Over the years since its debut in 2013, Peaky Blinders has been able to amuse the audience of people all around the world with its fascinating plot, its amazing landscapes, and its memorable characters. However, there is one other feature, which is arguably the most recognisable, show-based, element, the Peaky Blinders haircut that was driven into mainstream fame by the character of Cillian Murphy, Thomas Shelby.
The hairstyle is a perfect blend of retro style and modern style with shorter sides with longer tops with a texturized top. It is attractive because of its versatility, sharpness, and statement. This guide covers all the details of the Peaky Blinders haircut including its background and modifications, styling tips, maintenance and its modern adaptations.
The Peaky Blinders Haircut Explained.
The haircut of the Peaky Blinders is easily identifiable because of the disconnected undercut style. The sides are extremely short or shaved down and the top is not too short to wear in a variety of ways. It features the contrast between the top and the sides, making the haircut have an edgy, confident appearance.
The haircut was fashionable and handy, originally being inspired by the early 20th century British gangsters. Short sides made hair stay out of the way when a fight or work occurred and the longer top gave more opportunities to style hair. Nowadays, it is a fashion statement that is both retro nostalgic and modern.
Historical and Cultural Importance.
The haircut of Peaky Blinders is inspired by the 1920s Birmingham gangsters of the working-class. Shaved sides and longer tops were also frequently used by these men both as a practicality and as a style. Barbers were not common and therefore short sides were convenient.
The stylist of the television show who created the modern Peaky appearance borrowed this historical allusion and refined it to fit television, making it more assertive, more refined and more film-like. The haircut, which airs on the show, has inspired barbers around the world and is now a part of men’s grooming especially those who want to have a vintage but masculine look.
Common variations of the Peaky Blinders Haircut.

Thomas Shelby Slick Back
The most well-known is the version of Thomas Shelby. The head is medium in length and is sliced against his head with pomade or gel. It is full of confidence, power and elegance. The version is appropriate in formal environments and contemporary work places, as long as the sides are trimmed.
Arthur Shelby Undercut to the Max.
The haircut of Arthur Shelby is more violent. Sides are shaved extremely short, and the top left long and rough. It is a rebellious style that is bold and very fitting for Arthur since he is a wild personality. It is difficult to maintain a cut and needs regular visits to the barber and day-to-day styling to achieve the best outcome.
John Shelby Cropped Textured Cut.
The style of hair worn by John Shelby is shorter and more textured on top hence easier to maintain. Although still unconnected, it is a bit more casual and can be worn by men who want to achieve the Peaky look without devoting much time to styling.
Michael Gray Classic Side Part.
A refined side part to the disconnected undercut is added in version by Michael Gray. It is smooth, business-like and refined, which indicates his change as the cousin of a gangster to a business-oriented character. This difference is ideal as it is offered to the man who wishes to have a modern touch and retain the vintage Peaky feel.
Modern Fade Adaptation
Other recent interpretations combine the Peaky style with a gradual fade as opposed to a violent disconnect. This renders the haircut more business friendly or work friendly but still keeping the original design.
Asking a Barber to Cut Your Hair in the Peaky Blinders Style.
In order to accomplish this style, you have to communicate with your barber:
- Stipulate a disconnected undercut – left sides very short, top long.
- Mention length preferences of the top, most usually 3-6 inches.
- Choose a hard part or fade and be modern.
- Carry a picture of the kind of appearance of your favorite brother, Shelby, so as to make sure that you are on the right track.
- Defining the style and level of maintenance will assist your barber to give you a look that fits your lifestyle and personal taste.
How to Style the Peaky Blinders Haircut.
The Peaky Blinders hairstyle is a versatile haircut, which can be cut in several ways:
- Slick Back: Apply a high strength pomade or gel. Rub into wet hair and push it down. This produces a sharp polished finish.
- Embossed Mixed Texture: Matted clay or wax gives a casual appearance to a rug. Big weekend or off duty.
- Side Part: To make it a soft vintage look, part your hair on the side and hold with wax or pomade.
- Wet Look: Rub on oil based pomade to make your hair look shiny in retro 1920s style.
The tools needed in the stylings are minimal, as it needs only a few tools: a comb, a hairdryer (to create more volume), and your favorite product to be used daily. Gradually styling is second nature and fast.
Maintenance Tips
It is important to preserve the Peaky Blinders hairstyle to keep it with its famous appearance:
- Regular Visits to Barber: The short sides are fast growing, and haircutting after every 2-3 weeks will keep the haircut sharp.
- Scalp Care: The scalp is bare because of shaved sides. Apply moisturizers or sunscreen to avoid drying or sunburn.
- Hair Health: Conditioner is a product that will keep your longer top soft and controllable, particularly when you apply pomades or gels on a regular basis.
- Styling Products: To avoid product build up be sure not to apply too much product, use natural texture.
- Consistency: Everyday styling is required to make the Shelby look true.
The Reason Why this Haircut has become famous.

The fact that the Peaky Blinders haircut is popular owes to a number of reasons:
- Cultural Effect: The popularity of Peaky Blinders all over the world introduced the British 1920s gangster fashion into the mainstream.
- Masculine Edge: The strong contrast and organized design gives the impression of power and confidence.
- Flexibility: Wear both informal and formal wear, which is why it is suitable for different events.
- Retro Charm: Vintage looks are always in the hype and this haircut is a mixture of old school style and the latest trends.
- Celebrity Endorsement: Famous people who have imitated different versions of the Peaky image have increased its popularity across the world.
Also Read: Short Layer Hair Cut: Styles, Tips and Complete Guide
Who Should Get This Haircut
The haircut suits worn by the Peaky Blinders:
- Face Shapes: faces that are shaped like ovals, square and diamond are ideal. The top might have to be a little longer to provide height and structure to round faces.
- Hair Type: Straight or slightly wavy hair is the best. Curly hair can be modified, though it might need more styling work.
- Lifestyle: This haircut will be of maximum use to men who like to care about their hair and have it done and styled on a regular basis.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Peaky Blinders hairstyle worthy of the work place?
Yes. Slick back Thomas Shelby is wearable in the office, and extreme undercuts might be too cool to wear in an office.
Q2: Can women wear this style?
Yes. It is modified by many women as an undercut with long hair on the foretop to make it a daring trendy style.
Q3: What is the frequency of trimming the sides?
The undercut should be kept sharp, disconnected every 2-3 weeks.
Q4: Which products do you recommend to style with?
Pomade, wax or clay on choice of shine or matte finish.
Q5: What do I do to modify this cut to curly hair?
Keep the sides short and apply styling cream or mousse on the top to help in bringing out curls and keep separated.
Final Thoughts
Peaky Blinders hair cut is not just a fashion it is a declaration of fashion, personality and cultural nostalgia. The form is also versatile and flexible, with slick-back authority on the side of Thomas Shelby and undercut of rudeness on the side of Arthur Shelby. It is confidence, uniqueness, and retro elegance.
It takes dedication; regular hair cuts, using the correct products, and a daily shower to maintain the look but the investment is a classic, sexy appearance that is still a trend setter in the world of fashion and grooming. The Peaky Blinders hairstyle can be used to inject a dose of confidence, sophistication, and retro cool into your own haircut, whether you desire the classic 1920s gangster look or a more updated version of the fade.
Heed the history, dedicate it to the style and use this legendary hair cut to reshape your appearance in a sharp, edgy, and confident way.

