Wavy Ivy League Haircut with Textured Top & Tapered Sides

About This Style

Key Features

• Sweeping front volume that naturally incorporates and flatters a prominent widow's peak hairline.
• Noticeable wavy texture (Type 2) concentrated at the crown and top for dynamic, structured movement.
• Smooth, graduated taper on the back and sides, avoiding stark skin fades for a strictly professional look.
• Distinctive side-parted flow that directs the thick hair diagonally backward with effortless grace.
• Soft, natural neckline taper rather than a harsh, blocked-off edge, ensuring a graceful grow-out phase.
• Seamless, expertly crafted blending between the 2-5 cm textured top and the 6-20 mm tapered sides.

Getting the Cut

1. Request a classic Ivy League cut with scissor-cut texture on the top, leaving about 2 to 5 centimeters of length to allow your natural waves to fully form.
2. Ask for a #3 or #4 clipper guard on the sides and back, tapering down smoothly and progressively toward the ears and the nape of the neck.
3. Specify a low, natural taper at the neckline instead of a squared-off block, ensuring a softer, much more professional grow-out phase between appointments.
4. Instruct the barber to leave the front fringe slightly longer so it can be easily swept up and to the side, effectively camouflaging and working with the widow's peak.
5. Request point cutting or texturizing shears through the crown to remove excess bulk from your thick, dense hair while simultaneously enhancing the wavy movement.
6. Ask for a seamless blend at the parietal ridge using the classic scissor-over-comb technique to connect the short sides perfectly to the textured top.

Daily Routine

1. Start with towel-dried hair that is slightly damp, making absolutely sure it isn't dripping wet before applying any of your chosen styling products.
2. Scoop a dime-sized amount of matte styling paste or low-shine clay into your palms and rub them together vigorously until the product is fully emulsified and warm.
3. Work the product evenly through your hair from back to front, ensuring the roots get thoroughly coated for better foundation lift and all-day control.
4. Use your fingers to gently push the front section up and to the side, directing the flow diagonally backward away from your widow's peak to create volume.
5. Scrunch the crown area slightly with your fingertips to encourage your natural Type 2 waves to clump together and form distinct, highly textured ridges.
6. If needed, use a blow dryer on low heat and low speed to lock the final style in place, using your fingers instead of a comb to maintain the relaxed, piecey finish.

Products & Tools

• Matte styling clay or texturizing paste for a pliable, medium hold with a completely natural, no-shine finish.
• Sea salt spray (optional) to use as a lightweight pre-styler for enhancing natural waves and adding baseline volume.
• Blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment for precise directional styling and locking in the final shape.
• Wide-tooth comb for initial post-shower detangling and establishing the foundational side-swept parting.
• Your fingers, which are ultimately the absolute best tool for creating the piecey, textured finish clearly shown in the photo.

Maintenance

• Schedule regular barber visits every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain the clean taper on the sides and keep the neckline looking sharp and professional.
• Wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week with a high-quality hydrating shampoo to prevent your thick, wavy hair from drying out or becoming brittle.
• Use a lightweight, rinse-out conditioner after every wash to keep the waves highly manageable, soft, and to significantly reduce any daily frizz.
• Avoid heavy gels or high-shine pomades, which will inevitably weigh down the waves and make the hair look greasy rather than naturally textured.
• Sleep on a smooth silk or satin pillowcase to minimize nighttime friction and carefully preserve the wavy texture overnight.

Best For