20 Military Haircuts for Men That Look Sharp and Stay Neat

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Military haircuts are short, clean and practical. They take minutes to style, look sharp every day and suit almost every face shape.

These 20 military haircuts for men range from the classic crew cut and buzz cut to the high and tight, recon and flat top. Each one comes with what to ask your barber.

1. Crew Cut

The crew cut is the most popular military-inspired haircut, short at the sides with slightly more length on top.

Crew Cut Classic Cleanliness — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSFLAIR

What to ask for: Ask for a number 2 on the sides and about 2–3 cm on top.

2. High and Tight

The high and tight has very short sides shaved high up the head and a short strip on top.

High and Tight Sharp Elegance — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@LATESTHAIR

What to ask for: Ask for the sides faded to skin up to the crown.

3. Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is one even length all over.

Buzz Cut Ultimate Simplicity — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSFLAIR

What to ask for: Choose a clipper guard between 1 and 4.

4. Ivy League

The Ivy League is a longer crew cut that can be side-parted.

Ivy League Academic Refinement — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@HAIRCUTINSPIRAT

What to ask for: Ask for enough length on top to part neatly.

5. Flat Top

The flat top is cut so the top is perfectly level.

Flat Top Angular Precision — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@HAIRSTYLETIPSFASHION

What to ask for: A barber uses a flat-top comb to level the top.

6. Regulation Cut

A regulation cut is neat, tapered and conservative.

Regulation Cut Military Precision — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MONTOGAWE

What to ask for: Ask for a tapered back and sides with a short top.

7. Undercut

A military-style undercut has very short sides and a short top.

Undercut Edgy Sophistication — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@HAIRCUTINSPIRAT

What to ask for: Keep the top short enough to stay neat.

8. High and Tight Recon

The recon shaves the sides to the skin almost to the top.

High and Tight Recon Elite Appeal — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@BEARDOHOLIC

What to ask for: Ask for skin sides with a small top patch.

9. Burr Cut

The burr cut is a very short buzz.

Burr Cut No-Fuss Confidence — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@RIGHTHAIRSTYLES

What to ask for: Use a number 1 or 2 guard all over.

10. Navy Regulation Cut

A navy-style cut is tapered and tidy.

Regulation Navy Cut Maritime Excellence — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@LOVE_HAIRSTYLES

What to ask for: Ask for a tapered neckline and short top.

11. Butch Cut

The butch cut is a slightly longer buzz.

Butch Cut Rugged Resilience — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@TOUPEEC

What to ask for: Use a number 3 or 4 guard.

12. Recon Hairstyle

A recon is bold and very short.

Recon Hairstyle Warrior's Charm — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM:FETISHBARBER.TUMBLR.COM

What to ask for: Skin fade the sides high up the head.

13. Side Part Taper

A side-parted taper is smart and military-inspired.

Side Part Taper Classic Refinement — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSHAIRCUTSCOM

What to ask for: Ask for a hard part and a classic taper.

14. High Fade Undercut

A high fade undercut looks modern and clean.

High-Fade Undercut Contemporary Edge — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@LOVE_HAIRSTYLES

What to ask for: Ask for the fade to start high on the head.

15. Air Force Regulation Cut

A regulation-style cut that is tapered and neat.

Regulation Air Force Cut Aerial Precision — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSLIFESTYLESNOW

What to ask for: Keep the top short and tidy.

16. Recon Faux Hawk

A recon with a short faux hawk adds edge.

Recon Fohawk Edgy Elevation — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSHAIRCUTSCOM

What to ask for: Leave a little more length in the centre.

17. Classic Taper

A classic taper is timeless and professional.

Classic Taper Timeless Appeal — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@RIGHTHAIRSTYLES

What to ask for: Ask for a gradual taper at the sides and back.

18. Marine-Style Cut

A marine-style high and tight is very short and sharp.

Regulation Marine Cut Semper Fi Style — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM:I.PINIMG.COM

What to ask for: Skin sides with a short, flat top.

19. Low Fade Crew Cut

A crew cut with a low fade looks modern.

Low Fade Crew Cut Modern Sophistication — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSHAIRCUTSCOM

What to ask for: Ask for a low skin fade.

20. High and Tight Pompadour

A short pompadour with high, tight sides combines military and modern style.

High and Tight Recon Pompadour Dapper Fusion — PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM/@MENSHAIRTIPS

What to ask for: Leave enough length at the front to lift.

How to Maintain a Military Haircut

Book regular trims

Most military cuts need a trim every two to three weeks.

Keep products minimal

A little matte paste is enough.

Protect your scalp

Use sunscreen on very short cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular military haircut?

The crew cut and the high and tight are the most popular.

How short is a military haircut?

Usually a number 1 to 3 on the sides with a short top.

Are military haircuts good for thinning hair?

Yes. Short cuts make thinning less noticeable.

Final Thoughts

Military haircuts are clean, practical and always sharp. Try a crew cut for an easy everyday look or a high and tight for something bolder.

For more ideas, see our buzz fade haircuts, haircuts for a receding hairline and low-maintenance haircuts for men.