Short Haircuts For Men: 40 Attractive Styles To Ask Your Barber About
A short hairstyle is a stylish, practical choice for guys who seek an attractive, low-maintenance look with structure, contrast and versatility. From the textured crop to the crew cut fade, the most popular short men's haircuts are timeless styles that blend edgy, modern elements with masculine aesthetics to create clean, handsome looks, making them perfect for business professionals, teenagers and little ones alike.
These charming cuts offer an alluring balance between functionality and style, and the different variations give every person a chance to experiment and find the look that best complements their face, hair texture and personal vibe.
In this article, we'll share some trending examples of short haircuts for men that combine sharp details, bold texture and effortless charm to achieve fresh styles with undeniable appeal.
Popular Short Men's Hairstyles
French Crop
The French crop is a timeless, short haircut that combines sharp structure with a blunt fringe and subtle texture to achieve a masculine feel with minimal styling. The cropped, textured top offers visual interest, and the chopped bangs hug the forehead, making this style perfect for men seeking a low-maintenance look that radiates confidence and adventure. Pair it with a skin fade or tapered sides to accentuate the contrast and maintain a crisp silhouette. Style damp hair with sea salt spray for texture, then finish with matte clay or pomade for lasting hold.
Side Part Fade
The side part is a timeless men's hairstyle that pairs well with a modern fade on the back and sides to create a classy, simple look suitable for any occasion. The defined hard part looks well-groomed, and the precision mid fade provides clean contrast that frames the face. Start by pre-styling damp hair with sea salt spray for added volume. Blow-dry it with a vented brush to lock in the directional flow, then finish with low-shine pomade or clay to enhance the part and keep the look sharp and controlled.
Messy Brush Up
The messy brush-up is an edgy, contemporary hairstyle that's easy to get but delivers impressive definition through choppy layers and chic texture. This style features voluminous spiky hair, similar to the modern quiff, and an intentionally tousled finish, bringing a sense of relaxed confidence to your look that works best on thick, shorter medium-length hair. Enhance height by blow-drying and lifting the front with your fingers or a vented brush. Finish shaping with a matte clay or texturizing paste, using your hands to sculpt and preserve a piece-y, undone finish.
Messy Textured Top with Short Sides and Beard
The messy, textured top with short sides and beard is a confident, high-contrast style that merges rugged character with sharp structure. The tousled top delivers volume and natural movement, while the cropped sides gently refine the silhouette, keeping the feel playful. The beard enhances your natural jawline definition and adds balance to offset the undone look. A spritz of sea salt spray and matte clay is all you need to shape texture and maintain a laid-back, controlled finish.
Casual Medium-Short Hairstyle
A relaxed medium-short haircut blends classic styling with trendy texture for a ruggedly handsome finish. The scissor-cut sides provide a softer, more natural transition than a taper fade for a balanced and timeless silhouette. The longer top is messy and brushed up, creating a stylish look with subtle, side-swept movement and definition that doesn't feel overdone. The well-groomed full beard balances the style and anchors the face, adding maturity with sophisticated appeal.
Short Crew Cut
The short crew cut is a timeless, no-fuss hairstyle that delivers clean lines, sharp edges and a crisp, athletic profile with minimal upkeep. The ultra-short length on top blends seamlessly into faded or tapered sides, offering a balanced, masculine look that draws the eye to a sculpted jawline and strong cheekbones. Towel dry and apply a touch of matte styling cream for light control and a natural texture that you can easily maintain with clippers.
Short Spiky Hair with Taper Fade
Short, spiky hair achieves a sculpted, clean-cut finish with a stylish taper fade, creating a contemporary, sharp style that's perfect for modern gents. The spiked top adds movement and structure with a playful feel, while the gradual taper along the back and sides keeps the look meticulous enough for the office. A sea salt spray is the perfect base for building texture, but matte clay is the key to locking your style in place with a strong, touchable hold.
Burst Fade Mohawk
The burst fade mohawk suits fearless men wanting a head-turning style that blends dramatic volume with a clean, curved fade that contours around the ears. This high-impact cut emphasizes height and texture through a central strip while keeping the sides tight and sculpted for contrast. Start with a texturizing spray on damp hair, then use a strong-hold matte clay to ruffle the top with your fingers to create a gritty hawk.
Comb Over
The comb over is a timeless, structured style that offers a refined aesthetic with minimal effort, making it a staple for men who appreciate a clean, professional appearance. This style's defining side part pairs well with a swept top to create instant polish without feeling stiff or outdated. Towel-dry your hair, apply a low-shine pomade or styling clay and then comb the top over to one side to achieve a smooth, sculpted finish with subtle volume. Grab a blow dryer and a vented brush for an extra height boost.
