22 Military Haircut Styles for Men: Classic to Modern

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Barber Barry Hairston breaks down the best military haircuts

Co-authored by Barry Hairston and Sophie Burkholder, BA

Last Updated: January 26, 2026 Fact Checked

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Men’s Army Haircut Ideas

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Styling & Maintenance

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Military Guidelines

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When you picture a soldier, Marine, naval officer, or other military personnel member, you certainly don’t think of them as having long, flowing locks. In fact, the military prohibits most hairstyles and instead requires its recruits to have short, neat, and practical cuts. Keeping those regulations in mind, what kind of haircuts are possible for military men? Below, we’ll give you a complete list of classic, modern, and stylish cuts that work for army life—along with tips on style and maintenance from barbers and a hairstylist.

What are the best haircuts for men in the military?

Barber Barry Hairston says the best military haircuts include a high-and-tight and a buzz cut. The cut should be neat, practical, and aligned with army rules. Some cuts are also common across certain ranks, such as the regulation cut for high-ranking personnel and the induction cut for new recruits.

Section 1 of 3:

22 Military Haircuts for Men

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Buzz Cut According to Hairston, a buzz cut is a common military cut, usually done with a 1/16th or 0.5 clipper guard. The hair is also short enough that you can see the scalp through it.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Barry Hairston
Barber and Men's Grooming Content Creator

Expert Interview} This results in a short, low-maintenance style that gives off a disciplined and no-nonsense appearance. It’s also very practical for military life, since it makes it easy to wear helmets and headgear.^{[2]
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- Most Suitable Hair Types: Any hair type.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, round, or square.
- If you plan on cutting your own hair, barber Igor Sadurskii recommends sticking with a simple haircut, like the buzzcut.^{[3]
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  Igor Sadurskii
  Traditional Barber
  
  Expert Interview}
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Barry Hairston is a barber and men’s grooming content creator, with more than a decade of experience. He has been recognized as a Top 50 Global Barber by Feedspot.

Igor Sadurskii is an international barber and educator based in Long Beach, CA. He is known for his expertise in classic and modern men's haircuts and has given master classes in barbering in over 10 countries.

Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a licensed cosmetologist and Chief Operating Officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers. She specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men, with over 19 years of experience.
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Bald Cut The most practical haircut features no hair at all—otherwise known as the bald cut. While some people are naturally bald, others can emulate the look by completely shaving off all of their hair.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Balding or thinning hair.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or heart-shaped.
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Induction Cut The induction cut is the absolute shortest version of the military haircut—just one step above bald! The cut involves buzzing the entire head down to stubble, with a uniform shave all the way around.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Any hair type.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Square or oval.
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Burr Cut The burr cut is slightly longer than the induction cut. All of the hair around the head is nearly buzzed off, but a bit of length (about 3 millimetres (0.12 in)) is left to soften the look slightly. Sometimes, the sides and back of the hair are subtly tapered or faded into the sideburns or facial hair.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or slightly wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, diamond, or oblong.
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Butch Cut Moving up the buzz cut ladder, the butch cut is another step up as a slightly longer version of the burr cut. Similar to the burr, the butch cut is super uniform with closely-shaved hair across the scalp. Typically, the length of the hair is kept between ¹⁄₄–¹⁄₂ inch (6.4–12.7 mm).
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Any hair type.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or heart-shaped.
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High and Tight A high and tight is one of the most common military haircuts, according to Hairston. He says it’s typically “faded up really high and closely cropped on the top.”^{[4]
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Expert Source

Barry Hairston
Barber and Men's Grooming Content Creator

Expert Interview} This allows the hair to gradually taper and blend from the skin to the longer hair on top.^{[5]
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Research source} Hairston recommends using a #1, #1.5, or #2 comb attachment to get the look.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Barry Hairston
Barber and Men's Grooming Content Creator

