Named after Ivy League crew teams who wanted to keep hair out of their faces, the crew cut is one of the simplest men’s haircuts, with buzzed short sides and a slightly longer guard on the top. It's a timeless look, seen recently on celebs like Michael B. Jordan and Channing Tatum. Here’s what you need to know in order to wear it right.

Crew Cut Requirements

• Hair should be buzzed tightly on the sides, starting at 1/16 inch (a "0" buzzer setting) at the neckline and ears.

• Just above the ears, hair should start fading to a longer length. (Graduate up a few clipper sizes to start. Blend the space between this longer length and the skin-tight clip.)

• Hair is at its longest on the top of the head (usually no longer than an inch) and should graduate in length from the crown to the hairline.

• If you prefer a buzz cut to a crew cut, have your barber cut all of your hair to one uniform length—just be sure it’s not longer than an inch.

How to Style a Crew Cut

Since this haircut is so short, styling is purely optional—you can use a little high-hold wax to add texture and height if desired. Instead, the maintenance comes with getting frequent haircuts to maintain the look, because a haircut this short can lose its shape quickly. Try to book appointments with your barber every two to three weeks.

Always Use Protection

There is one product you’ll want to keep handy with a buzz or crew cut: sunscreen. The shorter the hair, the more you’ll need it when you’re headed outdoors, and if you’ve ever had a burn on your scalp, you know it’s definitely worth protecting. Look for a sunscreen that’s specific to your hair and scalp, or something in a lighter formulation—we like mattifying moisturizer with SPF—so it doesn’t risk clogging up the hair follicle, and remember to reapply frequently.

More Men’s Hair Styling Tips

• Be sure to pick a hairstyle that matches your face shape.

• Learn how to properly apply hair product.

• Different stylers—like wax, paste, pomade, or cream—do different things. See where they fall on the Hold vs. Shine hair-styling matrix.