Flattop

Regardless of the form, the flattop is usually cut with electric clippers, using both the clipper-over-comb and freehand techniques on the top and detachable blades on the back and sides.

[6][7] When a flattop haircut is viewed from the front, varying degrees of squarish appearance are achieved by the design of the upper sides as they connect to the flat deck.

[8] Natural skull shape and certain deck inclinations and heights often leave an area at the center top of the head where the scalp is visible through the hair.

While most all of a flattop is cut with clippers, master barbers with an attention to detail use shears at the end of the haircut to confirm that no stray hairs remain on top, which is known as giving the patron a “scissor salute”.

The flattop was popular in the early and mid 20th century, see photos below, and maintains a contingent of dedicated wearers today.

The hair on the lower two-thirds of the sides and back of the head are cut using the direct contact clipper method, with a 1/4 inch or shorter attached guard or detachable blade.