High and tight haircuts are a staple of barbershops worldwide because they are classic military cuts. Would you like a high and tight haircut? We’ve created a comprehensive guide to the high and tight haircuts below.
High and tight haircuts
The sides of the high and tight haircut are skin faded, and the top part of the haircut has a small amount of hair. In essence, the haircut is similar to a short crew cut. This style is often called high and tight because of the appearance it creates. In this style, the only hair is very narrow and high on top of the head, tight. It’s similar to a buzzcut in many ways.
The sides of the head usually have a #0 guard, which means that the hair is completely shaved off. The hair on top is shaved with a #2, #3, or #4 guard, leaving about an inch or two of hair.
Top 13 best high and tight haircuts
Because there are so many variations of this style, it’s crucial to learn the basics. We put together a list of 13 high and tight haircuts to give you some inspiration.
1. High and tight classics
The high and tight haircut has become a barbershop staple. There is no skin left on the sides, and only a narrow portion of hair remains on the top. As this top is on the longer side, you can go even shorter if you want a more military-inspired high and tight look. The top is more of a “casual, traditional” style.
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2. Flattop high and tight
The high and tight flat top is another prevalent variation. Although these are technically two different styles, they are often used together. The flattop version is so popular that many people refer to it as “high and tight.” As a result, the hair has a high and tight look that is flat at the top, emphasizing the “high and tight” look.
3. Skin Fade: The High and Tight Look
You might prefer a high skin fade if you want to capture the spirit of the high and tight but in a more relaxed package. Unlike the original, this variation does not focus as much on the “tight” part. There’s still a lot of hair on top, while the sides are still high. However, it still channels the original high and tight quite well, so it’s an updated version of the original.
4. Tight and High Crop
This high crop is a more casual version of the high and tight, and this high crop features neatly trimmed hair and a high blended skin fade. With the crop on top and the fade on the bottom, the top looks tidy. This is a simple but effective version of the typical high and tight.
5. Modern High and Tight
The modern high and tight incorporates several contemporary elements. Although the hair is longer and more relaxed, the sides still have the traditional high fade. This is different from a classic high-and-tight, where the sides can be longer. Alternatively, they don’t have to fade to the skin’s surface.
6. The gradual fade.
The fade can also be changed up for a different look. The extreme skin fade in the original evokes the military, while this gradual mid fade is more reminiscent of an undercut. Although it follows the generally high and tight formula, the look is more relaxed.
7. The High Bowl Crop
We’ve got a variation on the updated bowl cut that takes inspiration from a high and tight shape. The same bowl-like line around the head, but the high faded sides make this haircut look high and tight. This produces a “cap” of hair with a surprising texture.
8. Miniature quiff
The high and tight haircut looks excellent in short form, but if you want a little more style, you might want to try a mini quiff. You can form a quiff with some hair in the front for an immaculate style. You still have low maintenance, but you have a little more freedom over how your hair looks.
9. Back brushed high and tight.
A mini quiff might be an option if you like the shortness and overall look of the high and tight but would like to add a little more style. Having more hair in the front can help you form a quiff for an immaculate style. The hair is still deficient in maintenance, but you have a little more freedom regarding how it should look.
10. Tight and High Buzz
Combining the look of a high and tight haircut with the evenness of a buzz cut, this style is exciting. This is essentially a buzz cut converted to a high and tight style. The top is buzzed to one length, and the sides are faded high. It’s about the same length as the original high and tight, but you get a different effect since the hair isn’t as tight on top.
11. The high side part
Another versatile style, this one includes a complex part that gives it that classic side part look. You get all that neatness as long as the hair still has roughly the exact dimensions as the high and tight. The top hair is longer so that it can be parted to the side, but it still retains the feeling of high and tight hair.
12. High and loose hair.
Here’s an interesting twist that allows the hair on top to grow out more on the side. With more surface area on top, this is what we call a “high and loose.” The sides still get a high skin fade, so it’s not much different from the original.
13. The Long Fade
Do you find the high and tight to be too high for you? It’s always possible to lower the fade to make it occur lower. This hairstyle features a fade that starts at the temple instead of near the hairline, creating a different appearance. There is also a curve rather than a straight fade, which cuts a bit of motion.
If you can’t get enough texture, try a style that’s longer on top. This cut brushes the hair forward to create its natural texture while keeping the sides crisp and clean. This works best with wavy, curly, coiled, or kinky hair, naturally quite textured.
How can you request a tight, high cut?
Ask specifically for a high, tight haircut from your barber. Request that the back and sides be taken high and closed at whatever length you choose. Many styles feature this to a skin fade, although you do not need to cut your hair this short if you don’t want to. Then alter the top to your style.
What distinguishes a high and tight from a crew cut?
The high and tight fade style is sometimes referred to as a crew cut. But what sets it apart is all in the name: All sides are kept short.
