Men's Haircuts: 40+ Timeless Hairstyles and Modern Trends

Men’s haircuts and hairstyles continue to evolve with fashion trends and cultural shifts, but the foundation remains rooted in timeless shapes and proportions that have proven their staying power across decades.

Finding the perfect haircut can transform not just your appearance, but your entire confidence level. Whether you’re drawn to the sharp precision of a classic taper or the bold statement of a modern mullet, the right hairstyle should complement your face shape, suit your lifestyle, and reflect your personal style.

From the boardroom to the barbershop, from casual weekends to special occasions, your hairstyle is often the first impression you make. This selection of men’s hair trends will walk you through both enduring classics and cutting-edge trends, helping you discover the perfect men’s haircut for your hair type, face shape, and personal aesthetic. Ready to find your signature hairstyle?

Classic Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles That Never Go Out of Style

Some haircuts transcend trends and remain perpetually relevant. These timeless men’s hairstyles form the backbone of men’s grooming, offering sophisticated options that work across generations, professions, and personal styles. Each classic cut has earned its place through decades of proven versatility and enduring appeal.

The Classic Taper

A gradual reduction in hair length from the top of the head down to the neckline, the classic taper, normally done with scissors, offers clean, professional styling without being overly trendy. Perfect for men who want a polished look that works in any setting.

Explore More: Taper Fade Haircut: Style Variations for Every Face Shape + Maintenance Tips

The Ivy League

Also known as the Harvard Clip, this refined cut features short sides with enough length on top to create a subtle side part. It’s the epitome of preppy sophistication and works exceptionally well for professional environments.

Related Content: Classic Charm: The Ivy League Haircut For Men

The Crew Cut

Short, neat, and incredibly low-maintenance, the crew cut features uniform length on top (typically 1-2 inches) with shorter sides and back. It’s the go-to choice for men who prioritize practicality without sacrificing style.

Explore more: Crew Cut Hairstyles for Men: The Ultimate Short Cut Reimagined

The Pompadour

This voluminous style sweeps hair up and back from the forehead, creating height and dramatic flair. While requiring more styling effort, the pompadour makes a bold statement and suits men with thick, straight to wavy hair.

Explore More: Modern Pompadour Hairstyles

The Side Part and Comb Over

Perhaps the most versatile classic cut, the side part works with various hair lengths and textures. It’s characterized by a clean part line and hair, sometimes combed to one side for a sharper line, offering timeless elegance that adapts to both casual and formal occasions.

But the side part doesn’t always need to be polished. A messier, tousled version leans more relaxed and modern, letting the hair fall naturally with added texture. This looser approach works especially well with medium-length hair, giving off an effortless, fashion-forward vibe while still keeping the structure of the part.

mens haircuts - classic comb over with fade

On the sharper end of the spectrum, the comb over highlights the clean line by styling the hair neatly to one side with product for control and shine. This variation feels more refined and structured, making it ideal for professional settings or formal events. Together, these interpretations show just how adaptable the side part can be, from laid-back to boardroom-ready.

The Slick Back

Smooth, sophisticated, and undeniably masculine, the slick back haircut involves combing all hair straight back from the forehead. This style works best with medium to thick hair and requires quality pomade or gel for hold.

a man with a slicked-back side part hairstyle

A refined variation is the slicked-back side part, which combines the structure of a part with the sleek finish of a traditional slick back. In the style above, the part is visible, but the hair is styled more backward than across, creating height and shine rather than a purely sideways sweep.

The Buzz Cut

The ultimate in low-maintenance styling, the buzz cut uses clippers to create uniform length all over the head. Ranging from #1 to #4 guards, it’s practical, cooling, and works with any face shape. Shorter guards give a sharp, military-inspired edge, while longer ones add softness and a hint of texture. It’s also a smart choice for men with thinning hair, and with a fade or line-up, the buzz cut can look modern and polished without losing its effortless appeal.

Explore More: Buzz Cut Men’s Hair Styles: The Ultimate Guide and DIY Tutorial

The Flat Top

flat top mens hairstyle — Flat top haircut by @barber_ava_

The flat top is a bold, instantly recognizable haircut defined by hair cut upright and shaped flat across the top for a sharp, boxy silhouette. First popular in the 80s and 90s, it’s still a standout today thanks to its clean, structured look. Modern versions often pair the flat top with faded sides for a sleeker edge, while classic takes keep the retro, blocky feel.

The High and Tight

The high and tight haircut takes its cues from the military, combining efficiency with sharp style. The ultra-short sides and back, usually buzzed down, contrast with the slightly longer top, creating a strong, no-nonsense look. It’s low-maintenance, works well with most face shapes, and has become a go-to for men who want a clean, masculine cut that’s equally suited for the gym, the office, or everyday wear. It also works exceptionally well for older men with thinning hair.

