37 Fresh Marine Haircuts

The Marine haircut is a short, low-maintenance and masculine look that allows you to wake up in the morning and walk out the door effortlessly. According to the military, USMC regulation haircuts must be shorter than three inches in length on top, skin faded or buzzed on the back and sides, and should generally be considered a neat, professional military look.

The buzz cut, high and tight fade, short mohawk, brushed-forward crop and side-swept crew cut are commonly accepted hairstyles in the Marine Corps. With a fade or undercut, these clean-cut styles are known to be simple, sharp and polished, offering a combat-ready approach.

Whether you’re a military member or civilian, these classic men’s haircuts are stylish and cool looks that will make a bold statement.

For fresh ideas, check out these awesome Marine haircuts to inspire your next visit to the barbershop.

Fresh Marine Corps Haircut Styles

Classic Jarhead Haircut

The classic jarhead haircut is a very short military-inspired look that features shaved sides with a buzzed head. Also known as a high and tight, this cut is the trademark style of the Armed Forces, especially for new recruits when they enroll in boot camp. It’s extremely low-maintenance, severe and leaves no room for bedhead or distractions. Achieved with clippers, the jarhead approach comes with no fade and keeps the back and sides skintight.

Buzz Cut Fade

The buzz cut fade is a short haircut for guys who want a low-maintenance and effortlessly masculine look. Using clippers, your barber will buzz the top down while fading the back and sides. You can choose from several different fades, including a high, mid or low skin fade, to determine the length and contrast.

High and Tight Fade with Shaved Part

A high and tight fade can be a simple and neat haircut for any man willing to go very short to achieve a masculine look. This cut features faded sides that are taken all the way down to the skin and a shaved part to accentuate the transition. The tightly buzzed top can be left longer for a slightly textured and softer finish.

Loose Comb Over with Short Tapered Sides

A loose comb over with short tapered sides is a classy, all-around approachable hairstyle that can show off your texture while being functional. You won’t need any hair product to complete this style, and a good rule of thumb on length is to keep it short enough that it won’t cause any bedhead.

Long Crew Cut with Tapered Sides

The long crew cut provides a subtler and longer style for any military member. The hair on top leans on the longer side at finger length and the fade doesn’t get too close to the skin, instead opting for a taper, making for a smoother finish. Add a touch of pomade for a dapper finish.

Very Short Ivy League with Undercut

A very short Ivy League is an excellent short haircut that won’t leave a ton of room for the imagination. The top is kept finger length, with just enough to add separation. An undercut keeps this look well within regulation, so you can rest assured that you won’t be breaking any rules on the base.

Buzz Cut with Taper and Beard

Adding a taper to your buzz cut can be a refreshing reset to your look. It provides symmetry and polish to an otherwise basic look. Fading it into the beard can be another unique way to add balance to your style and draw attention to your face.

Comb Over with Undercut

A comb over with a high undercut is a daring and practical hairstyle that makes a bold statement. Make sure the top is just long enough to push to the side with pomade or gel. Finish it off with a buzzed undercut to take the sides down to the skin.

High and Tight Recon

A high and tight recon is an edgy style for the most rebellious military members who want to stand out in the crowd. The high bald fade and the very short strip of hair in the middle create a sleek and sharp look.

Induction Cut

The induction cut is the shortest buzzed haircut for military members entering boot camp, hence the name ‘induction’. If you’re cutting your own hair at home, use clippers without a guard to create a clean trim. Similar to shaving your head with a razor, this style comes with no maintenance or styling necessary.

Short Curly High and Tight with Low Fade

A short high and tight can be a classic military haircut for curly hair that will showcase your volume and texture while still being regulation. The stylish kinky texture commands attention while the low fade complements the style.

Shaved Head

The shaved head is the ultimate haircut for men who want to be seen as more dominant and powerful. Shaving your head starts by buzzing your hair with clippers and then using a razor to create a clean, smooth finish. You can go against the grain for the shortest cut you’ll ever have.

