Getting a fresh new haircut can make any man feel revitalized and stylish. While longer locks definitely have their appeal, short haircuts offer guys a clean, classic look that never goes out of fashion. From the ever-popular crew cut to trending textured crops and faded sides, short men’s hairstyles provide the perfect opportunity to showcase your best facial features.
The Iconic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless short style for men. Its defining characteristic is the very short length all over the head, usually trimmed with clippers. However, modern crew cuts often incorporate some light fading on the sides and back for added dimension.
This neat, masculine cut creates a polished look that complements professional environments as well as casual ones. It also draws attention to great bone structure. Because of its ultrashort length, the crew cut is one of the easiest cuts to style. Simply run some wax or pomade through the top and go. It’s the perfect low-maintenance look for gents who want sophistication without hassle.
The Classic Caesar Cut
Another iconic style is the Caesar cut, which features a straight fringe across the forehead. It resembles a shorter version of the classic men’s combover. This cut has been fashionable since ancient Roman times when it was worn by Julius Caesar.
Today’s Caesar retains a smart, distinguished vibe. It works similarly to bangs and looks great on guys with square-shaped faces or prominent foreheads. You can ask your barber to cut the fringe very short for a subtle look. Or go longer if you want it to be more of a standout, dominant feature.
Textured French Crops
For gentlemen wanting something trendier, check out textured French crop cuts. These build upon the classic French crop’s short sides and textured top but utilize modern fading and line designs.
By keeping hair longer in certain areas of the crown and temples, skilled barbers can create unique shapes and profiles. Faded sides also lend visual intrigue. This mens short haircut offers a tailored look while allowing room for personalization. Styling products are key for maximizing texture.
Taper Fades
Taper fades continue to be a hot trend in men’s cuts. They involve transitioning smoothly from one hair length to another. Typically, hair at the temples and nape of the neck is trimmed down close with clippers. It then gradually blends up to longer hair on top.
This technique creates stark contrast between the faded sides and full crown. Guys can style the longer top hair swept upwards or across the forehead. For added edge, get hard lines or a detailed design shaved around the sides and back.
There are many types of fades to explore, like low, mid, or high. And combos, such as a high bald fade, drop fade undercut, or taper fade with a shape up.
Undercut Styles
For guys wanting an edgier or more alternative look, undercuts make a bold style statement. Undercuts feature very short clipped sides and back, with longer hair left on top. This contracts starkly with the shaved sides to create eye-catching profiles.
Men seeking formal styles could get an undercut then brush back their longer locks on top. Or for casual flair, style disconnected bangs hanging down over the shaved sides.
Undercuts also pair well with short facial hair. The combined look conveys rugged swagger.
Cool Quiffs
The quiff is arguably one of the best men’s haircuts for emphasizing handsome facial features. It nails that sweet spot between polished and casual allure.
To create a quiff, barbers cut short back and sides then leave hair longer in the front. This longer section allows you to style the signature quiff shape. Basically, you brush hairs upward and backward from the forehead. Then arrange them so they angle slightly back, away from your face.
This famous cut frames the face flatteringly and adds loads of appeal. For added visual interest, request a hard part or faded sides from your stylist. Top your look by sporting some stubble or a beard.
Textured Crop Styles
Textured crop cuts are currently very on-trend. As the name implies, they utilize different lengths throughout to produce appealing texture. Typically, hair on top gets cut short. Then barbers will notch out pieces here and there to increase layering around the crown and temples.
This technique lends tips that want to stand at attention, creating lively texture and movement. Styling product helps maximize this piecey look. Swept bangs are also common with cropped cuts.
To individualize yours, discuss options like a side part or shaved designs above the ears with your barber. You could even incorporate a hard part.
Cool Buzz Cuts
Sometimes guys just want to go for the extreme with a bold buzz cut. These feature ultrashort hair all over that gets trimmed using clippers without any guard attached. Buzz cuts basically shave hair down to stubble across the whole head.
This severe style makes quite the fashion statement and instantly gives off an edgy vibe. At the same time, buzz cuts carry a very clean, polished appearance. Just be mindful that this drastic crop puts all your facial features fully on display. So be sure you want to showcase your head shape and ears before taking the plunge.
Buzz cuts essentially reduce styling down to zero. But some barbers can add extra zing by cutting designs into shorter buzzed layers beneath. Cool geometric or logo patternsStamped can infuse them with hip style. You may need to visit the shop frequently though to keep your buzz looking freshly clipped
Short Pompadours
Pompadours are known for towering height, but in recent years short pomp cuts have also emerged on the scene. They provide a happy compromise between the classic tall pomp silhouette and manageable length.
