A shape-up haircut, also known as a line-up or an edge-up, is a hairdo that revolves around cutting the natural hairline to straighten it. This seemingly uber-cool and funky hairdo has a long history, which dates back to the 1970s and 1980s – a fact that might surprise anyone. Many African Americans in the 1970s and the Disco Era sported afros that displayed their cultural pride through their hairstyles. However, an overarching feeling that the afro is dated started propping up in the mid-1980s, and to add oomph to the afro, the shape-up haircut was introduced. Influential hip-hop artists, such as Big Daddy Kane and Eric B. & Rakim popularized the shape-up hairdo.
What is a Shape-Up Haircut?
A shape-up hairdo is a straight line across the forehead that angles down to the temples. At first glance, a shape-up hairline looks straight from the front and curved from the sides. It is essential to remember that there are different types of shape-ups, such as –
- Pompadour Hair
This is a hairdo that entails keeping your hair short and swept up above the hairline. A pompadour is a popular men’s hairstyle and goes quite well with a shape-up hairdo. With a sharp angle, your barber can trim the pompadour and shave the sides with ease. With this, the volume of your hair will be better defined. It is quite an interesting fact that the pompadour was initially a popular women’s hairstyle but gradually gained traction among men. Celebrities like Bruno Mars and David Beckham are frequently seen with a pompadour shape-up.
- A High Top
A high-top fade or a hi-top is a super-stylish hairstyle wherein the sides of your head are very short or saved off completely. On the other hand, the hair on the top of the head is kept very long. Many of the high-top hairdos are subtle, but if you want a unique throwback, then consider keeping a few inches of hair on the top of your head to contrast with your faded sides.
- A Burst Fade
Thirdly, a burst fade is another men’s shape-up haircut that is quite popular. It is one of the novel techniques to make it into the men’s grooming scenario in recent years. In a burst fade haircut, the barber will shave the hair encircling your eye (sides of the head), and leave some of the locks at the back of your head longer. It is like the Mohawk fade of the eyewear world. If you want to keep on the trendiest men’s shape-up hairdos, then a burst shape shape-up will definitely do the trick.
Summary
If you want something funky yet practical and versatile, a men’s shape-up haircut will be the best choice. For a shape-up cut that is sleek and on-fleek, opt for a reliable Scottsdale Barber.