Explore More: Fade Haircuts for Men: 25 Modern, Versatile Styles

Modern Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles to Try Right Now

Contemporary men’s hairstyles push boundaries while maintaining wearability. These current trends reflect today’s fashion-forward approach to grooming, incorporating texture, asymmetry, and creative interpretations of classic foundations.

The Modern Mullet

The mullet is making a comeback, but this time it’s sharper and more deliberate. Once dismissed as a retro joke, it’s now one of the most versatile cuts around. Today’s modern mullets trade the bulky ’80s vibe for texture, cleaner lines, and faded sides that feel modern and intentional. The short mullet version has also become a huge trend, especially among younger men and athletes, striking a balance between edgy and wearable.

The Wolf Cut

Combining elements of shag and mullet cuts, the wolf cut features heavy layering, textured ends, and a deliberately tousled appearance. It’s perfect for men who want an effortlessly cool, rock-and-roll inspired look.

Explore more: The Wolf Cut for Men: Choppy, Edgy, and Modern Hairstyles

Textured Crop

The textured crop is especially versatile, working well with straight, wavy, or curly hair, and can be paired with a fade or taper for added edge. Its balance of casual texture and clean shape makes it a favorite for men who want a modern style that transitions seamlessly from work to weekend.

Explore More: Top 5 Textured Hairstyles for Men of All Time

Mid Taper Fade

The mid taper fade gradually shortens the hair around the temples and neckline, creating a smooth transition that frames the face without being too bold. Its adaptability makes it a go-to choice, whether paired with longer styles on top for volume or shorter cuts for a cleaner, more understated look.

Curly Fringe

The curly fringe highlights natural texture by letting curls fall across the forehead while the sides stay neat. Perfect for curly or wavy hair, it works equally well styled loose for a casual look or defined with product for sharper detail. This cut turns curls into the focal point, keeping the overall style balanced and modern.

Explore More: 10 Best Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair for Men

Flow Cut

The flow cut, often nicknamed the “hockey haircut,” thrives on medium to long lengths that let the hair frame the face and move with ease. It works especially well with straight or wavy textures, requiring just enough length to create that signature flow without heavy styling. Popular among actors, it carries an effortless, cool vibe that blends casual comfort with a touch of sophistication.

The Quiff

The quiff is a classic style that combines volume with a relaxed, modern feel. Unlike the sleeker pompadour, it’s more textured and casual, with hair swept up and back from the forehead for height and movement. Versatile enough to pair with fades, tapers, or longer sides, the quiff can be polished for formal settings or styled loose for a laid-back vibe.

The Faux Hawk

The faux hawk is a modern, wearable take on the mohawk that keeps the edge without going over the top. Hair in the center is left longer and styled upward for height, while the sides are trimmed shorter for contrast but not shaved completely. This balance makes it versatile—easy to tone down for daily wear or style bold for a more striking look.

The Undercut

The undercut is marked by sharp contrast, with long hair on top and the sides and back cut very short. This creates a bold, modern look that’s easy to adapt—slick it back for polish, wear it textured for edge, or shape it into a quiff or pompadour for added height. Its versatility makes it one of the most popular statement cuts today.

Burst Fade Mohawk

The burst fade mohawk is a modern, toned-down take on the classic mohawk. It leaves a strip of longer hair on top while the sides are shaped with curved burst fades around the ears, blending smoothly into the neckline. The result is bold but versatile, easy to style with texture or height while still being sharp enough for everyday wear.

The Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut, named after Julius Caesar, is known for its short, straight-cut bangs and uniform length around the head. Modern versions often add texture or layering to soften the look, making it adaptable, low-maintenance, and stylish for a variety of hair types.

Messy Textured Cut

The messy textured cut delivers an effortless, stylish look with purposefully tousled layers and piece-y definition. It works especially well with natural cowlicks or uneven growth, turning them into part of the style. Easy to wear loose or sharpened with matte product, it’s a modern, low-maintenance cut that feels casual yet fashion-forward.

The Low Taper Fade

low taper fade with curtains - men's haircuts

The low taper fade starts just above the ears and along the neckline, creating a smooth, subtle transition. Less dramatic than higher fades, it adds polish while keeping a conservative edge, making it ideal for professional settings and adaptable to many styles on top.

Explore More: 25 Low Taper Fade Haircuts for Men: Trending Hairstyles Guide

[Very] Short Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles: Clean and Practical

Short hairstyles offer the perfect combination of low maintenance and sharp styling. These cuts work exceptionally well for professional environments, active lifestyles, and men who prefer spending minimal time on daily grooming routines.

The Skin Fade

The skin fade is the most dramatic fade style, cutting the hair right down to the skin at the sides and back before gradually blending into longer lengths on top. This sharp transition creates bold contrast and a distinctly modern edge that works with a variety of cuts, from buzz cuts to pompadours. Its precision demands regular maintenance, but the payoff is a clean, striking look that always stands out.

