Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders Haircut: The Enduring Style Of Tommy Shelby

Otto Bruen 30 Jul 2025

Ever wondered about the iconic look that defines Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders? This haircut, sported by Cillian Murphy, isn't just a TV style; it's become a major influence in men's fashion, honestly. It's a look that really stands out, and people everywhere want to know more about it, you know?

For a while now, Cillian Murphy has, in a way, become a real symbol for men's hair care, all thanks to his striking, very signature Tommy Shelby style. This particular cut, very much a part of the show's identity, has sparked a lot of interest, making it one of the most talked-about hairstyles around, pretty much.

We're going to talk about what makes this haircut so special, why it was chosen for the show, and how it has, in some respects, shaped modern trends. You'll also get some details on how this look, which is quite edgy, came to be, and what makes it so memorable, at the end of the day.

Cillian Murphy: The Man Behind Tommy Shelby
The Iconic Peaky Blinders Haircut: What It Is
Why the Undercut? History and Practicality
Getting the Tommy Shelby Look: Tips for Your Barber
Maintaining Your Peaky Blinders Haircut
Other Peaky Blinders Styles: Arthur Shelby's Look
Frequently Asked Questions About the Peaky Blinders Haircut
The Lasting Appeal of a Legendary Haircut

Cillian Murphy: The Man Behind Tommy Shelby

Cillian Murphy, as you might know, is the brilliant actor who brings Thomas Shelby to life on screen. His portrayal of the Birmingham leader, featured in Steven Knight's compelling series, is truly something else. But beyond his acting skill, Cillian Murphy has, very really, become a men's haircare icon. This is thanks to his striking, quite signature Tommy Shelby style, which has caught the eye of so many people, obviously.

His presence on the show, and that specific haircut, created a real buzz. Cillian Murphy brought a new wave in men's fashion with his Peaky Blinders haircut, sported by his character Tommy Shelby. It's almost as if the haircut itself became a character, very much defining the look and feel of the show's main figure. This style, you know, just seems to fit him perfectly, and it's something people really connect with, at the end of the day.

People often look to actors for style inspiration, and Cillian Murphy is no different. His influence, honestly, goes beyond just the screen. He's made this particular haircut a truly desirable look for many guys. It's fair to say that the way he carries the style has made it incredibly popular, and that's something you just can't deny, right?

Personal Details & Bio Data: Cillian Murphy

Full Name	Cillian Murphy
Born	May 25, 1976
Birthplace	Douglas, County Cork, Ireland
Occupation	Actor
Known For	Playing Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, his roles in Christopher Nolan's films (e.g., Oppenheimer, Batman Begins), and various other acclaimed performances.
Influence	Widely recognized as a men's haircare and fashion icon due to his distinctive style in Peaky Blinders.

The Iconic Peaky Blinders Haircut: What It Is

So, what exactly is this famous Peaky Blinders haircut? Well, it's based on what people call the disconnected undercut. This style is quite recognizable, characterized by its shaved back and sides, which then have a sharp contrast to the longer hair on top. It’s a very bold look, and that contrast is what really makes it pop, you know?

The lead character, Thomas Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, sports this iconic haircut that has become synonymous with the series. It's not just a haircut; it's a statement, a visual cue that immediately tells you about the character and the show. People see this cut and, basically, they think of Peaky Blinders, which is pretty cool, honestly.

This particular style, with its clean sides and longer top, offers a lot of versatility. You can style the top in different ways, making it quite adaptable. It's a look that, in some respects, blends a bit of old-school charm with a definite modern edge, making it quite appealing to many, at the end of the day.

Why the Undercut? History and Practicality

A lot of people ask, "Why do Peaky Blinders have that haircut?" It’s a good question, and the answer is actually pretty practical, and also, it's historically accurate, too. The Peaky Blinders have an undercut or short crop because longer hair is a significant disadvantage in a street fight. Just imagine trying to fight with hair getting in your eyes or, you know, someone grabbing it. Not ideal, right?

In the tough streets of Birmingham during that era, practicality was key. A short, neat cut on the sides meant less to grab onto in a scuffle, and it kept vision clear. This style wasn't just about looking good; it was, quite literally, a matter of survival in some situations. It's a very functional choice for the time and setting, basically.

The Peaky Blinders haircut is historically accurate, too. This style was common among working-class men in the early 20th century. It was a simple, easy-to-maintain cut that served a purpose beyond just aesthetics. So, when you see Tommy Shelby with his hair like that, you're seeing a style that was genuinely part of that period, which is pretty interesting, if you ask me.

This practicality, honestly, is part of what makes the style so enduring. It's not just a passing trend; it has roots in real-world needs. The show's creators really did their homework to make sure the details, even down to the hair, felt authentic. That's why, in a way, it resonates so much with people, even today.

Getting the Tommy Shelby Look: Tips for Your Barber

So, you're thinking about getting the Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders haircut? That's awesome! To get the Tommy Shelby look, you'll want to be very clear with your barber. This isn't just a generic short back and sides; it has specific details that make it unique, you know? You're going for that sharp, disconnected look.

First off, you'll want to ask for a disconnected undercut. Emphasize that you want the sides and back to be very short, almost shaved, with a clear separation from the longer hair on top. There shouldn't be a fade or a blend between the top and sides; it should be a distinct line. This is, in fact, the key feature of the style, so make sure your barber gets it.

