A Complete Guide to Different Haircut Types for Men

Today, gents have more choices than ever when it comes to their hair. Far more complicated than just selecting whether you want long, medium or short strands, choosing a haircut can be a daunting task. Luckily, this guide is here to help you decipher the difference between even the most confusing of cuts. From pompadours and quiffs to buzz cuts and blowouts, this guide will show you the different haircut types for men so that you can find the perfect look for your locks.

Types of Haircuts for Men

Bald Fade

The bald fade is a masculine and sleek look that can be stylish on men of all ages. It adds a smart appearance and can be paired with a wide range of cuts; you can opt for a low bald fade for a subtle, understated look or a high bald fade for contrast.

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Blowout

A blowout is a type of men’s haircut that is designed to appear wind-blown and a little wild. The look is characterized by a full-volume top, which is styled tall, and short or faded sides.

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Box Braids

Box braids have a boxy appearance and are made using square-shaped hair divisions. They have such an effortlessly cool vibe to them and are versatile; they can be created in different lengths and sizes.

“size-full wp-image-297488 aligncenter” alt=”Triangle Box Braids (1)” width=”455″ height=”600″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661269033_786_A-Complete-Guide-to-Different-Haircut-Types-for-Men.jpg”/>Bowl Cut

For those who don’t recall the ’90s bowl cut, the style features a straight cut fringe with the sides and back of the hair cut to the same length. Today, the modern bowl cut is messier than its predecessor with a less severe undercut.

“size-full wp-image-307262 aligncenter” alt=”Bowl Haircut” width=”455″ height=”683″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1654218668_820_100-Best-Mens-Haircuts-in-2022.jpg”/>

Burst Fade

The burst fade haircut is versatile and cool and lends itself well to various lengths, styles, and textures. The look can be defined by the hair tapering around the ear and the back of the head, creating a rounded, semi-circular appearance. It is often left longer at the neck.

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Cornrows

Cornrows are one of the most popular and iconic braids you can get and are created very close to the scalp. They have a distinct appearance, feature a raised row, and are a fantastic protective style that can help prevent loss of moisture and breakage.

 
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Buzz Cut

A buzz cut is a simple and short haircut for gents. It is identifiable by its length, which is clipped very close to the head with electric clippers. Thanks to its ultra-short length, buzz cuts are a very easy style to wear and maintain. They require no styling and just need a quick trim when the length starts to grow out.

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Caesar Cut

A Caesar cut is a type of men’s hairstyle that features short, horizontally straight cut bangs. The look, which is also short on the top, back, and sides, was named after Julius Caesar.

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Comb-Over

A comb-over is a classic men’s hairstyle that consists of a long section of hair on top of the head that is parted to one side and combed toward the other. The cut, which can help make hair appear full, is often popular with gents with fine hair.

“size-full wp-image-305431 aligncenter” alt=”Comb Over” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661269036_412_A-Complete-Guide-to-Different-Haircut-Types-for-Men.jpg”/>

Crew Cut

A crew cut is a type of men’s haircut where the upright hair on the top of the head is cut short. Additionally, the sides are cut or tapered exceptionally short to create a neat and tidy appearance.

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Curtains

The curtain haircut has a 90s grunge aesthetic and features a long fringe but short sides and back. It can be worn with a middle parting or a side parting. Nowadays, the hairstyle has a more modern approach and lends itself well to personalization; this can be with different colors and lengths. 

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Disconnected Undercut

Today, a disconnected undercut is one of the most popular hairstyles for daring gents. The cut features a longer length of hair on top and significantly shorter sides. Unlike taper and fade styles, the disconnected undercut forgoes any gradual change in length and opts for a bold contrast instead.

“size-full wp-image-313207 aligncenter” alt=”Slick Back With Disconnected Undercut” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661213724_988_30-Best-Slicked-Back-Hairstyles-Haircuts-for-Men.jpg”/>

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are a type of hairstyle where long strands are matted or braided into ropelike locks. The unique look is most often associated with the Rastafarian movement and can be created by twisting hair while wet into tight braids or ringlets.

