Short hairstyles for men are always in style. They’re easy, practical, and look good on almost anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. Because there are so many different ways to cut and style short hair, it’s easy to find a look that works for your face shape, hair type, and personal preferences.
The right short haircut can highlight your best features and make you feel more confident. It’s always a good idea to talk to your barber or stylist about what you’re looking for and get their professional opinion. They can help you choose a cut that will flatter your face and be easy to style.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular short hair male hairstyles, offer tips on how to style them, and give you some advice on choosing the right cut for your face shape.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Short Hairstyle
Thinking about going short? Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider the possibilities:
Face Shape
Knowing your face shape is key to choosing a haircut that flatters your features. Common face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and oblong. Some styles work better with certain shapes than with others.
Certain styles can emphasize your best features or create more balance. For example, the outgrown buzz cut is best on men with oval, round, or square faces, because it can lengthen a round face and soften a square jawline.
Lifestyle and Personal Style
Think about your daily routine and how much time you want to spend on your hair. Some short styles are wash-and-go, while others require some primping.
Also, consider your profession and personal style. A classic side part could be a good look in a workplace setting, while a tousled, messy style may be a better fit for a more casual lifestyle.
Hair Type and Texture
Your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, or coily) and texture (fine, medium, or thick) will affect how a style looks and performs. Some styles are better suited to certain hair types.
When you’re choosing a style, be sure to consider your hair’s natural texture.
Trending and Timeless Short Hairstyles for Men
Short hair for men is always in style. It’s manageable, clean-cut, and can be styled in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most popular short hairstyles for men right now:
The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is about as low-maintenance as you can get. It’s a uniform length all over the head, usually achieved with clippers. Think military-inspired simplicity.
There are a few variations on the buzz cut, including the induction cut (the shortest possible buzz), the crew cut (slightly longer on top), and the butch cut (slightly longer than the induction cut, but still very short).
The buzz cut looks best on oval, square, and athletic faces. It’s also ideal for men with thinning hair or receding hairlines. A buzz cut is easy to achieve at home with a set of clippers. I recommend using a #2 or #3 guard for a classic buzz cut length. Just run the clippers over your head in even strokes, and you’re good to go!
The Outgrown Buzz Cut
The outgrown buzz cut is, as the name suggests, a slightly longer version of the buzz cut. It offers a bit more styling versatility than a traditional buzz cut. You can add some texture with a matte pomade or wear it messy and natural.
This style looks great on oval, round, or square faces. Adam Levine and David Beckham have both sported the outgrown buzz cut.
The Short Crop
The short crop features short, textured hair on top, often with a slightly longer fringe (bangs). It’s a modern and stylish cut that’s easy to manage. Use a texturizing paste or clay to define the texture on top.
This style works well with oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. The hair on top should be about a finger’s length.
The Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic hairstyle characterized by voluminous hair styled upwards and backwards at the front. Think Elvis Presley. It’s a bold and stylish look that requires some effort to achieve.
To style a pompadour, you’ll need a strong-hold pomade or wax. Apply the product to damp hair and use a comb to style the hair upwards and backwards, creating volume at the front. You can choose a classic pompadour (slicked back and polished) or a modern pompadour (more textured and tousled).
The Side Part
The side part is a timeless and polished look that involves parting the hair to one side. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down.
To style a side part, simply comb your hair to one side and use a pomade or gel to keep it in place. You can opt for a classic side part (neat and combed) or a disconnected side part (with shaved or faded sides).
The hair on top should be about two to three inches long for a side part.
The Undercut
The undercut features short or shaved sides with longer hair on top. It’s a bold and edgy style that can be styled in many different ways.
To style an undercut, you can slick the hair back, create a pompadour, or let it fall naturally. There are several variations of the undercut, including the disconnected undercut (with a sharp contrast between the short sides and long top) and the faded undercut (with a gradual transition between the short sides and long top).
