What Is a Line Up Haircut? The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking to learn more about a line up haircut — whether you are a barber, stylist or looking for inspiration for your next haircut — you have come to the right place. 

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In this blog post, we will share some helpful information about line up haircuts, what to expect and how they are different from your average men’s haircut. We will also share the different line up haircuts you can achieve using salon tools.

What Is a Line Up Haircut? 

If you have never heard of a line up haircut, you might not be alone. There are many different names for a line up haircut, so chances are you have heard the terms edge up or shape up, which essentially mean the same thing. This style of haircut is used by barbers or stylists to more precisely define a client’s hairline. Most people — both men and women — do not have a hairline that goes straight across the top of their heads. In fact, many people have an irregular hairline that has peaks or indents. This is why a line up haircut is a common and widely used styling technique.

Why Is This Cut Popular? 

Just like the variety of hairlines, there are many different kinds of hair textures that can also play into how a natural hairline appears. For example, longer hair can hide a hairline’s natural shape and curly hair can completely change the natural hairline’s look. Everyone is different, but the line up haircut has grown in popularity because it gives clients a cleaner, more freshly cut look. Line ups are also used in creative ways to add style embellishments or enhance a client’s face.

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When Is a Line Up Used or Needed? 

Are you wondering if you need a line up or if you should offer your client a line up? If so, here are some helpful pointers that will tell you when it’s a good idea to ask for or offer a line up. 

• During Every Haircut – If you’re a barber, you should always ask your client about what styles they have in mind, and with that, you can also ask if they would like a line up. Barbers will usually trim facial hair as well, which goes hand in hand with lining up the hairline for many clients. 
• The Hairline Is Crooked or Receding – If the hairline is crooked or is receding, barbers may offer line up solutions that can enhance the client’s hair and face. A line up cut is a great way to make the hairline appear consistent and straight. If you’re a barber or a stylist, invest in STMNT hair products to further enhance your client’s hair. 

• The Client Isn’t Satisfied with Their Natural Hairline – If a client comes to you with a concern about their hairline, you can use a line up haircut to get their hairline to where they would like it. You can also drastically change a client’s look with a line up. 

Different Line Up Haircut Styles

Just like there are many different kinds of hairstyles and textures out there, you can also expect to see a variety of line up haircuts. Each style is tailored to the individual and their personal style. Here are some styles we love. 

• Long Hair + Line Up – For clients who have longer hair like dreadlocks or more volume on top, having a more defined hairline is a popular style. 
• Line Up Hairline – For clients with curlier hair or those whose hairline is a little more blended and not as defined, you can make the hair appear thicker and fuller around the hairline with a line up. 
• Short Hair + Line Up – For clients who like a clean-cut look and usually opt for a buzz cut or shorter style, a line up is right on par with these styles. Adding a line up to a buzz cut can really define the hairline and make the style look sharp. 
• Part + Line Up – A popular style for many men is adding a part to their line up. This part can extend back along the side of the head or be a shorter part not going past the back of the ear. 

You are now well-versed on the art of the line up haircut! Don’t be surprised if your clients start asking for this service more often as it can drastically elevate a person’s face and new hairstyle.