All You Need to Know About an Undercut
Undercuts look great — and, interestingly, they aren’t all that common. Part of that is the “risk” of standing out. But that’s exactly what makes an undercut appealing: it’s a style unlikely to be copied en masse, so you can stand out with real confidence, without everyone else turning up with the same cut.
An undercut is a brilliant way to express your personality and style, and the right one can still look sophisticated for work as well as socially. If you’re considering an undercut for the first time, this guide covers the options, the pros and cons, and tips to keep the style manageable.
If you’re after a new haircut, our ladies’ haircuts and men’s hair service pages are a good place to start — the undercut works across both.
Undercut FAQs
What is an undercut?
An undercut involves shaving or cutting the hair very short on one part of the head while leaving the rest longer. The most common versions shave the sides, the back, or a section of the head, creating a contrast with the longer hair on top. It can be as subtle or as bold as you like, depending on how much you cut and how you style what’s left.
What are the undercut options?
Side undercut: Literally shaving one side and leaving the other. It’s one of the most popular starting points — a real statement without going too extreme. You can part your hair to show off the shaved side, or let longer hair fall over it for a more conservative look.
Nape undercut: A more subtle version, where the hair at the neck is shaved short. It’s often hidden under longer hair and only revealed when you wear it up — a great option if you want the edge of an undercut but need discretion for work or formal settings.
Undercut with a design: Think of the shaved area as a blank canvas for a design — geometric patterns are the most popular. One honest note: salon stylists are skilled at creating the undercut itself, but intricate design work is a highly specialised, individual skill that not every salon or barber offers. It’s best treated case by case — think salon for the cut, a specialist barber for detailed design work. Designs also need a lot of upkeep.
Disconnected undercut: A stark contrast between the shaved section and the longer hair, with no gradual fade between the two. Bold, and ideal if you want to make a big statement.
Undercut bob: For anyone who loves a classic bob but wants a modern twist, an undercut at the back or sides gives the bob a fresh, edgy feel while keeping its timeless appeal. Our guides to the bob and layered bob have more.
The pros of an undercut
An undercut can look fantastic, and it’s typically unique from one person to the next — standout for all the right reasons. It’s versatile, working with most hair types. And maintenance is straightforward: as long as there’s no design involved, shaving the undercut back in is quick and cost-effective — our salon offers a short maintenance appointment, around 15 minutes, just to refresh it.
The cons of an undercut
If you later want to grow it out, a visible undercut — like a side undercut — takes patience and some tactful styling. It’s also not the cut for you if you’d rather not stand out. And it does mean more frequent salon visits to keep it sharp — if you’re not used to roughly monthly trims, that’s an adjustment.
Is an undercut right for you?
If you’re happy with the ongoing maintenance, the positives far outweigh the downsides — an undercut is bold, stylish and a great way to show some personality, and it can be tailored anywhere from subtle to striking. If you’re still weighing it up, our post on whether an undercut is worth it goes through the decision in detail, and our guide on how to ask for a haircut is worth a read before booking. It’s also worth considering whether a barber or a salon suits what you want.
Our stylists offer a free, no-obligation in-salon consultation — get in touch and we’ll talk through the right undercut for you.