With a short pompadour, the sides get trimmed down very short. Closer to the top, hair transitions to longer section styled swept upward. This mini pomp shape still has good height, just moderately condensed. It offers just enough lift to show off that signature curving pomp contour.
To reinforce it, apply product like pomade while blow drying hair upward from the roots. Then brush everything to the center front hairline to achieve that rounded shape.
Short Mohawks
Traditionally associated with punk culture, Mohawks have crossed over into mainstream trends through shortened versions. Cool short Mohawks retain just a hint of rebellion while conforming enough for professional environments and conservative tastes.
As the name suggests, authentic Mohawks feature a shaved strip running from forehead to nape, leaving hair long only on middle section. Shorter interpretations allow hair to remain at the temples or sides as well. This transforms the style into more of a wide faux hawk.
Some guys go for dramatic contrasts between the shorter sides and tall middle peak. Others opt for subtler gradients using taper fades beside medium-length hair down center.
Messy and Spiky Looks
These days, messy hair is fully on trend across men’s cuts. Intentionally undone texture communicates a devil-may-care vibe that many find appealing. Messy styles purposefully look like you just rolled out of bed… even when you actually spent time creating that effect.
To accomplish it yourself:
Apply product like wax or clay to dry hair and blend it in with your fingers. Then manipulate strands erratically using your hands to build texture and disorganized flow in whichever direction it wants to go.
Spiky hair takes things a step further, sculpting strands so they stand on end. Compared to conservative comb overs, spiky texture suggests an edgy, provocative mood. Use a styling gel with strong hold to achieve that perfectly imperfect look.
Creative Color
Gents seeking something truly eye-catching should consider bringing in some creative color. Modern dyes allow for vibrant hair color that dazzles yet still looks polished.
While whole heads of blue or rainbow hair make a bold claim, even subtle touches convey trendsetting style. Highlight random strands or get abstract color designs for tempered but still artsy realness.
Shaved sides and back offer blank canvases for color patterns. Vivid fades like green undercuts let guys make some noise even at conservative lengths. For tamer options, stylists can blend tone-on-tone shades of chocolate browns, warm coppers, and natural grays.
Short Dreads
Short dreadlocks offer distinctive texture for gents wanting to get in touch with their roots. These cropped locks only extend a few inches down at most. Their tight, rope-like look immediately commands attention.
To form short dreads, guys can backcomb and twist hair into sections around the whole head. Using wax and consistent upkeep will then encourage strands to mesh and lock together. Modern products also help perfect dread shapes and tightness.
The great thing about short dreadlocks is they stay neat and professional for the office. But they still exude an urban edge. Plus maintenance is less intensive compared to very long dreads.
Simple and Sexy: The Buzz Cut
For men seeking a super low-fuss look, buzz cuts can’t be beat for easy styling. Just take clippers sans guard to shear hair down to barely-there length. This removes bulk and fuss so all that’s left is clean, simple allure.
Without anything to obscure facial features, buzz cuts put your best assets center stage. Strong jawlines, killer cheekbones, and twinkling eyes all shine through. The exposed scalp also emphasizes terrific head shape.
To reinforce masculinity, some barbers will shave simple short hair designs above the ears. Cool logos, names, Unicode symbols or abstract shapes infuse buzz cuts with flair. Or certain lengths can produce a velvety peach fuzz texture, which conveys a touchable vibe.
Short Faux Hawks
Faux hawks adapt punky Mohawk attitude for broader wearing. These short cuts are cropped closely on the sides, almost like an undercut. But the middle strip stays longer and taller to mimic a Mohawk’s spiked peak.
The longer top section allows you to play up vertical height and shape. Brush hairs upward delicately and let them fall where gravity takes them. Products like wax or mousse will assist with building body and Telegram texture.
For added visual drama, request hard lines circling the short sides and nape. Combining a faux hawk with modern shaved patterns or color delivers a stylish one-two punch. It respects professional environments while still projecting lots of personality.
Key Takeaways
Short haircuts for men open up snazzy styling opportunities while keeping grooming quick and simple. Popular short men’s cuts like fades, crops, undercuts, and the Caesar neatly show off handsome visages. Meanwhile, edgy buzz cuts and spiky faux hawks incorporate rebellious attitude.
Whatever vibe is right for you, cool short men’s hair promises low-fuss fashion. Taper fades, textured quiffs and messy crops take little effort for maximum effect. So be bold and ask your barber to go shorter next time! Short hair lets your best features put on a star performance.
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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