Whether you seek to enhance your appearance or are simply interested in exploring men’s hairstyles, we present an in-depth examination of the most sought-after men’s haircuts. Please refer to our comprehensive guide detailing the twelve most fashionable hairstyles currently captivating the grooming industry, along with instructions on how to achieve them.
Leading Hairstyles
Buzz Cut Styles
The buzz cut, often referred to as the military cut, has maintained its popularity for over a century. This remarkably straightforward hairstyle consists of a very short, buzzed cut that is closely cropped to the scalp. Below, we provide guidance on how to execute a quick and uncomplicated buzz cut.
Buzz cuts are easily achievable at home, as they can be entirely performed using hair clippers. Begin by ensuring that your hair is clean and dry, as dirty or wet hair does not cut well with clippers. We recommend adhering to the barber’s guideline of 6-4-2, which entails using a 15mm/.59 in guard (commonly a #6 guard) for the top, a 12mm/.47 in guard (typically a #4 guard) for the sides, and a 6mm/.24 in guard (usually a #2 guard) for the edges. Given that buzz cuts are characterized by their sharp lines, it is essential to trim the edges with precision.
Crew Cut Styles
A variant of the buzz cut, the crew cut gained popularity among university rowing teams due to its low maintenance and extremely short length, earning it the colloquial designation of “The Ivy League.” Crew cuts are defined by a gradual fade from the forehead to the crown of the head, with shorter sides. The longer hair on top can be styled in various ways, including a pompadour, bangs, spikes, or a side part. Currently, the following five crew cut styles are the most favored:
- Thicker Sides: This style features thicker sides, resulting in a less pronounced fade.
- Gentleman’s Cut: This cut emphasizes blending at the corners and is favored for its versatility across various hairlines and textures.
- Classic Cut: Characterized by shorter hair on top and longer hair on the sides, this style does not employ a fading technique, making it suitable for more conservative individuals.
- High and Tight Fade: This style features a very short fade that closely hugs the head and extends high into the crown.
- Side Part Cut: A classic crew cut with an integrated side part, offering a more sophisticated appearance.
To achieve a crew cut, begin by tapering the sides and back of your hair. Start with the longest guard and perform one round of cutting on the sides and back. Then, switch to a 9mm/.35 in guard (typically a #3 guard) and repeat the process, stopping an inch below the initial cut. Finally, transition to the shortest guard and blend the hair from the bottom upwards to create contrast. The length of the hair on top can be adjusted to your preference.
Fade Haircut Styles
Popularized in the 1940s and 50s by the U.S. Military, the fade haircut has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, appealing to both trend-conscious individuals and those seeking a sophisticated workplace hairstyle. The fade involves cutting the hair on the sides and back as closely as possible with clippers, tapering up to any desired length on top. The following four fade styles are currently the most popular:
- Taper Fade: A subtle fade that is the least pronounced among fade types, often used to blend a beard into the hairline or with longer hair on the sides.
- Low Fade: This haircut begins at the skin and gradually transitions to longer hair. The key to achieving a low fade is determining the starting point of the fade and using progressively shorter guards as you move towards the neck.
- Mid-Fade: The mid-fade starts halfway up the head, typically just above eyebrow height, providing a flattering frame for the eyes.
- High Fade: This style begins in the upper third of the head and is the most pronounced of the four fades, often reaching the crown before transitioning to longer lengths.
To execute a fade haircut, begin by trimming your hair with scissors. If your hair is already at the desired length, proceed to the fading process. As with the low fade, determining the starting point of the fade is crucial. Select a guard size, starting with a lower guard and moving up, or vice versa if you are a beginner. Starting at the neck, gently sweep the clippers upwards, working slowly to ensure even layer lines. After making necessary touch-ups, style as desired.
Undercut Haircut Styles
The undercut is a short to medium-length hairstyle characterized by a contrast between the long hair on top and the short, buzzed sides and back. This timeless look exudes class and sophistication, making it particularly popular. The undercut is versatile, allowing for various lengths on top and sides, making it suitable for most individuals. For optimal results, if your hair on top is approximately 5 cm/2 in, a 12mm/.47 in guard (typically a #4 guard) on the sides is recommended. Conversely, if your hair on top measures 12-15 cm/5-6 in, a 24mm/.94 in guard (typically a #12 guard) is advisable.
Styling the undercut is straightforward. A high-quality pomade is recommended, applied to damp, towel-dried hair. Rub the pomade between your hands and distribute it through your hair, styling as desired.
Taper Haircut Style
The tapered cut, often referred to as the businessman’s cut, is frequently misunderstood as synonymous with a fade. In contrast, a tapered haircut reduces hair length approximately one centimeter above the ear and around the nape of the neck, while a fade shortens the back and sides from the temple downwards to a length below a 6mm/.24 in guard (typically a #2 guard). The tapered haircut features clean lines that follow the head’s shape and is particularly effective for wavy or thick hair, as it alleviates weight.
To achieve a classic taper haircut, first determine your desired hair length and the endpoint of the taper. Select the longest hair clipper guard, which can range from a 6mm/.24 in guard (typically a #2 guard) to an 18mm/.70 in guard (typically a #8 guard), depending on your preference. Starting at the ears, run the clippers around your head to establish the first level of the taper. Switch to the next shortest guard and repeat the process, continuing to decrease the guard number until reaching the nape of the neck. Ensure that the hair is blended appropriately to achieve a seamless taper.
Side Part Men’s Haircut Style
As the name suggests, this hairstyle features a clean, short cut with a distinctive side part. It is regarded as the quintessential gentleman’s haircut due to its timeless appeal and classic aesthetic.
To achieve this look, allow your hair to grow to approximately 5-10 cm/2-4 in. If your hair exceeds 10 cm/4 in, you may need to trim it, as this style relies heavily on clipping. Use a guard between 9mm/.35 in (typically a #3 guard) and 15mm/.59 in (typically a #6 guard) to clip the sides. Ensure that you taper or fade the sides and neckline for a gradual blend. A “hard part,” which is a shaved line that creates a clearly defined part, can enhance the hairstyle’s prominence and contrast the top with the sides.
Once you have completed the side part fade, styling requires a high-quality pomade to maintain the look. Apply the pomade to damp, towel-dried hair. Identify the desired starting point for the side part, either on the left or right side of your head, and comb the hair from that part over to the opposite side. For a slight pompadour effect, comb the front section of your hair towards the back. After all hair is combed back, smooth down the sides and finish with a light application of hairspray to secure the style.
Man Bun Hairstyles
One of the more contemporary styles that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the man bun. As the name suggests, this hairstyle involves gathering a ponytail or bunch of hair at the crown of the head. Below are several ways to achieve a man bun.
To attain this look, you will need hair ties and some practice. If your hair is not already long, it is advisable to grow it to a minimum length of 15 cm/6 in, as this is necessary for a well-formed man bun.
The first step in creating a man bun is to determine the location on your head where you wish to form the bun, typically at the crown. Gather your hair into a ponytail, and while holding it together, pass the hair through the hair tie once with your free hand. On the second pass, stop halfway to create a bun. Alternatively, you may pass the hair through the band twice and form the bun on the third pass if the hair tie is particularly stretchy.
