The Peaky Blinders Haircut
A Timeless Style Making Waves in Modern Movies
The Peaky Blinders haircut has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most sought-after styles in recent years. This iconic look, popularized by the hit TV series, isn’t just about sharp edges and a clean finish—it’s a nod to history, culture, and the timeless appeal of classic masculinity. But what makes this style so enduring? How did it transition from the backstreets of 1920s Birmingham to modern films like Fury and Southpaw? Let’s explore the significance of the Peaky Blinders haircut, its historical roots, and how it continues to influence contemporary cuts for men.
The Historical Roots of the Peaky Blinders Haircut
The Peaky Blinders haircut is characterized by its short, sharp sides, with longer hair on top. During the 1920s, this style was not just a fashion choice but a practical one. Men in working-class England needed a cut that was easy to maintain and wouldn’t interfere with their jobs in factories, coal mines, and other industrial settings. The close-cropped sides helped to keep hair clean and out of the way, while the longer top allowed for a touch of style and personality.
The term "Peaky Blinders" itself refers to the notorious gang in Birmingham known for their sharp-dressed look, which included tailored suits, flat caps, and these distinct haircuts. Their style was a form of rebellion, a statement that even in hard times, they maintained a sense of identity and pride. The haircut was bold, efficient, and yet carried an edge of danger—perfect for those looking to assert a commanding presence.
The Peaky Blinders Haircut in Modern Cinema
The resurgence of this haircut owes much to the success of Peaky Blinders, where Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby brought this classic style back into the spotlight. With sharp fades, undercuts, and slicked-back tops, the haircut quickly became synonymous with a cool, calculated, and rugged look. Its popularity has not only stayed on-screen but has transitioned to real-life, making it a staple request at barbershops worldwide, including here at the Oliver Club Barber Shop.
Modern films have continued to adapt this style, tweaking it to suit different characters and settings. Two prominent examples are Brad Pitt’s haircut in Fury and Jake Gyllenhaal’s style in Southpaw and Nightcrawler. These adaptations show the versatility of the Peaky Blinders haircut, as it seamlessly blends into different eras and personalities.
Brad Pitt in Fury: A Military Take on the Peaky Blinders Cut
In the 2014 war film Fury, Brad Pitt’s character, Don “Wardaddy” Collier, sports a variation of the Peaky Blinders style. While the original cut was more about style and rebellion, Pitt’s look in Fury adapted it for the military—a clean, cropped undercut with a slightly longer top that could be slicked back or tousled.
The military-inspired version of this haircut reflects the discipline and ruggedness of the time. It’s sharp, functional, and gives off an air of toughness, echoing the practical aspects of the original style while still maintaining a modern, polished look. This variation has been a hit with men looking for a haircut that’s not overly formal but still sleek and commanding.
Get the Look: Ask for a high fade with a short back and sides, leaving the top slightly longer. Use a medium-hold pomade to slick the top back or create a loose, tousled effect.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Evolution: Southpaw to Nightcrawler
Jake Gyllenhaal’s characters have also sported versions of the Peaky Blinders cut, each reflecting different aspects of the style. In Southpaw, his haircut is more structured, with a defined fade that symbolizes the disciplined, focused nature of a professional boxer. The haircut is clean, with a low fade that transitions smoothly into the longer top—a perfect mix of tough and sleek, much like the fighters who wore it during the early 20th century.
Meanwhile, in Nightcrawler, Gyllenhaal’s Lou Bloom sports a slicker, greasier version of the style, with longer, combed-back hair that adds to the character’s eerie, driven persona. Here, the look is more polished but also darker, playing into the unsettling nature of Bloom’s character. These adaptations demonstrate how versatile the Peaky Blinders cut can be, easily shifting from a sleek, modern look to something more rugged or intense.
Get the Look: For a Southpaw-inspired cut, opt for a low fade with a neat, tight top. Use a matte clay to add texture without the shine. For a Nightcrawler version, ask for a longer top that can be slicked back, using a high-shine gel for that glossy finish.
Why the Peaky Blinders Haircut Remains Popular
The appeal of the Peaky Blinders haircut lies in its versatility. It’s not just a nod to the past, but a style that can be modernized and adapted to suit various personalities and looks. Whether you’re aiming for a clean, classic style or a more rugged, edgy appearance, this haircut can be tailored to fit your needs. It’s a statement of style that’s timeless, confident, and effortlessly cool.
At the Oliver Club Barber Shop, we understand the art of the fade, the importance of precision, and the power of a sharp cut. Our barbers are skilled at recreating classic styles with a modern twist, ensuring that you leave our shop with a cut that’s not only fresh but also iconic.
The Peaky Blinders haircut has carved its place in modern grooming, bridging the gap between history and contemporary style. From the streets of 1920s Birmingham to the battlefields of Fury and the gritty realism of Southpaw, this style continues to influence modern cinema and men’s fashion. Ready to channel your inner Tommy Shelby or Wardaddy? Book an appointment at the Oliver Club Barber Shop, and let our expert barbers craft a look that’s as iconic as you are.