Short Curly Hair
Short curly hair is all about embracing natural texture while keeping the overall look clean, low-maintenance and sharp. The cropped length defines your curl pattern, and using a curl cream or leave-in conditioner enhances definition while reducing frizz and preventing heaviness, giving your locks bounce without bulk. Ask your barber for tight sides or a soft taper to bring light contrast that helps the curls shine.
Short Quiff
A short quiff is all about quiet confidence, combining structure with volume in a neat and wearable package that's bound to make a subtle statement at the office. By keeping the sides tapered and the top longer, you'll give your locks height and lift without looking overstyled. Work a matte styling cream into damp hair, then blow-dry upward and back to build a soft, textured appearance that pairs well with light stubble.
Short Mohawk Fade
The short mohawk fade is a bold and daring cut that combines clean, modern lines with eye-catching height and texture, offering a dynamic style that exudes retro energy. The top is short but textured, creating a sharp ridge of volume that contrasts against the skin-tight or low fade along the sides. Achieve the hawk's signature shape by using just a small amount of matte clay to enhance separation and leave you with a structured, no-gloss look.
Classic Buzz Cut
The classic buzz cut is a bold, masculine haircut for minimalist men seeking a rugged, athletic look without the daily styling routine. This military-inspired style is buzzed evenly and close to the head all over, highlighting the natural bone structure and creating a consistent finish. Ask your barber for a mid or high fade on the sides and back to infuse contrast and accentuate the cropped top. Keep the edges tight with regular clipper trims, and incorporate a lightweight moisturizer or scalp tonic into your routine to maintain the health of those short strands.
Short Mullet
The short mullet is compact but undeniably cool, with its cropped sides, a longer back and a playful silhouette that leans stylish rather than scruffy. The layered texture up top creates visual interest, while the length in the back and tighter sides give your style an unconventional, devil-may-care feel. A matte styling cream should keep denser strands defined and shaped, but thinner hair types may want to use clay for a grittier look that holds.
Modern Caesar Cut
The modern Caesar cut is an edgy hairstyle that features short hair across the top with forward styling and a soft, choppy fringe that hangs over the forehead, coupling traditional heritage with fresh attitude. The blended sides keep the style low-maintenance and wearable while the textured finish gives it dimension and flow. Unlike the classic, this variation is reimagined with separation and grit, making it perfect for straight or wavy, shorter hair. Use a styling clay or texture powder to bring out definition and keep things in place throughout the day.
Hard Side Part
The hard side part stands out with a razor-defined line, delivering a crisp, high-contrast finish that adds precision to any haircut. This bold parting creates instant separation between the top and sides, giving this style a clean, structured edge that's perfect for professional settings. Pair it with a fade or taper to sharpen things up, and use a styling clay or pomade to sweep the hair across cleanly and lock in the part without any stiffness.
Mullet Fade
The mullet fade pairs tight, faded sides with longer length in the back to create a look that's rebellious and full of character. The fade keeps the cut fresh and clean around the ears and neckline, while the top and rear sections stay textured to showcase natural movement and give the cut a youthful energy. Incorporate a blunt fringe and lightly finger-style the length to bring natural flow to your mullet.
Slick Back with Undercut Fade
The slick back with an undercut fade offers a striking contrast between closely cropped sides and longer hair on top, providing a sharp and modern look that's easy to maintain and style. The undercut fade features a clean, tight taper that gradually blends into the skin, removing bulk and emphasizing the sleek top. Style by applying a lightweight pomade or clay to damp hair, then comb straight back with a fine-tooth comb to achieve a smooth, controlled finish that's sure to turn heads.
Side Swept Hair with Mid Taper Fade
Side-swept hair achieves instant balance with a mid-taper fade, offering guys a chic, neat look that frames the face without harsh lines or edges. The tapering effortlessly softens the transitions between lengths while highlighting the point-cut layers on top that give you a clean yet relaxed silhouette. Grow light stubble for a hint of ruggedness that keeps this style from looking overly clean-cut.
Long Crew Cut with Low Fade
The long crew cut features a low fade and an old-school, volumized and textured top that showcases sharpness around the back and sides. Ask your barber to lightly feather the bulk of the hair to add natural movement and gently fade the sides into a connected stubble beard for a clean, masculine finish.
