We’ve seen the two block haircut a lot lately. But do you have what it takes to rock one? In our guide, you’ll see 30 examples of this iconic style to decide if it’s right for you.
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Should You Get a Two Block Haircut?
The two block haircut has made its way to America all the way from Korea. It’s a unique haircut that’s easy to maintain and suits every face shape and hair type.
- But what does this trendy haircut look like?
- Are there different ways to wear it?
- How can you know if it’s the right cut for you?
We’ve got several examples to show you, a little background on the haircut, and things to consider before you decide it’s the cut for you in our complete guide. First up: What is the two block cut?
What Is a Two Block Haircut?
A two block haircut is a type of haircut that features short sides, a short back, and a longer top and crown. Two block cuts are different from fades and tapered cuts because the different hair lengths do not seamlessly blend together.
Instead, there is a clear distinction that separates the longer top from the shorter back and sides. This type of cut first gained popularity being worn by famous K-pop singers.
It’s called a two block haircut because the hair is cut in two separate “blocks.” One block is the long top, which is cut with scissors, and the other block includes the sides and back of the head.
What Does a Two Block Haircut Look Like?
Two block haircuts can be done with varying lengths on top, so the end result looks different depending on how long you leave the top. Overall, the two block cut looks a little like a mushroom.
The longer top (the mushroom “cap”) typically hangs over the shorter sides (the mushroom “stem”). Two block cuts can be styled in many ways. Some like to blow dry the top so it’s voluminous and smooth, resembling an old-school bowl cut on top.
Others part the top in the middle, which gives the cut a bit of a 90’s vibe. You’ll also see some people sporting this cut styled over to one side, worn messy to show off the hair’s natural texture, or slicked back for a sleeker look.
30 Examples of Two Block Haircuts
The best way to explain a two block haircut is to show you examples. Below, we’ll cover this popular style so you’ll know exactly what to ask for before hitting the salon or barber shop.
Messy Mop Top
Clippers are used on the sides and back for a uniformly short length. The top is left long to play up the hair’s natural wavy texture and gives the cut a messy, casual look.
Featured Two Block Haircut: Fast Forward
In this two block haircut, the hair is buzzed underneath all the way around at the same length. The medium-length top is styled, parted, and pushed slightly forward to graze the eyebrows.
Casual and Clean
Yep, women can rock the two block, too. This model’s hair is buzzed short up to the temples and left long enough on top to tuck behind the ears.
Coiffed Top
If you take a little extra time to style a longer top and leave the sides and back very short, you can get a coiffed look like this. Every hair is in place!
Modified Bowl Cut
The bowl portion of this cut ends above the ears and at the eyebrows. Underneath, the hair is shaved close to the head for a lightweight haircut.
Sleek Pompadour
Here, the short sides of this two block haircut sharply contrast with a top long enough to slick back into a pompadour. The hair can also be styled over the side or straight forward.
Bed Head Friendly
Hate styling your hair? This is the cut for you. Leave the top and crown long and let your hair do what it wants. Cut the sides and back short to create some contrast.
Featured Two Block Haircut: Ice Cap
The silver-platinum color on the long top combined with the styled texture reminds us of ice. Leave the sides and back short and uncolored for this look.
Textured and Highlighted
Strategically placed highlights showcase the wavy texture of the top of this cut. The sides are hard to see, but they are shaved short up to the temple area.
Slicked Back
Hate having your hair hanging in your face? This two block haircut keeps the back and sides cool while leaving the top long enough to slick back for a sleek style.
Curly Mushroom Cap
If you want lots of volume and like the mushroom cap look, opt for this cut. Leaving the hair 4-6 inches long on top will allow your curls to texturize the look and give the top some height.
Pushed Back Top
For women who want an easily maintained haircut that’s the best of both worlds, this is it. It’s got all the benefits of short hair and the styling possibilities of longer hair, too.
Silver With Middle Part
Definitely a striking and unique take on the two block cut. This version is kept long enough on top to part down the middle for a curtain effect. The silver hair color really sets it off.
Brow-Grazing Shag
Like most two block cuts, this one is buzzed around the sides and back at a uniform length. But it leaves the straight hair on the top and crown long enough to graze the eyebrows for plenty of styling options.
Featured Two Block Haircut: Color Bowl
This two block cut reminds us of a classic bowl cut that starts much higher up. It’s a bold and unique look that will suit any trendsetter with straight hair.
Short Top Block
Two block haircuts don’t have to leave the top super long. In this example, the hair is buzzed around the sides and back with a few extra inches of length on top.