Retro Flat Top with Shaved Sides

The flat top is a retro haircut where the hair on top is trimmed to create an even level. With shaved sides, this old-school men’s hairstyle looks aggressive and bold.

Slick Back with Undercut Fade

The slick back is a stylish Marine haircut style that can look masculine while still being fashionable. While the sides are cut short into an undercut fade, the top is thicker and left long enough so it can be pushed back with pomade and a comb. The finished look is sleek, neat, and well within regulation.

Thick Buzz Cut with Mid Skin Fade and Groomed Stubble

The buzz cut with a mid skin fade is a versatile and handsome military haircut that will highlight your masculine facial features for a powerful look. The thick buzz cut is great, if you find yourself wanting to show less of your scalp on top, but still want a cropped look. Using some of the longer guards, the top can go as high up as a number six to leave more density. Pair it with a skin fade for contrast and edge that will taper nicely into groomed stubble.

Undercut with Short Brush Back

An undercut with a short brush back is a fantastic style that will have your commanding officer appreciating your diligence and decorum. It’s great because there’s enough hair on top to keep your personality intact, and the sides are cut short enough that you won’t have to worry about them.

Thick Textured Medium Style with Fade

A thick and textured medium hairstyle can show off your volume and fullness for a handsome look. Leave the top longer and a bit dense. Be sure to have your barber shape the style so it doesn’t look like a poof ball of hair. Trim the sides down to a fade to keep direction and neatness.

Side Swept Crew Cut with Low Fade

Another variation of the crew cut, this one keeps the hair long enough towards the front so you can push it to the side with hair gel or clay. A low fade here cleans up the whole look, taking you from scruffy to charming.

Uniform Buzz Cut All Over

The uniform buzz cut is a classic and easy military haircut for guys who prefer a short and simple look. When it grows out, an induction cut will become this all-around buzzed style so choose any guard from 0.5 to 3 and run the trimmer all over your head. No fade necessary.

Short Mohawk with Burst Fade and Design

A short mohawk can be a bold and rebellious style for the modern-day plebe willing to take a risk. Keep the top trimmed and short and ask for a burst fade to achieve that subtle hawk. With a simple design, this look is short enough that you may just get away with rocking this trendy cut in the Marines.

Short Faux Hawk

A short faux hawk is an excellent choice for the guy whose style leans dynamic. Ask for texture on the top and style your hair towards the middle with gel or pomade. You can finish the look with a high fade.

Classic Buzz Cut

The classic buzz cut is a short men’s look that can do no wrong. It’s done completely with clippers, can be done at home if you’re in a pinch, and takes only minutes to complete. You’ll need to invest in a solid pair of hair clippers if you’ll be rocking this one full-time.

High and Tight with Razor Fade

The high and tight razor fade takes this severely short men’s cut to a completely new level. While the top can be anywhere from a number three guard or lower, the sides are taken very high and down to the skin for the ultimate contrast and style.

Ivy League with Fade

Also known as a side swept crew cut, the Ivy League is a stylish hairstyle for young men who want a short and low-maintenance professional look. As a conservative cut, the back and sides are faded cleanly while the longer hair on top is generally brushed with some light product. The contrast and shortness keep the look presentable and fresh.

Classic Flat Top

The classic flat top is a rugged, badass and longer style for any Devil Dog. Ask your barber to cut the hair on top while holding onto some length across the head. Get a fade, undercut or shaved sides to accentuate the corners of this extreme look.

Shaved Sides

Shaved sides are a cool and edgy haircut that will contrast the longer hair on top and create a bold look. Grab your clippers, ditch the guard, and get to work by shaving the back and sides down to the skin. If you have the skills to fade, go for it, but it’s not necessary. This severe cut with its blunt transition is regulation and trendy, showing off your personality with flair.

Brush Back with Faded Sides

The textured brushed back fade is a versatile and attractive hairstyle for any man who appreciates a classically handsome vibe. Keep your hair on top long enough to brush back with gel or pomade, but don’t go longer than an inch in length. Get the sides faded to keep the length short but not drastic.