Thick Brush Back with Drop Fade
The thick brush back achieves a leveled-up look when paired with a drop fade, creating a voluminous, swept top with dramatic contouring around the ears and neckline, giving you a style that bursts with depth and contrast. Blend the length gradually for a seamless appearance, and ask your barber to use texturizing scissors or add razoring through the edges to add movement and reduce heaviness across the top.
Thick Textured Crop Fade with Brushed Up Fringe
The thick, textured crop fade looks striking with a brushed-up fringe, combining a dense, heavily layered top with a tight fade to sharpen the sides and enhance this cut's contemporary feel. Achieve the ultimate brush-up by using a volumizing mousse on damp hair to lift the roots and a wide-tooth comb to brush the fringe upward and forward. A lightweight, matte paste will give you the texture you're craving while keeping the look effortless.
Short, Textured Mod Cut
The short, textured mod cut revives a classic '60s look by adding choppy layers that give this style a fun-loving, lived-in feel. Dial up the tousled aesthetic by scrunching a lightweight styling paste or texturizing spray through towel-dried hair to separate the layers and create a soft, playful appearance that draws attention to the lack of uniformity in your cut.
Modern Pompadour Fade
The modern pompadour fade fuses retro volume with crisp edges in a refined, contemporary take on a classic haircut. The thick, swept-up top tapers seamlessly into neatly faded sides, elongating the face and creating a look that's attention-grabbing while remaining structured and professional. Apply a medium-hold pomade to towel-dried hair, then blow-dry and sweep it back with a round brush before finishing with spray to keep the pomp sleek and tidy.
Thick Textured Top
Sporting a thick, textured top is a winning choice for men with naturally dense hair who want to stay on-trend. This wildly popular style features faded or closely cropped sides and a slightly longer crown, offering easy styling versatility in a low-maintenance cut. Emphasize the piecey, separated look on top with matte clay to add movement and volume, driving home the understated individuality of this adaptable hairstyle.
Tousled Flow
The tousled flow is a textured, free-flowing hairstyle that's all about carefree movement and effortless style. It utilizes layers to achieve volume and front-to-back movement, creating a natural, undone look without the need for longer hair. Work some leave-in conditioner and a small amount of matte styling cream, then use your fingers to complete this windswept, dramatic look.
Blonde Faux Hawk with High Fade
A trendy, blonde faux hawk with a high fade is an appealing choice for younger guys seeking a shorter, attention-grabbing style. The high skin fade begins at the temples, providing a dramatic contrast to the longer, spiked-up center strip. The blond highlights accentuate the bold, individual character of this look, adding a youthful, punky energy. This dynamic cut works with straight or wavy hair, making it ideal for any man looking to display confidence and creativity with their look.
Long Wavy Fringe with Taper Fade
A long, wavy fringe with an understated low taper fade is a handsome take on the classic haircut, offering a modern, versatile variation with timeless appeal. The bangs are left longer and fall forward over the forehead, while the sides and back gradually blend to create soft contrast and professional structure. Apply sea salt spray to damp hair and then a styling clay or pomade to lock in natural movement. The loose ringlets and waves add dimension and freedom to this cultured look.
Brushed Back Undercut
The brushed back undercut, meshing vintage elegance with contemporary edge, is a suave and masculine look that's equally suitable for the street or the boardroom. The sides and back are clipped short, creating a sharp disconnection from the longer hair on top and adding a bold, fashion-forward edge. The top is brushed back and secured in place with a lightweight styling cream to achieve a neat, intentional silhouette that provides a strong profile while maintaining respectability and class.
Short Shaggy Curls
Short shaggy curls are an attractive style for any man blessed with thick, textured hair, creating an effortlessly cool, lived-in vibe that's full of personality and easy to maintain. This cut effectively emphasizes your curl pattern without appearing unruly, thanks to short, choppy layers of varying length that provide bounce and movement without creating excess volume. Apply a lightweight curl cream and scrunch the hair upward while blow-drying, then finish by applying more product to control frizz.
Short Layered Flow
Perfect for men with thick hair, a short, layered flow offers lots of volume and movement while maintaining a sense of understated style and sophistication. The top and back are left longer and cut into feathered layers to provide shape and direction, while the hair is razored short around the temples to neatly frame the face and accentuate the jawline. Use sea salt spray to add separation and enhance natural kinks. Then, gently brush the hair from front to back with a wide-toothed comb and a good amount of medium-hold pomade to maintain a casual, beachy finish.
