When it comes to men’s hair, short haircuts are a popular style that look stylish and masculine. Short hair is easy to cut, simple to style and low-maintenance to keep, allowing guys to create the perfect hairstyles. Whether you need a business professional cut for work or a cool and casual style for school, there are several great haircuts for guys with short hair to consider. Some men will want short sides with longer hair on top for a modern and fashionable look, while others may prefer a fade with a short top for a rugged style.
With so many different short haircut styles, it can be a challenge choosing the right men’s hairstyle to try. To inspire you with ideas, we’ve compiled a list of the best short haircuts for men to get right now. From the fade and undercut on the sides to the buzz cut and comb over on top, explore these men’s short hairstyles to find cool cuts and trendy styles you’ll love.
Contents
- 1 Short Hairstyles For Men
- 1.1 Crew Cut
- 1.2 Comb Over
- 1.3 Fade
- 1.4 Quiff
- 1.5 Buzz Cut
- 1.6 French Crop Top
- 1.7 Messy Hair
- 1.8 Undercut
- 1.9 Slicked Back Hair
- 1.10 Spiky Hair
- 1.11 Blowout
- 1.12 Side Part
- 1.13 Faux Hawk
- 1.14 High and Tight
- 1.15 Ivy League
- 1.16 Fringe
- 1.17 Mohawk
- 1.18 Pompadour
- 1.19 Side Swept Undercut
- 1.20 Short Hair with Beard
- 1.21 Very Short Haircuts
- 2 How To Style Short Hair For Men
- 3 Best Men’s Hair Styling Products For Short Hair
- 4 Men’s Short Haircuts
Short Hairstyles For Men
Crew Cut
The crew cut is a simple short hairstyle that offers a timeless and classy look. This classic men’s haircut features short hair on top with an even shorter cut on the sides and back. Most guys will ask their barber for a fade or undercut to complement the longer top. The crew cut hairstyle can be styled textured, messy, spiky, or swept to the side. To style the crew cut, you’ll want to use a good men’s hair product like a matte pomade, wax or clay. Guys with thin or thinning hair should use clay for a textured finish that will make their hair look thicker.
Comb Over
The comb over is a modern men’s hairstyle that exudes class and style. With short sides and longer hair on top, the comb over haircut is typically cut with a fade or undercut. You can choose from many different types of fades, including the low, mid, high, skin and drop fade. The short comb over works well with all hair types, creating a business professional hairstyle for guys who want an elegant and versatile look. For an edgy touch, you can always ask your barber to shave a hard part for a more defined style.
Fade
The fade is a short haircut to get on the sides and back, giving guys a low-maintenance and modern cut that looks sleek. The fade haircut will taper the sides and blend the hair shorter for a seamless finish. This haircutting technique can be paired with many different short hairstyles to create contrast with the longer hair on top. The low taper fade is ideal for business professional styles, while the high fade provides an edgy and sexy cut. The mid fade can be the perfect option between high and low, tapering the hair for a balanced look.
Quiff
The quiff has become one of the most popular hairstyles for men, offering a stylish and classy look that works great with short hair. The quiff haircut is often paired with an undercut or fade that shows off the texture and styling of the longer hair on top. When styling, use a strong pomade or wax to maximize volume and create a casual look. If you’re looking for a fashionable style, the quiff continues to be a cool barbershop trend.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a very short haircut that looks great with thick hair for a rugged style. This military-inspired hairstyle comes with short hair all over the head, making it a low-maintenance cut for guys who want an effortless and simple look. For a modern variation, you can ask your barber for a fade haircut on the sides and back. The buzz cut fade can be paired with a line up to clean the hairline and accentuate the sharp masculine haircut. Whether you want to cut your own hair at home with professional clippers or just need a classic short cut to get at the barbershop, this style is worth experimenting with.
French Crop Top
The French crop is a charming men’s style that features short hair on the sides and a longer fringe. This crop top haircut is cut with a fade to accentuate the shorter hairstyle on top. Similar to the Caesar cut, the crop top fade is often styled by applying a matte pomade and then brushing the hair forward. The bangs in the front can be choppy or blunt, but the look is undeniably chic and natural. Well-suited for guys with thick, straight and wavy hair, this cropped style can be a way to transform your style.
Messy Hair
If you want to stand out, a messy hairstyle can be an easy look for guys who want an edgy and relaxed style. Short messy styles are effortlessly cool and simple to achieve, allowing you to tousle your hair for a loose and fun finish. Use a light styling product to create a disheveled look with your hands or just let your hair fall naturally.
