Fashion and hairstyles often go hand in hand. Just like a well-tailored suit, a great haircut can elevate a man’s appearance. Whether looking for a clean, professional style or something with an edgy twist, these 15 menswear-inspired hairstyles offer versatility and sophistication.
1. The Classic Side Part
A quintessential choice for any occasion, the classic side part has stood the test of time as a symbol of elegance and refinement. This hairstyle is characterized by hair neatly combed to one side, with a prominent, clean parting line that adds definition to the look. Traditionally achieved with the help of a fine-toothed comb and a light-hold or medium-hold styling product, the side part emphasizes order and precision. It works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, offering a neat and controlled finish that exudes professionalism. However, the beauty of the side part lies in its versatility—it transitions effortlessly from formal to casual settings.
For a polished, office-ready appearance, pair the style with neatly trimmed sides and ensure the parting line is straight and sharp. Combining this look with a tailored suit amplifies the sophistication, making it perfect for business meetings and formal events. Alternatively, for a more relaxed, casual appeal, the side part can be tousled slightly or paired with textured hair on top, which works exceptionally well in social settings or weekend outings. No matter how it’s styled, this timeless haircut is a testament to the adage that simplicity can be the ultimate sophistication.
2. The Undercut
Bold, daring, and distinctly modern, the undercut is a hairstyle that continues to dominate fashion-forward trends. Defined by its dramatic contrast, this hairstyle features short or closely shaved sides with a significantly longer top. The undercut’s flexibility lies in its adaptability—it offers a broad canvas for various textures, lengths, and finishes, depending on personal style preferences. Men with straight hair can go for a sleek, polished look by adding pomade or wax to tame the top, while those with curly or wavy hair can emphasize their natural texture for a playful yet structured effect.
Its edgy appeal makes the undercut a fantastic choice for those looking to stand out, yet it can also be tailored to suit more conservative situations by opting for a longer fade or blending the sides seamlessly into the top. Pairing the undercut with a leather jacket or a sharp blazer creates a juxtaposition that exudes confidence and charm. Men who gravitate toward adventurous styles will appreciate this haircut’s adaptability—it can be styled slicked back, left loose, or even spiked for a rebellious edge. Whether you’re aiming to command attention at a social gathering or simply add a creative twist to casual wear, the undercut remains a versatile and statement-making option.
3. The Slick Back
The slick-back hairstyle embodies sophistication and timeless style, becoming a favorite among men who admire a polished and elegant look. This style involves combing the hair backward, away from the face, using a high-quality styling product such as pomade, gel, or wax to achieve a sleek, glossy finish that stays in place throughout the day. The emphasis on clean lines and a smooth texture lends the slick back its signature refined appearance, making it ideal for both formal and semi-formal scenarios.
One of the standout features of the slick back haircut is its versatility in complementing different facial structures and lengths of hair. For shorter hair, it exudes a militaristic neatness, while medium to long hair slicked back provides a more dramatic and classic Hollywood appeal. The hairstyle pairs impeccably with tailored suits, adding a sense of authority and class, whether at a wedding, a gala event, or a high-profile business function. However, casual combinations are not out of reach—pairing a slick back with an open-collared shirt or casual blazer can infuse a laid-back yet composed vibe to the look.
Achieving the perfect slick back involves attention to detail—hair should be damp when styled, and the product evenly distributed to prevent clumping or stray strands. Opt for a comb with fine teeth to ensure a smooth, aligned finish. For added longevity and control, a light mist of hairspray can help maintain the style throughout the day. The slick back is not just a hairstyle; it’s a statement of confidence and poise, ideal for those who want to leave a lasting impression wherever they go.
4. The Textured Crop
The textured crop is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut that exudes effortless charm. Characterized by short, textured layers on the top, this hairstyle provides a versatile and neat look without requiring constant upkeep. The textured crop works well with various hair types, from straight to wavy, making it adaptable to different individual preferences. To achieve this style, the hair on top is cut into layers with a textured finish, often complemented by slightly shorter sides to create a balanced silhouette. Styling the textured crop is simple—using a matte or light-hold pomade enhances the natural texture without adding too much shine, resulting in a relaxed and tidy appearance. It’s a great option for those who prefer a stylish haircut that effortlessly enhances their features while providing a casual and approachable vibe.