Explore More: The Stylish Combination: Skin Fade Haircut with Beard

The Induction Cut

The induction cut is the shortest buzz cut, usually done with a #1 or #2 guard for an almost-bald finish. First popularized in the military, it’s practical, low-maintenance, and sharpens facial features for a clean, commanding look.

The Brush Cut

The brush cut is a step up from the buzz, with hair kept slightly longer—usually around ¼ to ½ inch—for a uniform finish. This added length gives it more texture and styling potential while still keeping the clean, practical look that makes short cuts so appealing.

The Military Fade

The military fade combines very short sides with a slightly longer top, creating a sharp and disciplined contrast. Its defined transition line emphasizes clean geometry, giving the cut a strong and structured look. Originating from military grooming standards, it has become popular for its low-maintenance appeal and timeless, masculine edge that works well in both professional and casual settings.

The Bald Fade

The bald fade takes the fade haircut to its most extreme, with the sides and back cut right down to the skin for a clean, bare finish. This creates a striking contrast against the longer hair left on top, giving the style a bold, contemporary edge.

Short Textured Cut

The short textured cut elevates a basic short style by adding dimension through layering and carefully placed texture. This creates movement and visual interest, preventing the haircut from appearing flat or one-dimensional. It’s a versatile option that can be styled casually or sharpened with product for a more polished look.

Medium-Length Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles: Versatile Styling Options

Medium-length hairstyles offer the best of both worlds: enough length for styling versatility without the maintenance requirements of truly long hair. Some of these styles work well for mid to long lengths, offering men more hairstyle options in their daily styling routine.

The Side Swept

Features longer hair combed to one side with natural texture and movement. Works particularly well with wavy hair and oval face shapes. This style can be worn loose for a relaxed, effortless look or refined with product for added control. Its timeless appeal makes the side sweep a versatile choice that bridges casual and formal settings with ease.

The Layered Cut

Strategic layering creates movement and prevents medium-length hair from looking heavy or triangular. It’s also excellent for adding volume to fine hair, making the style appear fuller and more dynamic. Layered haircuts can be tailored to suit different textures, from straight to curly, and work well with a variety of face shapes. This versatility has made them a go-to option for men who want dimension and shape without sacrificing length.

The Shag Cut

The shag haircut is a rock-inspired style known for heavy layering, choppy ends, and a deliberately messy finish. First popularized in the 70s, it’s made a comeback as a versatile cut that works with straight, wavy, or curly hair. By adding movement and volume, the shag can be styled to look edgy and bold or more relaxed and effortless, making it both modern and timeless.

The Swept Back

The swept back is a modern take on the slick back, with added length and a textured finish for a softer look. Less rigid than the classic version, it keeps its sophistication while allowing natural movement and volume, making it versatile for both casual and formal settings.

The Choppy Cut

90s inspired choppy bowl cut — Choppy 90s-inspired Bowl Cut

Choppy haircuts feature irregular lengths and textured ends that create movement and visual interest. Perfect for men who want edgy styling without extreme length, they can be tailored to work with straight, wavy, or even curly hair. The cut’s uneven structure adds a modern, fashion-forward vibe, while still being versatile enough to adapt to different looks with the right styling products.

The Disconnected Undercut

The disconnected undercut features a dramatic contrast between long top sections and very short sides with no gradual transition. This sharp separation creates a bold, fashion-forward look that immediately stands out. It can be styled slicked back for a polished edge or left textured for a more rebellious vibe. The versatility of the longer top allows endless variations, making it a favorite for men who want a statement cut with impact.

The Mod Cut

mod cut for men — A modern wavy mod cut. It’s not as bowl-shaped or stiff as the original Mod style—this one’s looser, with more layered texture and natural movement. Basically, the mod cut after a night out and a few decades of evolution.

The mod cut is a modern update of the bowl cut, defined by softer edges, added texture, and more flattering proportions. Inspired by 1960s Mod culture and later revived by Britpop, it keeps the rounded fringe but adds layered shaping for a fresher look. Youthful yet retro, it works well with straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair, giving it a distinct mix of vintage and contemporary style.

Long Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles: Contemporary Masculine Styles

Long hairstyles on men have evolved far beyond the simple ponytail. Today’s longer cuts incorporate sophisticated layering, intentional styling, and contemporary approaches that maintain masculine appeal while embracing length.

Long Layered Cut

Long layered hair uses strategic cuts to prevent length from appearing flat or shapeless, adding movement and avoiding the dreaded triangle silhouette. By distributing weight more evenly, it creates a balanced shape that enhances natural texture. Layers can also add volume to fine hair or control thickness in dense hair, making this style adaptable to many different hair types. The result is a timeless look that feels polished yet effortlessly natural.

