Caesar cut haircuts are deceptively versatile. Even more, the history and lore around this look often send a message about your style. Let’s dive into it.
One raucous weekend at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas (my buddy’s bachelor party), I walked past a statue of the casino’s namesake. I kid you not when I say this, but I remember thinking that very few hairstyles are associated with one person.
Sure, there’s the Don King or even the Marge Simpson. But he wasn’t the only guy to rock a big, crazy ‘do, and she’s fictional. However, Caesar’s haircut is only his.
Some may refer to it as the Roman haircut. But, even those not versed in ancient history know who Caesar is, even if the initial association is a crouton-laced salad.
I’ve seen this cut on rockstars, boy bands, politicians, modern and ancient royalty, business leaders, and everyday guys crossing the street. I’ve seen more of it now that Hollywood’s latest darling, Paul Mescal, wears a version of it.
But why do Caesar cut haircuts never stay in the past? It’s literally a 2,000-year-old haircut! I’m here to spotlight everything about this evergreen look, from its history to its impact.
What Makes It a Caesar Cut?
These days, what we call a Caesar cut comes in many variations. However, a classic rendition features incredibly short bangs. They’re basically baby hairs that fall over the tip-top of your forehead.
Julius Caesar himself wore it short, likely no more than five centimeters, all around. Most statues and illustrations depict him with his hair being the same length all around, including the top and the sides.
Today, shorter sides tend to be more popular. This is partly due to the fact that men with short hair generally tend to have shorter sides these days, with buzzcuts and certain crew cuts aside. By incorporating this modern take, many believe it looks less costumey.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is known to wear a more accurate Caesar, as were ‘90s leading men like Antonia Banderas and George Clooney. We’ll discuss this modern cultural impact more later, though.
Today, modern versions of this ubiquitous cut come in many shapes and sizes while still being recognizably Roman. Many wear longer versions, while others incorporate a fade.
The ancient emperor himself seemed to have worn it naturally. I’m not sure if pomade was invented yet. Many guys today and in recent history may add texture, wear it messy, or combine it with other styles like quiffs and crew cuts.
These remixes have made Caesar more attainable for people with different personal styles and face shapes. But how did it get from Rome to the general public?
The Julius Caesar Haircut: A History
Here’s a little trivia for you. Potentissime Gaius Julius Caesar actually had hair loss issues. Ancient Rome had a different relationship with the concept of a receding hairline compared to today. Now, several studies and pseudo-sciences may (or may not) link baldness to virility. Back then, it was considered a deformity.
As such, Caesar did everything he could to hide his balding scalp. I’m quite sure the locks on his head depicted in ancient artwork are exaggerated. Painters and sculptors, fearing punishment, were the equivalent of Photoshop in ancient times.
So, the great emperor often wore the laurel crown, which is usually reserved for ceremonies, all the time. With the back cover, he would then take the thinning locks up front and comb them down.
And there you go! The supposed birth of the cut.
Cultural Impact: The Caesar Haircut 90s, 80s, 70s, and 60s
So, how did this hairstyle continue to stay in our popular imagination for thousands of years? Well, it didn’t.
Our relationship with this cut is similar to America’s relationship with Thanksgiving. It was invented a long time ago. But, we didn’t make it a tradition until late modern and contemporary history.
Many men started to wear the haircut in the ‘60s and ‘70s thanks to famous actors like Richard Gere and Telly Savalas. The latter, like Caesar, would eventually go bald. However, the Ides of March may have gotten to his highness before he fully went bald.
I have a theory as to why these Hollywood men dipped into the Roman aesthetic. In 1953, icon Marlon Brando played the doomed emperor in the film Julius Caesar. Of course, in it, he famously sported the cut.
I have no doubt in my mind that famous actors in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s idolized Brando.
Then, in 1994, ER introduced the world to Dr. Doug Ross. Dr. Ross was played by none other than the man who would often be called the second coming of Cary Grant. Mr. George Clooney.
Clooney spent the ‘80s with an era-appropriate feathered mop. But, he would be associated with the Caesar and Caesar-like short crop from the ‘80s and well into his rise to stardom.
Other stars would go on to wear the Caesar cut hairstyle. Yes, Clooney was more of a classy, cosmopolitan type. But you also had big hunky types like Gerard Butler from the Aughts. Then, in the 2020s, you have the prior-mentioned Paul Mescal, a sort of a Gen Z answer to something in the middle of those two.
Then there’s Mark Zuckerberg. A man who is rarely seen without a simple jeans-and-t-shirt combo or a tan would, of course, go for a low-maintenance haircut. But, some would say it might be a symbol of his powerful guy syndrome.
And, of course, countless social media influencers love sporting different Caesar styles.
Still, today, it’s safe to say any type of guy can wear this ancient cut.
Why Is It So Popular?
The Caesar cut hairstyle is popular, firstly, because anyone can wear it, as you now know. Regardless of who your style hero is or what look you’re trying to emulate, there’s room for it in your arsenal.
Beyond that, it’s also quite versatile. Whether you have wavy hair, curly hair, or stick-straight hair, you can easily cut and sculpt your locks into a Caesar.
Plus, it’s just so convenient and low-maintenance. You can, for the most part, roll out of bed without doing much to your head.
The oval face shape is the best bone structure for this adaptable cut. Since ovals are round like circular faces and structured like square-ish face shapes, a wide range of people can sport a Caesar.
This is especially true today since there are many versions of Caesar. Even if the classic Caesar cut doesn’t suit you, one of the many remixes just might.
6 Caesar Hairstyles
Here are some options for a modern Caesar cut beyond the classic version we associate with Julius himself.
Long Caesar Haircut
A long Caesar haircut is a big trend for the mid-2020s. It’s still short, but there’s just enough length for the bangs to move. In some variations, the whole top portion has a bit of movement. As such, you can still effectively run your fingers through it.
Caesar Haircut Fade
A Caesar haircut fade features a gradual shortening from the top to the sides. It creates a gradient aesthetic, hence why it’s called a fade.
Your fade can even go down to zero by the time it gets to your neck.
Low Caesar Haircut
A low Caesar haircut has either a fade or a hard line. However, unlike traditional renditions, the break between the shorter length of the sides and the longer length of the top starts low. It can be as low as by your earline.
Messy Caesar Haircut
A messy Caesar haircut needs to be long enough to give off bedhead vibes. Of course, you never actually want to go out with bedhead. You need to sculpt the hair in purposefully haphazard ways that are flattering.
I highly recommend sea salt spray for this since it adds an effortless surfer vibe.
Textured Caesar Cut
You can ask your barber to use a texturizer to notch your hair, creating small notches at different angles throughout the top of your head. This creates pronounced dimensionality and a less bulky, more topographical look.
Short Caesar Cut
A short Caesar cut is technically just a classic. However, some go so short that they resemble something between a traditional Roman cut and a crew cut or buzz cut.
This is a great option for those who want to emphasize and strengthen your features. If you have softer qualities, this cut can harden them. If you already have hard, angular features, you can still take it to the next level with these close-to-scalp styles.
Conclusion: Is It Right for You?
Based on your face shape, choose from one of the several options above. You can always go for a more modern Caesar cut.
When it comes to how to ask for a Caesar haircut, your barber will likely know what to do. Just figure out if there are any nuances you want, such as longer bangs, harsher fades, and so on.
Have you ever worn this cut? Did you know about its storied history, and does it make it more interesting to you? Let us know in the comments!
