Men’s hair trends are constantly evolving, but short hairstyles remain a classic, masculine look. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance cut or something edgy and fashion-forward, there are many stylish short hair options. Here are 15 of the most popular men’s short haircuts to consider in 2023.
1. Crew Cut
The crew cut is a classic short style where the hair is clipped very close to the head, tapering slightly longer at the crown. This cut has been popular with men for decades thanks to its clean, polished look that works well in professional settings. It’s also ideal for guys with thicker hair that tends to look unruly when longer. Ask your barber for a crew cut with the sides and back tapered short.
2. Caesar Cut
A Caesar haircut features a precise, horizonta fringe bangs cut straight across the forehead. The hair on top can be between 2 to 4 inches long, trimmed neatly while the back and sides are kept close-cropped. This style looks great on men with oval, square, and diamond face shapes. It’s easy to style by adding gel or pomade to the bangs and combing them straight down over the forehead.
3. Ivy League
Also known as the Harvard clip or Princeton cut, the Ivy League is a preppy, versatile short haircut. It has a side part and a short, neat taper on the back and sides. This style can vary from conservative to trendy depending on how it’s styled. For a casual look, style the top hair forward. Use pomade to sweep it up and backwards for a more elegant style. An Ivy League cut works well on men with oval, triangular, and heart-shaped faces.
4. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is an extra short hairstyle where the hair is clipped to a uniform short length all over the head using clippers. This military-inspired cut ranges from a longer 5/8 inch to a very short 1/8 inch length. Buzz cuts are easy to maintain – just have your barber buzz over it weekly to keep the length. This style works best for men with nicely shaped heads.
5. Faux Hawk
A faux hawk puts a trendy spin on the mohawk style. The hair on top is clipped short on the sides, then gradually increases in length toward the middle. This strip of longer hair can then be styled upwards to create a spiky faux hawk shape. This edgy cut works well on men with oval face shapes and straight or wavy hair textures. Use pomade or gel to style the faux hawk strip upwards.
6. Textured Crop
The textured crop features layers cut throughout the short length on top, adding movement and dimension. The sides are tapered shorter for contrast. This style works well for men with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Styling products like sea salt spray or matte cream can enhance the textured look. It’s great for a casual, tousled effect.
7. Pompadour Fade
A pompadour fade combines an edgy fade on the sides with longer hair swept up in a voluminous pomp at the front. Start with an undercut or high fade on the sides. The top hair remains longer, about 2 to 5 inches, sweeping it upwards and backwards. Pomade gives hold and shine to this rockabilly-inspired style. It’s eye-catching on men with diamond, oval, and triangular face shapes.
8. Side Part
The side part is a classic men’s hairstyle that will always be in style. Hair on top is around 2 to 4 inches long, parted neatly to one side. The back and sides are tapered shorter for contrast. This versatile look can be tailored from neat and professional to casual and textured. It’s flattering on most face shapes. Use pomade or cream for hold and shine.
9. Slicked Back Undercut
Slicking the hair back while keeping the sides and back closely shaved is a bold, eye-catching style. Hair on top can be around 2 to 4 inches long, brushed straight back or sculpted into a pomp at the front hairline. This works well on men with diamond, oval, and triangular faces. Use a strong pomade or gel to slick back the top.
10. High and Tight
A high and tight haircut has military roots, with buzzed sides and back blended into longer hair on top. This style is cut very short around the back and sides, tapering gradually up to longer hair on top, around 2 to 4 inches. The “high” refers to the longer hair on top while “tight” describes the very short sides and back. This cut requires little styling beyond trimming the top every few weeks.
11. Short Spiky Hair
Spiked up short hair adds attitude and edge. Hair on top can be clipped to around 2 inches long, using pomade or wax to style it upwards into short, piecey spikes all over the head. The sides are buzzed short to emphasize the spiked up top. This style works best on straight, thick hair. Keep the sides freshly buzzed to maintain this look.
12. Short Quiff
A quiff combines an edgy fade or undercut on the sides with a swept up section of longer hair in the front. This style features around 2-4 inches of length on top, brushing it upwards and backwards to create a small quiff or pomp at the front hairline. This trendy style pairs well with faded or undercut sides. Use a pomade or wax for hold and shine when styling.
13. Short Pompadour
A pompadour is all about volume and height swept upwards from the forehead. This version is cut shorter than a traditional pompadour, with just 2-3 inches of length brushed upwards at the front hairline. The rest of the head is clipped short. This style works best on men with thicker, straighter hair. Pomade gives a glossy finish.
14. Textured Crop with Mid Fade
This variant of the textured crop features contrast by combining longer, choppy layers on top with a mid-height fade on the sides. Ask your barber for point cutting into the top layers for movement and texture. The mid fade provides a smooth transition from the cropped sides to the longer hair on top. Style with matte product for a natural finish.
15. Side Part with Hard Side Part
Give the classic side part contemporary edge by combining it with a hard side part. This features sharply defined separation between the sides and top, enhancing the part line. Ask your barber to cut the part line very clean, not blended. Hair on top can be styled messy or sleek. Keep the sides very short in contrast to the longer top. Pomade gives shine.
In summary, men’s short hair offers endless styling versatility. The crew cut and buzz cut are ideal low-maintenance options. Trendy faded sides pair well with longer top styles like the pompadour, faux hawk and quiff. For a classic style, opt for the side part or Ivy League. And textured crops add movement and dimension. Consult your barber to find the right short cut and styling to flatter your face shape and hair type. With regular trims to keep it freshly cut, you’ll always look sharp and polished.
In addition to working as a top colorist and stylist, Nicole frequently contributes tips and guides to lovethishair.co. She draws from her wealth of experience to write articles helping readers find the right cut and care for colored hair.
- 17 Trendy Medium Hairstyles for Men in 2023 - January 22, 2024
- 14 Haircuts and Hairstyles for Balding Men - January 16, 2024
- 15 Trendy Men’s Short Haircuts to Try This Year - January 9, 2024