The Fade
The fade is a haircut where the hair gradually transitions from short to even shorter lengths. It’s a clean and stylish look that can be customized to suit your preferences.
There are several types of fades, including the low taper fade, the mid drop fade, and the high fade.
The Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade is a subtle fade that starts low on the head. It’s a versatile and adaptable short hairstyle that works well for many men.
The Mid Drop Fade
The mid drop fade is a fade that drops behind the ear. It’s a stylish yet low-effort cut that’s neat and classy enough to wear in formal settings.
The High Fade
The high fade is a fade that starts high on the head. It’s a more dramatic look than the low taper fade or mid drop fade.
The Short Mullet
The short mullet is a modern take on the classic mullet, featuring short hair on the sides and top with longer hair in the back. It’s a bold and trendy style that’s been sported by celebrities like Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal.
The Messy Hairstyle
The messy hairstyle is a relaxed and textured look with a natural, undone vibe. It’s perfect for men who want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut.
The key to making a messy hairstyle work is texture. Use a texturizing product to create volume and definition. The hair on top should be about two to four inches long.
The “#4 Back and Sides”
The “#4 back and sides” is a simple and clean cut where the hair is short on the back and sides, using a #4 clipper guard. It’s a softer alternative to a buzz cut or undercut.
Styling Tips and Product Recommendations for Short Hair
A great short haircut is only the first step. To really nail the look, you’ll need to know how to style it and what products to use.
Styling Products
The world of men’s styling products can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types:
- Pomades: Great for slicked-back looks and styles that need a strong hold and shine.
- Waxes: Offer a more pliable hold with a matte or low-shine finish. Good for textured styles.
- Gels: Provide the strongest hold and a high-shine finish. Can sometimes look stiff or “wet.”
- Clays: Ideal for creating textured, natural-looking styles with a matte finish. Offer a medium hold.
- Hairsprays: Used to lock in a style and add extra hold. Can be used with other products.
Choosing the right product depends on your hair type and the style you’re going for. Consider the product’s texture (thick, thin, creamy), its hold (light, medium, strong), and its shine level (matte, low, high).
Styling Techniques
Adding volume, texture, and definition to short hair is easier than you think:
- Volume: Use a blow dryer and round brush to lift the hair at the roots.
- Texture: Apply product to damp or dry hair and use your fingers to create a messy, textured look.
- Definition: Use a small amount of product to define individual strands of hair.
Here are a few specific tips for popular styles:
- Pompadour: Use a pomade or wax to create height and volume at the front.
- Side Part: Use a comb to create a clean part and apply a pomade or gel for hold.
- Messy Hair: Use a clay or wax to create a textured, undone look.
Maintaining Your Short Hairstyle
Regular trims are essential for maintaining the shape and style of your haircut. How often you visit the barber depends on your chosen style and how quickly your hair grows. A good rule of thumb is every 4-6 weeks.
When washing your hair, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Avoid overwashing, as this can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Dealing with Specific Hair Concerns
Short hair can still be prone to problems like thinning, dandruff, and oily scalp. For thinning hair, consider thickening shampoos and styling products. For dandruff, use a medicated shampoo. For an oily scalp, wash your hair more frequently and avoid heavy styling products.
In Conclusion
Short hairstyles for men are stylish, modern, and easy to care for. Whether you’re after something classic and clean-cut or edgy and textured, there’s a short hairstyle out there for you.
When choosing a short haircut, it’s important to think about your face shape, your lifestyle, and your hair type. What looks great on one person might not necessarily suit another, so it’s worth taking the time to find a style that complements your features and fits in with your day-to-day routine.
The best way to find the perfect short hairstyle is to talk to a skilled barber. They can assess your hair and face shape, make personalized recommendations, and help you achieve the look you’re after. Don’t be afraid to bring in pictures of styles you like and ask for their expert advice. A good barber will work with you to create a short hairstyle that makes you look and feel your best.