Buzz Cut with High Skin Fade and Line Up

The simple buzz cut with a high skin fade can be a fresh style for any young guy wanting to stay sleek and ruggedly handsome. The skin fade blends into the scalp and heavily contrasts the thick crop on top. Add a line up to keep your hairline sharp and sexy.

Side Swept Crew Cut with Shaved Part and Medium Fade

The side-swept crew cut is a versatile, trendy and professional hairstyle for the man who likes to stay active and classy. The medium fade can prevent sweat from sticking to any hair while cooling you down during strenuous activities. A shaved part adds a hint of masculinity without getting unruly.

Sleek Comb Over with Mid Bald Fade

A sleek comb over is an all-around approachable look for men of any age. Pomade can go a long way here to help lock your hair in place and a mid bald fade provides a trendy touch. A good rule of thumb on length is to keep it short enough that it won’t cause any bedhead.

Very Short Brush Forward with Mid Fade

A textured brush forward style with a clean mid fade can offer a flattering and youthful vibe. A little wax or matte pomade can allow you to spike up or comb your hair to the side, while a mid fade maintains a refined finish. Ask your barber to add a shape up for a clean hairline.

Short Side Swept Crew Cut with High Fade

The short-side swept crew cut can be a suitable look that prioritizes ease and style. Feature a high fade for a sleek and presentable cut that will command attention.

Short Spiky Style

Short spiky hair is a fun look for men of all ages. It adds a youthful edge for the guy who wants to dip their toes into shorter styles. The part adds separation between the back and sides. Grab a dime-sized amount of hair gel to lock this look in all day.

Buzzed Top with Shaved Sides

When it comes to easy Marine-inspired haircuts, a no-guard buzz cut with razored sides can be a bold, manly and aggressive look. Convenient and affordable, you can maintain your style in the comfort of your bathroom. Use a number one for the top to keep it short and stubbly, and shave down the sides for that clean, regulation style.

Buzz Cut with Zero Fade and Line Up

The buzz cut with a zero fade can be a simple way to maintain a short traditional style that will look striking. Get an edge up for a stylish and clean hairline.

Blonde Textured Buzz Cut with Low Fade

This version of the buzz cut goes for a dazzling approach. The hair on top leans on the longer side at a number four guard and adds a pop of blonde to catch the light. The low fade doesn’t get too close to the skin, making for a smoother finish.

Short Textured Brush Up with Low Skin Fade

The short textured brush up is a cool hairstyle that will exude confidence and look classy. The square shape highlights a strong jawline, while a low skin fade ensures neatness around your nape and sideburns. Keep the top choppy for an extra flair to your fashion.

USMC Haircut Regulations

The following Marine Corps haircut regulations offer guidance for maintaining a functional, neat and professional look in the military.

• Hair must be clean and closely trimmed.
• The sides and back will be faded, tapered or buzzed evenly all around the head.
• The hair on top must be 3 inches or less in length, fully extended.
• The bulk of the hair can not be longer than approximately 2 inches.
• Sideburns shall not extend beyond the top of the earhole and may not be tapered, flared or pointy. The sideburn style may not exceed 1/8 inch.
• No male Marine is required to have his hair buzzed down to the scalp (also known as the “Induction Cut”) except while undergoing recruit training or boot camp.
• A Marine’s hairstyle may not interfere with uniform headgear.
• Hair color must look natural, complement the person’s complexion and may not detract from a professional appearance.

Popular Marine Haircuts For Men

The most popular Marine haircuts are the buzz cut, high and tight fade, short mohawk, crew cut, cropped afro, flat top, comb over taper, shaved head and side-swept Ivy League. These short military hairstyles are functional, easy to maintain and effortlessly comply with USMC regulations. When it comes to the Marine Corps, these cuts can be the difference between being combat-ready and letting your team down.