Undercut
The undercut is a trending men’s haircut that features an iconic and stylish way to cut short sides. The undercut hairstyle is trimmed all one length, creating an even cut all around the sides and back. Some guys will pair the undercut with a fade for a blended cut, while most prefer a disconnected cut that is defined and distinct. The undercut can be paired with different types of short haircuts such as the slick back, comb over, faux hawk and pompadour to create cool styles.
Slicked Back Hair
The slick back is a retro hairstyle that requires combing all your hair straight back for a sleek look. For a modern style, guys will want to pair the slick back hairstyle with a short fade or undercut on the sides to highlight the longer hair on top. Ideal for straight thick locks, slicked back hair can be styled with a strong pomade or wax. For thin or thinning hair, consider using a matte product for a textured natural finish that will give your hair a fuller look.
Spiky Hair
In recent years, spiky hairstyles have made a fashionable comeback, offering a daring and cool look. Spiky haircuts are attractive for teen guys and young men who want to stand out. With a taper fade or disconnected undercut, short spiky hair looks best when styled naturally for a textured finish. Use a matte wax or clay styling product to create thick spikes.
Blowout
The blowout is a shorter style featuring trimmed sides and longer hair on top that is brushed up and out. Combined with a taper fade haircut, this new hairstyle looks fresh and smooth for all occasions. To do a blowout, you’ll need a quality hair product, brush and blow dryer. Apply your styling product all over and use your fingers to lift the strands. With low heat, use the hairdryer to keep the style in place.
Side Part
The side part is a classic gentleman’s hairstyle that has stood the test of time. Perfect as a casual and formal style, the side part haircut typically starts with tapered or faded sides to create the necessary contrast. To style, the short hair on top is swept to the side with a comb. Keep the look retro and wet with a high-shine pomade or apply a matte styling product for a textured finish. For an edgy touch, ask your barber to shave a hard part or line into your hair. The side part exudes elegance as a neat and structured look.
Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a modern style for guys who want a tamed version of the mohawk. Also known as a fohawk, this eye-catching short haircut offers a trendy and versatile look that is great for short hair. With taper faded sides, you can style the faux hawk by spiking your hair on top and pushing the strands towards the middle of the head. Less extreme than a traditional mohawk, the short faux hawk fade is a cool hairstyle for any guy to try.
High and Tight
The high and tight is a very short military haircut that features a skin fade on the sides and back with a short style on top. This low-maintenance hairstyle works well with straight, wavy or curly hair and will give you a masculine clean-cut look that is easy to pull off. Whether you want a fresh summer cut or a simple style all year, the high and tight fade can be styled with ease.
Ivy League
The Ivy League is a type of men’s shorter hairstyle with tapered sides and a side-swept longer top. As a combination of the side part and crew cut, the Ivy League haircut looks smart and refined, making it an obvious choice for preppy boys and modern gentlemen. Using a lightweight hair product, this sophisticated style is achieved with a side swept fringe for a polished look.
Fringe
The fringe is a cool hairstyle for modern guys who want to style longer hair in the front. Fringe haircuts come with tapered sides and short hair on top with slightly longer bangs. Popular with teenage boys and young men, this style is brushed forward to cover part of the forehead. Whether you keep it neat and structured or messy and carefree, the look is youthful and stylish.
Mohawk
The mohawk is an edgy hairstyle that usually features shaved sides and a strip of hair in the middle of the head. While the traditional version requires clean-shaven sides, the modern mohawk comes with a fade for a less dramatic haircut. The mohawk fade comes in many styles, giving some guys the bad boy look they want. If you prefer a shorter top, you can get a wide and thick mohawk with a high skin fade. Use a high-hold product to keep the hair up and spiky all day.
Pompadour
The pompadour is a high-volume hairstyle that’s made a huge comeback in recent years. The short pompadour comes with extra volume and length in the front, allowing guys to create the signature pomp for that slick swept-back style.
Side Swept Undercut
For guys with short to medium-length hair, the side swept undercut offers a sexy modern look that’s hard to beat. The short sides are clean and conservative for the modern gentleman, but the combed over hair is left flowing and playful. Guys with medium short hair can use a light styling cream or pomade for the perfect finish.