5. The Pompadour
Rooted in vintage fashion, the pompadour is a classic hairstyle that has stood the test of time and continues to make bold statements in the modern era. This hairstyle features voluminous hair at the front, which is swept upwards and back, creating a dramatic lift. The sides are usually tapered or faded, emphasizing the height and prominence of the pompadour. Achieving the pompadour requires precision and the right styling products.
Start with clean, damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or a firm-hold pomade, focusing on the front section. A blow dryer and round brush are essential tools to create the characteristic lift and smoothness. For a polished finish, add a light mist of hairspray to maintain the shape throughout the day. The pompadour is a versatile style, with modern interpretations varying in volume and texture, offering options for both subtle and bold appearances. Whether worn in a sleek, retro manner or with added texture for a contemporary twist, the pompadour is a perfect choice for anyone aiming to showcase confidence and individuality.
6. The French Crop
The French crop, a minimalist and clean version of the textured crop, has grown in popularity due to its practicality and sharp aesthetic. This timeless hairstyle features a short, evenly trimmed top with subtle texture and a clean fringe that rests just above the forehead. Unlike other styles requiring significant length or volume, the French crop offers a structured and no-nonsense appeal that suits a variety of face shapes. The sides are often tapered or faded, ensuring a seamless and polished look.
Styling the French crop is refreshingly simple—its short length allows for quick maintenance, and only a small amount of styling product, such as a matte wax or clay, is needed to define the texture or keep the fringe in place. This hairstyle is especially popular among individuals with busy lifestyles or those who prefer a refined and no-fuss haircut. The French crop perfectly balances practicality with style, making it an excellent choice for a sharp and sophisticated appearance without effort.
7. The Quiff
The quiff is a stylish combination of the pompadour and slick-back hairstyles, creating a look that is bold, confident, and timeless. This hairstyle is characterized by its voluminous front section, which is swept back or slightly to the side, adding both height and dimension to the hair. The quiff is versatile and can be adapted for a range of occasions, whether casual or formal. Styling the quiff involves using a blow-dryer to add lift at the roots, followed by applying a lightweight styling product like mousse or pomade for structure and hold.
For a sleek finish, a high-shine pomade can create a polished, modern appearance, while a matte product lends a more textured, relaxed vibe. Popular among men seeking a dapper, attention-grabbing look, the quiff complements various face shapes and hair types. While it does require regular maintenance and styling to preserve its height and volume, the quiff’s striking silhouette and classic appeal make it a worthy investment for those who enjoy making a statement.
8. The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is the epitome of simplicity and practicality. This ultra-short hairstyle, achieved by using clippers to trim the hair close to the scalp, is perfect for men who prefer a no-nonsense, low-maintenance look. The buzz cut exudes confidence with its clean, sharp lines and minimalist design. Despite its simplicity, it pairs well with a wide range of personal styles, whether paired with structured jackets for a polished, professional aesthetic or with casual wear for a laid-back, approachable vibe. Variations of the buzz cut can include a slight fade on the sides or even a uniform, all-over length for a more military-inspired appearance. This style is particularly popular among men with strong facial features, as the close cut accentuates the jawline and cheekbones. Additionally, the buzz cut is incredibly easy to maintain, requiring minimal styling effort and only occasional trips to the barbershop to keep it looking sharp and fresh.
9. The Fade
The fade cut is a versatile and highly customizable hairstyle that features a gradual tapering of hair length, from longer strands at the top to shorter lengths on the sides and back. This seamless blend creates a crisp, modern look, making it a favorite choice at any esteemed New York Barbershop. The fade can be tailored to suit personal preferences, with three primary types to consider: high, mid, or low fades. A high fade creates a more dramatic contrast by starting the taper close to the temples, while a mid fade offers a balanced look by beginning the blend just above the ears. For those who prefer a subtle and understated style, a low fade starts the taper closer to the neckline, resulting in a softer transition.
