When Baywatch hit theaters, most people were busy staring at Zac Efron’s literal eight-pack. I get it. The guy looked like he was carved out of granite. But for those of us who care about grooming, the real star of the show was that hair. It was beachy. It was gritty. It looked like he just stepped out of the ocean, yet it stayed perfectly in place while he was doing ridiculous obstacle courses.
Honestly, the Zac Efron Baywatch haircut is a masterclass in the "disconnected undercut." It’s a style that looks effortless but actually requires a very specific set of instructions for your barber. If you just walk in and ask for "the Zac Efron," you’re probably going to walk out looking more like High School Musical than Matt Brody.
Let's break down what is actually happening with that cut.
The Technical Specs: What to Ask Your Barber
You can't just wing this. The Baywatch look isn't a standard fade. It’s a disconnected undercut with a lot of internal texture.
💡 You might also like: Amy Slaton Now and Then: Why the TLC Star is Finally "Growing Up"
Basically, the sides are short—usually a number 2 or 3 guard—but they don't blend into the top. That’s the "disconnection." Instead of a smooth transition from the sides to the long hair on top, there’s a sharp drop-off.
- The Sides: Ask for a 2 or 3 guard on the back and sides. Some guys like a skin fade, but Efron kept it a bit "fleshy" to look more natural for a lifeguard.
- The Top: You need length. We’re talking 4 to 5 inches at the front, tapering down slightly toward the crown.
- The Back: Here’s a weird detail most people miss. In the movie, the back often had a slight "V" shape or a subtle mohawk point. It’s not a straight line across the neck.
- The Texture: This is the big one. If your hair is thick, your barber needs to use thinning shears or point-cutting to remove weight. Without this, the hair will just sit there like a heavy hat.
Why the Color Matters (The Balayage Secret)
The haircut is only 70% of the look. The other 30%? The sun-kissed highlights.
Efron didn't just dump a box of blonde dye on his head. He used a technique called balayage. Instead of traditional foils that give you those "tiger stripes," balayage is hand-painted onto the hair. This makes it look like the sun naturally bleached the tips while he was out on the boat.
📖 Related: Akon Age and Birthday: What Most People Get Wrong
If you have dark hair and you try to do the Baywatch cut without the highlights, it’s going to look much "heavier" and less beachy. The blonde tips catch the light and make the texture of the cut actually visible.
Styling It: Don’t Overwork the Product
The biggest mistake guys make is using a shiny pomade. You want to look like you’ve been in salt water, not like you’re going to a 1950s prom.
- Start with Sea Salt Spray. This is non-negotiable. Apply it to damp hair. It gives that "grit" and "stickiness" that defines the surfer look.
- Blow Dry for Volume. Use your fingers, not a brush. You want to push the hair up and back. If you use a brush, it’ll look too neat.
- The Matte Clay Finish. Once the hair is dry, take a pea-sized amount of matte clay. Rub it between your palms until it’s warm and invisible.
- Rake and Shake. Run your hands through your hair from front to back. Then, "shake" your fingers at the roots to create that messy, lived-in separation.
Maintenance is a Pain
Kinda sucks to hear, but this isn't a "low maintenance" haircut. Because the sides are so short and the top is so long, the "disconnection" starts to look messy fast. You’ll need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks to keep the sides crisp.
👉 See also: 40 year old celebrities: Why the 1985 and 1986 Crew is Actually Winning
Also, sea salt spray can be drying. If you’re styling it every day, you need a decent conditioner. Otherwise, by week three, your hair will feel like literal straw.
Is This Right for Your Face Shape?
Zac Efron has a very strong, angular jawline (even more so now). The height of the Baywatch cut adds length to the face.
If you have a very long or "oblong" face, be careful. Adding 5 inches of hair on top might make your head look like a skyscraper. However, if you have a round or square face, this cut is a godsend. It slims down the sides and adds height, which creates a more "diamond" or "oval" silhouette.
Actionable Next Steps for the Perfect Cut
- Take a Screenshot: Don't describe it. Show your barber a photo of Efron specifically from the scene where he's on the motorcycle or the obstacle course. Those show the side profile best.
- Check Your Length: Make sure your hair reaches at least the tip of your nose before you go in for the cut. If it's too short on top, the disconnection won't "flop" correctly.
- Invest in One Good Product: If you only buy one thing, make it a high-quality sea salt spray. It’s the difference between a flat undercut and a "Baywatch" look.
- Consult on Color: Ask your stylist if a "subtle balayage" or "sun-kissed tips" would work for your natural base color.