When it comes to short hair, the high and tight is a sleek military-inspired style that can take your look to the next level. The high and tight haircut offers a clean, low-maintenance look for men who want a masculine and cool finish. While some guys like to get shaved sides, the high and tight fade has become the most fashionable variation, resulting in short tapered hair on the sides and back with longer hair on top.
Whether you want a simple Jarhead cut or a longer professional look for work, there are several high and tight styles to consider. Some men will want a very short haircut with a skin fade for an edgy look, while others may prefer a high taper with longer hair that can be combed over with a hard part for a trendy finish. Depending on your desired look, you’ll want to ask your barber to use a number 1, 2, 3 or 4 clipper size to get the perfect haircut.
With so many different types and styles, it can be a challenge choosing the right cut. To inspire you with ideas, we’ve compiled a list of the best high and tight haircuts. From short to long, explore the men’s high and tight hairstyle to find popular cuts you’ll love.
Contents
- 1 What Is A High and Tight Haircut?
- 2 High and Tight Haircuts
- 2.1 High and Tight Fade
- 2.2 High and Tight Skin Fade
- 2.3 High and Tight Undercut
- 2.4 High and Tight Bald Fade
- 2.5 Modern High and Tight
- 2.6 High and Tight Buzz Cut
- 2.7 Long High and Tight
- 2.8 Short High and Tight
- 2.9 Military High and Tight
- 2.10 High and Tight Comb Over
- 2.11 High and Tight Crew Cut
- 2.12 High and Tight Recon
- 2.13 High and Tight Fade with Hard Part
- 2.14 Low and Tight
- 2.15 High and Tight with Beard
- 2.16 Number 1 on the Sides
- 2.17 Number 2, 3 or 4 on Top with 2 on the Sides
- 3 How To Cut A High and Tight Haircut
What Is A High and Tight Haircut?
The high and tight is a classic men’s haircut with short hair on the sides, back and top that looks like a military cut. As a variation of the buzz cut, the high and tight hairstyle can be easy to style and simple to maintain, making it a great option for guys who want a functional and fashionable look.
Although the classic military version comes with shaved sides, most men are choosing to get the high and tight with a fade haircut on the sides and back for a modern vibe. Great with straight, thick, wavy or curly hair, the cut can look classy with a neat and structured finish or effortlessly chic with messy styling. For a manly touch, some guys like to combine the hairstyle with a beard to feature an extra dimension.
High and Tight Haircuts
High and Tight Fade
The high and tight fade is a modern haircut that blends the sides and back into the longer hair on top to create a stylish look. The high and tight fade haircut offers a softer style with subtle contrast that can work well for every occasion. While the high fade is the most popular cut, you can ask your barber to experiment with a low or mid taper fade. To tailor the look further, you can feature a skin, drop, bald, burst or razor fade that adds a fresh dimension to the cut. The faded variation provides a sleek and low-maintenance look that will elevate your style.
High and Tight Skin Fade
The high and tight skin fade is an edgy men’s haircut that comes with very short hair on the sides and back to accentuate the longer styling on top. A skin fade haircut can be used to personalize your look and create a military style without shaving your sides. As one of the most popular types of fades to get, this faded cut will start high and blend the hair into the scalp for a bold look. If you’re looking to level up your style, the high and tight with a skin fade might be the perfect cut.
High and Tight Undercut
The high and tight undercut can be a cool hairstyle for guys who want to transform their look. The undercut is a short haircut that proves a sharp contrast between the buzzed sides and longer hair on top. While fades are tapered, the undercut features hair that is all one-length and will make your style softer and more textured. The undercut proves that the high and tight haircut with no fade can still look fashionable and ruggedly handsome.
High and Tight Bald Fade
The high and tight bald fade is a sharp haircut that blends the hair on the sides and back into the skin for a daring finish. Also known as a skin fade, the bald fade provides a high-contrast cut that looks great with short and long styles. Men with thin or thinning hair may want to consider this faded finish since it can hide a receding hairline. If you want a Jarhead haircut and don’t want to shave your sides, this high and tight fade might be an appropriate choice for a fresh look.
Modern High and Tight
The modern high and tight is a versatile men’s haircut that offers trendy styling options for a flattering look. This modern cut comes with tapered sides and slightly longer hair on top that can be styled messy, spiky or combed over. Easy to style and always charming, you can transform this classic look into a cool hairstyle for the modern gentleman.
High and Tight Buzz Cut
The high and tight buzz cut is a short hairstyle for guys who want a functional and masculine look that will make a statement. A buzzed haircut is a military style that pairs naturally with the high and tight by simply dictating that the hair on top be cut short. Suited for straight, thick, wavy or curly hair, this short cropped look offers a unique take on the classic buzz cut.
