"Short back and sides, please." This request has been a barbershop staple for generations. While seemingly simple, the term "short" encompasses a vast array of styles, each governed by its own set of rules. Choosing the right short hairstyle involves considering face shape, styling preferences, and understanding the terminology used by barbers. This article delves into the world of basic male hairstyles, providing insights into popular cuts, styling techniques, and how to find the perfect look for you.
Before diving into specific styles, it's essential to understand the language of short haircuts. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you communicate your desired look to your barber:
The first step in selecting a new short haircut is determining whether you like the style. Short haircuts are versatile and can be adapted to different face shapes.
The buzz cut is a low-maintenance trim that has been trending for years. From Becks’ high and tight to Zayn Malik’s all-out, grade-two buzz, these down-to-the-bone trims are all the rage. This trend is perfect for those who find themselves thinning on top. The buzz cut is the most iconic haircut for men who want a stylish, low-maintenance style that requires minimal effort, making it easy, practical and masculine. The modern variation features a fade haircut on the sides and back but some still prefer the classic style, asking their barber to use clippers to cut the same length all over the head. Named for the no-going-back noise of the clippers, this fuss-free style can be anywhere between a grade one and a grade six.
If you’ve ever asked your barber for a “short back and sides”, this is most likely the cut they delivered. The crew cut is about as classic and timeless as a trim can be. The crew cut is attractive, versatile and easy to style, characterized by short hair on top and generally taper faded sides. Sweeping the hair off to one side from a subtle side part adds a cool, contemporary vibe that is easy to style with a small amount of matte pomade. A classy crew cut is attractive, versatile and easy to style, characterized by short hair on top and generally taper faded sides.
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Keep your outrageously oversized pompadours and rockabilly sideburns. For us, the hairstyle that truly encapsulates the essence of the 1950s is the Ivy League. Also known as a Harvard clip, or Princeton, this classic preppy style is essentially just a grown-out crew cut with a neat side-parting. Gaining popularity in East Asia, thanks to its adoption by Korean celebrities, this cut is a chic variation of the short barber style and resembles the classic crew cut. The Ivy League cut, inspired by last year's Korean styles, is taking the world by storm this year. It's becoming a must-have for its sleek, polished look.
Many of the best short hairstyles have their roots in the military, and the high and tight is no exception. With close-cropped back and sides and a slightly longer patch on top, the style is timeless and masculine. This sharp high and tight fade marries masculinity and simplicity. Ask your barber to attach a number two, three or four guard size to buzz the hair on top while using clippers to skin fade the sides and back. A shaved line part can add an edgy touch.
One of the most popular haircuts of the last decade, the textured crop is a tousled style that’s playful up top while keeping things crisp at the back and sides. A versatile, textured French crop is sophisticated and refined but surprisingly simple to style and maintain. The hair falls forward from the crown and ends in a clean, slightly jagged fringe. A high or mid fade at the sides and back amplifies the volume of the longer hair on top. Peaky Blinders has got a lot to answer for when it comes to mainstream menswear in the 2010s. The French crop and disconnected undercut combo will go down as the chop that defined the decade.
At the longer end of the short-hair spectrum, we have the pompadour. In contrast to the other styles listed, this 1950s favourite does actually require some decent length on top. The longer hair is brushed up and back and combed into place with pomade to create height and shine. Conversely, if you have a very round head, short styles with a little height on top can balance out proportions. Try a pompadour with the sides kept short and close to the head. A little brother to the pompadour, the quiff follows the same principle of creating height at the front but in a less dramatic fashion.
“Quiff” refers to hairstyles that combine different aspects of various older hairstyles. It often features aspects of both the flattop and pompadour of the 1950s and/or the mohawk. An alternative to the regular quiff, the short curly quiff does more in terms of offering a natural-looking quiff cut. These styles have an undercut, which is a type of buzz cut that is done on the sides and back of the head. The quiff remains a perennial favorite and is here to stay. Hairstyles that make men look younger typically focus on clean lines, volume, and texture.
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This style does exactly what it says on the tin. Hair is grown out and then combed back and styled into place with some pomade or gel. Think of it as a pompadour but without the loft, making it a lot more low maintenance. Keep the sides long and slicked back or worn with an undercut for a modern touch.
Looking to add some extra edge to your style? Look no further than a spiked hairstyle. At first glance, spiked short hair might look like a quiff or a fauxhawk, but there is a difference - and that is how the hair is positioned. If you choose to adopt this style, we recommend using a gel, wax or pomade for the best results. Short, spiky hair with a fade is edgy and bold, featuring playful, feathery spikes on top and much shorter hair at the sides and back. The top section of hair flows upward and slightly forward, while the hair just behind the forehead flows upward and curls gently back.
