Whether you’re considering a completely different haircut or have an appointment with a new barber, the key to achieving a satisfactory result is understanding what you want and effectively communicating your ideas to your stylist. Along with having reference images, familiarizing yourself with some terminology and names of men’s haircuts will enhance your discussions with the barber. This guide to various types of men’s hairstyles aims to assist you in overcoming this challenge.
Types of Men’s Haircuts
Selecting a hairstyle that enhances your appearance involves more than just choosing between long or short hair. There are numerous haircut options for men that align with business, athletic, military, or hipster styles. Continue reading to explore our complete range of men’s hairstyles.
1. The Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut is a longer variation of a crew cut, featuring longer hair on top and shorter, faded sides. This style can be styled with a side part. A contemporary and more polished take on this cut includes a shape-up, which entails a shaved natural hairline and a shaved side part.
@ali_bar.ber
2. Men’s Undercut
An undercut is a hairstyle characterized by short, buzzed sides and back that are separate from a longer top section. This more refined version of the undercut includes a mid fade on the sides and a low fade at the back, paired with a longer top.
3. Caesar Cut
The key feature of the Caesar haircut, named after Julius Caesar, is a short, straight-across fringe. This contemporary version of the Caesar cut includes a messy, bleached top and a disconnected skin fade on the sides and back.
@edelle_brassandbone
4. Mohawk
Originally named after a Native American tribe, mohawks later became a symbol of punk style. This hairstyle consists of a longer strip of hair running from the forehead to the lower nape, with short, buzzed sides. We appreciate this contemporary take on the haircut, which showcases intricate details while maintaining a bold and rebellious appearance.
@peyman_ahangar100
5. Faux Hawk Haircut
A faux hawk is a more subtle and adaptable version of the mohawk haircut. Although there remains a distinction between the short sides and the section of longer hair, the transitions are smoother, which makes this hairstyle more practical and contemporary.
@edelle_brassandbone
6. Taper Cut
To create these kinds of men’s haircuts, the sides are cut with clippers in a taper style and blended with the top using the scissors-over-comb method. Defined hairlines provide a sharp and modern look to this hairstyle. It’s important to remember that a taper fade will require maintenance every 4 to 6 weeks.
@m.r.k.thebarber
7. Low Fade
A low fade is a men’s haircut characterized by very short sides that gradually lengthen just above the ears, seamlessly transitioning into the longer hair on top. You may enjoy the bold contrast of a very short skin fade combined with a long, tousled top, or you might opt for a more subtle and sophisticated version of the same style, featuring a shorter top and longer sides.
@sami_barbershop
8. Middle Fade
A middle fade progresses around the head just beneath the crown, with the hair gradually transitioning from short to long between the ear and the top. For those with curly or wavy hair, it’s advisable to keep the crown area longer and use hair mousse for styling.
9. High fade
A high fade, as its name suggests, features a prominent contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top. Although this hairstyle is already quite striking and daring on its own, it can be further enhanced with a shaved hair design.
@saviothebarber
10. Men’s Haircut with Skin Fade
The bald skin fade is a hairstyle characterized by shaved sides that taper down to the skin. You can choose between a low, medium, or high skin fade. Although it requires regular visits to the barber, the maintenance involved is worthwhile for the look it achieves.
@jayroberts_
11. Crew Cut
A crew cut is a short, tidy haircut inspired by military styles. It requires minimal styling and maintenance, needing only regular visits to your barber. Its sharp lines and polished appearance make it suitable for a variety of face shapes and hair types.
@daniel_giovane_
12. Buzz Cut
A buzz haircut is a straightforward and short style cut very close to the scalp using clippers. Initially assigned to new army recruits, this hairstyle quickly evolved into a modern classic. A shaved hairline can enhance the boldness of this look.
@nik.liokaftos_barkingber
13. Bowl Cut
A bowl cut, sometimes referred to as a mushroom haircut, is a timeless hairstyle characterized by a long, straight fringe, with the hair on top cut to an even length. The sides are usually clipped short, creating a noticeable line that runs around the entire head.
14. Hipster Cut
The key elements of the hipster haircut include short, tapered sides, a side part, and a traditional slicked-back style. This hairstyle pairs exceptionally well with a beard. To achieve this refined appearance, use some gel to lift the fringe upwards and style it towards the back.
@briancaliberhair_
15. Medium Length Haircut
The medium-length haircut is one of the most adaptable styles. You can wear your hair styled back or forward, swept to the side, or parted down the middle—whichever looks best on you.
@vitaly.melchenko
16. Long Men’s Hairstyle
Long hair is an excellent choice for individuals with thick, wavy hair. While it may take a while to grow it out, men’s long hairstyles look really stylish and don’t necessitate frequent trips to the salon.