Long High and Tight
The long high and tight is a stylish haircut that offers a short cut on the sides and back with longer hair on top for more styling options. The long top high and tight hairstyle can be achieved with a taper fade or undercut to create the necessary contrast and complement the extra length. This versatile longer style can be swept to the side, brushed back, spiked up or combed forward to suit your needs. For a textured look, use a strong hair product like pomade or wax with a matte finish to give the style volume and fullness.
Short High and Tight
The short high and tight is a simple men’s haircut that offers a striking look that requires no styling. This masculine hairstyle comes with short hair on the sides, back and top to create a sleek cut. When talking to your barber, you’ll want to ask for a number 0, 1 or 2 on the sides and a 3, 4, 5 or 6 on top. This very short style is ideal for guys with thick hair who won’t expose their scalp with a close-cropped cut. Invest in high-quality clippers to get this haircut at home and save money.
Military High and Tight
The military high and tight is a cool haircut that is low-maintenance and practical for men who really want short hair. This military hairstyle features a high skin fade on the sides and back with a short crop top for an edgy finish. This popular short cut is great for curly, wavy and straight thick hair that needs a trim for easier styling. Take the military high and tight style to the next level with clean-shaven sides.
High and Tight Comb Over
The high and tight comb over is a business professional look that offers a dapper finish for a work-appropriate style. The comb over haircut has become one of the most popular styles for guys who want a versatile and fashionable appearance. With a fade or undercut on the sides and back, the longer hair on top can be combed to the side for a clean parted finish. Similar to the gentleman’s side part, use a quality styling product to keep your hair in place all day.
High and Tight Crew Cut
The high and tight crew cut is a classic style for guys who want a masculine look with slightly longer hair on top than a buzz cut. The modern crew cut often features a low, mid or high fade haircut on the sides and back. This simple tapered hairstyle offers a clean-cut look that works nicely all around.
High and Tight Recon
The high and tight recon is an extreme military haircut that requires shaved sides and very short hair on top for an edgy look. The recon hairstyle leaves a small patch of hair on the top of the head, creating a disconnected look higher up that can resemble a mohawk. For the clean-shaven sides and back, your barber will use clippers with no guard or a foil shaver. Popular with Recon Marines, this badass cut is not for the fainthearted.
High and Tight Fade with Hard Part
The high and tight fade with a hard part is a unique look that can add visual interest to your haircut. The hard part is a thick shaved line that creates a sharp style where your hair can be distinctly parted. If you’re looking to design a cool cut, the hard side part can be an excellent addition.
Low and Tight
The low and tight is a classy haircut for guys who want a fashionable and relaxed style. The low and tight hairstyle features a low fade on the sides and back for a more conservative and elegant look. By exposing less of the scalp, the low taper fade produces a versatile cut that’s universally flattering and work-appropriate.
High and Tight with Beard
The high and tight with a beard is a sexy look that will accentuate this edgy cut for a handsome touch. The high and tight haircut can be partnered with a beard to sport another dimension to the style, balancing out the look and amplifying the alpha male vibe. Some guys may want to style a short beard for a kept look while others may try to grow out longer facial hair for extra flair.
Number 1 on the Sides
A number 1 on the sides is a short haircut where the sides and back are buzzed with clippers down to 1/8 inch. With a 2, 3 or 4 haircut on top, the 1 on the sides creates the foundation that highlights the styling above. As a type of buzz cut, this clipper guard size can be used to get a low-maintenance cut that is always easy to style.
Number 2, 3 or 4 on Top with 2 on the Sides
A number 2 on the sides is a classic men’s haircut where the sides and back are buzzed down to 1/4 inch and the hair on top is cut longer with a number 2, 3 or 4 clipper guard. When visiting a barbershop, the best way to get the haircut you want is to tell your barber the numbers you would like used. The 2 on the sides haircut is short without exposing the scalp, offering a regular cut that works well for most guys. For a longer style, you can ask your stylist to give you a number 5, 6, 7 or 8 haircut that will leave you up to an inch on top.
How To Cut A High and Tight Haircut
Before you start cutting, you’ll need top-rated clippers, multiple guards, good lighting and a mirror. To cut the high and tight, start with a high fade haircut on the sides and back. If you prefer a single length all around, then attach a number 0, 1, 2 or 3 guard and buzz the hair evenly. When trimming the hair on top, you’ll want some contrast so make sure to choose a clipper size that starts long. Generally, you should use a length that is 1 or 2 numbers higher than the sides. For a shorter style, you can always go down a number. Cover the same spots multiple times to ensure the hair is even and uniform across the head.
