Despite my best attempts at research, I’m still not a hundred percent certain about the difference between a fade, an undercut, a sidecut, and a deathhawk. I’ve watched a total of three YouTube videos. All I’ve learned is that these styles just look effortlessly cool. So if you see any fades, sidecuts, or obvious deathhawks in this list, you’re gonna have to cut me some slack. I promise, they’re all worth downloading!
1. Lotus by simandy
Check Out This CC Let’s start with one of my hands-down favorite hairstyles from simandy. I’ve never used it outside of creating random Sims in CAS, but I’m still going to recommend it because, my God. That stylized shaved lotus? This isn’t a hairstyle, okay, this is art. And I will never not be impressed every time I see it.
2. Trip by qwertysims
Check Out This CC Never knew I could find undercuts wholesome, but qwertysims’ Trip just proved me wrong. Maybe it’s the mop of loose curls up top. Maybe it’s the freckly Sim model they used. Either way, this cut makes me squee. The original mesh uses EA’s standard palette, but you can also download qwertysims’ modified maxis palette for more shade options!
3. Undercut Hairstyle by wistymermaid
Check Out This CC Exactly what it says on the tin; a sweet, simple, side-shaved ‘do for Female Sims. One side is thick, luscious, and slightly wavy. The other side is shorn short for an asymmetrical effect that’s just plain cool. Highly recommend for Sims who embrace the modern-day assassin aesthetic!
4. Xackie Hair by syaovu
Check Out This CC The hair was cute enough as is. Simple, shaved sides, clayified quiff, and an even fade. But then syaovu just had to add a rainbow option. I needed no further convincing. If your CAS catalog is sorely lacking in the rainbow hair department, Xackie is the ‘do for you!
5. Roxy Hair by MS Mary Sims
Check Out This CC Roxy is fun, spunky, and knows exactly what she wants. This hair is an excellent amalgamation of long locks and trimmed sides, all coming together to create an incredibly pleasing (and slightly intimidating) visual! The little details – like the face-framing bangs and the half-up ponytail – help it stand out all the more.
6. Harlyn Hair by wildlyminiaturesandwich
Check Out This CC If I had to pick favorites (I usually do), Harlyn by wildlyminiaturesandwich is definitely in the top five. This is the kind of asymmetrical cut that I live for. Voluminous hair on one side balanced out by a wide expanse of completely shaved head on the other. The maintenance for this kind of cut is crazy, but the results are so worth it!
7. Austin Hair by Pxelboy
Check Out This CC Pxelboy’s Austin Hair puts a modish, modern spin on the classic pixie cut. It’s short and kickass with the added allure of a modest undercut. One side may not be as completely buzzed gone as some of the other cuts we’ll see on this list, but the contrast in length is definitely visible!
8. Ruby Hair by feralpoodles
Check Out This CC May I just say; anyone who can rock this undercut in real life is a literal queen. Big, poofy curls all over the left, and then a small swathe of cool-girl buzz-cut on the right? It’s the kind of hairstyle that only trendsetters, pack leaders, and free-flowing artistic souls can sport!
9. Electric Hair by chocolatemuffintop
Check Out This CC Chocolatemuffintop’s Electric Hair is sort of like WMS’ Harlyn Hair, in that the shaved side is buzzed so short, the longer side stands out more. Only difference is that this ‘do sits at a shaggy, shorter-than-shoulder-length height. It also feels significantly more punk-rocker chic.
10. Caracalla by luutzi
Check Out This CC I was not expecting to like this hair as much as I did but, welp. Lemme tell you; it is impossible not to like Caracalla. Ridiculously good quality aside, there are very few hairs similar to this long, draped braid-and-undercut combo. Its unique design can give any Male Sim a distinctive look. I swear; Caracalla makes even the most randomized vanilla Sim look like an ethnic, exotic wonder.
11. Anto – Echo [clayified] by goblin-sims
Check Out This CC I will forever be grateful to creators like goblin-sims for retexturing custom items. It makes beautiful CC more widely accessible and usable by Simmers (like me) who are particular about the textures they use. I personally love a lot of Anto’s custom hairs, so having a clayified version of their (gorgeous) Echo undercut makes me happy.
12. Andy Hair by syaovu
Check Out This CC Unisex hairs are always an absolute delight to find. Sometimes, you just wanna know what styles look like on the opposite sex! Thankfully, with syaovu’s Andy Hair, we don’t need to guess. This long undercut with straight short bangs is kinda trendy, kinda edgy, and packs plenty of attitude.
13. Vengeance Hair by bloodmooncc
Check Out This CC This hair is ridiculously complicated, yes, but it is serving some looks! Check out that silhouette. You know bloodmooncc’s Vengeance is a rare gem. It’s got severely shaved sides and a decent amount of frontal bangs. The rest is pulled into a topknot and a middle bun before flowing down into a casual pony. There’s a lot going on, but it works.