17. Man Bun
Recently, the man bun has gained significant popularity as a stylish alternative to ponytails. To achieve this look, you’ll need to grow your hair to at least shoulder length to gather enough for the bun. For a more masculine appearance, consider having your stylist shave or taper the sides and back of your head. Using pomade or gel can also help control frizz and stray hairs.
@raymond_cutzpr
18. Disconnected haircut featuring a tousled curly top.
Although this style may not suit everyone, it’s an excellent choice for thick, stubborn curls. Opt for a low fade to emphasize the contrast of the haircut, and use some curl-enhancing serum to style your curls forward.
@iamthebarber132
19. Men’s Haircut with a Side Part
Elegant and timeless, the side part complements most facial shapes and looks great with both a clean shave and various facial hair styles. A shaved part can enhance the sophistication and polished appearance of this hairstyle. However, you’ll need to dedicate a few minutes each day for styling; otherwise, it may appear messy.
@lossantos_vl
20. Pompadour
The pompadour hairstyle is stylish and voluminous, characterized by a lengthy, swept-back fringe that is cut with scissors. Achieving this look demands time and patience; begin by blow-drying your hair while pushing it back and elevating the front section, then set the style with a strong hairspray.
21. Quiff
A quiff haircut resembles a pompadour but doesn’t necessitate a specific hair length; it can look fantastic even on shorter styles. To achieve this look, apply some clay or pomade and use your fingers to style your hair upwards and backward.
@yousef_lahijani
22. Comb Over
The comb over, once linked to older generations, is making a comeback. Today’s take on the comb over features tapered or faded sides, a shaved part, and an optionally shaved hairline, incorporating many of today’s popular trends.
@tough_barbershop
23. Classic Slick Back
Slicked back hair is a contemporary, elegant, and daring hairstyle that remains highly popular. The sides and back can be adjusted to suit your taste, but the top should be a minimum of 2.5 to 3 inches in length. To maintain the style, apply some pomade or gel.
@briancaliberhair_
24. Fringe Hairstyle
The primary highlight of this hairstyle is the long, untidy fringe. There are various styling options available, such as sweeping the bangs back or allowing them to drape over your forehead, but achieving the desired look will take some practice. Apply some paste to achieve that tousled texture.
25. Dreadlocks
Short dreadlocks pair well with a medium skin fade and a well-groomed beard. As your dreadlocks grow longer, you will have more styling choices, such as a ponytail, half-up half-down, or a man bun.
@wavykid_kev
26. Shaved Sides
If a traditional tapered haircut feels too dull, consider a bald fade that transitions smoothly into the longer hair on top. Adding a shaved detail on the side, extending into your beard, will create a bold and impressive look for your hairstyle.
@babu.barber
27. Men Braids
Men’s braids offer a wide range of styles. If you’re looking for something beyond traditional box braids, consider asking your stylist for a unique design, such as triangular braids. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with a buzzed undercut on the sides and back.
@torres.tresses
28. Spiky Hairstyle
A spiky finish can be created on a variety of short and medium-length hairstyles, such as the crew cut, faux mohawk, and classic taper cut. To achieve this look, you’ll need a high-quality matte texturizing paste and a strong-hold hairspray.
@m.r.fade
29. Mullet Cut
The mullet hairstyle became popular in the 1970s and then fell out of favor for a long time before making a comeback a few years back. Today, it stands out as one of the most trendy haircuts. With its unique and edgy look, the mullet adds a hint of rebellion and a retro feel to your style.
@briancaliberhair_
30. Flat Top Haircut
The flat top haircut demands a high degree of skill to execute properly. Hence, if you want to sport this style, your primary objective should be to locate a talented barber. We suggest using a firm-hold wax and hairspray to create a polished look.
Military Cuts
Similar to how cargo trousers, trench coats, and aviator jackets transitioned from military uniforms to regular men’s fashion, military haircuts have also gained popularity as favored styles for many men. The appeal of these haircuts likely lies in their blend of versatility, practicality, and style. Below are the primary types of military haircuts:
- A buzz cut refers to a type of short hairstyle where the hair is uniformly cut to the same length all over the head. The length can vary according to your personal preference.
- The military fade haircut consists of longer hair on the top with shorter, tapered sides that gradually blend into the skin. There are several variations of fade cuts, such as low, medium, and high fade options.
- The crew cut is a highly recognizable hairstyle influenced by military styles. It features neat, short lines, with the sides and back tapered and a longer length of hair at the top, especially in the front.
- The Ivy League hairstyle is essentially a more elongated and polished variant of the crew cut, commonly linked to the preppy aesthetic.
- The regulation cut is among the longest styles for military hair, characterized primarily by a side part.
- The military undercut features very short sides and back that are sharply contrasted with the longer hair on top, without any blending.
- The flat top is a male hairstyle characterized by upright hair on the top of the head, forming a flat surface, while the sides are typically cut short and tapered.
Athletic Hairstyles for Men
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 making your research can be daunting, we hope this guide for different types of men’s haircuts has eased this task for you.
