<P> The haircut is usually done with electric clippers utilizing the clipper over comb technique, though it can also be cut shears over comb or freehand with a clipper . Some barbers utilize large combs designed for cutting flattops . Others use wide rotary clipper blades specifically designed for freehand cutting the top of a flattop . </P> <P> When cutting a new flattop or when cutting a flattop with full boxy or boxy rounded upper sides or a flattop with fenders, the hair at the upper sides and top has to be boxed in . If the hair on the upper sides is initially contoured, it may not be possible to achieve a squarish effect . The hair at the crown is cut from about one quarter to one half inch while the barber stands behind the patron . He then positions himself in front and cuts the top hair to about two inches in length and then to the desired height across the top from side to side while progressing back to the shorter hair at the crown . </P> <P> The exact lengths are dependent on skull shape and the style of flat top . Intricate cutting of the deck and upper sides follows to achieve a specific inclination and squarish effect . Natural skull shape and certain deck inclinations and heights often leave an area at the center top of the head where the scalp is visible through the hair . This area is called a "landing strip", a metaphor for the landing strip on the deck of a flattop (aircraft carrier). Some flattops are designed to cause a landing strip to show to varying degrees . </P>

Where did the flat top haircut come from