47 Stylish Short Haircuts for Men
When it comes to short haircuts for men, you’ve never had more choice than you do right now. We live in an age where there is more freedom of expression to do whatever you want with your short hair.
Back in the day, all short haircuts were practically the same, because they were institutionalized by the government. The infamous military buzz cut sheared all personality off of a man’s head. Soon, even men who weren’t on Active Duty felt compelled to show solidarity by getting the nearly bald look.
This eventually left hippies as the only males with manes, and they had far too much. For the longest time, there was absolutely no middle ground in the hair-length wars.
This is why today’s flexible fashion trends are a godsend for men who like to look good, especially when it comes to their short hairstyle. A neat and tidy ensemble up top can still carry tons of attitude. There is also a shocking level of variety available while still keeping your men’s hairstyle short. For example, you can go with spikes, a short pompadour, and even a tidy comb over!
Here we take a close look at the best short haircuts for men. This includes a general overview of the most popular styles, a little more detail on the type of cuts you can have, and also how you’ll be able to style out your short haircut.
We’ll also show you a range of great pictures so you know what we mean. Let’s get started!
1. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is the archetypal men’s short haircut. This is where you grab your clippers do all of your hair the same length.
Even though it’s a basic haircut, the hair length can vary quite a lot from almost bald to about half an inch in length. Buzz cuts that are done with higher clipper settings are also known as butch cuts.
The buzz cut is great with any hair type but can be a great option for those with thinning hair or those going bald. It’s a way to re-own your thin hair and get a bold and handsome look.
2. Textured comb over
The textured comb over is one of the most popular hairstyles around right now. With this hairstyle, you have quite short sides with short-to-medium length hair on top. That hair is then swept over from one side to another.
The textured hair looks great on most men and is a great solution for those with straight or wavy hair. The professional cut is also highly versatile and looks equally good in a bar as it would an office space. It works well for those looking for something slightly longer on the top.
3. Quiff
Another great way to style your shorter hair is to have a quiff at the front. With this cut, you’ll have short sides and comb the front of your hair back into a quiff.
It’s a style that has been around for quite a long time now and suits quite a lot of men. The quiff can be as subtle or dramatic as you want. It requires a bit of product but the overall level of maintenance is fairly low.
4. Short pompadour
If you still want to be bold with your shorter hairstyle then the short pompadour could well be the way to go. It usually works with long hair but can also be done a bit shorter. The modern pomp is a popular men’s haircut, especially with those with thick, textured hair.
The longer hair on the top of your head is combed all the way to the back of your crown. The full pomp is full of height and volume but the shorter version is a little less outlandish. It still makes a statement and will turn heads.
5. Faux hawk
The faux hawk takes on a similar look to the pompadour but the strip of hair down your head is a little more separated from the rest of your hair. This hairstyle is great for those who want shorter hair but still want to be a little daring.
The faux hawk is, of course, a version of the mohawk where you have a strip of separated hair down the middle of your head. The faux hawk isn’t quite as dramatic as you still have a decent amount of hair on the rest of your head.
6. Short spiky hair
There are many things that were around in the ‘90s that are making a comeback and spiky hair is one of them. It’s simply where you use product to lift up your hair in a vast array of spikes.
It only really works with straight hair unless you use a huge amount of hair product. The spikes can be as sharp or blunt as you want. These days, it probably looks best with a little less hair gel and less defined spikes.
7. Textured hair
One of the most popular ways to have your hair these days is just to have a short back and sides with textured hair on the top. The short layered hairstyle doesn’t need to be in a specific direction, you just don’t want any hair sticking out from the sides.
It’s perfect for men with thick hair or curly hair and requires only a little product to keep it in place. It helps to give your head some height, making it a good solution for those with a more rounded face shape.
8. Crew cut
The crew cut is one of the most popular in the world as this is where you have short sides with the hair only slightly longer on top. The hair is kept relatively short but without being too close to the skin.
The reason it is so popular as it has incredible versatility. The cut looks equally perfect for heading out on a date as it does working in an office or meeting your partner’s parents! You can’t go wrong with the crew cut.
9. High and tight
The high and tight is a similar cut to the crew cut but for a few minor changes. The short hair on the sides of the head is cut a little further up and the longer hair on top is generally a little narrower.
This gives it a more military look which some men love. It’s a more compact haircut than the crew cut and can show off your masculine features. Minimal product would be required and maintenance is quite low.
10. Taper Fade
The taper fade is a great way to style the sides of your head. It gives a little more style and detail than simply having the rest of your hair cut to the same length. The fade haircut is when the hair gradually shortens in length from the top to bottom.
There are many different types of fade and we look at them in a little more detail next.
11. High fade
A high fade is one that starts at the very top of the side of your head. This is the most dramatic of the faded sides as you have that huge contrast between the longer hair on the top of your head and the short sides.
It’s a great way to style men’s hair and can lead to an undercut style. The hair on top can be any length, with longer hair looking more striking. It will need regular cutting to keep the sharpness of the fade.
12. Medium fade
The mid fade is the most popular type of fade. It can also be called a temple fade as that’s usually the spot where it starts. The medium fade perfectly matches almost every type of haircut out there.
A variation of the mid fade is the drop fade. With this style, the line of the fade curves around, following the shape of your ear before falling away to the crown.
13. Low fade
The low taper fade is the least common type of fade but that shouldn’t put you off. The low fade starts just above the ear and isn’t as dramatic as the other types of fade.
It looks perfect on more professional haircuts where the fade isn’t quite as short as with other types. This makes it a good option for anyone wanting more style while still looking business-like.
14. Bald fade
The bald fade can be a low, mid or high skin fade and has more to do with the length of your hair. Most fades will graduate from near-medium length hair down to shorter hair with minimal skin being visible.
With the skin fade, the clue is in the name. It tapers down from short hair down to very fine hair, almost bald. It’s perhaps the most aggressive and masculine type of fade and takes some attitude for you to pull it off.
How to style your short hair
Product types
If you wanted to have your hair a little longer on the top, then you will most likely want some product in your hair. There are many different options out there such as clay, wax, pomade, hairspray, gel and paste.
The right one for you depends on how much hold you want and the level of shine. For example, pomade is ideal for those looking for a high-shine look. Conversely, clay will give you a more matte finish.
With a beard
Facial hair with a short hairstyle can look very striking. If you have a men’s short hairstyle that is shorter than the beard, then it takes attention directly to it.
This can be great for guys with a receding hairline as you feel more in control of your appearance. The beard looks great with many different types of hairstyle, as you can see.
With lines
Many men like having lines cut into their hair, which always makes a bold statement. It can be a great way to style yourself and can look epic when paired with a taper fade.
Another great way to have a distinctive line is with a dramatic parting at the top of your head. The contrast between the shorter sides and longer hair I quite stark and looks brilliant.
