy spending time styling their hair and want a versatile look that can be adapted for both formal and casual occasions.
It’s perfect for men who want to make a bold statement while maintaining a connection to classic styling.
Ideal Face Shape:
Ideal Body Shape:
Styling Tip:
Start with damp hair and apply a volumising mousse.
Use a round brush and blow dryer to create height and volume, styling the hair upwards and backwards.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored throughout this comprehensive guide, the Ivy League haircut is far more than just a single style.
From the classic Harvard Clip to modern interpretations like the Asymmetrical Ivy League, this iconic cut offers many options to suit various face shapes, body types, and personal preferences.
The enduring popularity of the Ivy League haircut lies in its versatility. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, professional look or a more relaxed, contemporary style, there’s an Ivy League variation to meet your needs.
The 15 variations we’ve covered demonstrate how this classic cut has evolved to remain relevant in today’s diverse fashion landscape.
When choosing your ideal Ivy League style, remember to consider:
- Your face shape and which styles will best complement your features
- Your body type and how different variations can enhance your overall appearance
- Your hair texture and density, will influence how each style sits and can be maintained
- Your lifestyle and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to styling
- Your personal style and the image you want to project
Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations or ask your barber for advice.
A skilled stylist can help you find the perfect Ivy League cut that looks great and suits your needs and preferences.
Remember, the key to pulling off any Ivy League style is confidence.
Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of the Classic Ivy League or the bold statement of the Ivy League Pompadour, wear your chosen style with pride.
