In the world of men’s fashion, the flat top haircut has changed a lot of roles before showing up with its modern face. You may see it on all members of your favorite hip-hop band when your mood is about to kick it. And if you come across some photos of US military officers, you’ll catch them with the same cut. A fascinating variability, isn’t it? Fortunately, the modern flat top haircuts do have the ideas in between those extremes.

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Modern barbers love being asked for the flat top: it’s always a challenging experiment. The most appealing thing about the cut is its virile, masculine look and strikingly neat silhouette. If you’re one of those contemporary men who want to show off their machismo, look no further than the flat top. As for details, you can leave them up to us: we will show you how to get, style, and wear the cut!

What Is A Flat Top Haircut?

Though the definition of the flat top appears pretty clear to most men, let’s get things super straight. As the name suggests, it’s short haircuts for men that feature a flat look, getting leveled across the top. Don’t get confused if the flat top Instagram or Pinterest hashtag gives you plenty of absolutely different results: it can be any haircut or hairstyle, the point is just to keep the top flat, and sides short or sleek.

What Is A Flat Top Haircut? #flattop

Source: @hayden_cassidy via Instagram

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How To Cut A Flat Top

Yes, the appearance of flat top hair looks as if it was achieved with a pair of garden shears. Yet, things are a bit more complicated than they seem. To get the flattop haircut, you’ll need to find an experienced barber with a steady hand who has mastered the precision skill. And the truth is, the structure of this cut doesn’t follow any classic cutting pattern, so don’t dare to get it yourself.

The process usually involves shaping up hair with clippers while drying it up: this work requires thorough approach.

How To Style This Haircut

Now, it’s time to learn the basics that will help you to maintain your flat tops. Remember that working with high-quality products is not only a way to get the perfect, desired style but also to treat your hair with respect. For non-curly textures, waxes and pomades will come in handy. Of course, curly manes will need the help of strong-hold products and hairdryer. Now, meet the tips!

  1. For manageable work, always start with damp hair.
  2. To get the style, push your hair up with one hand and work the product into it with the other.
  3. Comb or blow dry your hair up and to the back.
  4. If you work with curly, kinky hair, don’t start without a high-hold product.

How To Style A Flat Top #flattop

Source: @anthonythebarber916 via Instagram

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Some Interesting Ideas Of Flat Top Haircut

In the inspo-part, the flat top wants to show how different it can be. Get to know the versatility of this masculine cut before calling your barber. There are a plethora of ideas for men’s haircuts you’ll want to copy!

Classic Flat Top

For appreciators of classics, here comes the very first version of the flattop haircut. The perfectly flat top and cleanly shaved sides give a severe, action-ready look.

Classic Flat Top #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

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Military Flat Top

When you need your hair to suit any ambiance, military flat tops are your way to go. This military haircut looks neat and tidy while creating an edgy and eye-catching appearance.

Military Flat Top #flattop

Source: @anthonythebarber916 via Instagram

High Top

Sometimes it is better not to reinvent the wheel and just opt for an old trusty classic version of a hairstyle. Thus, a traditional flat top guarantees you a stylish and funky look. Yet, if you feel like adding trendy twist hairstyles to it, such as a line up or a hard part, don’t limit your imagination.

High Top #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

Flat-Top Mullet

Combining two iconic haircuts in one is always a good idea. Just look how awesome this flat top and mullet haircut combo comes out.

Flat-Top Mullet #flattop #mullet

Source: @anthonythebarber916 via Instagram

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Flat Top + Design

Opting for flat hair men are offered a multitude of options. If you want to create a really unique and attention grabbing look, adorn the sides and back with an intricate hair design.

Flat Top + Design #flattop

Source: @f4fade via Instagram

Bald Fade Men’s Flat Top Haircut

For a Black flat top haircut, a bald fade is one of the best accompaniments. So, why not get one? The thing is with a fade flat top haircut looks exceptionally clean and groomed, while the focal point of the whole style remains the Afro flat top.

 Bald Fade Men's Flat Top Haircut #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

Straight Top

Those who have limp and fine hair will find a straight top hairstyle highly beneficial. It creates an impression of a full head of hair as well as looks bold and daring. However, remember that this hairstyle is not low maintenance. You will need to employ a generous amount of a hair styling product and a hair dryer every time you style your locks.

Straight Top #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @dima_naiden via Instagram

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Crew Cut Flattop

The military flat top haircut is the beginning of the flat top popularity. It’s simple, tight, and clean: everything a real man needs. As you can see, the top of this crew cut has a perfectly square shape, which awesomely elongates the overall silhouette.

Classic Military Crew Cut #crewcut #flattophaircut #mensshorthaircuts #militaryhaircut

@urednistvo.pricesk.robert via Instagram

Short Top

Do you avoid a flat top haircut because you consider it difficult to style and maintain? While it is true to some point, we have good news for you. There is a way to pull off a flat top without spending much time and energy on it. Just go for short haircuts for men and complement it with a fade on the sides and back. This look comes out bold and edgy while take little to no effort to maintain.

Short Top #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

Curly Flat Top Fade

Want to give your curly locks a dose of the street style flair? Then it is hard to think of a better option than a flat top cut. It brings definition to your hair texture and makes it the focal point of the whole look. Any kind of fade works perfectly for this hairstyle. But if you desire to achieve the ultimate boldness and sharpness with this look, team the flat top with a high skin fade haircut on the back and sides.