Brunette Side Part
Buzz the back and sides up to the crown area, leaving everything on top long. This gives you the freedom to part your hair deep to one side, in the middle, or push it back.
No Fade
There’s no gradual transition between the cropped back and sides and the lengthy top, just like you’ll see in other two block cuts. We like the length on top – enough to style back in a pompadour or part for a more casual look.
Grunge Meets Boy Band
There’s a healthy mix of Kurt Cobain and Nick Carter in this fun cut. Clippers are used to cut the sides short and the top and crown are left long enough to part down the middle. The brownish-red color adds interest to the cut.
Bubblegum Block
This colorful example of a two block cut on a woman has so much styling versatility. Here, the long portion on the top and crown is smoothed down and forward. Try parting it to the side or slicking it back for different looks.
Mega Curls and Volume
Big curls? Check. Tons of volume and height? Of course. This two block haircut features hair about 6 inches long on the top and crown with a sharp contrast to the shaved-down sides.
Featured Two Block Haircut: Shorter Top
This one closely resembles a high fade, but since the length doesn’t quite taper, it’s an example of the two block style. It looks great pushed back for any occasion.
90’s Heartthrob
Every girl in the 90’s had a crush on a guy with this exact haircut. Shaved with clippers up to the temples and left long on top, the middle part and curled-under look pull it all together.
Polished and Prim
This has a slightly different take on the two block cut. The sides are left a bit longer – cut to about 1.5″ – with the top characteristically long for styling.
Suave and Sleek
You’re going to look pretty dapper with this ultra-long top and crown and short back and sides. The short sections come up higher than we’ve seen in other examples.
Messy Top
A little gel or styling pomade can help you texturize and give height to the long hair on top like this example. Keep the sides short for the best contrast.
Swooping Waves
This model’s slightly wavy hair texture is perfect for a two block cut. Short hair extends all the way around the head to about the temple level; then, scissors are used to make the top a little choppy.
Featured Two Block Haircut: Shadow Roots
Darker hair at the roots, sides, and back makes the color really pop in this example. The longer hair up top can be styled parted over, slicked back, or curly for added interest.
Off-Center Part
The gentle swoosh of the bangs in this version of the cut draws attention to the face without getting the eyes. Where the short block meets the longer top, it creates a little extra volume and shape.
Classic Two Block
Our final two block haircut has all the classic elements with that iconic part that is just slightly off-center. This works best if your hair naturally has a lot of body to keep it from lying flat against the head.
Two Block Haircut: Things to Consider
Before you ask your barber or stylist for this trendy haircut, there are a few things to keep in mind and understand.
This cut requires regular trims. You may not notice the hair on top getting a half an inch longer each month, but the buzzed or shaved portion underneath will start looking grown out quickly. But you can always handle the trims at home if you know how to use clippers and clip the longer hair out of the way first.
You may have to style it daily. If your hair isn’t naturally curly or wavy, or if it tends to lie flat, you’re going to need to style this kind of haircut daily. That’s due to the length of the hair on top, so keep this in mind when you decide how long to leave the top.
Styling options are plentiful, but not unlimited. You can pull the long part on top up into a ponytail, bun, or use a headband or clips to keep it out of your eyes. You can use styling gel or pomade to slick it back or over to one side. You can even braid it, but keep in mind that any updo or braid will showcase the buzzed part more than when you leave the top down.
Growing it out is different for women. Just like getting a shaved undercut, growing this haircut out will be a bit of a challenge. If you don’t want to keep this cut long-term, the buzzed portion will take a while to reach the length you want. And if you’re not okay with cutting the top to match its length, you may be stuck with it longer than you think.
Your stylist might not have experience cutting it. This haircut has become quite popular in the US, but it’s not as common as other cuts. So make sure you bring in plenty of inspiration photos to show your stylist. Let them know the top should be trimmed or cut with scissors and the sides should be buzzed with clippers at the length you want.
Overall, we think this cut is a unique and fashion-forward choice for anyone who likes short hair but wants the styling options that come with longer hair. If you’re willing to give it a try, you’ll notice that your head feels nice and cool.
Your hair will take less time to wash, dry, and style. And your look will take on a bold edge that is sure to inspire your style and give you a confidence boost! Ready to get started? Use our salon finder tool to find stylists near you.
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Author: Debra Carpenter
Debra is a Nashville-based content creator and strategist. As the daughter of a long-time hair stylist and salon owner, she’s spent most of her life as a guinea pig for new color and cut techniques. Writing for respected publications like Forbes and HuffPost, she’s committed to bringing her passion for great hair to the masses.