The Jack Grealish haircut has become one of football’s most recognizable hairstyles. Long, full hair on top, short sides, plenty of volume and the occasional black headband have created a look that is easy to recognize but surprisingly difficult to copy without the right cut and styling routine.
Grealish has worn different versions of the style over the years. His best-known look combines a disconnected undercut with longer hair on top, often worn as loose curtains, swept back or held in place with a headband. The famous Euro 2020 version brought the centre-parted style particular attention, while later variations have included slicked-back hair and longer hair tied into a ponytail or bun.
The good news is that you do not need to copy every detail to get the same overall effect. The key is understanding the haircut’s structure, how much length you need and how to style the top.
What Is the Jack Grealish Haircut?
The classic Jack Grealish haircut is essentially a long-top undercut with short sides and back.
The sides are kept considerably shorter than the top, creating a visible contrast between the two sections. The top is left several inches long so it can be pushed backward, parted in the middle or allowed to fall naturally around the face.
Grealish’s famous curtain hairstyle is particularly associated with a tight undercut, longer top and plenty of natural volume. British GQ’s barber Joe Mills described the look as a short back and sides with a disconnected top, requiring several inches of hair and working particularly well with thicker, straight or slightly wavy hair.
That distinction matters. This is not simply a long haircut with a centre part. The shorter sides create the strong outline that makes the longer top stand out.
The main features
A Grealish-inspired haircut generally includes:
- Short or closely clipped sides
- A short back with a clear contrast against the top
- Several inches of length on top
- A disconnected or strongly defined transition
- Layers that allow the top to move
- Enough volume to create a fuller silhouette
- A centre part or swept-back finish
- Optional blonde highlights
- An optional thin headband
The exact clipper length can vary. Earlier guides commonly suggested a Grade 1 on the sides and roughly five to six inches on top, but your barber can adjust this according to your hair density, head shape and desired finish.
Why the Jack Grealish Haircut Stands Out
The appeal comes from contrast.
Short sides make the longer hair on top appear even fuller. Instead of blending everything into one uniform shape, the haircut deliberately keeps a strong difference between the two areas.
The top also has flexibility. You can wear it parted down the middle for the classic curtain effect, brush it backward for a cleaner finish or tie it back once it becomes long enough.
That versatility is one reason the haircut has lasted beyond the original Euro-era trend.
The headband adds another recognizable element. Grealish has frequently used one during matches to keep his longer hair away from his face. It is functional rather than essential, so you can reproduce the haircut without wearing one.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Jack Grealish Haircut
The simplest approach is to bring a clear photograph of the version you want.
Do not simply say, “Give me Jack Grealish’s haircut.” He has worn enough variations that different barbers may interpret that request differently.
Instead, explain the structure.
You could say:
“I want a long disconnected top with short sides and back. Leave around five to six inches on top so I can wear it parted or swept back. Keep the top full and textured rather than cutting it too short.”
If you want the classic sharper version, you can ask your barber about a Grade 1 on the sides. A closer fade can also be used, but it changes the character of the haircut.
The top is the most important part. Cutting it too short removes the movement needed for curtains or a proper slick-back.
Take a reference photo
A photograph is particularly useful because terms such as “undercut,” “fade” and “curtains” can mean slightly different things to different barbers.
Show your barber:
- The front view you want.
- A side view if possible.
- How short you want the sides.
- How much volume you want on top.
- Whether you want a centre part or swept-back finish.
This gives the barber a much clearer idea of the result.
How Long Should the Hair Be?
There is no single measurement that works for everyone.
For the classic Grealish-inspired look, around five to six inches on top is a useful starting point. Some versions can work with slightly less, while ponytails and buns require considerably more length.
Your hair type also changes the amount you need.
Straight hair may need more length to create the same fullness. Wavy hair can produce volume naturally but may require more control around the sides. Very thick hair may need internal layering or texturing so it does not become excessively heavy.
If your hair is currently short, resist the temptation to cut the top repeatedly while trying to maintain the sides. Let the top grow while having the sides and back maintained.
How to Style the Jack Grealish Haircut
The haircut creates the foundation, but styling produces the recognizable finish.
Grealish has previously described his own routine as involving hair oil, a hair wax or bond product and hairspray, along with blow-drying and brushing.
You can simplify that routine considerably.
Step 1: Start with damp hair
After washing, gently towel-dry your hair.
Do not aggressively rub it with a towel, especially if your hair is long or prone to frizz. You want the hair damp rather than dripping wet.
Step 2: Add a lightweight styling product
Apply a small amount of styling cream, mousse or another lightweight product.
The goal is to give the hair some control without making it look heavy.
If your hair is naturally thick and voluminous, you may need less product than someone with fine hair.
Step 3: Blow-dry for volume
This is one of the most important steps.
Use a hairdryer while directing the hair backward and upward from the roots. A brush can help create additional lift.
For curtains, you can allow the front to naturally divide around the centre rather than forcing a perfectly straight part.
For the swept-back version, keep directing the hair away from the forehead.
Step 4: Shape the top
Once the hair is mostly dry, use a small amount of wax, clay or pomade.
Start with less than you think you need. You can always add more.
Work the product through the mid-lengths and ends rather than dumping a large amount directly onto the roots.
Step 5: Finish with hairspray if necessary
If your hair falls forward easily, a light layer of hairspray can help maintain the shape.
This is particularly useful if you want the high-volume, swept-back finish to survive a long day.
Jack Grealish Curtains vs Slicked-Back Hair
The same haircut can create two very different appearances.