The fade often serves as the perfect complement to other hairstyles, such as a textured crop, pompadour, or even a quiff, enhancing their overall impact with its clean and streamlined aesthetic. Achieving the ideal fade requires skillful precision from a barber, as the smooth transition relies on even blending and attention to detail. Whether paired with modern trends or classic styles, the fade remains a versatile and timeless option that adapts to nearly any personality or occasion.
10. The Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut is a slightly longer and more sophisticated variation of the classic crew cut. This style is celebrated for its polished and professional appearance, making it a perfect choice for individuals who want to exude elegance without sacrificing practicality. The defining characteristic of the Ivy League is the slightly longer length on the top compared to a traditional crew cut, which allows for more styling versatility. The hair on top is typically left long enough to be parted on either side, creating a sleek and structured look.
To achieve this hairstyle, a barber trims the sides and back to a shorter length, often with clippers, while maintaining a gradual taper. This ensures clean edges and a sharp overall appearance. The top is usually scissor-cut to precision, providing room for various styling options. Individuals can use a lightweight gel or pomade to enhance the part and hold the hair neatly in place, emphasizing the smooth, tidy aesthetic.
What makes the Ivy League so popular is its versatility—it seamlessly transitions across different settings. Whether you’re working in a corporate environment, attending a formal event, or enjoying casual outings, this hairstyle ensures you always look well-groomed and polished. It’s ideal for those who value a neat and put-together style but also want flexibility in how they wear their hair.
11. The Comb Over
The comb-over is a refined and timeless take on a classic side part, where the hair is neatly brushed or swept to one side. Known for its versatility and sophistication, the comb-over is a popular option for men looking to achieve a sleek appearance suitable for professional settings, formal occasions, or even everyday wear. Its defining feature is the defined side part, which creates a clean and structured look that flatters a range of face shapes.
To achieve the comb-over, the hair is typically kept longer on top while the sides are trimmed shorter to create contrast. The side part is created either naturally from the hairline or by using a comb to section the hair neatly. Styling the comb-over often involves the use of pomade, wax, or gel, which helps to maintain the shape while keeping the hair smooth and tidy. Depending on personal preference, the finish can be matte for a subtle, natural look or glossy for a more striking and formal appearance.
The beauty of the comb-over lies in its adaptability. It can be worn with varying levels of length and volume, allowing for creative expression and personalization. Additionally, the style works seamlessly with fades or tapered sides, adding a modern twist to its traditional roots. With minimal effort and the right styling products, the comb-over remains a go-to choice for a sophisticated and confident look.
12. The Taper Cut
The taper cut is a classic men’s hairstyle that offers a clean and polished appearance while maintaining a gradual transition between different lengths of hair. Unlike a fade, which can have a sharper contrast, the taper cut achieves a subtler, smoother blend from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back. This makes it a versatile and adaptable style that suits a variety of hair types and lengths, providing plenty of room for experimentation.
The process of creating a taper cut starts with trimming the hair on the sides and back using clippers set to incrementally shorter lengths. The transition is carefully blended, ensuring no harsh lines and creating a seamless flow between the longer and shorter sections. The top of the taper cut is typically left longer, offering flexibility to style it in various ways, such as a quiff, pompadour, or even a textured look. This versatility ensures that the taper cut can be adjusted to suit both casual and formal occasions.
Styling the taper cut is straightforward with the right tools and products. For a clean and professional appearance, a pomade or styling cream can be used to maintain a sleek finish. On the other hand, individuals preferring a more relaxed look could opt for matte pastes or texturizing sprays to add volume and dimension.
The appeal of the taper cut lies in its timelessness and low-maintenance nature. It is a style that exudes sophistication without overpowering, making it a versatile choice for men of all ages. Whether paired with modern trends or left traditional and classic, the taper cut will continue to remain a staple in men’s grooming.
