Your choices for regulation cuts probably seem minimal, but you have more styles at your disposal than you think. While military haircuts have to adhere to some fairly strict standards, that doesn’t mean you can’t reveal a little personality. It’s possible to be both uniform and unique, although it takes a special man to pull off such a feat. It mostly comes down to versatility.

You need to pick a style that falls within the guidelines you have to follow, but one that you can also style to your personal satisfaction when you’re off-duty and left to your own devices.

Best Regulation Haircuts for Men

A regulation cut doesn’t have to look cookie cutter. Sure, you have rules to follow, but that doesn’t mean you have to eschew the entire idea of personal style. It just means that you have to get a bit clever when it comes to styling.

Frankly, there’s nothing sharper or more polished than a clean-cut ‘do. It’s all in how you wear your hair, anyway. Once your hair starts to wear you, then you’ve already lost! Here are 7 creative regulation haircut ideas for men to try.

1. The CLassic Regulation Cut

Not all regulation cuts look the same. Here’s a subtle undercut that’s neatly cropped on the sides and parted to perfection. Nothing wrong with that, men.

2. The Under-Buzz

Not quite a buzz cut and not quite an undercut, this style defies the norm. It’s short and neat, but there’s some edge in there—certainly enough to reveal a little something about your personality.

3. The Classic Cut

Oh, this spiked buzz is a popular choice. It’s severely short everywhere but the small, spiked thatch of hair on top. Styling is easy. Maintenance takes some dedication.

4. Regulation Buzz

Many regulation cuts feature some kind of buzz. The closely cropped sides and the longer buzz on top create a well-known combination seen in army movies and actual barracks.