Mohawks have long been the staple of boy bands, rockstars, and men who pride themselves on looking cool. You know what the mohawk is and likely know a thing or two about fading as well, but have you heard of the mohawk fade? If not, you’re missing out! If you aren't sure what to get at all, then try going for a short and spiked mohawk look. If you’re not a fan of the bold statement that the mohawk makes but still enjoy the general premise of the look, there is a more low-key, relaxed alternative that could work for you. The spiky mohawk follows closely in the footsteps of the classic mohawk, but it has a more modern appeal. First of all, it looks much neater due to the way that it’s styled. A combination of the mohawk and the ever-stylish high fade, the fade mohawk is gaining popularity with both young and old generations. The mohawk can be any length, which is what makes it such a great option.
Short comb-overs were designed to be paired with a tailored suit, some nice shoes, and a day at the office. One of the cleanest, most polished styles on this list, the classic short comb-over has us thinking of a child having his hair styled for his class photo or piano recital. A sophisticated hard comb over fade is a versatile, low-maintenance option for guys who value a clean-cut, professional style that needs pomade and brushing the hair to the side. The top flows off to one side from a deep, prominent part, while the front flows upward and slightly back.
This is a great example of how a small adjustment can mean all the difference when you think of popular haircuts. The side-swept crew cut is a modification of the classic crew cut, with the only adjustment being that the hair is swept to the side. The side-swept crew cut offers a bit of flair without compromising its clean, classic design.
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The flat cut's most distinctive feature is the stylish straight silhouette created on the head's top and back. The flat cut is sometimes called the "chicoryander cut" in many Asian countries. If you've played any of the Street Fighter games, you probably recognize this haircut from the character Guile. The flat top is a particular type of hairstyle that gets its name from the flat shape of the hair on top. While the flat top is usually associated with straight hair, curly flat tops are their own thing. What's cool about curly flat tops is that they can look very different, depending on the type of curly hair. Frizzy, curly hair (the kind that you'd see in afros) can seem more voluminous.
For those looking for a messier hairstyle that involves low fades, there are few better options than the messy cropped top. Cropped tops are hairstyles that, as the name suggests, crop the top part of the hair while cutting the back and sides, usually in the form of a fade. Low fades look best with cropped tops when they're messy. Messy cropped tops aren't well-suited with the neatness of high and middle fades, which is why they work so well with low fades.
The French crop isn’t for everyone. It’s an interesting mix of a traditional cropped cut and a short-to-long fringe. The top of the French crop is more voluminous than its most similar cousin, the buzz cut. Since the crop is such a standout hairstyle as it is, it’s seriously no wonder that adding a textured top and a fade make this style go from 10 to 100 on the style scale. The textured crop top fade haircut is a careful combination of a traditional crop and a high fade.
The scissor crop and mid fade are similar to the messy cropped top, but this time with a mid fade instead of a low undercut. This hairstyle uses a scissor crop on the top of your head, which is a variation of the crop haircut. Combine the scissor crop with a mid fade, and you've got yourself a neat-looking hairstyle, which is perfect for men who are a little insecure about their forehead size.
Not happy with the Crop hairstyles above? If you really want to stand out, this playful variation of the crop hairstyle should do the trick. French crops are already standout material, and with some extra highlights, you'll be looking younger and more colorful than usual.
When it comes to hair, texture is just as important as style, particularly when dealing with shorter trims. Highly textured styles have been doing the rounds for some time, both on the red carpet and the high street. Aside from getting a good haircut in the first place, two of the best tools to help you achieve the look are a matte clay and a sea salt spray.
Compared to their lengthier, loftier counterparts, short hairstyles are relatively fuss-free when it comes to maintenance. Styling products like paste, pomade, wax and clay are essential and should be selected based on the look you wish to achieve. Pomades and gels tend to give a wet, glossy finish, while clays, pastes and waxes are better for texture.
It’s also well worth investing in a set of hair clippers. Obviously, we’re not suggesting that you should just go to town on your own hair. Still, having a set on hand makes it easy to do quick touch-ups to edging.
In 2024, men's hair trends are taking an exciting turn, with a focus on more relaxed, textured looks that showcase a man's natural charm. Barber culture continues to trend, highlighting the art of expertly crafted haircuts offering a polished yet understated look.
2024 heralds the continuation of the Modern Mullet's reign, inspired by the revival of the Y2K trend. This versatile style is rapidly gaining popularity and is expected to last. Far from a one-size-fits-all, the modern mullet embraces various interpretations, from spiky and short to curly versions. It's a trend that adapts to your style, whether you're aiming for a subtle change or a bold statement. This is all the rage among trendsetters in NY and Seoul, now sweeping across Asia. This medium-length style features an extended nape, textured layers, and outward curving, middle-parted bangs that stylishly reveal the forehead. It's perfect for the fashion-forward man, blending elegance with a hint of edginess. To rock this look, keep it sleek and neat, letting the extended nape be your standout feature.
