Whether you are looking to try an entirely new haircut or just booked with a new barber, the first step to getting a good outcome is knowing what you want and being able to convey your ideas to your stylist.
Besides having some reference pictures, knowing the correct terminology will make your communication with the barber more effective. Hopefully, this guide to all types of men’s haircuts will help you with this challenge.
The longer form of a crew cut, the Ivy League haircut has longer hair on the top and short, faded sides. This hairstyle can be parted on one side. A modern, more refined version of this cut involves a shape-up – shaved natural hairline and a shaved side parting.
@ali_bar.ber
An undercut is a haircut with short, buzzed sides and back disconnected from the longer crown area. This more sophisticated version features mid fade on the sides and low fade at the back, combined with the longer top area.
@virgiltb
The main component of the Caesar haircut, named after Julius Caesar, is a short, straight-cut fringe. This modern adaptation boasts a tousled, bleached crown area and disconnected skin fade on the sides and the back.
@edelle_brassandbone
Originating from the Native American tribe and named after it, Mohawks later became a trademark of punk aesthetics. This haircut features a strip of longer hair coming from the forehead down to the lower nape and short, buzzed sides. This modern version of the cut stands out for its intricate detailing with a 3D effect.
@peyman_ahangar100
A faux hawk is a softer and more conforming interpretation of the Mohawk haircut. Whilst there still is a contrast between the short sides and the strip of longer hair, the lines are blended, making this hairstyle more wearable and modern.
@edelle_brassandbone
To achieve this haircut, the sides are taper-cut using clippers and blended with the top using the scissors-over-comb technique. Shaped hairlines give this hairstyle a crisp and edgy finish. Keep in mind that the taper fade will need to be touched up at least every 4-6 weeks.
@m.r.k.thebarber
With a low fade, the very short sides strikingly increase in length just above the ears, blending into the longer hair on the top. You might like this contrasting look with extremely short skin fade and long, tousled top, or you might prefer a less dramatic, classier type of the same style, with shorter top and longer sides.
@sami_barbershop
Middle fade follows the line around the head just below the crown: hair virtually graduates from short to long between the ear and the top. For curly and wavy hair, we recommend leaving the crown area longer and styling it with some hair mousse.
@thebarbercole
High fade, according to its name, presents a more noticeable contrast between the short sides and the long top. Whilst this haircut is quite bold and edgy as it is, it can be accentuated with a shaved hair design.
@saviothebarber
The bald skin fade is a type of men’s hairstyle where the sides are shaved to the skin level and tapered. You can determine whether you would like a low, medium, or high skin fade. Being a high-maintenance hairstyle that requires regular barbershop appointments, it’s well worth the effort.
@jayroberts_
A crew cut is a short and tidy-looking, military-inspired haircut. It doesn’t require any styling and maintenance except regular appointments with your barber. Its clean lines and neat look will suit most face shapes and hair types.
@daniel_giovane_
Simple and short, a buzz haircut is cut with clippers quite closely to the skin. Originally given to new army recruits, this hairstyle soon became a modern classic. Shaving in the hairline is a great way to emphasize the edginess of this hairstyle.
@nik.liokaftos_barkingber
A bowl cut, also known as a mushroom haircut, is one of the classic haircuts with a long, straight fringe and all the top area cut to the same level. The sides are normally buzzed short, featuring a pronounced line around the entire head.
@coiffeurstory
The most prominent features of the hipster haircut are short, tapered sides, a side part, and a classic slick back. This cut perfectly combines with a beard. To create this polished look, apply some gel and lift the fringe upwards, directing it to the back.
@briancaliberhair_
The medium length cut is one of the most versatile hairstyles. You can wear your hair backwards or forwards, all swept to the side or parted in the middle – whatever suits you best.
@vitaly.melchenko
Longer hair is a great option for those with thick, wavy hair. Although it might take some time to grow out your strands, long hairstyles look utterly cool and don’t require regular salon visits.
