Getting a fresh new haircut can make any man feel revitalized and stylish. However, with so many potential hairstyles to choose from, it can be tough deciding which cut will look best on you. The good news is that some classic men’s haircuts never go out of style. Then there are also several trending cuts that are likely to be popular this year.
So what are some of the best men’s haircuts to consider in 2023? Here are 13 great options for men aiming to look sharp and up-to-date with their new do.
The Iconic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless short haircut for men that has been fashionable since the 1920s. This classic style features hair clipped close to the head with surgical precision. A crew cut is tapered at the back and sides with just enough length on top to comb across neatly.
It’s a great choice for guys who want a no-fuss and masculine cut that works for all face shapes. While a traditional crew cut is very short all over, you can always ask your barber for a longer crew cut with 2-3 inches left on top if you want a bit more styling flexibility.
Textured Crop
The textured crop puts a modern spin on the classic short men’s haircut. It’s buzzed close at the back and sides to showcase the fuller textured length left on top. This touchable spiky top sets it apart from the standard crew cut to give edgy attitude.
It’s perfect for guys with oval, triangular and diamond face shapes. Ask for choppy layers cut into the top and experiment with matte styling products like clay or pomade for piecey definition.
The Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is one of those iconic men’s hairstyles that will never go out of fashion. This simple short haircut for men is easy to achieve by buzzing all the hair the same short length using clippers. That makes it a practical low-maintenance choice requiring little styling.
The buzz cut flatters rounder face shapes or guys with receding hairlines. As your hair grows out, a buzz cut will need a trim every 2-4 weeks to keep the velvety cropped look sharp.
Short Textured Quiff
A textured quiff has been one of the hottest men’s hair trends of recent years. It puts a modern edge on retro hairstyles for men.
Like a crew cut, it features closely-cropped sides yet combines this with thicker length through the top and front. Shape and define the quiff with some wax, forming a subtle curve sticking up off the forehead. This creates attractive height perfect for accentuating square and round face shapes.
Short Pompadour Fade
The pompadour is a retro men’s hairstyle trending hard right now. Inspired by the 50s greaser look, a modern pompadour uses less product for a textured finish.
Pair a pomp with a high fade on the sides and back for a bold yet neat style statement. This works well on oblong, oval, and triangular face shapes. Use a pomade or mousse when styling to achieve volume and form the signature pomp bump.
Medium-Length Textured French Crop
The French crop offers a touch of European flair. It’s a chic, minimalist haircut for men featuring short sides with two-three inches of textured length on top. This permits some natural movement for a relaxed and tossed finish.
The French crop flatters those with oval, square and heart-shaped faces. Work some sea salt spray into the top while blow drying for enhanced texture and separation.
Long Slicked Back Undercut With Beard
The slick back undercut combined with a beard is very on-trend right now. It allows fashion-forward gents to switch from a business professional to an edgy look easily.
Ask your barber for an undercut with length kept long on top to slick back neatly. Contrast this lengthy, smoothed crown area with closely-cut sides. Then grow out light stubble into a short boxed beard to complete the look.
It’s great for rectangular or square face shapes, creating a suave and masculine aesthetic. Use a strong pomade or wax when styling to achieve that eye-catching slick back effect.
Induction Cut
If you want to emulate military style, an induction cut could be the best men’s haircut for you. This super short style features shaved sides with slightly longer length on top to permit neat combing.
It’s a great way to show off chiselled facial features and flatter heart, oval or triangular face shapes. Use a matte product when styling for a hint of hold minus shine. Then enjoy the convenience of a virtually maintenance-free short haircut.
Short Textured Fringe With Fade
Guys looking for trendy hairstyles for men will appreciate an edgy fringe with fade. It provides flexibility to style the fringe up or across your forehead.
Choose a high, mid or low taper fade on the back and sides to suit your preferred level of contrast. For the fringe itself, point cut into the ends to create desirable texture and movement.
This cut flatters oval, triangular and diamond face shapes best. Work in some sea salt spray and scrunch the fringe while drying for extra volume and pieceiness.
The Modern Comb Over Fade
The comb over fade combines short sides with longer hair on top styled swept over to one side. This dapper style has retro appeal while the sharp fade element gives it an undeniably modern edge.
It’s a great option if you have a rectangular or square face shape. Ask your barber for a high taper fade to accentuate the longer top. Style the comb over section using a medium hold pomade to achieve a classy neat side-parted look.
