The "peaky blinders style haircut", also known as the undercut, is a look that guys are increasingly asking for thanks to the swagger of the Shelby brothers; without question the sharpest looking characters on TV. With the style's incredibly neat finish and precise lines, it’s clear to see why.
The undercut has long been popular, but Tommy Shelby and co. have given it a new lease of life. It’s a look that you can easily achieve yourself at home if you have the right shaving kit.
Let Gillette show you how to channel your inner Shelby brother so you can look as sharp as Cillian Murphy…
What's the History Behind the Undercut Haircut?
The Peaky Blinders were a real Birmingham street gang in the late 19th and early 20th century, known for their distinctive overcoats, flat caps and criminal behaviour.
Underneath those flat caps often lay an undercut - a hairstyle featuring longer locks on top and a close shave around the back and sides.
This style not only looked sharp, but on a practical level it would have meant fewer obstacles during fighting, and also less risk of lice – a very real problem for most ordinary guys at the time.
It might not have the most wholesome origins, but a Peaky Blinders-inspired haircut is a serious style statement, and it can still look sharp - especially when it’s teamed with a smart suit and a flat cap.
How to Style an Undercut
An undercut needs maintaining every few weeks to keep it looking neat, so it makes sense to be able to do it yourself at home - although you might need to rope someone else in to give you a hand.
How to Achieve an Undercut
- Use a shaver like the Gillette All Purpose Styler & Beard Trimmer to trim the back and sides of your haircut as close to your head as you’re comfortable with. Choose from one of the three interchangeable combs (2mm, 4mm or 6mm) to get your preferred length
- Sit in front of the mirror, positioning another mirror behind you so you can see the back of your head
- Start in the centre and remove just a bit of your hair at a time; remember that you can always take more of, but it could take weeks to regrow - a steady hand is vital. Concentrate on just one side of your head at a time, working in the direction of your face
- Take advantage of the Gillette Styler’s precision trimmer to give your hairstyle that sharp, Shelby-esque finish
How to Grow Out an Undercut
If you’ve decided that an undercut isn’t for you, growing it out can present new challenges. The huge contrast in length between the top and the back and sides of your hair can leave you in need of some clever styling if you want to avoid shaving your head completely.
A ‘man bun’ would be a good temporary option until you’re ready to have all of your hair cut the same length again.
If you’re not comfortable with that style, opting for a buzzcut could help to keep you looking sharp. Use the shortest Gillette Styler comb to trim your hair as close to your head as possible.
If you’re taking the plunge and going for a clean-shaven head, make sure you’re use a shaving gel or foam that’s designed for sensitive skin for a smooth and comfortable finish. The skin on your head is really delicate, so our SkinGuard Men’s Sensitive Shaving Foam or Fusion5 Men’s Ultra Sensitive Shaving Gel would be great options.
And if that buzzcut or clean shave leaves your head feeling a little chilly, there’s always the Peaky Blinders-style flat cap to fall back on…
How to Maintain an Undercut
If you want to keep your undercut, you’ll have to be prepared to carry out some maintenance every few days - your All Purpose Styler really will become your new best pal.
Always start by trimming any finer hair, working your way up to thicker hair. The beauty of the Gillette Styler is that you can use it to trim your ‘do for a minute or two after shaving your facial hair. It’s 100% waterproof, so you can even use it in the shower.
Use different blades for your face and hair to keep yourself looking as sharp as possible - you can make sure you’ve always got a fresh supply to hand by signing up to a Gillette shaving subscription.