Textured Short Spiky Hair Fade with Blunt Fringe
A textured, short spiky hairstyle with a fade matches well for an ultramodern, angular look, and pairs brilliantly with a unique design and a sharply trimmed beard. The sides fade from skin length up to a textured top that's point-cut and styled upward with a matte paste to create loose definition, while the fringe is cut straight across the forehead for a sharp, editorial finish. A personalized razor design behind the ear projects individuality.
Blowout Fade
The blowout fade is a fresh, cultured haircut that updates a classic old-school style with a youthful, energetic twist. The hair is kept reasonably short on top, and then blasted back with a blow dryer to achieve lift, shape and direction. A high fade narrows and lengthens the face while adding a sense of ruggedness, and the addition of a well-groomed beard completes this chiseled look.
Buzz Cut Fade
The buzz cut fade is a simple, short men's haircut that exudes timeless masculinity, championing clean lines, sharp contrast and structured order. It's the kind of look that requires no styling but still makes a powerful statement. The hair is clipped short all over, then expertly faded down to the skin around the ears and neck with a razor to drive home the rough-and-ready vibe. This low-maintenance, versatile hairstyle can be enhanced with a sharp, shaved line at the temple or paired with a groomed beard and simple jewelry for a fresh look.
Short Slick Back with High Skin Fade
A short, slick back hairstyle pairs with a high skin fade for a well-groomed, confident look that projects power and control. The slightly longer top is combed back from the forehead and secured in place with a strong, low-shine pomade or wax, contrasting with a stark high fade that adds grit and is perfect for displaying behind-the-ear tattoos. Pair with a full, well-groomed beard to accentuate this style's commanding, Viking-like presence.
Short Fringe with Tapered Sides
The short fringe with tapered sides is a simple but refined hairstyle that seamlessly blends comfort and ease with focused precision. The sides gradually shorten from the crown to the neckline, maintaining a respectable silhouette and accentuating bone structure without the need for a stark skin fade. The hair increases in length from the top forward, ending in a fringe that's just long enough to be swept across the brow for a popstar vibe or left straight for a grungy, mod-inspired look.
Short Textured Ivy League with Taper Fade
Blend this short, textured variation of the Ivy League haircut with a taper fade to create a youthful, clean-cut look that's both intentional and approachable. The hair is left longest at the front and cut into soft layers, making it easy to style with a matte pomade, while the sides and back add to the casual vibe by blending gradually down to skin level without any abrupt changes in length. Pair this style with a well-groomed beard to round out this easygoing, everyman look.
High and Tight Fade
The high and tight fade is a tried-and-trusted option for men who prefer clean lines and minimal upkeep. The sharp skin fade starts high, beginning right at the corner of the hairline, and the quick transition into the military-short top is stark and defined. As the quintessential short haircut, the high and tight is a classic look with enduring appeal that projects discipline and athleticism.
Short Mod
The 60s-inspired short mod haircut tempers wild, retro flair with a hint of modern refinement to create a trendy style full of character and originality. The hair is scissor-cut to a uniform length throughout, with gentle layering and a full fringe that adds to the charm and expression of the look. The subtle, rounded finish and easy maintenance make this haircut ideal for any man seeking an old-school, subversive throwback that remains adaptable and respectable.
Classic Ivy League
The classic Ivy League is a smart, polished men's haircut that epitomizes enduring class and style. It pairs tapered sides with a textured crew cut, working well with thick, straight hair for a stylish finish. This style breathes respectability and authority, making it a winning choice for students and young professionals who want to project confidence without compromising on trendiness. Finger-comb the short top for a natural, textured finish, or work in a matte paste for a structured, blocky look.
Short Spiky Hair with Low Fade
A short, spiky hairstyle blends effortlessly into a low fade, resulting in an easygoing, undone look that's both simple to maintain and full of personality. Point-cutting and layering add separation to the top hair, and clipper-over-comb techniques are used to gradually blend the textured top into the low fade, adding structure without overwhelming the look. Use matte styling clay to twist and separate your hair into soft spikes to complete this cool, workplace-appropriate aesthetic.
The Best Short Haircuts For Men
The best types of short haircuts for men are those that feature a fade or taper on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top, resulting in a stylish look with some structure and minimal styling. These attractive, low-maintenance hairstyles include the crew cut, French crop, comb over fade, messy brush up, textured quiff, side part taper, messy look, modern mohawk, slick back undercut, tousled shag and pompadour.
Each look can be tailored for business professionals, style-conscious teens or kids, from edgy and bold to refined and sophisticated. Choosing the perfect length, short fade, finishing details and styling product will make all the difference in achieving a sexy short hairstyle.
