How to Get the Perfect Peaky Blinders Haircut

There’s definitely a lot to like about Peaky Blinders. Along with the excellent cast and thrilling storylines, this popular crime drama also provides plenty of style inspiration for the guys. Set in England in the aftermath of World War I, the show features a range of fantastic 1920s gangster looks. Of course, while the costumes are undoubtedly impressive, there’s one other feature we love even more: the hair. So if you need a new cut, why not look to Tommy and his gang for inspiration? Here we’ve rounded up the boys’ iconic looks so you can get the perfect Peaky Blinders haircut.

1. Tom Shelby haircut

Played by Cillian Murphy, Tom Shelby is a crime boss with style. Although the character often wears a hat, when he’s not sporting a classic, cool newsboy cap, his awesome haircut is on full display. Her cut, which looks as good today as it did a hundred years ago, is a cropped bob with shaved sides and back. The undercut hairstyle leaves a bit of length at the bottom, but the top is still noticeably longer. Up top, Shelby wears her textured hair with layers and a natural wave. Her style is swept forward and to the side, creating short bangs that flow across her forehead.

Tom Shelby’s hairstyle is easy to pull off and can look very stylish, as long as you have the face for it. In particular, the style works best on men with oval faces or defined cheekbones, like Cillian Murphy. However, if your face has a different shape, you can experiment with proportions and texture to better match the cut to your appearance. For the original Tom Shelby look, ask your stylist for a number three on the back and sides. Up top, ask for a cropped, textured cut with a bit of extra length in the front. Then when you style your hair, brush and blow dry it forward and sweep your bangs to one side.

2. Arthur Shelby haircut

Like his brother Tom, Arthur Shelby, who is played by Paul Anderson, also rocks a clearance. However, Arthur’s hair is shaved much shorter on the sides and back, making for a more contrasting and striking style. Additionally, both men also style the top of their hair in different directions. While Tom’s is swept forward, Arthur’s is slicked back, which is easily achieved with his length and straight locks. Overall, Arthur’s hairstyle looks polished with an edgy attitude. It’s no wonder, then, that the look has seen a serious revival in recent years.

If you want to rock Arthur Shelby’s cool hairstyle, ask your barber for a disconnected cut with the sides and back shaved in the first degree. But make sure the top is long enough for you to slip it back. To do this, make sure your hairstyle will stay in place all day by drying the roots of your hair towards the back of your head after washing. Then use your hands to apply a small amount of pomade or wax to the top of your hair. Finally, finish by painting it in the clean style. The result must be sure but keep a natural and soft touch.

3. John Shelby Haircut

John Shelby’s haircut is similar in many ways to Tom and Arthur’s. The cut, which is a disconnected undercut style, features skin-shaved sides. Up top, her hair is straight like Arthur’s but cut a bit shorter. As such, the style looks neat, tidy and low maintenance. In other words, it requires little styling, which undoubtedly makes it an attractive option for many men today. Of course, know that if you choose this Peaky Blinders haircut, you will have to see your hairdresser regularly. Messy hair on the sides and back of the head has no place in a spiky John Shelby cut.

Do you want to sport the kind of John Shelby hairstyle that will make actor Joe Cole proud? Start by shaving the sides and back of your hair down to a zero figure. The cut should be low enough to reveal a lot of skin but with some hair color still showing. At the top, ask your hairdresser for a cropped cut. The length here should be short enough that your hair stays in place without too much product but long enough that you can style it to the side. Once you have this cut, you can use a small amount of light wax or pomade to slick your hair either to one side or a deep side part if it is long enough.

4. Michael Gray Haircut

In Peaky Blinders, Michael Gray is the cousin of the Shelby siblings. But, unlike Tommy, Arthur and John, Michael doesn’t wear an undercut. Instead, Michael’s hair is cut and styled into a neat, polished side part. The look features neatly trimmed sides that taper into a longer length on top. As one of the most formal of all Peaky Blinders haircuts, Michael’s look is best suited to modern men who appreciate a clean, classic aesthetic. Especially it looks very dapper when paired with a suit or smart casual outfit. Of course, the cut can be worn more naturally, if you don’t feel like styling it every day.

Michael Gray may be John Shelby’s cousin, but the two actors who play them are actually brothers. Yes, Finn Cole, who plays Michael Gray, is Joe Cole’s younger brother. But no matter their relationship, the characters and actors certainly have great hair. To channel Michael’s signature look, ask your stylist for a cut with subtly tapered sides and longer length on top. As for styling, start by creating a deep side part in your freshly washed hair. If your locks are naturally curly, you may be able to work them into Michael’s smooth wave on top. Alternatively, you can blow dry your hair using a small round brush to twist your locks into a neat curl as you go. Then, gently comb your hair into place and set it with a light hairspray.

5. Alfie Solomons Haircut

When it comes to Alfie Solomons, it’s not the hair on his head that demands the most attention. Instead, it’s the beard that really defines this iconic character’s appearance. Solomons, who was played by a very sturdy Tom Hardy, has a full, unruly beard that may tempt you to grow your own. But, if you are planning to try epic facial hair, remember to do it the modern way. While beards are all the rage right now, well-groomed ones with neatly trimmed edges are best appreciated. Plus, unlike Solomons, you also have to keep the hair on your head neat to make sure you don’t project any caveman vibes.

If you’re looking to grow a beard worthy of a modern-day Alfie, you’ll have to put in the effort. After all, the process requires a lot of patience. Luckily, once you’ve achieved your desired length and thickness, all you need to worry about is a little maintenance and grooming. To do this, remember to regularly trim your beard around the edges to keep it clean and modern. Also, be sure to keep your beard healthy by washing, combing, and conditioning it regularly. This will help maintain a soft, smooth feel without any pesky knots of unsightly dandruff.

How to Get the Perfect Peaky Blinders Haircut

• Tom Shelby: Go for an undercut with number three sides and a textured top long enough to transition into short side bangs.
• Arthur Shelby: Ask for a disconnected undercut with a number one on the sides and a top you can fold down.
• John Shelby: Have the sides of your hair shaved to zero and the top cropped with just enough length to style it to the side.
• Michael Grey: Get this formal side part style with a cut that gently tapers from a low fade into longer, smooth waves on top.
• Alfie Solomon: Grow a full beard but remember to keep it tidy for a more modern look.