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Drop fade

The drop fade drops low and behind the ear, hence the name, and the arc shape creates a natural appearance. This makes it easier to wear and more subtle. It is versatile, and it can be paired with a vast range of looks, such as a disconnected undercut or with a pompadour.

“size-full wp-image-289157 aligncenter” alt=”Drop Fade With Slick Back” width=”455″ height=”600″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661269042_476_A-Complete-Guide-to-Different-Haircut-Types-for-Men.jpg”/>
 

Edgar

The Edgar haircut is fantastic for men with long, oval, and angular faces who want a fresh, masculine look. Depending on your preference, the Edgar can be created with various hair textures and types and can be worn with fades and facial hair.

“size-full wp-image-297087 aligncenter” alt=”Mid Fade With Edgar Haircut” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661049125_448_20-Coolest-Mid-Fade-Haircuts-for-Men-in-2022.jpg”/>

Faux Hawk

A faux hawk, which aims to emulate a mohawk without actually being one, is a great modern interpretation of the classic punk trend. The look features short sides and a longer strip of hair on top that is styled upwards.

“size-full wp-image-312591 aligncenter” alt=”Faux Hawk” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661172864_80_11-Best-Hairstyles-for-Men-with-Fine-Hair.jpg”/>
 

French Crop

A French crop is a minimalist cut that features short sides with a similar or slightly longer length on top. The cut is styled forward on top to create a small fringe along the hairline. A French crop is similar in appearance to a Caesar haircut, and the two are often confused.

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Fringe

Adding a fringe to your hairstyle can completely transform your look. Choose between front bangs for a retro style of a side-swept fringe for a more contemporary appearance.

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Hair Design

Hair design is a great way to show off your personality and your fun side. The fantastic thing about this look is that there are so many different options to choose from; some simple and subtle, others daring, and they will all grab attention.

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Hair Twist

Hair twists are achieved by twisting hair strands and are a fantastic option for Afro-textured hair because they are easier to create than other protective styles. They work on various hair lengths and can be paired with different fades and even other braids for a fresh and masculine appearance.

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High Fade

The high fade is a more daring hairstyle than its smaller counterparts. The look quickly decreases from a long top to completely short sides for an appearance that is both contrasted and blended.

“size-full wp-image-207901 aligncenter” alt=”Mid Fade” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661269046_67_A-Complete-Guide-to-Different-Haircut-Types-for-Men.jpg”/>
 

Ivy League

An Ivy League haircut, which is also sometimes referred to as a Princeton or Harvard clip, is a slightly longer version of the traditional crew cut. The cut features hair on top of the head that is long enough to wear with a side part.
 
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Low Fade

The low fade quickly graduates from short buzzed strands around the ears to longer sides. The look appears neat and tidy while remaining subtle and stylish.

“size-full wp-image-296845 aligncenter” alt=”Low Fade With Crew Cut” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661269048_35_A-Complete-Guide-to-Different-Haircut-Types-for-Men.jpg”/>
 

Man Braid

Man braids are the latest trending hairstyle for gents. Part of their appeal is their ability to create a range of different stylish looks. From bold, all-over braids to a subtle braided part, this look has an option for everyone.

“size-full wp-image-290998 aligncenter” alt=”Long Hair With Man Braids” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1654218688_201_100-Best-Mens-Haircuts-in-2022.jpg”/>
 

Man Bun

The hipster haircut known as the man bun was introduced several years ago and is still going strong. The stylish look is ideal for medium-length and long locks and involves tying all hair up into a single bun at the back of the head.

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Mid Fade

The mid fade features faded sides where the hair graduates from long to short in between the crown and the ear. This stylish cut is a great option for any gent who is looking for something bolder than a low taper fade but more subtle than a high version.

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Military Haircut

Along with the traditional military haircut, which features a side part and is neatly gelled in place, this category includes many other styles. The buzz cut, military fade haircut, Ivy League, crew cut, regulation cut, undercut, and flat top are all considered military and army hairstyles.

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Mohawk

A mohawk is a punk-inspired hairstyle that features a strip of long hair running from the hairline to the back of the head and contrasting short sides. Although the look traditionally features sharp spikes, it can be styled in many ways for a more modern appearance.

