Princeton Haircut

Princeton-inspired haircut for men
Photo: Dean Drobot/Canva
Q: What is a Princeton haircut?
 
A: The Princeton haircut is a timeless and classic men’s hairstyle that has also been referred to by several other names throughout its history. These alternative names are closely related and include the Princeton cut, the Ivy League cut, or the Collegiate Cut.
 
This distinctive haircut gained widespread popularity in the 1940s and 1950s among young men attending the prestigious Ivy League universities. It was particularly favored for its remarkable versatility - seamlessly blending the short back and sides that were socially expected during that era with a longer top and fringe section. This unique combination allowed for multiple styling options: the hair could be neatly slicked back for a polished, well-groomed appearance or left casually loose for a more playful, tousled look.
 
Over the decades, the Princeton haircut has endured as a staple of men’s fashion, periodically resurfacing in popularity while gradually evolving from its original form. Although today’s version of the Princeton cut may not be an exact replica of its mid-century predecessor, the fundamental structure of the haircut remains consistent.
 
The cut follows traditional men’s styling principles along the lower perimeter: sideburns are trimmed according to personal preference, the hair is neatly shaped around the ears, and the nape area is squared off for a clean finish.
 
The sides and back are tapered short at the bottom, gradually increasing in length to approximately 1 to 2 inches near the parietal ridge (the upper sides of the head). Meanwhile, the hair on top is left longer, with the length progressively increasing from the crown toward the front and fringe area. The exact length of the front section can be customized based on individual taste, but it typically ranges from 3½ to 4½ inches - a measurement chosen to ensure the hair naturally falls to around eye level when left unstyled.
 
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See also:
 
Men's hairstyles
 
Men's and boys' standard cuts and clipper cutting
 
Cambridge cut and Ivy League cut