The spiky mullet is making waves in men's fashion, merging the classic mullet's extended nape with a more subtle and natural spiky twist. While long mullets reign in Korea and East Asia, the West is seeing a rise in shorter versions. This style expresses individuality - the longer back nods to tradition, and the spiky texture up top adds a touch of modern rebelliousness. For styling, use a firm, texturized gel or pomade to spike the top, balancing the sleekness of the back. The center part, or curtain mullet, a style originating from Korea, is set to continue their trend wave into 2024. This medium style exudes a blend of sophistication and ease, featuring extended collar-length hair and longer, center-parted bangs. Sometimes known as the “leaf cut” for the way the swept-back layers fall into the shape of a leaf, it adapts perfectly to various face shapes, offering a fresh take on the classic mullet. The short mullet, gaining traction in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, is a great blend of business and style. Also known as the "Fade Mullet" or "Barber Mullet," it features a collar slightly longer than a traditional fade cut. This mullet's extra short length makes it exceptionally versatile and easy to style. Keep the sides faded and the back subtly elongated for a sharp look.
In 2024, the very short barber style is expected to gain even more popularity, matching seamlessly with clean, luxury fashion trends. This style, a natural evolution from the remote to office work shift era, offers a sleek, clean look with a natural texture. It's becoming a global favorite for its ease and adaptability. For styling, keep it minimal and let your hair's natural texture shine through.
The perm and all things curly are making a bold comeback across Europe and East Asia, not limited by hair length. This trend signifies a liberation from the COVID-era constraints, reflecting a desire for a fresh and adventurous look. Whether adding playful curls to short hair or enhancing longer locks, the perm offers a dynamic change. No need to spend forever styling with a blow dryer. Embrace your coils with confidence, and enjoy the freedom and versatility it brings to your look.
The curly undercut, including Japan's emerging "Spain curl" trend, is captivating the fashion world. This style stands out with its pronounced ridge, a distinctive feature in the realm of short haircuts. Popular among those seeking a bold look, it combines the sharpness of barber hair or short mullet with the dynamic flair of curls. Embrace this trend for a striking, multidimensional look that's fresh and daring.
2024 is witnessing a surge in the popularity of the curly mullet, especially in Europe, the US, and East Asia. This style breathes new life into the classic mullet with its distinct, pronounced ridges and permed curls. The combination of a short mullet or barber hair with bold, defined curls creates a look that's both daring and sophisticated. With its natural curls and medium length, the Korean perm is expanding its influence across Asia this year. This style is a nod to the Y2K era, blending contemporary trends with a touch of nostalgia. Perfect for wavy or curly hair, it pairs seamlessly with fades and other short-sided styles. Use sea salt spray for added volume to enhance this look, creating a relaxed yet stylish chic vibe.
Short hairstyles for 2025 are all about blending simplicity with style. These cuts highlight natural texture, offering versatility and easy maintenance without compromising on sophistication. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, professional look or a more casual, effortless vibe, short styles have something for everyone.
The French crop is a timeless short haircut defined by its blunt fringe and textured top. It’s a perfect option for men looking for a low-maintenance style with a bold, modern vibe.
A contemporary take on the iconic pompadour, this Classic Meet Modern style offers volume and structure on top while keeping the sides clean and short.
The buzz cut has always been a go-to for its low-maintenance appeal, and in 2025, it’s getting a fresh update. With added dimension, bold fades, and even hair designs or color variations, the buzz cut is turning into a canvas for personalization. Perfect for anyone who values a no-fuss style with a touch of edge, this cut combines masculinity with modern flair.
The slick fade combines timeless elegance with contemporary sharpness. Featuring a clean fade on the sides and a sleek, slicked-back top, this Classic and Polished look projects confidence and sophistication-perfect for the office or a night out. The slick fade is ideal for men who appreciate a refined appearance without sacrificing style.
The high and tight is the embodiment of no-nonsense masculinity and Military-Inspired Precision. Rooted in military tradition, this cut features short sides and a slightly longer top for a textured, sharp look.
In 2025, the natural fade takes center stage with its easygoing and relaxed style. Unlike extreme fades, this cut features a more gradual taper that blends effortlessly into the natural length of the hair.
For men with curly hair, the curly taper fade is the perfect fusion of natural texture and precision. This fade enhances curls while maintaining clean, sharp lines on the sides.
For those with natural curls, the curly fringe is the perfect way to show off your texture in a bold, youthful style. Bringing a modern twist to the curly fringe, pairing it with a classic taper fade provides a perfect balance of structure and personality.
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