Short Hair with Beard
Take your short hairstyle to the next level with a beard for a ruggedly handsome look. Growing a thick beard can be a great way to add another dimension to your style. To keep a clean look, make sure to maintain and groom your facial hair regularly for a clean-cut yet masculine touch.
Very Short Haircuts
Very short hairstyles are always easy and simple to get with the right barber tools. With a bald fade on the sides, these edgy modern styles are effortless to style and maintain. You can even cut your own hair at home with good hair clippers.
How To Style Short Hair For Men
- To style short hair, make sure to start with clean washed hair that is towel-dried and left slightly damp.
- Use a quality hair styling product that offers the right hold, shine and texture for your hairstyle.
- For a neat and structured look with a shiny finish, you’ll need a strong pomade or gel.
- To get a textured look for a natural finish, apply a matte pomade, wax, or styling clay.
- For volume and hold, blow dry your hair with low heat to keep it in place all day.
The best way for men to style short hair is to get a good haircut from a professional barber. The most popular short men’s hairstyles have a taper, fade or undercut on the sides and back. These shorter cuts will provide the foundation to style all the coolest looks. When it comes to the longer hair on top, you can choose between really short and medium short hair. With so many styles and trends, guys have various hairstyles for short hair to choose from.
Best Men’s Hair Styling Products For Short Hair
To get the perfect hold, shine and texture, you’ll need the right men’s hair products for short hair. The most popular hair products for guys to use are pomades, waxes, clays and creams. A top-rated hair styling product can help you achieve your desired hairstyle. Some men prefer a light hold with a matte finish for a textured natural look, while others want a strong hold with some gloss for a defined style. To help you, we’ve compiled this guide on the best short hair styling products.
Pomade
Pomade is best for short hairstyles that need a medium to strong hold with moderate to high shine. Pomades are versatile products and great for straight, wavy, curly and thick hair. These top-rated men’s hair products will work wonders for your stylish haircut.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Suavecito Pomade Firme (Strong) Hold 4 oz, 1 Pack - Strong Hold Hair Pomade For Men - Medium Shine... | 16,484 Reviews | $12.84 | Buy Now |
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Baxter of California Clay Pomade | Firm Hold - Matte Finish | Hair Pomade for Men and Women |... | 4,441 Reviews | $18.40 | Buy Now |
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Layrite Superhold Pomade, 4.25 oz Orange | 6,631 Reviews | $20.50 | Buy Now |
Wax
Hair wax is usually made with a medium hold and comes with a matte or low shine. Wax works well with short hairstyles that need texture, volume and flow. Since most wax hair products are made with beeswax, which actually makes hair appear fuller and thicker, this option can be great for guys with thin hair.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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TIGI Bed Head for Men Matte Separation Workable Wax, 3 Ounce | 4,381 Reviews | $11.99 | Buy Now |
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Hair Cream - Mens Hair Gel for Matte Finish & Medium Hold (2 Ounces) - Hydrating Hair Cream for Men... | 8,067 Reviews | Buy Now | |
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Challenger Men’s Matte Cream Pomade, 1.5 Ounce | Natural Finish, Clean & Subtle Scent | Medium... | 845 Reviews | $13.00 | Buy Now |
Cream and Clay
Styling cream and hair clay can add thickness and body to any hairstyle. From low to medium hold and matte to medium shine, these hair styling products can be the right choice for guys with short hair that needs a natural look and feel.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Layrite Natural Matte Cream, Basic, White, Mild Cream Soda, 4.25 Oz | 7,291 Reviews | $20.50 | Buy Now |
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Men's Hair Forming Cream by American Crew, Perfect for Fathers day Gifts, Like Hair Gel with Medium... | 14,176 Reviews | $15.72 | Buy Now |
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Hair Clay For Men | Smooth Viking Clay Pomade for Matte Finish & Strong Hold (2 Ounces) - Non-Greasy... | 4,196 Reviews | $13.97 | Buy Now |
Men’s Short Haircuts
- The most popular short haircuts start with a fade or undercut on the sides and back.
- To get a stylish short men’s hairstyle, consider the comb over fade, textured quiff, slick back undercut, faux hawk, or modern mohawk.
- For a masculine low-maintenance cut, guys should get a buzz cut, crew cut, high and tight, Ivy League or French crop.
- Medium short hair can be more versatile than very short lengths, giving men additional styling options.
- Consider your face shape and hair type when choosing shorter styles.
- A beard can be a nice complement to a shorter cut.
- Use a top-rated men’s hair products when styling short hair.