14. Fenris by habsims
Check Out This CC Compared to the previous item, habsims’ Fenris cut must look incredibly tame. Just a straightforward undercut paired with a trendy faded-quiff! The creator describes it as a “hairstyle for edgelords,” but I personally think modern trendsetters and casual, non-edgy civilians could rock this ‘do, too!
15. BLZ Roxanne Hairs | Clayified + Recolored by simlishsweetie
Check Out This CC BLZ’s Roxanne hair is a top-tier example of a kickass undercut. Different-colored roots, clean layers, the whole nine yards. But since it’s Alpha CC, I can’t directly recommend it for this list. I can, however, point you to simlishsweetie’s clayified recolor of it. And I’m happy to report that it is every bit as awesome in Maxis Match!
16. Moehawk by dro
Check Out This CC Aside from the clever name and fun swatches, dro’s moehawk is totally rocking the visual appeal. It’s got a unique, distinctive shape that commands attention and a plethora of pretty, vibrant, out-of-this-world color options. 40, to be exact!
17. Morgyn by simandy
Check Out This CC Simandy’s Morgyn hair kinda looks like one of the hairs that came with The Sims 4: Realm of Magic pack—only the other half’s missing. All comparisons (and jokes) aside, this undercut is still undeniably fetching. It juxtaposes voluminous curls with a tight, closely shorn buzz.
18. Austin Hair by Kotcat
Check Out This CC For the average Joes and Janes who are content to stay away from the wild, experimental side of fashion, Kotcat’s Austin hair should be right up your alley. It’s a clean undercut with all the works; shaved sides, tight hairline, pushed back locks. Not crazily contemporary, but still tastefully trendy.
19. William Hair by syaovu
Check Out This CC That subtle curl in the front turns this William hair from edgy to surprisingly sweet! It’s like that little s-curl that differentiates Superman’s ‘do from Clark Kent’s fully slicked-back style. It makes this particular undercut look more distinctive, for sure.
20. Julios Hair by pastelarc
Check Out This CC Here’s another one of my favorite custom undercuts. Solidly part of the top five, too. I think I just gravitate more towards styles with really short (almost bald) shaves. It makes the contrast more dramatic. Julios may not be as dramatic – or complicated – as other contenders on this list, but there’s something about it that feels delightfully plucky. I’m confident that Sims who sport this hairstyle are brimming with boatloads of moxie.
21. Hipster Hair (Male & Female) by wyattssims
Check Out This CC Hipster hair? Don’t care! ‘sides, who would give your Sim grief when they look this good? There’s just something about the braided undercut and the neat, gradual fade that makes this cut look less like a hair thing and more like a work of art.
22. Leahlillith Universe Clayified by alionthesims
Check Out This CC As a big fan of Leah Lillith’s works, I appreciate Sims 4 creators who retexture them. Alionthesims does an excellent job of preserving the elements of Leah Lillith’s Universe hair that make it so kickass: fuzzy undercut, lovely, crisp curls, and some windblown strands for texture. 10/10 recommend (in both Maxis Match and Alpha CC)!
23. Leo Hair by Aladdin-The-Simmer
Check Out This CC Aladdin-The-Simmer literally took every hairstyle I would classify as “effortlessly cool” and combined it into one jaw-dropping – and unfairly attractive – spectacle of creativity. This hairstyle has cornrows, dreads, a high ponytail, and a clean undercut. Seriously; if you can create a Sim that can pull off this look, I’m sending you mad kudos.
24. Allen Hair by JohnnySims
Check Out This CC I’m pretty sure that if you squint, all the hairs in JohnnySims’ That Trio! CAS pack could pass as an undercut. Or, at the very least, a gentle fade. But I’m recommending the Allen Hair specifically because it’s arguably the most obvious. Who knew that medium hair pushed back into a mini-pompadour (or does this still count as a quiff?) could look so neat?
25. Scorn by tekri
Check Out This CC Serious talk; how do you push that much hair to one side and have it stay? My finicky locks could never. Tekri’s Scorn hair is another undeniably unique piece that warrants a double (or even triple) take. Surprisingly, even with the undercut’s inherent symmetry, this style manages to retain its glamorous allure.
26. Iona Hair by ilkup
Check Out This CC Can you imagine the level of precision needed to execute a hairstyle as clean as this? You’d need to painstakingly separate the grown-out hair from the undercut and the bangs from the grown-out hair. And then you’d have to tuck the rest of the hair into a twisted coif. Long story short, ilkup’s Iona hair is a thing of complicated beauty and Sims basically cheat.
