How To Get Jake Gyllenhaal Prisoners Haircut?

When Jake Gyllenhaal took on the role of Detective Loki in the 2013 thriller Prisoners, his slicked-back undercut hairstyle became an instant phenomenon. This crisp, masculine look exuded an edgy confidence that had guys everywhere rushing to the barbershop to recreate it.

“That Prisoners haircut was a total game-changer,” said celebrity stylist Jason Low. Gyllenhaal managed to make an undercut look both badass and sophisticated at the same time.

The combination of the severe taper on the sides with the longer, slicked-back top struck the perfect balance of modern and vintage style. Suddenly, every guy wanted to embody that same tough yet polished aesthetic.

Jake has always had an innate sense of style that goes beyond just looking good-it’s about embodying a certain attitude and persona, “said Low”. With Prisoners, he tapped into this ultra-masculine, no-nonsense vibe that really resonated with guys.

Cutting & Styling the Gyllenhaal Prisoners Cut

The Haircut

To nail this look, you’ll need to provide your barber with very specific instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Top:

• Keep the hair on top around 5-6 inches long
• Use scissors to cut the top hair with layers/texture
• Taper it gradually shorter toward the crown/back

Sides:

• Start with a #3 guard at the bottom
• Blend up into a #4 guard on the sides
• Leave a triangle of longer hair at the front hairline
• Have the barber scissor/texture that front piece

Back:

• Start with a #3 at the neckline
• Blend up into a #4 towards the crown
• The back should seamlessly blend into the longer top

Visual example of the cut from multiple angles

Pro Tip: Communication is key for this cut, advises Baxter Finley, world-renowned barber. Bring inspiration photos and clearly explain your desired look to avoid any potential mishaps.

Styling It

To get that trademark Gyllenhaal slick, you’ll need the right styling products. Start with a pea-sized amount of a quality pomade or wax like Pall Mall Barbers Styling Funk.

Work it thoroughly through your damp hair from roots to ends to add texture and shine. Next, blow dry your hair straight back while using a comb to direct everything toward your desired position.

Once dried, lock in that just-gelled look with a small scoop of an ultra-matte product like Matte Lava Clay from Pall Mall. Really work it into the sides and any unruly pieces in the front for high-hold definition.

As an added note, Jake’s hairstylist Dayena shared her secret for next-level hold and shine – a spritz of Pall Mall Sea Salt Spray provides the ideal grit and texture.

Don’t be shy with the sea salt spray, Dayena advises. It’s the key for getting that piecey, lived-in texture and separation through the top. Just be sure to concentrate it more on the mid-lengths and ends rather than directly on the roots.

Why This Cut is a Must-Try

Beyond just looking flat-out cool, the Gyllenhaal Prisoners cut has other major advantages:

✂️ Works for Most Face Shapes: The severe taper is slimming for rounder faces, while the volume up top balances out square, oval, etc.

✂️ Incredibly Versatile: While it’s often worn slick, you can also style it with messy texture, a deep side-part, curls, etc.

✂️ Low Maintenance: As the cut grows out, it maintains its shape well with just a quick reworking of product each morning.

✂️ Makes a Statement: This bold style oozes confidence and suggests you’re not afraid to stray from the norm.

“I got this cut on a whim and the confidence boost was unreal,” said David K., 32. It elevated my whole personal style-plus, my girlfriend can’t keep her hands out of my hair now.

Jake’s hairstylist Jason Low agrees that the right cut can be transformative. A great haircut has this incredible way of unlocking a new version of yourself. Suddenly you carry yourself a bit differently, feel more put together and ready to take on the world.

Read this blog: Achieving Dansby Swanson’s Hairstyle: Step-By-Step Tutorial

Maintain That Gyllenhaal Haircut

To keep your Prisoners cut fresh between barbershop visits, you’ll need to rehab it regularly at home. Here are some pro tips:

Trim Schedule: Aim for a trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the tight shape on the sides/back

Rework With Pomade: On non-wash days, a quick rewet with a spritz bottle and pomade redistribution is all you need

Nourishing Routine: The slicked-back style can dry out your locks over time – use a hydrating shampoo/conditioner to counteract

Weekly Deep Condition: Plan for a weekly hair mask or hot oil treatment to replenish moisture and keep strands supple

Handy Toolkit:

• Pall Mall Barbers Fiber Pomade (great reworkable hold)
• Tames Sea Salt Spray (adds grit + volume)
• Apothecary 87 Hydrating Shampoo (for thirsty strands)
• Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask (weekly deep treatment)

Striving for that perfectly piecy, disheveled look requires a delicate balance of hydration and grit, says Low. You don’t want it to look overly shiny and greasy, but you also don’t want it to look dull and dry. It’s all about nailing that sweet spot.

Other Gyllenhaal Cuts to Consider

While the Prisoners look is definitely a fan favorite, Jake has sported plenty of other coveted hairstyles over the years:

Swept Back Scissor Cut

A more relaxed, office-friendly version of his signature look – great for adding volume and style without being over-the-top.

