Cillian Murphy Calls His ‘Peaky Blinders’ Haircut the ‘Lice Cut’—But Fans Still Love It!

When Cillian Murphy first donned the iconic undercut for his role as Thomas “Tommy” Shelby in Peaky Blinders, the look quickly became a defining feature of the character. With its sharp contrast between the short top and shaved sides, the “Peaky cut” not only captured the essence of early 20th-century post-war fashion but also became a trend that echoed throughout modern barber shops. Yet, despite its cultural impact, Murphy, the man behind the brooding gangster, has been outspoken about his disdain for the hairstyle that has become synonymous with his character.

The Iconic “Peaky Cut”

Tommy Shelby’s haircut, often referred to as the “Peaky cut,” was designed with both aesthetic and practical purposes in mind. The look consists of a short crop on top with shaved sides and back, forming a disconnected undercut. Historically, such hairstyles were commonplace among working-class men after World War I, serving a practical purpose of preventing lice, a common issue during that era. The trend has since become iconic, widely adopted by Peaky Blinders fans across the globe. Barbershops reported a noticeable increase in requests for the haircut, with customers asking for the “Peaky cut,” further cementing its place in pop culture.

Cillian Murphy’s Personal Discomfort

Despite the widespread popularity of Tommy Shelby’s signature look, Murphy has been transparent about his personal feelings toward the haircut. In a 2017 interview with ShortList Magazine, Murphy admitted that, even after wearing the style for several seasons, he never grew accustomed to it. “But people like the undercut thing; people go to the barber and ask for a ‘peaky cut’. It’s crazy that people like it, it’s not grown on me in four years now. I normally keep my hair long,” Murphy explained. His dislike for the style has been a consistent theme throughout his interviews, highlighting his personal preference for longer hair, which stands in stark contrast to the character’s sharply styled look.

In a more recent 2023 conversation with SlashFilm, Murphy candidly revealed that he was initially “alarmed” by the haircut and still harbors a strong aversion to it, despite wearing it for years. His comments make it clear that the undercut, although an iconic feature of Tommy Shelby’s persona, remains a point of discomfort for Murphy.

A Humorous Take on the “Lice Cut”

Adding a touch of humor to his discomfort, Murphy has often referred to the undercut as the “lice cut,” playfully pointing out its practical origins. In the same ShortList interview, he quipped, “But they do realize the people in turtlenecks in Hackney with this haircut, do they realize it was styled this way to prevent lice? Tell ‘em they’ve got the lice cut, see what they say then.” This comment not only underlines his aversion but also educates the public on the historical context of the haircut, creating a lighthearted angle to his critique.

Cultural Impact and Public Reception

Despite Murphy’s personal distaste for the style, the “Peaky cut” has had a lasting cultural impact. Peaky Blinders has inspired a wave of modern men’s fashion, with Tommy Shelby’s signature hairstyle playing a major role in this resurgence. The haircut’s appeal, which has been celebrated in articles such as The Trend Spotter, continues to thrive in popular culture, with fans still flocking to barbershops to replicate the look. Murphy, however, remains perplexed by its popularity, as he has repeatedly expressed surprise at how many people continue to embrace the style that he personally loathes.

Social Media Buzz and Fan Discussions

Murphy’s dislike for the “Peaky cut” has not gone unnoticed by fans, and discussions about the actor’s sentiments can be found across various online platforms. Reddit threads, such as one from 2022 titled “Cillian Murphy hates his Tommy Shelby haircut,” have garnered significant attention, with fans chiming in to share their thoughts on the matter. These conversations reflect a deeper awareness of Murphy’s personal stance on the hairstyle, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the contrast between the actor’s preferences and the public’s adoration for the iconic cut.

Conclusion: A Hairstyle Divided by Popularity and Personal Preference

Cillian Murphy’s role as Tommy Shelby has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the fashion world, with the “Peaky cut” becoming one of the most recognizable hairstyles of the modern era. However, despite its widespread appeal, the actor’s personal discomfort with the style remains a fascinating aspect of his portrayal of the character. The “lice cut” may have become a symbol of the show’s gritty aesthetic, but for Murphy, it will always be a hairstyle he never truly embraced.