Peaky Blinders haircuts, a notable trend during the show’s original run from 2013 to 2022, are on the verge of a fashionable comeback. With the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie featuring Cillian Murphy reprising his iconic role as Thomas Shelby, there’s a renewed interest in the distinctive grooming styles that defined the series.
The Peaky Blinders haircut is based on the disconnected undercut, characterized by its shaved back and sides with a sharp contrast to the longer hair on top. Each character’s signature style was adapted, creating iconic looks like Thomas Shelby’s textured French crop and Arthur Shelby’s slick back.
Combined with the distinctive flat cap, the Peaky Blinders haircuts enhanced the characters’ authenticity and rugged appeal.
Peaky Blinders Haircuts
Peaky Blinders has become an acclaimed series and a continuous source of inspiration for men’s hairstyles, catapulting the popularity of 1920s grooming into the 21st century.
The announcement of the Peak Blinders movie’s production, starting in September 2024, not only reignites enthusiasm for the story but also the era-specific men’s hairstyles, encouraging a timely examination of how Peaky Blinders might inspire a new generation of men to embrace these bold, vintage-inspired cuts once more.
The Thomas Shelby Haircut: Textured French Crop
Channeling the iconic Thomas Shelby, as portrayed by Cillian Murphy, requires precision in both cut and styling. The Textured French Crop is a smart, no-nonsense hairstyle that reflects the character’s roughness and sophistication.
Starting with an undercut to maintain short, clean sides, the barber sculpts the hair on top with scissors to create a layered effect that enhances the texture. When styling, opt for a matte hair wax to achieve the characteristic semi-structured look without the shine that pomade might deliver.
Arthur Shelby: Slicked Back Undercut
The Slicked Back Undercut is a hallmark of Arthur Shelby, as brought to life by Paul Anderson, offering a bold statement that marries the grit of Birmingham’s streets with a polished veneer. Achieving this look begins with an undercut, contrasting the length on top.
The longer hair is then combed back with a wide-toothed comb, using pomade for hold and shine, signifying the blend of roughness and refinement akin to the character’s dual nature.
John Shelby: Short Crop
John Shelby, as portrayed by Joe Cole, sports a Short Crop that exemplifies the no-nonsense aesthetic of the post-war era while offering an edge of modernity. Its cropped length and straightforward style define this hairstyle.
Regular visits to a skilled barber are advised for a precise cut to maintain the signature sharpness of this look. Using a light hair wax can give the short hair a slight texture without overpowering the natural look, allowing for a quick hand combing in the morning to achieve the desired effect.
Finn Shelby: Slick Back Disconnected Undercut
As Finn Shelby, Harry Kirton showcases a Slick Back Disconnected Undercut. The hair on top is left long and slicked back using a strong hold product like pomade, providing the requisite shine and hold to maintain the style throughout the day.
The sides are disconnected from the top, creating a noticeable distinction. Regular barber visits for a clean-up around the ears and neckline are recommended to keep the look sharp.
Michael Gray: Polished Side Part
Finn Cole’s Michael Gray from Peaky Blinders sports a Side Part with a touch of Ivy League refinement. This hairstyle is akin to the Ivy League with its short, tidy sides and longer, neatly combed top, but Gray’s take allows for a slightly more pronounced part, adding a layer of sleekness to the traditional cut.
To achieve this, the hair is parted deeply on one side and smoothed down with pomade, giving a glossy, controlled finish. The key to maintaining this look is a meticulous trim, ensuring the sides stay sharp and the part remains distinct—a perfect illustration of Michael’s polished exterior and strategic mind.
Isaiah Jesus: Curly Undercut
Isaiah, portrayed by Jordan Bolger, stands out with his Curly Undercut, which combines the distinct sharpness of the undercut with the natural texture of curls. To maintain the curls’ definition on top, it’s essential to use products designed for curly hair, such as a curl-enhancing cream or butter that nourishes and defines without creating frizz.
These products should be applied to damp hair to lock in moisture and shape the curls as they dry. The undercut should be regularly maintained for a clean, sharp look that contrasts with the softness of the curls.
A Peaky Blinders Hair Renaissance
As the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders movie approaches, attention is drawn back to the series’ impeccable portrayal of 1920s men’s fashion and hairstyles, particularly the disconnected undercut that forms the foundation of the show’s grooming aesthetic.
This style, characteristic of the period and meticulously adopted by the characters, emphasizes a return to artisanship in men’s grooming, combining historical authenticity with a contemporary flair.