Curtain hairstyle
The curtain version uses a centre or slightly off-centre part. The front sections fall or sweep away from the face, producing the loose 1990s-inspired appearance associated with Grealish’s most famous look.
This works best when the top has enough length and natural movement.
Slicked-back version
For a slick-back, direct the entire top backward rather than separating it prominently down the centre.
Use a little more hold if your hair naturally falls toward your forehead.
The result is cleaner and more controlled while retaining the distinctive short-sides/long-top structure.
Headband version
The headband is arguably the easiest way to make the haircut resemble Grealish’s match-day appearance.
Style the hair first, then position a thin headband behind the hairline.
It should hold the front away from the face without flattening all the volume.
Does the Haircut Work With Every Hair Type?
Not exactly.
The classic Grealish look is easiest to reproduce with medium-to-thick straight or slightly wavy hair. This combination provides enough density and movement to create the large, flowing top associated with the style.
Fine hair can still work, but the result may look less full. In that situation, volumizing products and careful blow-drying become more important.
Curly hair can also use the same basic structure, although it will produce a noticeably different result. Instead of trying to force naturally curly hair into an exact copy of Grealish’s straightened appearance, it is usually better to adapt the shape to the natural texture.
The haircut should fit your hair rather than fighting against it.
Common Mistakes With the Jack Grealish Haircut
Cutting the top too short
This is probably the biggest mistake.
The style depends on length. If the barber removes too much from the top, there will not be enough hair to create the curtains or flowing slick-back.
Making the fade too high
An extremely high fade can make the haircut look more like a modern skin-fade style than the classic Grealish undercut.
If you want the recognizable disconnected appearance, discuss the height and shape of the sides before the clippers come out.
Using too much product
Heavy wax or pomade can destroy the volume that makes the style work.
Start small and build the product gradually.
Expecting the haircut to style itself
Long hair does not automatically fall into the right shape.
Blow-drying is a major part of the look. The direction in which you dry the roots has a big effect on the final shape.
Ignoring your natural texture
A photograph is a reference, not a guarantee.
Your hair density, texture, cowlicks and face shape will influence the final result. A good barber should adapt the cut rather than mechanically reproducing measurements from another person’s head.
How Often Should You Get It Cut?
The answer depends on how sharp you want the sides to remain.
If you maintain a very short fade or undercut, the sides can start looking noticeably different as they grow out. A maintenance appointment every few weeks can keep the outline clean.
The top is different. You generally want to preserve its length, so it does not need to be cut as frequently as the sides.
Tell your barber that maintaining the long top is a priority. A small trim can remove damaged ends and control weight without sacrificing the length required for styling.
Can You Get the Look Without a Headband?
Absolutely.
The headband is an accessory, not the haircut itself.
For a more understated appearance, style the hair backward with a blow-dryer and a light styling product. You can also let the front fall into curtains for a more relaxed finish.
A headband simply makes it easier to keep longer hair away from your eyes, which explains its practical value during football matches and workouts.
Is Blonde Color Necessary?
No.
Grealish has worn versions of his hairstyle with lighter or highlighted sections, but the haircut works perfectly well with natural hair color.
If you want subtle dimension, ask a professional colorist about highlights rather than trying to recreate a specific shade from a photograph.
Hair color and haircut are separate decisions. You can copy the shape without copying the color.
How to Make the Style More Modern
If the original Grealish look feels too dramatic, there are several ways to tone it down.
Ask for:
- A softer transition between the sides and top
- Slightly shorter length on top
- Less volume at the roots
- A textured finish instead of a glossy finish
- A subtle taper rather than an extremely tight undercut
- A natural centre part instead of exaggerated curtains
This creates a haircut inspired by Grealish without looking like a direct costume copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jack Grealish haircut called?
It is generally described as a disconnected undercut with a long top, with the hair styled into curtains or swept backward. Different versions can also be described as a slick-back undercut.
How long should the top be for a Jack Grealish haircut?
Around five to six inches is a useful starting point for the classic style. Longer hair is needed if you want to tie it into a ponytail or bun.
What should I tell my barber?
Ask for short sides and back with a long, disconnected top. Explain that you want enough length to wear the hair as curtains or slick it backward, and bring a reference photograph.
Does the Jack Grealish haircut need thick hair?
Thicker hair makes the classic high-volume version easier to achieve, but people with fine or medium-density hair can adapt the style with the right cut, blow-drying technique and lightweight products.
Does Jack Grealish wear a headband?
He has regularly worn a thin headband while playing, particularly with his longer hairstyles. It helps keep the hair away from his face but is not required to create the haircut.
Can I get this haircut with curly hair?
Yes, but the result will look different. The same short-sides/long-top structure can be adapted to curly texture rather than trying to force the hair to look naturally straight.
How do I get the Grealish curtains?
Grow the top long enough to part naturally, then use a blow-dryer and brush to direct the front sections away from the face. A light styling product can provide control without removing the natural movement.
Final Thoughts
The Jack Grealish haircut is less about one exact clipper number and more about the relationship between the short sides and long, voluminous top.
For the classic version, grow the top to roughly five or six inches, keep the sides significantly shorter and ask your barber to preserve enough length and movement for curtains or a slick-back. From there, your styling technique determines whether the result looks relaxed, polished or closer to Grealish’s match-day appearance.
Most importantly, use his hairstyle as a reference rather than a rigid template. The best version is one adapted to your own hair texture, density, face shape and daily routine.