13. The Modern Mullet
Short in the front and long in the back, the modern mullet has undergone a remarkable transformation from being a dated style to a bold statement piece in the world of men’s grooming. Unlike its predecessors from the 80s, the contemporary version of the mullet is refined and tailored, offering a fresh and edgy appeal. The modern mullet is characterized by a gradual transition from short hair around the crown and sides to longer lengths at the back, creating a striking contrast that adds personality to the style.
To achieve the perfect modern mullet, precision is key. Barbers often utilize fading techniques on the sides to maintain a clean and sharp look, while ensuring the length at the back remains intentional rather than unkempt. For a polished appearance, men can opt for defined edges and a slight taper near the nape. This style pairs well with various hair textures, and individuals with straight hair can add volume with texturizing sprays or pomades. For those with curly or wavy hair, the natural texture brings a casual yet artistic vibe to the overall look.
The modern mullet is undeniably a daring choice for fashion-forward men willing to step outside of traditional grooming norms. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers have embraced this style, further solidifying its presence in contemporary trends. When styled with confidence, the mullet can strike a balance between retro nostalgia and modern sophistication. Whether dressed up with sharp outfits or kept casual with everyday wear, the modern mullet is a testament to how bold creativity continues to redefine men’s hairstyles.
14. The Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is an excellent example of a hairstyle that effortlessly combines texture and sophistication, allowing men with curly or wavy hair to showcase their natural pattern while keeping the overall look clean and manageable. This versatile haircut is achieved by shaving or closely fading the sides and back of the head while leaving the curly locks on top untouched or styled for added volume.
A key advantage of the curly undercut is its adaptability. Men can experiment with various lengths on top, from short curls for a more subtle and polished appearance to longer curls for a bold and dramatic effect. By pairing the undercut with a high fade or a skin fade, the look becomes sharper and more modern. Alternatively, a low fade or classic undercut can achieve a softer, timeless aesthetic. Styling options depend on the length of the curls, but the use of curl-enhancing products like creams, foams, or gels can help add definition and reduce frizz, bringing out the natural beauty of textured hair.
Men who choose the curly undercut often appreciate its versatility in suiting both formal and casual occasions. It is a style that exudes confidence and personality, allowing the individual to stand out without being overly extravagant. Maintenance is straightforward—the shorter sides require regular trims, while the curls can be kept healthy and vibrant with a consistent hair care routine. Ultimately, the curly undercut is a celebration of natural texture and individuality, offering a stylish way to embrace one’s unique hair type.
15. Crew Cut Variations
The crew cut has long been a staple in men’s grooming, traditionally favored for its practicality and low-maintenance appeal. However, in recent years, barbershops and stylists have evolved this military-inspired classic into a variety of modern twists, making it more diverse and appealing to a wider audience. These crew cut variations take the simplicity of the traditional style and enhance it with creative details, offering an updated and stylish edge.
One popular variation is the textured crew cut, where the hair on top is left slightly longer and styled with texture for a more relaxed, contemporary look. Texturizing sprays, matte clays, or light pomades can be used to achieve a tousled finish that contrasts with the clean, tapered sides. Another trend is the hard part crew cut, which incorporates a defined shaved line along the parting to add structure and a modern twist to the classic style. This version works well for men who want a sharp, tailored aesthetic.
For those looking to push boundaries while retaining elements of tradition, there are options like the fade crew cut, which combines the shortness on top with a gradual fade on the sides for a polished blend. Additionally, longer crew cuts allow more length on top for styling versatility, letting individuals experiment with comb-overs, spiked textures, or even short pompadours. Regardless of the variation, the crew cut remains a symbol of strong, masculine style.
Each of these adaptations allows the crew cut to transcend its origins, becoming a timeless yet contemporary choice for men. Whether you prefer a clean, professional look or a bold, trend-setting interpretation, the crew cut variations are a testament to how classic hairstyles continue to thrive and evolve in modern men’s grooming culture.
Final Thoughts
From sleek and professional to bold and edgy, these menswear-inspired hairstyles offer something for every taste. Whether visiting a New York Barber or trying a new look at home, these cuts ensure a sharp, stylish appearance. Experiment with different styles to find the perfect match for any wardrobe.
