Haircut Names For Men: Popular Types of Haircuts in 2024

Knowing the names for different types of haircuts for men is invaluable when you’re visiting the barbershop and asking your barber for a specific hairstyle. In fact, not being able to talk to your barber and ask for the haircut you want is probably the most common reason guys get a bad cut. Fortunately, learning barber terminology and all the new names of haircuts is an easy fix.

From the fade or undercut on the sides to the quiff, comb over, fohawk, or textured crop on top, every guy has the opportunity to style the coolest hairstyles. By researching the different names and types of haircuts for men, guys can make sure they choose from the best cuts and styles of the year. In this guide, we will show you examples of all the different men’s haircuts and hairstyles.

Types of Haircuts For Men

There are a wide variety of long and short haircuts available for the modern man. While the many different hairstyles and names can seem a little overwhelming, pictures and descriptions will help you understand what each represents.

Taper and Fade

The fade haircut, also sometimes known as a taper, is the most popular way to cut a guy’s hair on the sides and back. As the name implies, the men’s fade haircut involves a close trim with hair clippers at the bottom of the head, gradually blending into the hair on top.

The kind of taper fade you get depends on two factors – where you start the fade and how short you want to go. For example, you can choose from a low, mid, high or skin fade.

How short your hair is buzzed depends on the clipper guard. This is where knowing the different haircut numbers and clipper sizes can be helpful. For instance, a number 2 fade is shorter than a number 3 fade.

Fade vs Taper

While most barbershops around the world use the terms fade and taper synonymously, there is technically a difference between the cuts. The difference between fade and taper haircuts is that a fade generally blends into skin, whereas a taper doesn’t necessarily have to cut as short.

As you can see, the different types of fades can be confusing for beginners, so this quick summary will allow you to identify exactly which faded cut you want. If your barber looks confused when you request a fade, simply swap the term for a taper – most barbers will know one of the two.

Low Fade

The low fade is the most popular kind of taper, and often includes a drop which wraps around the ear and down the neck. The low fade haircut requires a subtle increase in length, which begins right above the ear, and slowly blends into the hairstyle on top of the head. We highly recommend the low taper fade for business professionals who need a safe yet stylish cut.

Mid Fade

The mid fade offers much of the same look as the low fade, but starts in the middle of the sides. Sometimes called the medium fade, this tapered cut is the middle ground between the conservative low taper and strong-contrast high fade. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance cut, this may be your best choice.

High Fade

The high fade may be the best haircut for guys who want a short sides, long top hairstyle. As it starts higher up on the head, the hair starts becoming shorter around the temples or forehead, much like the temp fade. Ultimately, the high fade haircut provides a lot of contrast and is the shortest of the fades.

Bald Fade

A skin fade begins from a total shave, with no hair at all, and gradually fades into the hair at the top of the head. Sometimes known as a razor or bald fade, this short cut on the sides and back provides the cleanest finish with the most contrast. Depending on whether you get a low skin fade or high bald fade, this look can be really edgy and awesome.

Which tapered or faded style you prefer is largely dependent upon personal taste.

Undercut

The undercut hairstyle is another trendy look involving short sides. Unlike the fade, the undercut is cut very high on the head and all one length, requiring no fading. However, guys may ask their barber for an undercut fade if they desire the high trim to be blended.

The short sides of the the undercut make it easy to pair with a number of different styles, including the slicked back, quiff, pompadour, and comb over. Versatility is the true beauty of the undercut, as it can be classy and sophisticated or simple and quick depending on the hairstyle you want to achieve.

Even when growing out the undercut, it takes on a relaxed, messy look that styles perfectly with minimal effort. The undercut is a haircut for men who want a style for every aspect of their lives. Combed over, brushed back, or made into some stylish look, the undercut offers a range of styling options any guy can appreciate.

Quiff Haircut

The quiff haircut is a classic style originating from the 1950s, but the modern take looks more relevant than ever. The quiff involves longer hair at the front of the head, which is then styled into the classic voluminous look by brushing the hair forward and up, and applying product. When styled properly, a quiff can be worn to formal events, parties or the office. If left unstyled, the hair will flop forward over the face, which can also create a fresh messy look.

The quiff looks best with a fade or undercut on the sides, accentuating the medium-length hairstyle on top. Before asking your barber for the quiff, guys would be well-advised to keep in mind that the look requires a good amount of styling.

For those who are prepared to put in a little time and effort every morning to style the modern textured quiff, the look is worth it. Dealing with long hair is not for everyone, but if you want a sharp, retro hairstyle women will love, the quiff is probably the right style for you.

Pompadour

The pompadour is a similar, but subtly different hairstyle than the quiff. Instead of brushing the hair towards the front of the head, the guy’s hair is brushed up and back with some product to give the look texture and volume. While the quiff can be a little messy and spiky, the pompadour is characterized by a smoother, even silhouette for a more defined shape. Texture can be added by ruffling the hair at the front for a modern vs classic pompadour.

