two block · men
Two Block Haircut: What It Is and Howto Ask
The two block haircut explained, including how the disconnected sides work, who it suits, how to style it with a side or center part, and what to tell your barber.
Hairover Team
A two block haircut has two distinct sections: short sides and back, and a longer top that hangs over them with no blend. When your hair is down, the top hides the short sides, so it looks full on top but neat at the edges. It’s popular in Korea and well beyond, and it suits straight or slightly wavy hair especially well.
How it works
The barber clips the sides and back short, usually up to about the temple line. The top stays much longer, often long enough to reach the eyebrows, and is cut with scissors. The two lengths are deliberately left unblended. The result takes away the bulk at the sides that thick hair often creates, without losing length on top.
If that sounds familiar, compare it with an undercut vs. a fade.
Who it suits
Thick, straight hair is the ideal match, because the weight removed from the sides makes a big difference.
Wavy hair works well, with some extra movement on top.
Fine hair is more difficult. A heavy top can lie flat and reveal the short sides.
Face shapes: oval, square, and heart faces wear it easily. On round faces, keep some height at the crown, and on long faces, a fringe adds balance. To check your outline, use our free face shape detector.
Ways to style it
Middle part. Falls in two curtains on either side. It’s the most popular way to wear it. Our middle part guide covers how to style it.
Side part. A smart option for work. Direct the hair to one side, and blow-dry for lift at the roots.
Comma hair. The front pieces curl inward like a comma. This often uses a perm or a curling iron, as explained in our Korean perm guide.
Messy fringe. Rough-dry and leave a loose fringe. It’s the lowest-effort option.
Pushed back. Wear it off the forehead on formal occasions.
How to ask
“A two block cut. Clippers on the sides and back up to about the temple, around a number 2 or 3, without blending. Keep the top long, around the eyebrows when combed down, with point cutting for movement.”
Bring a photo. A barber who hasn’t done this before might blend the sides automatically, and that makes it a different cut. For help with the numbers, see our clipper guard chart.
How to style it day to day
- Apply a light spray to damp hair.
- Blow-dry the roots for lift, pointing downward at the ends.
- Add a little light wax or cream with your fingertips.
- Shape the front pieces, then leave them alone.
Upkeep
The sides often need a trim every three to five weeks, or they start to push out the top. The top can go longer. As it grows out, there is an awkward patch when the sides are long enough to stick out, so plan for regular touch-ups.
Related guides
See the drape on your own photo
How the top falls over the sides depends on your hair and head shape. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
What is a two block haircut?
It is a Korean-influenced cut with short sides and back, and a longer top that falls over them. The top section is disconnected from the sides, so there is no blend between them.
Is a two block the same as an undercut?
They are close relatives. A two block usually has a softer look, with the long top falling over the sides to hide them. An undercut often shows off the contrast more.
Does a two block suit curly hair?
It works best on straight or slightly wavy hair, which falls over the sides. Curly hair can wear it, but it creates a different shape with less drape. Ask your barber to check your density first.
