10 Timeless Men’s Hairstyles Still On Trend Today
Some hairstyles never go out of style, transcending fleeting trends to remain staples of men’s grooming. These classic looks have stood the test of time, staying relevant and stylish for decades. Whether you’re aiming for a refined, professional image or a more laid-back weekend vibe, these timeless cuts adapt effortlessly to any setting. From the boardroom to social gatherings, they provide a balance of confidence, ease, and sophistication. Here are the top five timeless men’s hairstyles that continue to make an impression year after year.
Top Timeless Men’s Hairstyles:
1. Crew Cut
The crew cut is a short, classic hairstyle that’s perfect for men who prefer a low-maintenance, neat look. With short sides and a slightly longer top, the crew cut offers a clean, crisp appearance that is both professional and versatile. This hairstyle can be styled neatly for a formal event or left with a little texture for a more relaxed, casual look.
Why it’s timeless: The crew cut has been a staple for decades because of its simplicity and adaptability. It works well with all face shapes and hair types, and it remains a popular choice among men looking for a clean and polished appearance. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to maintain, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
2. Pompadour
The pompadour is a hairstyle that has endured for centuries, drawing its name from Madame de Pompadour, the influential mistress of King Louis XV of France. It’s characterized by longer hair on top, styled upward and backward to create eye-catching volume and a timeless, retro-inspired aesthetic. Originally popularized in royal courts, it later found fame among rockabilly icons and continues to appear on red carpets today. This versatility comes from its adaptability: you can opt for a high, dramatic pompadour with closely faded sides or a subtler version with softer tapering. While the style typically suits men with thick hair—thanks to the extra body needed for height—it can work for a range of hair textures and face shapes when tailored appropriately. Investing in regular trims and the right styling products, such as pomade or a strong-hold wax, helps maintain its neat silhouette. Whether you prefer a modern take or a classic interpretation, the pompadour remains a striking choice that effortlessly blends heritage with contemporary appeal.
Why it’s timeless: The pompadour has been a popular choice for men for decades, and it shows no signs of fading. It’s a versatile, sophisticated hairstyle that works well for both formal and casual settings. The style has been worn by countless icons, including Elvis Presley and James Dean, cementing its place as a timeless classic.
3. Side Part
The side part is one of the most versatile hairstyles, offering a neat, polished look that can be customized for any occasion. This style involves parting the hair on one side, with the hair styled neatly to one side or with a bit of volume for a more modern twist. It’s ideal for men with straight or wavy hair and can be styled with a light product to keep it in place.
Classic, timeless haircuts like the crew cut offer a clean, refined silhouette that complements a mature man’s distinguished features. They’re understated yet sophisticated, making them a fitting choice for men over 50 seeking effortless elegance.
When aiming for a sleek side part, hair products become your best friend in achieving that polished finish. Pomade—especially those with a medium to high shine—provides a classic, glossy look and is easy to comb through for a defined part. Gel with strong hold can lock your hair in place all day, but choose formulas that don’t flake or harden excessively so it remains touchable. If you prefer a less stiff texture but still want a sleek sheen, a styling cream or lightweight wax can add subtle control without making your hair feel crunchy. Finally, finish with a bit of hairspray if needed, concentrating on the part and front section to keep stray hairs in check for that timeless, tailored appearance.
Why it’s timeless: The side part is the epitome of sophistication. It’s a hairstyle that can be worn to work, a formal event, or even a casual outing. The side part is universally flattering and adaptable, making it a go-to choice for men who prefer a classic, elegant look that never feels outdated.
4. Ivy League
An Ivy League cut is essentially a slightly longer variation of the crew cut, giving enough length on top to be brushed to the side or styled with a small part, while still keeping the sides and back relatively short. It strikes a balance between a closely cropped look and a more traditional side-part style.
The Ivy League is a refined, classic style that features short sides and a slightly longer top, which is combed to the side for a clean, polished look. It’s a sophisticated hairstyle that’s often associated with prep schools and collegiate style, but it has remained popular due to its versatility and timeless appeal.
Why it’s timeless: The Ivy League style is elegant and timeless, making it ideal for both professional and social settings. It’s a clean and stylish look that works well for men of all ages. The style can be adapted for different hair types and textures, making it suitable for a variety of face shapes and preferences.
5. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is one of the simplest and most straightforward hairstyles for men. It involves cutting the hair very short and evenly across the entire scalp, creating a uniform, clean appearance. The buzz cut can be customized to different lengths depending on personal preference and works well with most hair types.
