Men’s haircuts are becoming increasingly versatile and stylish. The classic cuts have been modernized with new textures, levels, and styling. Understanding the most popular types of men’s haircuts helps guys find a look that suits their style, face shape, hair type, and lifestyle.
From short to long and anything in between, these are the top types of men’s haircuts to consider.
- Undercut
The undercut remains one of the most famous types of men’s haircuts. It features short shaved sides and longer hair on top styled up or back. Guys have many undercut variations to choose from, like high, mid, and low fades, complex parts, shaved line designs, and paired with pompadours, quiffs, or slick backs on top.
An undercut is a sharpened look that works on straight, wavy, or curly hair. It draws attention upward for a flattering appearance. The dramatic contrast between the long and short areas also looks bold and polished.
- Fade
Fades are tapered cuts that transition smoothly between different lengths. They’re created by gradually shortening the hair from longer on top to closely trimmed at the bottom.
There are many types of fades like low, mid, high, bald, drop, burst, and temple fades. Guys can customize them with lineups, complex parts, shaved designs, and by pairing fades with any length on top from short to long.
- Pompadour
The pompadour is a retro-inspired style where the hair is swept up and back from the forehead in a voluminous wave. It works with short to medium-length hair on top for height and volume.
Modern pompadours often have tapered or faded sides for a polished, masculine look. This cut can also be worn messy, smoothed back, or sculpted into a quiff. It’s an appealing look for men who want a bold, eye-catching hairstyle.
- Quiff
A quiff has volume and height like a pompadour, but the hair sweeps forward instead of back. It creates a casual rumpled look that works well on wavy or curly hair.
The quiff combines short, faded sides with longer lengths through the front and top. Styling products add texture and shape to the signature brushed-up front. It’s one of the most accessible men’s haircuts to achieve and suit various face shapes.
- Comb Over
The combover involves combing the hair from one side over to the other. This creates the look of fuller hair and disguises thinning. Comb overs work well with short to medium-length hair.
Many modern combovers taper or fade the sides for a stylish look. Styling products add volume and hold to sweep the hair diagonally over. This classic style flatters various face shapes and hair types.
- Crop
The crop is a short style with hair clips extremely close to the head. Crops range from a subtle taper to very short, with nearly no hair on top. According to MensHaircuts, extreme crops allow you to feel the skin.
This minimalist cut suits guys with receding hairlines or thinning hair. The cropped top requires little maintenance and keeps you cool in warm weather. It projects a bold, no-fuss style.
- Buzz Cut
Buzz cuts feature hair clipped at a universal short length all over the head with electric clippers. This simple, no-nonsense cut suits guys who prefer low-maintenance hairstyles.
The buzz cut’s ultra-short length works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair. The pared-down style puts the focus on you instead of your hair. It also keeps your scalp relaxed and refreshed.
- Crew Cut
The crew cut has slightly more length than a buzz cut. The hair on top is roughly one inch long with tapered sides. This style balances shortness with a touch more styling flexibility.
The extra length on top allows you to style the hair forward or brush it up. But it remains simple enough for low maintenance. The crew cut flatters most face shapes and keeps hair neat.
- Slicked Back
Slicked-back hair is brushed cleanly away from the face for a polished, sophisticated look. Traditional versions use pomade for severe shine, but modern styles have a matte finish.
Slicked-back undercuts remain trendy. The short, faded sides contrast with the smoothly combed top. For added edge, guys can add a hard side part or shaved design. It’s a stylish yet easy haircut to manage.