Longer Curls

Channeling Romantic era vibes, Gyllenhaal’s shoulder-length natural curls ooze effortless cool. Requires maintenance but worth the payoff.

Tight Crop

For his role in the 2017 film Stronger, Gyllenhaal shaved it all off up top, allowing his natural waves to take center stage.

Jake has an incredibly versatile hair type that allows him to experiment with so many different looks, notes Low. Wavy, straight, short, long – he manages to pull it all off flawlessly.

For guys with straighter, finer hair types looking to achieve more movement and texture, Low recommends embracing the natural wave with a salt spray or texturizing paste. Those with coarser, kinkier textures may need to incorporate a smoothing cream or argan oil to tame frizz.

Behind the Gyllenhaal Look

So what’s the key to recreating Jake’s perfectly disheveled, “I woke up like this” aesthetic? According to celebrity stylist Jason Low, it’s all about nailing an intricate balance of elements.

There’s so much nuance and thought that goes into achieving that effortless, undone vibe Jake pulls off so well,” Low explains.” You have to strategically combine the right cut, products and styling techniques to make it look intentionally relaxed without appearing sloppy.

He breaks down the formula into a few key components:

The Cut

The precision cut is the foundation for everything. “notes Low”. The stark contrast between the long, detached top and severely tight sides/back is what provides that modern, editorial look.

Low emphasizes the importance of open communication with your stylist. Come equipped with visual references and be very specific about your desired top length, weight distribution, etc. There’s no room for vagueness with a cut this architectural.

The Products

Next up are the styling aids responsible for creating the coveted grit, separation, and piecey definition. According to Low, it’s all about layering a few key products.

First, you’ll want to work in a pliable pomade or cream to provide a workable foundation and control any unwanted volume or flips. Then, layer in a matte clay or fiber paste to enhance texture and body without compromising movement.

The final component? A misting of texturizing sea salt spray concentrated on the mid-lengths and ends. This gives you that beachy, raked-through finish that prevents the look from appearing too ‘done.

The Technique

But the true secret lies in your styling methodology, insists Low. “It’s tempting to just slap everything straight back with a heavy dose of product, but that’s going to look helmet-y and immovable. You want strategic, haphazard separation.”

His pro Move? After applying all your products, take a wide-tooth comb and use it to rake forward and back in alternating motions. This disrupts the surface and kicks up a ton of airy texture.

He also emphasizes the need for flawless distribution and blending of products from roots to ends. You want it looking polished enough to feel intentional, but raw enough to appear low-maintenance. It’s all about nailing that fine line.

Also read: Lil Wayne’s Iconic Hair Cut: A Guide To Rocking Dreadlocks Like Weezy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Prisoners haircut difficult to style?

While it requires a bit more effort than a typical short cut, the slicked-back look is totally manageable with the right products and technique. Start by blow drying hair straight back, then work in a pomade or clay for high-hold, piecey definition. Finish with a matte product and sea salt spray for texture.

Can you pull off this cut with short or thin hair?

The beauty of this versatile cut is that it can be adjusted to accommodate multiple hair types and lengths. Your stylist can keep the top length at around 3-4 inches for a shorter version, or incorporate strategic layering and point-cutting to give the illusion of added density and movement.

How often should you get it trimmed?

Plan for a cleanup trim around the perimeter every 4-6 weeks to maintain the disconnected undercut shape. Any longer and you’ll lose the sharpness and definition.

What are some tips for adding shine without looking greasy?

Start with a small amount of pomade or wax and focus the product only on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. Then, finish with a light misting of a shine-enhancing sea salt spray like the one Gyllenhaal’s stylist uses. The salt helps catch the light while providing a touchable, piecey separation.

How can I make this look more work-appropriate?

For the office, opt for a more relaxed, brushed-back variation. Keep the sides and back tightly cropped, but allow top length to fall slightly forward in a softer, sweeping shape. Ditching the ultra-matte finish for a lightweight cream or grooming cream can also tone down the intensity.

What are the main differences between Gyllenhaal’s various cuts?

While almost all of Jake’s iconic styles incorporate a disconnected top and tight tapered sides/back, the main distinctions lie in the top length and styling approach. The Prisoners look features a slicked, highly-styled finish, while his longer curls and tighter crops showcase more natural.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the iconic impact of Jake Gyllenhaal’s slicked-back undercut from Prisoners. This look masterfully fuses modern and retro elements into one seriously stylish package.

While it may seem high-maintenance, the cut is surprisingly versatile and easy to maintain with the right approach. Don’t be intimidated – any guy can pull off this red carpet-worthy style with the proper cut, products, and styling routine.

The best looks are always the ones that appear completely effortless, even if there’s a ton of thought and technique behind the scenes, “says stylist Jason Low“. That’s the genius of Jake’s Prisoners cut – it’s meticulously crafted yet extremely wearable. So what are you waiting for? Stop by your local barbershop, show them these visuals, and get ready to channel your inner rugged movie star. We can’t wait to see your recreations of the infamous Jake Gyllenhaal Prisoners haircut