“size-full wp-image-286338 aligncenter” alt=”Mohawk” width=”450″ height=”600″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661026258_68_20-Most-Unprofessional-Hairstyles-for-Men-2022.jpg”/>
 

Mullet

The mullet is a controversial style first popularized in the 80s; it is kept short on the sides and the top of the head and left longer in the back. That said, it is surprisingly versatile and low-maintenance, suiting a wide variety of face shapes.

 
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Pompadour

A pompadour is a classic men’s hairstyle that dates all the way back to the 1700s. Although it originated as a hairstyle for women, celebrities like Elvis made this style a key look for men. Today, the cut, which features hair styled up and back off the forehead, is a highly popular choice for gents.

“size-full wp-image-306026 aligncenter” alt=”Wavy Pompadour Men” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661259709_127_45-Best-Hairstyles-for-Men-with-Wavy-Hair-in-2022.jpg”/>
 

Quiff

A quiff hairstyle is similar to a pompadour and also features hair that is brushed up and backward from the forehead. Unlike a pompadour, which features all hair on the top of the head-styled back, a quiff is created by first brushing all the hair forwards before styling it into a wave shape.

“size-full wp-image-290255 aligncenter” alt=”Side Part With Quiff” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661166285_194_70-Best-Mens-Short-Haircuts-Hairstyles-in-2022.jpg”/>
 

Shaved Sides

Many of today’s most popular hairstyles feature shaved sides. You can rock the look with either a long length on top for an extreme contrast or a shorter crop for a more subdued style.

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Short Back and Sides

Haircuts featuring a short back and sides are some of the most popular styles for gents today. The look can include many hairstyles, such as the French crop, faux hawk, side part, pompadour, crew cut, and more.

“size-full wp-image-313848 aligncenter” alt=”Short Back And Sides” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661269052_91_A-Complete-Guide-to-Different-Haircut-Types-for-Men.jpg”/>
 

Side Part

Just as it sounds, a side part hairstyle for gents is a look where the hair has been parted off to one side. The look is ideal for creating an appearance that is neat and polished. For a classical take on this style, keep hair combed and sleek. For a more modern interpretation, add plenty of texture and volume, and keep things a little less structured.

“size-full wp-image-312590 aligncenter” alt=”Sleek Side Part” width=”455″ height=”700″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661172859_443_11-Best-Hairstyles-for-Men-with-Fine-Hair.jpg”/>
 

Skullet

The skullet is halfway between the mullet and skull, hence the name; A clean-shaven skull defines the cut, and hair is left on the back of the head. It is not for the faint-hearted, and that is why it’s not a mainstream look that you see every day but is edgy and has a rebellious vibe.

“size-full wp-image-286334 aligncenter” alt=”Skullet” width=”450″ height=”600″ data-lazy- src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661026262_849_20-Most-Unprofessional-Hairstyles-for-Men-2022.jpg”/>
 

Slicked Back

A slicked back look is a traditional business hairstyle for men that appears sharp and sophisticated. You can create the style by combing all your hair backward while using some pomade or gel to secure the shape. While using a small amount of pomade will create a more modern appearance, using a decent dollop of wet-look gel will lead to a cool rockabilly hairstyle.

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Spiky Hair

Spiky hairstyles are styled so that the hair appears as sharp points and sticks up. The edgy look can be created by working gel or wax through the hair and pulling small sections into points.

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Taper Fade

A taper fade – often referred to as a taper – differs from a classic fade in several ways. Both involve gradually cutting the side and back of the hair short while leaving the top section longer. However, a taper fade is cut shorter and can result in fading down to the skin at any point.

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Top Knot

Similar to a man bun, a top knot is a hairstyle that features a bun on the top of the head. It is also commonly paired with shaved sides for a more powerful appearance.

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Undercut

Undercuts have seen a significant resurgence in popularity in recent years. The look, which encompasses both disconnected and faded versions, features long hair on top of the head and shortly buzzed sides and back.

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If you liked this article, check out the best men’s haircuts for all face shapes and hair types!