Why it’s timeless: The buzz cut is a no-fuss, low-maintenance haircut that’s been popular for decades, especially among military personnel. It’s perfect for men who want a clean, sharp look without spending too much time styling. The buzz cut exudes confidence and masculinity, which is why it remains one of the most timeless men’s hairstyles.
6. Slick Back
The slick back is a classic men’s hairstyle characterized by combing the hair straight back from the forehead, usually held in place with pomade or gel. It creates a smooth, polished look that highlights facial features and works well with a variety of hair lengths. Slick backs can be paired with a fade or an undercut on the sides to add a modern twist while maintaining that old-school charm.
Why it’s timeless: The slick back exudes confidence and sophistication, harkening back to Hollywood icons of the early and mid-20th century. Its sleek silhouette and minimal effort to restyle throughout the day have helped it stay relevant for generations. Whether it’s on the red carpet or in a boardroom, the slick back consistently projects an air of elegance that never goes out of fashion.
slick back consistently projects an air of elegance that never goes out of fashion.
7. Modern Shag for Men
The modern shag is a more contemporary version of the 1970s-inspired haircut, featuring layered, textured hair that’s slightly longer on top and around the sides. Unlike the feathered look of the past, today’s shag usually has choppy layers and can be worn messy or styled for a sleek finish. It works especially well for men with medium-length hair who want a casual, effortless vibe.
The shag haircut, emblematic of the free-spirited 1970s, remains popular for its effortlessly cool, layered look. Stylists have updated it with modern texturing and subtle fades while preserving its retro vibe. This blend of classic and contemporary ensures the shag stays in demand for men seeking a unique throwback style.
Why it’s timeless: Although popularized in the free-spirited ’70s, the shag’s core appeal—a relaxed, natural flow—remains relevant. Its layered structure softens harsh angles and adds movement, making it suitable for different face shapes and hair textures. This laid-back yet stylish approach ensures the shag never truly goes out of style.
8. Caesar Cut
Named after Julius Caesar, this cut is defined by its short, horizontally straight fringe and even length around the sides and back. The Caesar cut is neat, easily maintained, and provides a uniform, structured appearance. It suits men who prefer a concise style without complicated layering.
Why it’s timeless: Tracing its roots back to ancient times, the Caesar cut has periodically resurfaced through history, proving its staying power. Its neat outline and minimal styling requirements appeal to a broad range of men seeking a classic, no-fuss look. The simplicity and historical significance of the Caesar cut give it an enduring presence in men’s grooming.
9. Modern Quiff
A modern quiff or shorter version of the quiff maintains the signature height and volume at the front but keeps the sides and back neatly trimmed. It balances casual and professional, giving you enough length on top to style while keeping the overall silhouette clean. Perfect for everyday wear, it can also be dialed up with styling products for special occasions.
Why it’s timeless: The quiff owes its lasting popularity to icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean, who made voluminous top hair a defining element of cool. Even in a shorter form, the quiff retains that retro charm and modern versatility. It effortlessly adapts to trends while preserving its classic edge, making it a go-to style for men of all ages.
10. Undercut
The undercut is characterized by closely shaved or faded sides with a longer top, creating a noticeable contrast in length. Whether you sweep the top back, comb it to the side, or style it into a quiff, the undercut offers plenty of room for personalization. Its bold outline gives a modern, edgy appeal while still retaining a timeless barbershop feel.
Why it’s timeless: Variations of the undercut trace back to the early 1900s, and it has seen repeated revivals throughout the decades. The high-contrast look remains strikingly fashionable yet flexible for different hair textures and personal styles. Its blend of heritage and modern flair ensures the undercut continues to stand out as an enduring favorite in men’s hairstyling.
Final Notes about Men’s Timeless Cuts
When discussing these cuts with your barber, it’s helpful to be specific about both the look and the practicality you’re after. For instance, if you want a buzz cut, mention how short you’d like it (#1, #2, etc. on the clipper guard) and whether you need a tapered neckline. For a pompadour or an Ivy League, clarify how much length you want to keep on top and whether you’d like the sides faded or tapered. To ensure you get the perfect styling every time, bring reference photos, talk about how you usually style your hair at home, and describe the occasions where you’ll be wearing these looks—your barber can then tailor the cut to best suit your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle.
These ten timeless men’s hairstyles have been popular for decades and continue to remain stylish year after year. Whether you prefer a short and simple look like the buzz cut, or a more sophisticated style like the pompadour or Ivy League, these hairstyles are versatile enough to fit into everyday life as well as more formal settings—think office environments, weddings, or upscale social events. They’ve stood the test of time because they’re classic, stylish, and relatively easy to maintain, making them excellent options for men looking to elevate their grooming routine without getting stuck in time-consuming daily styling.