20 Ivy League Haircut Ideas for a Preppy Upgrade

The Ivy League haircut, also known as the Princeton clip, certainly has its roots in everything preppy and Americana. But this look has evolved to suit a variety of styles. It can skew as hipster or athletic as you like.

Go for a classic Ivy League or introduce some modern touches to the style – combine it with a fade, try a shaved part, style with spikes or pair with a beard. Here’s a solid list of ideas to check out.

1. Long Ivy League

This is the classic version of the preppy cut. We see this often on professionals and on celebrities too. To get this high-end appeal, get a semi-short or medium taper on the sides and back. Keep the shortest hair at a quarter of an inch and the longest hair at two to three inches.

2. With a Quiff

While the classic style typically incorporates a side-part, it can be styled in many ways. The difference in length between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair on the bottom isn’t too drastic, but the quiff stands out. This modern version is swept forward for volume.

@thebikingbarber

3. Short and Spiky

A short haircut is low-maintenance and easy to style, but it might seem a tad boring sometimes. This look uses just the right amount of pomade or styling cream to create volume. For a messy, imperfect effect, use your fingers—not a comb.

@urednistvo.pricesk.robert

4. With Comb Over

Because of the side-sweep, this version reads a little more classic, but it’s also modern thanks to the low fade. Notice how the styling is perfectly smooth? That’s the work of a comb. Learn which tools help to provide the desired effect. You can add gel to the hair and then sculpt it with a comb.

@american_salon

5. Classic Smooth Ivy League

This polished option has a key element — volume in the front. It’s not really that hard to achieve day-to-day when your stylist leaves that part of the hair longer, and your hair isn’t too thin. Simply use your fingers and some gel or holding spray. Five minutes with a blow dryer will also do the trick.

@wildwoodstudiolv

6. Clean Cut with a Fade

To ask your stylist for this cut, say you’re looking for a deep side part and a regular fade that cuts to the skin at the temples and in the back. With the top hair about an inch and a half long, you can style it to the side, to the front, or (like here) a combination.

@zurcc1

7. With a Mid Fade

This middle-high fade looks very modern with a beard. The clean lines around the temples and along the forehead keep the style city-approved. Use gel or pomade to style hair forward. With your fingers, pull hair upwards so it has texture and volume.

@jncuts

8. With Clean Lines

This haircut has clean lines and smooth styling — so it reads more urban and less preppy. For men with thicker hair, it’s easier to pull off very short lengths. Ask your barber for a fade that tapers down towards the nape instead of going straight across.

@american_salon

9. Close Cropped

For a classic take on this hairstyle, don’t let it get too stiff. Use just enough product to achieve the side part. The front and upper sections of hair should be as soft and touchable as possible to stay true to the original look.

@gogetgreg

10. Forward Combed

Combing hair straight forward onto the face was very popular in the nineties, and it’s quickly making a comeback. Why? It’s a playful look that is universally flattering. You’ll need to style your hair when it’s damp. If you wait until it’s dry, you’ll have a much harder time.

@nastybarbers

11. Styled to the Side

This hairstyle keeps the hair on top to a medium length, about one inch. The fade curves around the head, dipping towards the nape. With thick hair, you don’t have to do too much to achieve volume. Just use some mousse, and you’re good to go!

@american_salon

12. Short Gelled Style

For a super clean style, go ahead and reach for some gel. You’ll need a fine toothed comb and wet hair. Rub a bit of gel on your palms before applying so it goes on evenly. Then comb it through. Once it sets, don’t mess with it!

@mr_fineline

13. Spiky Style

This cut looks great on thick dark hair. The styling strikes the balance between messy and perfect. To achieve that difficult balance, comb everything forward with pomade and then, once it’s perfect, mess it up with your fingers a bit. With long hair, it’s easier to get the spiky look.

@nastybarbers

14. With a Sharp Side Part

This high fade goes all the way to the side part for a look that is classic and modern all in one. Get the shaved part as an accent and enjoy a haircut with a hipster vibe.

@david_barber85

15. With Defined Spikes

With a medium-high fade and long textured hair on top, this haircut style has tons of personality. While the spikes are defined, the overall styling is still touchable—not overly stiff. The trick is to use a texturizing cream instead of gel. You’ll be surprised at how well such products hold up throughout the day.

@runde____emcc

16. Faux Hawk Fade

Here’s a haircut that will show that you’re not too shy to be different. It tapers at the neck and fades to the skin on the sides. You get a subtle faux hawk effect that is just the right level of punky.

@american_salon

17. Wavy Faded Cut

Here’s a haircut that works well with natural waves. While often considered a good haircut option for straight hair, clearly it looks great with waves too. Because wavy hair has natural texture and volume, you might not even need to use any styling products.

@nastybarbers

18. With a Skin Fade

Invisible sideburns and temples that are cut to the skin are modern additions to any haircut (particularly those that are coupled with a beard). What’s really working with this cut is how the hair is styled both to the side and upwards. Genius.

@criztofferson

19. Side Combed Crop

Super short takes on the cut look great with hair combed over to the side. Your daily maintenance will be a matter of minutes. The real commitment is going to your regular cuts. Plan to sit in the barber’s chair for half an hour at least once a month (twice if you can fit it in).

@thebikingbarber

20. Short with a Clean Fade

This haircut has upper hair that doesn’t grow much higher than an inch, giving the whole look a much more athletic feel. Because it’s so short, this style looks great on a variety of hair types, from thick to thin and from straight to curly.

@criztofferson

So, which Ivy League haircut is your favorite? No fancy degrees are needed — all you have to do is commit about five to ten minutes of daily styling, and you’ll look stylish and professional.

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• Hairstyles