Peaky blinders' hair evolution: the rise of the soft cut
The Netflix adaptation of Peaky Blinders isn't just a visual feast; it's a meticulously crafted study in character evolution, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Cillian Murphy's hairstyle.
The razor-sharp undercut yields to a softer aesthetic
Thirteen years after its
debut, the Peaky Blinders saga continues with The Immortal Man. The series' visual language has subtly shifted, mirroring the maturation of its central characters. One of the most noticeable changes? Tommy Shelby's haircut. The stark, disconnected undercut that defined the early seasons has softened, evolving into a more natural and mature style.“Tommy Shelby’s haircut in Peaky Blinders has evolved from a very contrasting, disconnected undercut in the earlier seasons, to something softer, natural and more mature,” says Maxwell Oakley, co-founder of luxury barbershop Supply 91. “The updated cut keeps a similar shape—short sides and longer on top—but this time it’s with a subtle blend, and the top is textured and relaxed, reflecting his progression from a young aggressive gangster into a more powerful and refined figure.”
This isn’t just a change for the screen. The shift reflects a broader cultural trend. Men's fashion experts and influencers alike are embracing grown-out styles – a departure from the rigidly defined looks of the past. Consider the softening silhouettes favored by Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, and Harris Dickinson, or the ubiquitous presence of lived-in hair on TikTok.
So, how do you achieve this modern take on a classic look? Maxwell Oakley recommends “a short back and sides with a clipper grade 3 or 4, with a textured blend and length on top.” He emphasizes the versatility of this cut, noting its appeal to a wide range of individuals. The skin-fade, once a dominant force in men’s grooming, appears to be officially on the wane.
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