A pudding basin haircut is one in which all hair on the top of the head ends at a defined limit just above, or slightly covering, the ears. It is also known as a basin crop, basin cut, bowl crop, bowl cut, a mushroom cut, or a pot haircut. All hair below this line is either cut short or shaved. This may be achieved in putting a basin, bowl, or pot on the head as a measuring device, or simply by making an approximation. Putting a mushroom on the head, however, is not useful in measuring for a mushroom cut.
The pudding basin haircut is worn in many cultures due to its comfort and facility, typically the best available option for rural people or people of the lower class. Mennonites and Amish people often wear pudding basin haircuts.
In popular western culture, the pudding basin haircut is comic and most associated with silliness or stupidity.
Famous pudding basin haircuts have been worn by:
Moe Howard of The Three Stooges
Joan of Arc played by Milla Jovovich in the film, The Messenger
Lloyd Christmas played by Jim Carrey in the 1994 film, Dumb and Dumber
The Beatles