Ivy League

What it is

The compromise cut: short enough to be effortless, long enough at the front to comb to one side when the occasion asks for it. The side sweep narrows a wide brow without committing to a full side part.

Who it suits

• Oval

  Slightly longer than wide, with the cheekbones as the widest point and a gently rounded jaw. The most forgiving shape — most cuts work, so the decision comes down to hair texture and how much effort you want to spend.

• Square

  Jaw, cheekbones and forehead are close in width, with a pronounced jaw angle. The structure is already strong, so the job is either to show it off or to soften its corners.

• Round

  Face length and width are close, with a soft jaw angle and full cheeks. Styles that add height on top and keep the sides tight will make the face read longer and more angular.

• Diamond

  Cheekbones dominate, with a narrower forehead and a narrow chin. Width at the brow and along the jaw evens the outline out.

When to think twice

• very curly hair

Show this to your barber

Taper sides #1.5 to #3. Top graduated, 6 cm at the front to 2 cm at the crown. Establish a soft side part. Light cream, comb over.

Related styles

• Textured Crop

  Short, choppy top with a tight taper — the modern default.

• Low Taper with Textured Top

  Clean at the neck, volume on top — smart without being severe.

• Mid Fade Pompadour

  Serious height at the front, tight at the sides.

• Classic Side Part

  A hard-line part, combed over, nothing to argue with.