Expert Interview}
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or thick.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Square or oval.
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Recon Cut The recon cut has quite an intense name, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s a pretty aggressive and severe variation on the high and tight style. The recon hairstyle has short hair on the sides and back that’s faded down to the skin, as well as a closely-cropped and textured top.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Thick or coarse.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Square or oblong.
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Crew Cut Another traditional military style, the crew cut features very short hair on the sides and back that’s tapered up to a slightly longer top. The longer hair on top of the head can be styled, but it can’t be too long (otherwise, it wouldn’t adhere to military regulations). Generally, the hair on top ranges from 0.5–2 inches (13–51 mm) long.^{[7]
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- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or slightly wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, round, or heart-shaped.
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Regulation Cut The regulation cut originates from the military itself, and it’s a classic style that allows for a bit more personalized and stylish (while still being functional enough for active duty). The cut is characterized by short, buzzed, or faded hair on the back and sides of the head, along with longer hair on the top that can be parted or subtly styled.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or thick.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or rectangular.
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Flat Top The military flat top haircut has a small amount of hair on top of the head that’s cut flat across. The hair on the sides and back of the head is short, buzzed, or faded. The result is a striking rectangular shape that’s tidy and squared-off—pretty much the epitome of military precision.^{[8]
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- Most Suitable Hair Types: Thick or coarse.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Square or round.
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Micro Flat Top As the name implies, the micro flat top is a very small, *micro* version of the traditional military flat top. The cut is characterized by a straight, level, square-like crop of hair on top of the head. For the micro version, the hair on top is kept especially short—almost to the level of a buzz cut. The hair on the sides and backs of the head is usually faded or tapered down to the skin.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or thick.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, long, or heart-shaped faces.
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Military Undercut The military undercut is a more modern and trendier look that still adheres to the military rules. The sides of the cut are shaved down, similar to a buzz. The hair on top, however, is significantly longer and can be styled (slicking it back is a common choice). There’s a distinct line between the long and short sections, in contrast to a fade, which would have a smooth, gradual transition.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight, thick, or wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or round.
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Ivy League Cut The Ivy League haircut has hair that’s short and neatly trimmed on the sides and back. On top, the hair is slightly longer (usually about 1–2 inches (25–51 mm)). The longer hair can then be styled with a side part or by being brushed back, depending on the length and desired look.^{[9]
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- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or slightly wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, heart-shaped, or rectangular.
- If you have thin hair, Sadurskii recommends getting a side part.^{[10]
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Short Brush Up For a short brush up, there’s a short length of hair on the sides and back of the head, and slightly longer hair on the top. The hair on top is styled upwards in a slightly messy fashion (although the military will only allow for a limited amount of length and tousling). Generally, for a military short brush-up, you’ll want to keep the hair on top pretty short, so it’ll still look neat and polished when brushed upwards.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or slightly wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or heart-shaped.
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Brush Cut The brush cut (or butch cut) features very short hair on the top of the head—usually between ¹⁄₄–¹⁄₂ inch (6.4–12.7 mm) in length. This crop of hair is cut evenly across all dimensions of the head to follow the skull’s contours. Then, the hair on the sides and back of the head is usually tapered or faded down into the skin.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Any hair type.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval or diamond.
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Curly Military Cut It can be difficult for people with wavy or curly hair to fit the military’s standards for length and neatness. The standard curly cut for military men features short hair on the sides and back that’s typically buzzed, tapered, or faded. The hair on top is left a bit longer to allow for the natural curl or wave—however, it can not be so long as to interfere with the wearing of helmets or headgear.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Curly or wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or heart-shaped.
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Short Slick Back This cut features short, tapered, or faded sides with a slightly longer mop of hair on top. The hair on top is then styled backwards by brushing it toward the crown of the head and securing it with a firm-hold hair gel, clay, or pomade.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or thick.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or diamond.
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Caesar Cut The striking Caesar cut is characterised by a short, straight, and blunt set of bangs that are combed entirely forward. The rest of the hair on top of the head is cropped close with a uniform length around the top, sides, and back. This hair is also combed forward toward the bangs. The hair on the lower sides of the head (i.e., near the ears and temples) is usually tapered or faded out to the skin.^{[11]
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- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or slightly wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, heart, or diamond.
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Razor Fade The razor fade is a super sharp, crisp, and modern version of traditional military haircuts. The tight skin fade starts high on the head and tapers out to super short hair toward the bottom of the skull. The hair on top is usually kept very short and neatly trimmed.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or thick.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Square, oval, or round.
- If you want a fade, Sadurskii says it’s very important to choose the right barber: “In barbering, there are different types of specialists… Modern, new school barbers [are] more focused on creating the hair tattoos or doing the fades.”^{[12]
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Military Mohawk The military mohawk is a shorter version of your typical mohawk, given that men’s military cuts cannot be too long or tall. Instead, the military mohawk features shaved sides with a strip of longer, taller hair running down the middle of the scalp. This cut emulates the look of a mohawk while still being practical enough for active service.^{[13]
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- Most Suitable Hair Types: Straight or wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Square, oval, or round.
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Short Pompadour Pompadours are typically very stylish and striking, with a voluminous crest of hair sitting at the very front of the scalp. Similarly, the military pompadour is characterized by a long, styled section on top of the head (of course, this styled section cannot be taller than the maximum height allowed by the military). The sides of the military pompadour are shorter, and they’re often faded or tapered to create a contrast to the taller pompadour.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Thick or wavy.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval or diamond.
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Cropped Bang The military version of a cropped bang hairstyle has bangs that are cut short and straight across the forehead. The edges of the bang are often blunt or choppy. Meanwhile, the rest of the hair can be cut close to the head or even shaved—similar to a crew cut or partial buzz cut.
- Most Suitable Hair Types: Fine, thin, or straight.
- Most Suitable Face Shapes: Oval, square, or oblong.

