A shape-up, also called a line-up or an edge-up, is a hairstyle that involves cutting along the natural hairline to straighten it. Edge-ups are typically found among men and short-haired women. The haircut grew in popularity during the 1980s, typically among those who have

Afro-textured hair Afro-textured hair, or kinky hair, is a human hair texture originating from sub-Saharan Africa. Each strand of this hair type grows in a tiny, angle-like helix shape. The overall effect is such that, contrasted with straight, wavy, or curly hai ...

, and became the precursor to other stylish haircuts, such as the high-top fade, low fade, and designs such as crescent moon parts, side parts, and waves in hair. The shape-up is influenced by hip-hop and pop culture and is common among entertainers and basketball players.

History

During the 1970s and the era of disco, most African-Americans sported an

afro The afro is a hair type created by natural growth of kinky hair, or specifically styled with chemical curling products by individuals with naturally curly or straight hair.Garland, Phyl"Is The Afro On Its Way Out?" ''Ebony'', February 1973. ...

to reflect their cultural identity and their pride in their hair. In the 1980s, feeling that the afro looked dated, people began to cut their afros off in search of something new to go along with the new sounds of the decade. The shape-up was first introduced in the mid- or late 1980s. Influential hip-hop artists such as

Eric B The given name Eric, Erich, Erikk, Erik, Erick, or Eirik is derived from the Old Norse name ''Eiríkr'' (or ''Eríkr'' in Old East Norse due to monophthongization). The first element, ''ei-'' may be derived from the older Proto-Norse ''* ain ...

Rakim William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim Allah or simply Rakim (), is an American rapper and record producer. One half of golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, he is widely regarded as one of t ...

, and Big Daddy Kane popularized the high-top fade with the shape-up. With the arrival of the 1990s and the decline of the high-top fade, the demand for the shape-up remained. The low-top fade was the next adaptation to the shape-up's arsenal. This ushered in a new wave of options on how to be laced with an edge-up, including Caesar cuts with the grain and against the grain.

Equipment

The shape-up is usually produced by an electric razor blade, though some barbers prefer to use a single hand razor blade for more precision. The electric razor is traced along the natural hairline to create a neat trim. The outcome is a clean and professional stylish look. The form of the shape-up could be rounded, but on most customers it is sleeker and sharper.

Popularity and influence

As the shape-up became more popular, so did the culture surrounding it. Men's visits to the barbershop became the venue for conversations about politics, sports, movies, personal life, and gossip. Movies and television shows depict this practice, such as rapper Ice Cube's production of the movie '' Barbershop'', a story of

barber A barber is a person whose occupation is mainly to cut, dress, groom, style and shave men's and boys' hair or beards. A barber's place of work is known as a "barbershop" or a "barber's". Barbershops are also places of social interaction and publi ...

s and their shape-up clients.

References

External links

* {{fashion-stub Hairstyles