@bestmenshaircutsnyc
The man bun has become extremely popular lately, coming as an alternative to ponytails. Be prepared to grow your hair, as this style requires at least shoulder length to have enough hair to wrap it. For an ultimately masculine look, ask your stylist to shave or taper the back and the sides of your head. Some pomade or gel will help tame the frizz and flyaways.
@raymond_cutzpr
While not everyone can pull off this look, it would be an excellent option for thick, unruly curls. Go for a low fade to highlight the contrast of this hairstyle, and style your hair forward with some curl-enhancing serum.
@iamthebarber132
Classy and timeless, the side part suits most of the facial features and looks equally good with a clean shave and any style of facial hair. A shaved parting will give this hairstyle a more refined and finished look. However, you will need to spend a few minutes daily to style this cut; otherwise, it will appear unkempt.
@lossantos_vl
Sleek and full-bodied, a pompadour haircut is cut using scissors, and its main feature is a long, swept-back fringe. This type of men’s hairstyle will require some time and patience to style: first, blow-dry your hair, directing it to the back and lifting the frontal area, and finish it with a strong-hold hairspray.
@patrikbrowne
A quiff haircut is a very similar style to pompadour, yet it doesn’t require your hair to be a certain length – it will look great even on those with shorter haircuts. Use some clay or pomade and brush your hair backwards and up with your fingers.
@yousef_lahijani
The comb-over, a haircut that used to be associated with granddad’s hair earlier in the days, is now experiencing its resurgence. The modern version of a comb-over involves tapered or faded sides, a shaved-in parting, and optional shaved hairline – the combination of all current trends.
@tough_barbershop
Modern, classy, and bold at the same time, slicked-back hair is one of the most popular hairstyles to date. The sides and back can be tailored to your preferences, while the top needs to be at least 2.5-3 inches long. Use some pomade or gel to hold the style in place.
@briancaliberhair_
The long, messy fringe is the main focal point of this hairstyle. While the styling options are numerous (you can sweep your bangs back or let them cover your forehead), the styling process will require some practice. Use some paste to create this tousled texture.
@bagir94
Short dreadlocks look great paired with a medium skin fade and a neat cut beard. Growing your dreadlocks longer will broaden your styling options to a ponytail, half-up, half-down, or even a man bun.
@wavykid_kev
If a classic tapered haircut is too boring for you, opt for a bald fade, blended with the longer hair on the top. A shaved accent on the side, going through your beard, will give an edgy and striking finish to your hairstyle.
@babu.barber
Men’s braids come in many varying options. When box braids are not enough for you, ask your stylist to create an unconventional pattern – like these triangular braids. This hairstyle looks fantastic when combined with the buzzed undercut on the sides and the back.
@torres.tresses
A spiky finish can be achieved on most of the short and medium-length haircuts, including the crew cut, faux hawk, and classic taper cut. You will need a good matte finish texturizing paste and strong hold hairspray to create this look.
@m.r.fade
The mullet cut gained its popularity in the ‘70s and was forgotten until a few years ago. Now, the mullet is one of the hottest hair trends. Still fresh and unconventional, this haircut gives your style a dose of rebellion and a vintage vibe.
@briancaliberhair_
The flat top is one of those types of men’s haircuts that requires a high level of craftsmanship. Therefore, if you would like to try it, your main goal is to find a really skilled barber. We recommend using a strong-hold wax and hairspray to achieve a sharp finish.
@virgiltb
Like cargo trousers, trench coats, and aviator jackets made their way from army uniforms to everyday men’s fashion, military haircuts shared a similar fate, becoming go-to hairstyles for many guys. Perhaps the key to the success of this type of men’s haircut is the combination of versatility, practicality, and style.
Here are the most common military haircut variations:
Athletes like Andre Agassi, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo have always been trendsetters for hairstyles. The most popular sporty haircuts are buzz cuts, crew cuts, faux hawks, and top knots.
Even though deciding about a hair change and conducting your research can be daunting, we hope this guide to the different types of men’s haircuts provides a clear and helpful starting point.