Curly Flat Top Fade #flattop

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Top With Steps

Do you want your hairstyle to become an absolute masterpiece of tonsorial art? Then take a closer look at this flat top haircut with steps. Make sure though that your barber is skillful enough to deliver such a sculptural cut. They will need to create sharp, flat planes in your hair at a ninety-degree angle, which will resemble steps. For an added definition, emphasize your hairline with a line-up.

Flat Top With Steps #flattop

Source: @sirpaulcharles via Instagram

Angled Front

Love jumping from one extreme to another? This super edgy and contrastive flat top knows how to stand out in the crowd of short haircuts for men. Simple, daring, unique: isn’t that enough?

Flat Top With Angled Front #flattophaircut #mensshorthaircuts #militaryhaircut

Source: @fernthebarber via Instagram

Flat Top Hawk

Yes, there’s always a place for a flat top, even in the Mohawk hairstyle. Such a sharp, angular shape is a staggering way to customize the bold and forceful hawk.

Flat Top Hawk #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

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Textured Flattop

This is how a modern touch of textured hair gives a fresh take at the flattop. Black haircuts for men sports proudly look ravishing with a bit of lightweight wax applied to neaten up the top.

Textured Flattop #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @dexterdapper via Instagram

Angular Top

How about you to angle up the flat top? Most black men haircuts are meant to keep a wearer comfy with his hair. And this idea isn’t all about the convenience; it’s one of the haircuts for black men that want to be in the spotlight.

Angular Flat Top Haircut #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @dexterdapper via Instagram

Rockabilly Flat Top

At first sight, the silhouette of this style may seem to be too curvy to be a flat top idea. But once you have a closer look at it, you will see that the rockabilly hair men wore decades ago is absolutely flat at the top. Don’t be afraid to mix popular styles!

Rockabilly Flat Top #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

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High-Top Fade

The hip-hop lovers will not be able to resist the flat top fade. As one of the most authentic black men haircuts, the high top fade haircut features a clean fade, a precise shaved line, and the accurate top that keeps the perfect balance.

High-Top Fade #flattop

Source: @z_ramsey via Instagram

Pompadour

Can’t imagine the flat top as an elegant and sophisticated style? Let this pompadour show you the refined side of the flattop. All the main characteristics of the pompadour hairstyle are present: and even though the top is flat, it’s still voluminous.

Pompadour Flat Top #flattop

Tapered Flat Top Haircuts

To complement a flat top haircut men are free to choose just anything. We suggest getting a taper cut on the sides and back, especially if you are aiming to look neat and polished. Tapering allows you to shift the focus to the top without creating much contrast.

Tapered Flat Top Haircuts #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

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Square Flat Top Haircuts For Men

For those who like to stand out in the crowd with their mens haircut flat top is a perfect option. However, if you want to take it to another level, go for a flat top haircut with a squared silhouette. You will need to make some effort to maintain the shape. Yet, the impact your haircut is going to make is totally worth it.

Square Flat Top Haircuts For Men #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

Modern Flat Top Haircut

To pull off a flat top haircut white guy should have not only a thick and dense hair texture but also a special attitude. As such, if you feel that the style resonates with you, then you are welcome to go for a modern straight or curly flattop.

Modern Flat Top Haircu #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

Short Flat Top Haircut And Full Beard

Just like other mens haircuts flat top can be adjusted to suit your preferences and needs. So, if you prefer shorter haircuts, do not hesitate to chop your locks for a short flat top. Even though your hair texture does not make a big difference to this version of a flat top curly hair will work particularly well with it. A full beard completes the look like no other.

Short Flat Top Haircut And Full Beard #flattop #flattophaircut

Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram

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Flat Top Haircut With Undercut

A flat top is one of the most popular cuts for white men. To make sure your top is the focal point of the whole look, complement it with an undercut.

Flat Top Haircut With Undercut #flattop

Source: @meha_barber via Instagram

Flat Top + Side Part

A flat top haircut may actually look very elegant and classy. Simply, accompany it by a side part and style the top with a generous amount of the hair product.

Flat Top + Side Part #flattop

Source: @z_ramsey via Instagram

Black Faded Flat Top

For men with natural hair, a high top fade haircut is nothing but a must. Not only does the high top hair tames the unruly texture but also gives a neat, well-defined body.

Black Faded Flat Top #flattop

Source: @sirpaulcharles via Instagram

What role of the iconic flat top cut would you like to try on? Now you see that there’s an idea for any hair type, length, and image. Since you know how to style and sport this epic cut, it’s time for a barbershop appointment!

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FAQs

When was the flat top haircut popular?

The popularity of mens flat top haircuts comes and goes but it never disappears completely. This timeless haircut gained its peak popularity in the fifties, giving the way to longer hairstyles by the end of the sixties and in the seventies. In the eighties, as well as at the beginning of the nineties, a flat top hairstyle reemerged as a fashion trend. Finally, it has made a huge comeback recently, before seeing a slight drop in the 2000s.

Can anyone get a flat top haircut?

One of the coolest things about a flat top hair cut is that it works for any hair type. So, if you are a military man, an athlete, a law enforcement officer or simply a guy who chooses a short flattop for its ease of maintenance and bold look, then you are welcome to go for it.

How do you keep a flat top haircut?

As a flat top haircut has quite a defined shape, it requires regular upkeep. So, you will need to pay a visit to your barber every couple of weeks for a trim.

What does a flat top haircut look like?

Having flat hair on top does not mean that it should be sleeked or limp. Instead, it is styled or cut so that it stands upright, thus forming a deck that seems flat.

REFERENCES:

  • A “flattop” is a type of short haircut where the hair on the top of the head is usually standing upright and cut to form a flat-appearing deck. Source

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