Bowl cut

A bowl cut is a haircut in which the hair is cut in one line all around the head: the fringe stops above the eyebrows, and at the sides and back the edge runs roughly level with the tops of the ears. The length on top is even, so the hair falls into a rounded cap. The modern, softer version is called a mushroom cut.

A bowl cut is a haircut in which the hair is cut in one line all around the head: the fringe stops above the eyebrows, and at the sides and back the edge runs roughly level with the tops of the ears. The length on top is even, so the hair falls into a rounded cap. The modern, softer version is called a mushroom cut.

The name honestly describes an old home method: a pot or bowl of the right size went on the head and everything sticking out below the rim was cut off. Ukrainian has its own term for it — «під макітру», after the round clay pot boys were once trimmed under.

The defining feature is a continuous edge with no transition. The hair falls from the crown in every direction, the fringe covers the forehead and the ears are half or fully hidden. The silhouette resembles a mushroom cap — hence the name.

Today's bowl cut has little in common with the kitchen original. A barber often takes the hair under the cap shorter with clippers to remove bulk around the ears and neck, and breaks up the edge with scissors for texture — so the cut moves with the hair instead of sitting like a helmet.

At Lumberjack an adult bowl cut is done as a Men's Haircut, and for boys under 12 as a Kids' Haircut. Scissors do most of the work here: you cannot get a clean round edge with clippers alone.

People either love the bowl cut or they do not — it never gets a neutral reaction. To make the choice with open eyes, here is what you get and what it costs you.

People either love the bowl cut or they do not — it never gets a neutral reaction. To make the choice with open eyes, here is what you get and what it costs you.

If the cons do not put you off, go for it: a bowl cut easily grows out into a longer style or can be taken down to a crop. Unsure? Start with the textured version with a side fringe — it is softer than the classic.

Pro: it stands out. In an age of identical fades a bowl cut gets noticed.

Pro: hides a high forehead. The fringe balances a long face.

Pro: minimal styling. Thick straight hair falls into place on its own.

Pro: easy for kids. Nothing sticks out, and the fringe is simple to trim between visits.

Pro: flexibility. From a bowl you can move to a crop, a Caesar or grow it out.

Con: the fringe gets in your eyes. After 3–4 weeks it needs a trim.

Con: picky about hair. On thin, sparse hair the cap sags.

Con: cowlicks. A strong cowlick at the hairline breaks the fringe line.

Con: your friends' jokes. The meme reputation has not gone anywhere — be ready.

Con: hat hair. After a hat the cap needs brushing back into shape.

A bowl cut at Lumberjack takes 45–75 minutes for an adult and 45–60 minutes for a boy. We do not use bowls — just scissors, a comb and the barber's experience.

A bowl cut at Lumberjack takes 45–75 minutes for an adult and 45–60 minutes for a boy. We do not use bowls — just scissors, a comb and the barber's experience.

1. Consultation. The barber looks at hair density, cowlicks and face shape, and asks how long you want the fringe and whether the ears should be covered. Together you choose the classic, textured or modern version.

2. The edge line. A guide line is cut with scissors from the fringe all the way round to the back. It decides whether you get a neat cap or a crooked helmet.

3. Volume and texture. Under the cap the hair is taken shorter with clippers if needed to remove weight. The top is blended into the edge, and thinning adds movement.

4. Fringe and finish. The fringe is finished on dry hair, because wet hair jumps up as it dries. Last comes a blow-dry and a tip on how to repeat it at home.

Children under 12 are booked as a Kids' Haircut. We take little ones too if the child is comfortable with the process, and if the hair is long the cut is charged as a Scissor Cut — the front desk will tell you when you book.

Scissors, combs and guards are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised in closed containers, and the chair and station are wiped down before the next guest — whether it is a grown man or a first-grader.

You can book a bowl cut at any of the ten Lumberjack barbershops in Kyiv — we are open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. The price depends on whose chair you sit in: Junior Barber, Barber, Senior Barber, TOP Barber or Ambassador.