27. Undercut Bun for Men & Women by Around the Sims 4
Check Out This CC Gotta love how Around the Sims 4 titles their CC items. This is exactly what it says on the tin: a custom casual bun that works for both Male and Female frames. Throw in a nice, fuzzy undercut on the sides for a bit of spice.
28. [Enrique] Puk Hair by enriques4
Check Out This CC If I had to sum up this cut in three words, it’d be: chic, sassy, and modish. This is the kind of undercut that fashion-forward trendsetters sport. It’s got style, it’s got flair, and it stands out with minimal effort. Even though its color options are limited to EA’s standard 18-swatch palette, it’s absolutely stunning to look at! (If you’re having difficulty navigating the download page, you can get the hair directly here.)
29. AH00B Hairs Pt. 3 by bird-word
Check Out This CC Check out the dashing young Sim in the preview photo (second from the left). He’s got the high brows, the sleek jaw, and the cool undercut. It’s called the Riley Hair Undercut (originally by aHarris00britney and ayoshi), and it’s a classic topknot paired with a close shave. The original mesh comes in EA’s standard 18 colors, but bird-word’s recolor add 42 extra swatches from Aveira’s Kaleidoscope palette.
30. Ayla Hair by Wild Pixel
Check Out This CC Maxis Match meshes often don’t have the fine level of detail that Alpha CC textures have because of its clayified nature. So Wild Pixel gets plus points for managing to showcase the gradual fade on Ayla’s undercut—from buzzed-clean scalp to light, fuzzy growth. It’s pretty impressive!
31. Bittersweet Hair by wildlyminiaturesandwich
Check Out This CC This hairdo was, apparently, created by accident. The braid curling ‘round the head to drape elegantly on the shoulder? Not intentional. But all’s well that ends well, as they say. At least we get this cute n’ spunky braid-with-undercut hairdo from WMS!
32. Pyretta Hair by bloodmooncc
Check Out This CC I understand if the inherent badassery and flawless punk-goth execution of bloodmooncc’s Pyretta Hair intimidates you. This bold hairdo is silky straight and spiky, but it’s also got this chopped-layer look at the back that adds plenty of volume. Definitely not for the faint of heart!
33. S4simomo’s ALMOND TWH Recolor by conspiracytrait
Check Out This CC S4simomo’s Almond hair has plenty of boyish charm. Casually short and spiked upwards, it’s a laidback cut that’s practical and super low-maintenance. Perfect for unflappable, level-headed Sims! Conspiracytrait’s recolor adds 17 extra shades from Pyxis’ The Witching Hour palette.
34. Recolor Black Roots by Mathcope’s Studio
Check Out This CC Mathcope’s recolor of this undercut (from the Spa Day pack) adds a touch of realism by leaving the roots of hair black. So while you can change the color of the main pompadour cut (from EA’s standard palette), the shaved sides stay dark. The contrasting effect massively improves visual appeal like you wouldn’t believe!
35. Meisiu’s Spa Day Undercut Hair by meisiu
Check Out This CC Like Mathcope, CC creator meisiu also decided to revisit EA’s Spa Day undercut. They add twelve new ombre tones that – like Mathcope – keep the shaved sides dark and natural. I guess they agree with the notion that undercuts look really good with black roots.
36. Sara by habsims
Check Out This CC Habsims’ Sara hair beautifully blends thick, voluminous hair that’s just full of body with a clean, closely-shaved buzzcut. It’s not the only one to achieve this feat, for sure, but its visual appeal is incredibly high. And since it’s an edit of an existing EA hair, this custom ‘do is completely BGC!
37. Half Shaven Hair by ladyfancyfeast
Check Out This CC The creator describes this cut as “very punk.” I’m inclined to agree! I think this layered half-bob is an awesome and creative mash-up of classic punk and contemporary trendy.
38. Eivor by softerhaze
Check Out This CC If your settings can handle the 17k polycount, I must insist you try this hair at least once. It’s a gorgeously intricate fishtail braid plaited with smaller, thinner braids. The effect is reminiscent of a female Viking, riding into battle with all the confidence of an undefeated berserker; strong, self-reliant, and warrior-born.
39. Dragon Hair by Gatosimer
Check Out This CC You should be intimidated by any Sim who can pull off this hairdo. I’m serious. Tight ponytails, sharp lines, and sides so closely and cleanly shorn, they could rival a standard-issue military cut? These Dragon Hair styles are worn exclusively by Sims who are not messing around.
40. Carry the Zero by xldkx-cc
Check Out This CC This is probably the custom ‘do with the most subtle undercut on this list. The modish, layered pageboy style is already pretty short. And it’s got clumps of even shorter hair scattered around. So the actual buzzed side isn’t that obvious until you zoom in. That just makes this CC a great choice for Simmers who want to try an undercut but don’t want too extreme of a look.
