Thomas Shelby haircut: How to get the iconic Peaky Blinders look

The Thomas Shelby haircut, made famous by Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders, has become one of the most sought-after men’s hairstyles. With its bold undercut and textured top, this Peaky Blinders haircut blends timeless elegance with a rebellious edge.

Whether you’re looking for a modern Peaky Blinders hairstyle or a historically accurate version, this guide covers everything from how to ask your barber for a Thomas Shelby haircut to styling tips for Peaky Blinders hair.

What is the Thomas Shelby haircut?

The Thomas Shelby Peaky Blinders haircut is a variation of a textured crop with an undercut. The defining elements include:

• Short back and sides: The sides and back are shaved close to the skin, usually with a high fade or disconnected undercut.
• Longer textured top: The top remains 2–4 inches long, styled forward with a messy, natural look.
• Disconnected contrast: The stark difference between the short sides and long top creates a bold, edgy aesthetic.

Key features of the Thomas Shelby haircut

Feature	Description
Side & back	High fade or undercut, shaved close to the skin.
Top	2-4 inches with heavy texture.
Styling	Messy, tousled look or slicked with a matte finish.
Face shape suitability	Best for oval, square, and angular face shapes.

How to ask for the Thomas Shelby haircut

Simply asking for a “Peaky Blinders haircut” might not get you the exact look. To ensure the right cut, tell your barber:

1. Ask for a high undercut or skin fade – This keeps the sides and back short.
2. Keep the top around 2-4 inches long – Enough length for styling a natural, messy fringe.
3. Request heavy texturizing – The Peaky Blinders textured crop look relies on layers and choppiness.
4. Mention the fringe style – Thomas Shelby’s fringe is often pushed forward with a soft, tousled effect.

How to style the Thomas Shelby haircut

Styling a Peaky Blinders hairstyle is easy with the right products and techniques.

Step-by-step styling guide

1. Towel dry damp hair after washing.
2. Use a matte product like clay or paste for a natural finish.
3. Style with fingers, pushing the fringe forward for a relaxed look.
4. For a slicker style, apply a small amount of pomade and comb it into place.
5. Finish with a light hairspray to keep everything in place.

Best products for styling

Product type	Recommended product
Matte clay	Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Texturizing powder	American Crew Boost Powder
Matte paste	Reuzel Matte Styling Paste
Light hairspray	Aveda Control Spray

Who suits the Thomas Shelby haircut?

The Thomas Shelby Peaky Blinders hairstyle works best for oval, square, and angular face shapes. The undercut and textured top add definition and sharpness to these structures.

For rounder faces, leaving slightly more length on the sides can help balance proportions.

Thomas Shelby vs. other Peaky Blinders haircuts

While Thomas Shelby’s haircut is the most recognizable from Peaky Blinders, other characters also sport unique styles:

Character	Haircut style
Arthur Shelby	Slicked-back disconnected undercut
John Shelby	High fade with a short crop
Alfie Solomons	Messy, shoulder-length waves
Michael Gray	Classic side part with a taper fade

Why the Thomas Shelby haircut is popular

The resurgence of 1920s-inspired hairstyles has made the Thomas Shelby haircut a staple among stylish men. Reasons for its popularity include:

• Timeless appeal – The short back and sides with a longer top is a classic men’s haircut.
• Low maintenance – Requires minimal daily styling.
• Versatility – Can be worn messy for casual settings or slicked for a formal look.
• Masculine, edgy aesthetic – The bold undercut gives an effortlessly cool vibe.

Final thoughts & FAQ

The Thomas Shelby haircut remains a timeless and effortlessly cool style. The short back and sides with a textured top creates a bold, masculine aesthetic that works for modern men.

Whether opting for a classic Peaky Blinders look or a modern undercut variation, this hairstyle is a surefire way to add edge and sophistication to any wardrobe.