For the sides, based on what we know, a very short guard is used. In a tutorial about getting this cut, it was mentioned using a "000 guard on the sides and ba." This means the hair on the sides will be incredibly short, almost down to the skin. So, you might ask for a 0 or 0.5 guard, depending on how short you want it to be. It's a pretty bold choice, so be ready for that, essentially.

The top section needs to be left longer, so it can be styled. The length on top can vary a bit, but it needs enough to sweep back or to the side. Cillian Murphy maintains the same style throughout the show with a few subtle changes, which means the top might be slightly different in length from season to season, but the core undercut remains. You can discuss with your barber how much length you want to keep on top, based on your hair type and how you plan to style it, basically. Learn more about men's grooming on our site.

When you're talking to your barber, bringing a picture of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby is probably the best way to go. This way, they can see exactly what you're aiming for. It helps avoid any misunderstandings and ensures you get that precise, edgy look you're after. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

Don't be afraid to ask questions about how to style it at home, too. Your barber can give you tips on products and techniques to keep your Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders haircut looking sharp every day. It's not just about the cut; it's also about how you wear it, you know? A good barber will help you with both, honestly.

Maintaining Your Peaky Blinders Haircut

Once you've got that sharp Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders haircut, keeping it looking good is pretty important. This style, with its very short sides and longer top, needs regular attention to stay crisp. It's not a wash-and-go kind of cut, if you know what I mean, basically.

Because the sides are so short, they tend to grow out quickly, which can make the disconnected look less defined. You'll probably need to visit your barber every two to three weeks for a trim on the sides. This keeps that sharp contrast in place, making sure your haircut always looks intentional and fresh. It's a bit of upkeep, but totally worth it for the look, honestly.

For the top, styling products are going to be your best friend. A good pomade or styling cream can help you achieve that slicked-back or swept-to-the-side look that Tommy Shelby often sports. You'll want something with a good hold but also a natural finish, so your hair doesn't look too stiff. Experiment a little to find what works for your hair type, you know?

Cillian Murphy maintains the same style throughout the show with a few subtle changes, which suggests consistency in the core cut but flexibility in how the top is managed. This means you can play around with the top length and styling products. Maybe some days you want it slicked back, other days a bit more textured. The disconnected undercut gives you that option, which is pretty neat, if you ask me.

Washing your hair regularly and using a good conditioner will also help keep your hair healthy, especially the longer top section. Healthy hair styles better and looks more polished. So, don't forget the basics of hair care, even with such a specific cut. It's all part of keeping that iconic look, you know, just right.

Other Peaky Blinders Styles: Arthur Shelby's Look

While the Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders haircut, the Tommy Shelby style, is arguably the most famous, it's not the only striking look from the show. Arthur Shelby, Tommy's brother, also sports a pretty memorable haircut that's worth talking about. For an edgy and bold cut, the Arthur Shelby hairstyle starts with a very short undercut with a slightly different vibe, basically.

Arthur's haircut shares the disconnected undercut foundation with Tommy's, meaning the sides are cut very short. However, Arthur's style often appears a bit more rugged, perhaps with a slightly longer top that's often pushed back or to the side in a less refined manner than Tommy's. It reflects his character's more volatile and less polished nature, you know?

His look is also about that very short undercut, but the styling on top gives it a different feel. It might be a bit messier, a little less controlled, which really suits Arthur's personality. So, if you're looking for something with that Peaky Blinders edge but maybe a bit less formal than Tommy's slicked-back look, Arthur's style could be an option for you, honestly.

Both brothers' haircuts showcase the versatility of the disconnected undercut. It's a style that can be adapted to fit different personalities and preferences, simply by changing the length and styling of the top section. It's quite interesting how a similar base can create such different overall looks, at the end of the day. You might also be interested in other classic men's hairstyles.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Peaky Blinders Haircut

Is the Peaky Blinders haircut historically accurate?

Yes, the Peaky Blinders haircut is historically accurate, too. This style, an undercut or short crop, was common among working-class men in the early 20th century, which is when the show is set. It was a practical choice for the time, you know, fitting the period quite well.

What is the name of Tommy Shelby's haircut?

The lead character, Thomas Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, sports the iconic haircut that has become synonymous with the series. This haircut is based on the disconnected undercut, characterized by its shaved back and sides with a sharp contrast to the longer hair on top. So, that's what you'd ask for, basically.

Why did the Peaky Blinders wear their hair like that?

The Peaky Blinders wore their hair in an undercut or short crop because longer hair is a significant disadvantage in a street fight. It was a very practical choice to avoid opponents grabbing their hair or it obstructing their vision during a scuffle. It was about function as much as style, honestly.

The Lasting Appeal of a Legendary Haircut

The Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders haircut, the Tommy Shelby style, has really made its mark. It's not just a TV show prop; it's a look that has genuinely influenced men's fashion across the globe. From its historical roots in practicality to its modern-day appeal, this haircut truly stands out, you know?

Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Tommy Shelby, combined with this striking haircut, has cemented its place as a men's haircare icon. It's a bold, edgy style that speaks volumes without saying a word, and it continues to be a popular choice for many, basically. It's a testament to how a character's look can become a trendsetter, honestly.

If you're thinking about trying this iconic style, remember to communicate clearly with your barber about the disconnected undercut and the very short sides. It's a look that requires a bit of maintenance, but the sharp, confident vibe it gives off is definitely worth the effort, at the end of the day. You can find more inspiration on classic men's styles from reputable fashion sources.

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