Well-Groomed Ivy League
For a polished haircut without overly short sides, try an updated Ivy League cut. It offers business professional versatility with the option to style up or across smoothly.
To modernize the Ivy League, request some texturizing during the cut to permit fuller volume on top. This works well with oval, oblong and square face shapes. Work in some mousse or cream when styling for supple hold and a groomed finish.
Messy Brushed Up Hairstyle
If laidback and casually cool is more your speed, check out this messy brushed up style. As the name indicates, it cultivates an attractively mussed aesthetic for gents favoring low-key looks.
The key is leaving three to five inches of length on top to brush upward and back. Couple that with slightly longer sides than a typical undercut to support the overall proportions well. For the right texture, point cut vertically into the ends of the longer top hair. This adds wispy edges so that section appears feathered when dry.
It suits square, oval and diamond face shapes best. Work some matte wax into the top to assist forming the vertical height and separation. Then simply mess it all up loosely between your fingers for that fresh “out of bed” vibe.
The Modern Bowl Cut
Lastly, the modern bowl cut proves short haircuts for men can also be stylish and artistic. It features an all-over one length cut curved to a rounded silhouette.
This used to be an uncool throwback haircut but recently got an edgy makeover. These days, barbers add strong lines, hard parts and asymmetric elements for extra visual interest.
The modern bowl cut flatters heart-shaped, triangular and oval faces. Use some light hold styling cream to play up the curving layers around your face.
How To Choose The Best Haircut For Your Face Shape
Deciding which of these trendy haircuts will look best starts by determining your male face shape. Here’s a quick overview of compatible cuts for different facial shape categories:
Best Haircuts For Round Faces
If you have a round face shape go for hairstyles that add definition. Try the textured crop, pompadour fade, induction cut or messy brushed up hair.
Best Haircuts For Oval Faces
Oval faces suit most short to medium hairstyles. Check out the textured quiff, French crop, comb over or modern bowl cut.
Best Haircuts For Square Faces
Square faces look great with longer hair on top for volume and softening effects. Consider a slick back undercut or messy brushed up style.
Best Haircuts For Oblong Faces
Try cuts with height and width to balance longer oblong faces. Pompadours, quiffs and brushed up hairdos are perfect.
Best Haircuts For Diamond Faces
Hairstyles with texture and height suit diamond face shapes best. Go for the textured fringe fade or messy brushed up hair.
Best Haircuts For Triangular Faces
Triangular faces should aim for fullness towards the forehead and chin area. The textured crop, induction cut or fringe with fade will balance well.
Best Haircuts For Heart Faces
Add structure around heart shaped faces with even lengths. A textured crop, French crop or modern bowl cut will frame well.
Key Tips For Getting The Best Style Out Of Your New Haircut
Ready to book your next barber appointment? Here are some tips to ensure your new hairstyle looks its best:
- Pick The Right Barber – Find an experienced barber or stylist who excels specifically with men’s cuts. Search reviews and check their portfolio first. Discuss ideas openly with them for input based on your face shape and desired maintenance level.
- Bring Photo Inspiration – Collect some photos to show your barber the hairstyles and lengths you like. Effective visual references are key for conveying what style result you want.
- Discuss Good Products – Ask your barber to recommend some styling products well-suited to your new cut. The right waxes, pomades, sprays etc. make perfecting your look much easier. Using quality products designed for men’s hair also makes a big difference.
- Learn To Style It – Take notes when your barber shows you effective styling techniques for your new ‘do. Or check out online video tutorials. Putting in some practice helps you style new cuts confidently yourself later.
- Book Regular Maintenance – Schedule follow-up appointments every four to six weeks to keep your hairstyle looking its best. Consistent trims or fades prevent you losing shape or precision. This step helps stylish cuts retain their flattering form.
The right new haircut can transform how you look and feel about yourself. Follow these expert tips to ensure you select a trendy yet practical 2023 hairstyle well-matched to your facial features. Then invest time into mastering styling it properly. With strategic maintenance trims, you’ll keep rocking an awesome cut sure to win compliments.
When he isn't running his own successful business, Joseph shares his skills and insights through his website. He posts hair tutorials demonstrating classic styles, new techniques, as well as tips for hair care and maintenance for the at-home barber. Joseph has established himself as a leading barbering expert in the region. His website receives thousands of monthly views from those looking to keep their style fresh. From tight fades to textured crops to pomps and everything in between, Joseph delivers hair inspo to help you put your best head forward.
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