Men’s Haircut Trends

by Lorraine Letcavage

Myth or fact?

Men care about their hairstyles and like to look trendy. Judging from the increased shelf space for men’s grooming products in shops and salons, it’s a fact! See for yourself next time you people watch (admit it, it’s a fun pastime). The styles that men are sporting lately vary from classic to intriguing and even colorful. And that’s not all to consider. More men than ever before are attending cosmetology schools to become the best in the beauty biz. For 2019, men are ready to do some stylin’ on both sides of the salon chair. For inspiration, here are some trendy looks for male locks of all lengths:

Short Hair

Buzz Cut

Taking a razor to men’s hair isn’t new but reviving the classic crew cut is buzzworthy indeed! Add in some eye candy inspiration from stars like Idris Elba and Nick Jonas who rock this look handsomely, and it becomes a “yes, please” from the barber chair. Barbers can modernize this close cut by creating a fade effect, clipping the sides and back with a 1.0 guard while allowing a 2.0 on the top. Men will love the ease of this cut- no fussing necessary, just wash and go!

Classic Quiff/Messy Quiff

Various versions of the quiff cut exist, so choose one that works best for your hair type. Get inspiration from images of legendary classics like James Dean and Elvis Presley. This cut has become stylish again for its ability to be worn formal and slicked back, or loose and tousled for a laid-back vibe.

Ask your stylist for a loose quiff or pompadour to get the modern messy texture we love. It lessens the weight on top and keeps the sides shorter than those 50’s icons. Cut the sides tight and close or leave longer to tuck behind ears. This version is easily converted to what’s known as the Peaky Blinders cut, also trending in 2019. Or spike the top for a street-smart approach. Style this versatile haircut to match your mood!

Updated Undercuts

Buzzed sides are the staple of this look, but it’s the top that changes for 2019. Texture is the game changer this year, and plenty of it. Volume and hair length dictate the outcome of this haircut, with at least 2 inches of hair growth on top for contrast. And be forewarned: blow dryers, brushes and pomade are key elements in pulling this trend off nicely.

Graduated undercuts work by contrasting shaved, faded sides with volume and texture toward the top. Your hairstylist can make gradual layers at temples and nape to transition hair subtly to the longer top length. Hair products are essential to making it work. Use a wet look gel to slick it back, or mousse for tousled texture.

Want a bolder statement? Try a disconnected undercut, which uses a standout part as a bolder barrier between the two lengths.

Medium Hair

Blunt Fringes

Blunt fringe haircuts are a style match made in heaven for men with fine or lifeless locks. Looking like cuts seen in old photos from the 1920’s or Greek mythology, what’s old is new again. This look is achieved by cropping hair close on back and sides but keeping a long length on top, swept forward to create straight, short bangs. A gift to men sporting straight locks, it might not look best with curly hair or with round facial shapes, but talented stylists can work it for you.

Sleek Fades

Sleek fades are favored for their versatility. Named because of a gradual shift of hair shaved on the bottom to carefree tossed waves on top, it’s ideal for men seeking a smooth, GQ-worthy style. Crop and scrunch with pomade for a close to head tousle, or design the top to swoop softly to the front, like Bachelor babe Colton Underwood’s latest look. Check here for many versions of this popular haircut and talk with your stylist to choose a fab fade for your texture.

Medium Brush Up

Going longer can still be clean and sexy, especially if the brush up is paired with a well-groomed beard. Imagine Justin Timberlake and Channing Tatum’s hairstyles- the ladies will swoon! Best worn by those with thick or textured hair.

Long Hair

Messy Man Bob

Some women just love rebels and rock stars, so could it be the hair? If so, men should say yes to the tress called a long messy bob. And no, it’s not just hair gone wild (sorry guys). Your stylist will take hair mid-shoulder length and selectively slice in layers to complement your face shape. It creates movement and intrigue. Think of Kit Harrington’s GOT look. Need we say more?

Modern Man Buns

The man bun continues to trend in 2019 and created some cool spinoffs. Since it’s so versatile, this style is no longer exclusive to hipsters on the streets of Brooklyn. Stylists can work long hair into a ponytail that is twirled into a bun at mid-level behind the head. It can be slick and neat for special events, or wavy with strands left loose for a low-key, but stylish element.

Spinoffs include Low Man Buns, secured sleekly at the nape of the neck, or with matte pomade added to messy pieces left out of the bun. Mini Man Buns are for jazzing up smaller, shorter ponytailed hair. Keep it low on the back of the head so strands can be secured. The pieces not fitting in should be left long and straight under the bun. Check out more variations of this cool guy style here.

So, men, you now have some trendy hairstyle ideas just in time for warm weather and social outings. One of these looks is perfect for you! See your barber or stylist now and get the look that turns heads and boosts confidence.


If you are interested in learning more about a future in cosmetology, please fill out the online form on this page or call us at 1 (800) 964-1328. For important consumer info, please visit www.empire.edu/ge


April 26, 2019

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