Table of Contents
Introduction
It is a very short hairstyle where the hair on top of the head is cut short to the head with the hair styled with an erect position on the head. This gives it a flat-looking surface on the top of the head therefore the name ‘flat top’. There are especially very tight links to the military, especially the American navy and it was common for people with this style of hair to be associated with the Navy.
It was specially adopted as a standard military haircut style The flat top hairstyle has been around for many years. Even then it remains one of the most popular and classic short hairstyle options which can be done for men.
History and Origins
The flat top haircut has its roots in the early 20th century when reviewed techniques were turning men’s hairstyles shorter. The change toward short hair was primarily instigated by the necessities of warfare throughout several countries. It also removed the pests, wiped out dandruff, and created a neat appearance that transformed all the soldiers and made them appear identical.
Some soldiers even preferred even shorter buzzcut styles during World War 2. The short hair on top of the scalp developed into the earlier classifications of the flat top cut. Many men who had previously served in the military carried on wearing short top haircuts after they had been discharged from the military and this made the trend spread all over.
It became symbolically symmetric with the high point of mainstream culture being popularized in the early fifties and especially during the sixties. This golden era of the flat top occurred partly because many Hollywood celebrities and athletes also had that style. The military style associated with this garment, and the smart appearance of the resulting trousers also meant it was desirable for men in civilian life.
Basic Minimalist Cutting Style Known as the Military Flat Top Haircut Style
The military flat top is clipped very near to the scalp, and the hair on the top of the head is only almost a quarter of an inch long. The sides and back hair are cut even shorter in a fade. This super short fade offers a high degree of contrast and properly frames the flat platform of the hair on top.
To maintain that trademark shape on top, the hair strands have to be combed upwards and the hair gel or pomade helps to keep it that way. From this, we get the impression that there is a single flat plane of the head like a runway or platform. However, the hair must be trimmed as soon as it begins to grow out and become unmanageable. So, it has to be cut very often so that it will always look smart and neat.
Realizing The Flat Top Popularity
The flat top looks classic and has been influenced by haircut specifications from military men specifically during the 1950s. But it still stays a trendy modern hair styling solution as well. There are several appealing factors about the flat top haircut:
Distinctive Look
Flat top roof highly contributes to visibility and it impacts people greatly. This particular design features some of the most graphic lines and has rather a flat formation, which helps it to get noticed.
Minimal Styling Required
When you cut it like this, little else needs to be done to maintain the style, whether daily gel or pomade would suffice. It looks elegant and holds nicely in shape; a quick pat enhances individual hair strands to stand a little taller.
Easy Maintenance
The tinted or clear is liked by business professionals due to it not requiring much maintenance as is the case with the flat top. The hair on top is cut barely touching the scalp so the hair can remain neat for weeks and even a month before it is taken down again for a shave.
Versatility
This military-styled high and tight flat top cut persists but there are more contemporary adaptations. It also has more length in the flats and it’s flavored with strong suggestions of pompadour.
The Flat Top Hairstyle: how to get it?
To achieve that hairstyle that has the iconic flat-on-top look, the hair has to be shaved with clippers from the hairdresser. It should be if done correctly sculpted: geometry of a perfect visual loosely congregating. That is why seeing an experienced barber or stylist is always recommended as the best course of action.
However, here is an overview of the cutting process:
Step 1
Now, employing clippers have a very short guard from them for instance, #1 or 1⁄4 inch, hair on top of the head is cut down to an even shorter stature.
Step 2
The sides and back were reduced down to finished with graduated clipper guards. Usually, skin fades blend well with the flat top, especially by adding extra height to the head.
Step 3
The most challenging aspect is trying to sharpen the crisp shape, of the flat top. With shears or clippers, and no attachment guard in use, the barber shapes the block-shaped platform and sees to it that both the top and sides are even.
Step 4
The crown area hair strands are then combed upward thus the flat top formation which uses pomade or wax in the process. The product assists in affixing these to prevent them from falling during the day.
Check Out: High and Tight Recon: The Ultimate Tactical Haircut for Special Ops.
Subtypes of Modern Flat Top
The styles of flat tops that have emerged today can therefore flex some creativity while maintaining the conventional bowl-shaped bald look. Some popular flat-top variations include:
The Pompadour Flat Top
This hybrid look combines pompadour effects on top. The hair up top is normally trimmed and the front section is curled to flick back as well. This gives it a rockabilly ethos.
The Fauxhawk Flat Top
The hair on the top head is longer, and it is combed to the middle area giving it an impression of a faux hawk. It is very similar to a mohawk if the sides are not shaved almost all the way.
The Textured Flat Top
Through point cutting or razored layers added at the top, an added texture minimizes the flatness in the work. This produces further a structured mess appearance.
The Afro Flat Top
It appeals to people who have naturally curly afro hair type when they wear it with a flat top shape. Versions that have a bilateral division of the face area that experiment with the section under the cheekbone continue to be retro.
Conclusion
It has been more than seven decades since the flat top cut became one of the most memorable styles ever worn by men. While on a very special occasion, it can be strictly associated with the military setting, civilians can also sport such a look as well.
The flat on top stands out so the shape that is to be unique – whether. Monotonous is the term that best describes this particular style especially when the flat top is trimmed super short or slightly longer with modern trims. Thus, instead of volume or flow, the flat top denotes strict graphic lines and thus provides a man with a very structured, hard-working, and self-confident image.
Barbers still show new creative ways of restyling the flat top and the great thing about the cut is that it is timeless as well. So for men who want a neat low maintenance hairstyle that will draw the attention of anyone you first meet them with, grab a flat top haircut.
FAQs
To which face shapes is a flat top appropriate?
This design works best for oval, square, diamond, and triangular face shapes most of the time. Thus, those who would like to elongate their face could easily do so with the help of the Over Under look. Thus rounded face shapes should be used with a lot of care otherwise go for either longer lengths of flat tops.
Can flat top be done for people with thick and thin hair density?
Yes and No, flat tops are compatible with any hair type, whether thick or thin, straight, curly, or wavy hair. The traditional advice is to cut the hair on top short and even to create a flat top silhouette where your head shape is.
Is flat top only for the military?
Although flat tops are conventionally connected with military haircut requirements, they do not have to be the unique preserve of those in uniform. It can be seen that this traditional military cut is popular among civilians due to its intelligent and unique appearance, as well as for the easy low maintenance of this crop.