Section 2 of 3:

How to Style & Maintain a Military Haircut

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Get your military cut trimmed every 2-3 weeks. Short hairstyles require a lot more upkeep to maintain the shape and length. In general, you’ll want to visit a barber every 2-3 weeks, although very short cuts (e.g., buzz cuts, induction cuts, etc.) may require even more frequent touch-ups.^{[14]
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- Consider doing weekly touch-ups at home, specifically on areas that quickly lose shape, such as your edges, sideburns, and neckline.
- Just be sure to invest in quality products when doing your own hair maintenance at home. Look for a well-reviewed pair of clippers with an adjustable guard and a sharp blade.
- Hair stylist Tiffany Carnevale-Russo recommends showing your barber a picture of the hairstyle you want so they have a good idea of what you’re looking for.^{[15]
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Shampoo and condition 2-3 times per week. Even the shortest of military cuts needs to be washed, rinsed, and conditioned from time to time—it can help your hair maintain its shape and stay healthy. Shampoo your hair two to three times a week. If your cut has some length on top, condition it 2-3 times per week as well.^{[16]
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Style with light, practical products that cater to your cut. Since the military cut is pretty short, you shouldn’t have to do too much styling—you also want to avoid looking too stylized or shiny. However, a small amount of the right product can make you look more polished, put-together, and ready for service. A good go-to product for military cuts is matte clay, which you can use to control your texture and keep your hair in check without adding any shine. Here are some more product recommendations for some of the most popular military haircuts:^{[17]
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- Buzz Cut: A light hold matte clay.
- Crew Cut: A light to medium hold pomade or hair wax.
- Flat Top: A firm hold gel or mousse.
- Regulation Cut: A texturizing cream or paste.

Section 3 of 3:

What are the guidelines for haircuts in the military?

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Military haircuts must be neat, off the ears and collar, and above the brows. For men, specifically, hair must be closely trimmed or completely shaved. If the hair doesn’t part naturally when closely trimmed, it’s permitted to cut a straight part into the hair or style the hair with one part. Sideburns cannot extend below the bottom opening of the ear, and one must be clean-shaven while in uniform or on duty. Mustaches are permitted if neat and trimmed, but well-groomed beards are only allowed for religious reasons. Wigs or hairpieces are only allowed to cover disfiguration or natural baldness, while hair dyes and bleaches are only allowed if subtle and natural-looking.^{[18]
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- Braids, cornrows, twists, or locs (while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty)
- Shaved designs cut into hair or scalp
- Styled sideburns that taper, flare, or end in a point
- Note that some regulations may vary based on the branch of the army (e.g., Marines, Navy, etc.), and they may change from time to time, so be sure to check with your specific unit for the exact rules.