The Long-Hair Surfer Cut

Long surfer hair blends relaxed, textured length with a naturally tousled, sun-kissed vibe, while borrowing a touch of grunge edge. Best suited for wavy or curly textures, it embraces undone movement and a slightly messy, lived-in feel. Subtle layers keep the cut light and flowing, while the grunge influence adds a rougher, 90s-inspired attitude. The result is a carefree style that mixes beach culture with rock-and-roll rebellion.

Explore More:

10 Trendsetting Surfer Hairstyles for Men to Ride the Wave

10 Cool Grunge Hairstyles for Men. The Effortless 90s’ Style Today

Long Straight Hair

Long straight hair delivers a sleek, striking look but requires precise cutting to stay sharp and masculine. Strategic layering adds movement and prevents a flat or heavy finish, while subtle styling choices—like a center or side part—give it a confident, modern edge.

Related Content: Men’s Long Haircuts for Every Face Shape

The Man Bun

The man bun gathers hair into a bun at the crown or back of the head, usually needing six inches or more in length. It works with straight, wavy, or curly textures and can be styled tight for a polished look or loose for a relaxed vibe.

The Viking Cut

The Viking cut, inspired by Norse tradition, often features long hair with braids, shaved sides, or a rugged, textured finish. Bold and distinctive, it blends historical warrior style with modern elements like fades or undercuts for a commanding look.

Long Curly Hair

Long curly hair works with natural curl patterns, using layers to create balance, definition, and movement. Specialized cutting techniques prevent bulk while showcasing the texture, allowing curls to look full, structured, and naturally stylish.

Haircut Recommendations by Face Shape

Selecting the perfect haircut involves more than just following trends. The most flattering cuts work in harmony with your natural features, hair characteristics, and lifestyle requirements.

Round Faces: Opt for cuts that add height and reduce width. Try pompadours, quiffs, or side-swept styles that create vertical lines.

Square Faces: Soften angular jawlines with textured cuts, longer tops, or styles with some curve. Avoid harsh, geometric lines.

Oval Faces: The most versatile face shape works with nearly any cut. Experiment with different lengths and styles to find your preference.

Oblong Faces: Add width with fuller sides or longer, textured styles. Avoid cuts that add too much height.

Heart-Shaped Faces: Balance a wider forehead with fuller sides and textured cuts that add width at the jawline.

Men’s Haircut & Hairstyle Styling Tips

The right cut is only half the equation – proper styling and maintenance ensure your men’s hairstyle always looks its best between barber visits.

Styling Products for Different Hair Types

Pomades: Ideal for slick backs, side parts, and classic styles. Offer strong hold with varying levels of shine.

Hair Wax: Perfect for textured styles, providing moldable hold with a matte finish that looks natural.

Gel: Best for structured styles requiring strong, long-lasting hold. Works well with shorter cuts and precise styling.

Sea Salt Spray: Adds texture and volume to longer styles, creating that effortless, beachy look.

Hair Paste: Offers medium hold with flexibility, perfect for styles you might need to adjust throughout the day.

Classic and Modern - a young man with a Quiff and a Low Taper with blonde highlights for men. — Classic and Modern Combination: Quiff + Low Taper Fade with blonde highlights.

How to Maintain Shape Between Barber Visits

Trim Neckline: Learn to maintain your neckline with careful trimming between professional cuts.

Edge Up: Keep sideburns and hairline crisp with regular touch-ups using appropriate tools.

Manage Growth: Understand how your specific cut grows out and plan maintenance accordingly.

Product Rotation: Switch products based on your hair’s current length and needs as it grows.

Tips for Blow-Drying or Air-Drying

Blow-Drying: Use a round brush for volume, direct airflow from roots to ends, and finish with cool air to set the style.

Air-Drying: Apply product to damp hair, scrunch or finger-style, and allow natural texture to emerge.

Heat Protection: Always use heat protectant products when blow-drying to prevent damage and maintain hair health.

More Men’s Haircuts & Hairstyles for All Ages:

Haircuts for Men Over 40

Age-appropriate styles that consider changing hairlines, texture, and professional requirements.

Teen Boy Haircuts

Trendy, youthful cuts that allow for self-expression while remaining school and family-appropriate.

Modern and Trendy Haircuts for Men

Fresh, fashion-forward styles that highlight current trends while staying versatile and easy to wear.

Top 40 Boys Haircuts

Stylish, age-appropriate cuts that balance self-expression with practicality for school, sports, and everyday life.

Haircuts for Senior Men

Refined, age-appropriate cuts that emphasize confidence, comfort, and timeless style.

Haircuts for Men Over 50 with Gray Hair

Contemporary looks designed to enhance mature features, blending sophistication with low-maintenance appeal.

Edited by Fernando Lahoz-García, a fashion journalist and art director showcasing men’s fashion and hair trends between New York and Miami.