The key difference between the pompadour and the quiff is one of style rather than the actual length of the hair or shape of the cut. So if you have long hair at the front, you should be able to get style your locks into both a pompadour and a quiff.

Asking your barber for a pompadour haircut will give you maximum versatility. In fact, this length and texture of hair will allow you to style a number of different types of hairstyles.

Comb Over

Getting a comb over used to mean choosing a boring, neat haircut. But the modern comb over can be very stylish and versatile. Paired with faded hair on the sides, the comb over fade is sexier than ever. Guys can even ask their barber to shave in a line and create a hard part.

Like the quiff and pompadour, the comb over hairstyle involves short to medium length hair on top, but the upkeep and daily styling routine are much less intense. Simply apply a little hair waxy or pomade and comb your hair straight to the side. To add volume, make sure to lift as you brush to avoid a flat look.

Keeping a comb in your pocket will help you maintain this haircut on-the-go and stay trendy wherever you are. For some men, the simplest style is the best option and the comb over haircut is an example of that flattering simplicity.

Slick Back

Another classic yet popular look, the slicked back hairstyle can be achieved for most guys with around 3 inches of hair or more. The hair is brushed towards the back of the head, with some strong hold, high shine pomade applied to keep the hair in place. The end result is a badass, refined look you’ll love.

Most of the time, no specific haircut on the sides is required to achieve the slicked back style. All you need is a decent length of hair on top to comb back and you will be able to get this rebellious style. However, most men opt for the slicked back undercut because the contrast makes the look stand out more.

As one of the hottest men’s hairstyles of the decade, choosing a slick back is one way guys can ensure they look sharp for any occasion.

Faux Hawk

The faux hawk is a trendy haircut for guys who don’t want their hair too long, but still want to look good with a cool style. As the name suggests, the fohawk imitates a mohawk by having a long section of hair running along the middle of the head. However, unlike a true mohawk, the faux hawk haircut is accompanied by a fade instead of shaved sides. The overall look is eye-catching without being as loud or showy as a full mohawk.

This faux hawk fade is great for an edgy, fun look that doesn’t require too much maintenance. All you need to style the faux hawk is a good pomade or wax. And the medium length hair on top can be just a few inches longer than the faded sides, allowing you the ability to style a textured comb over or spiky hair.

Buzz Cut

Practical and easy, the men’s buzz cut may be the most low-maintenance haircut available, other than shaving your head bald. To get this simple yet masculine cut, ask your barber to use hair clippers and evenly trim all the hair on your head to the same length. For a very short buzz cut, ask for a number 1.

Some men don’t like this style because of its extremely short length, while others embrace it for the added practicality of having very short hair. The main advantage of getting a buzz cut is that you literally never have to style your hair in the mornings. While you’ll have to cut it fairly regularly, you can probably do it yourself at home with a quality clipper set.

Crew Cut

Classic and practical, the crew cut is second only to the buzz cut in terms of shortness. Defined by the faded short back and sides, the hair on top is left a little bit longer. Like the high and tight haircut, asking your barber for a crew cut will give you a tidy, military style look that never goes out of fashion.

Most of the hair on your head will be less than one inch in length, meaning that you don’t have to style your hair to look put together. This men’s haircut is one of the most common choices, and there’s a reason for that. The hairstyle is flattering for most face shapes and easy to maintain, so there’s really no reason not to go for it.

Textured French Crop

The French crop, also known as a textured crop top, is similar to a crew cut but with an even fringe added to the front. While a fringe can be incorporated into both long and short haircuts for a unique look, cropped hair has been trending strong this year.

If you’re looking to get a modern hairstyle that’s in demand in barbershops all around the world, the textured crop is worth trying! Just ask your barber for a short crop with a high or low fade. To finish the style, keep the hair natural with a light matte wax or pomade.

Side Part

As a variation of the comb over, the side part haircut is an elegant, simple style that involves separating your hair into two sides with a comb. The dividing line should be to one side of your head, usually where your hair naturally parts.

Some styles require different shaping around the face depending on the side which you like to part to, so find out what looks best beforehand and ask your barber for advice.

Spiky Hair

Spiky hair is making a comeback. Although it may bring back memories of the 90’s, spiky hairstyles have stood the test of time and can still create a trendy look today. But instead of the clumped-together, gelled spikes of previous generations, today’s spiky hair is all about being textured and messy for a more natural finish. This technique ultimately provides a refined appearance.

By applying a little wax and tousling your hair upwards, spikes will start to appear. The style can be used with most short haircuts of about 2 inches in length. Adding spikes gives the hairstyle a texture that looks stylish and effortless.

Man Bun

The man bun became one of the most popular long hairstyles for men in recent years. For guys with long hair, the style is easy to create with just a hair tie. All it involves is pulling your hair back into a bun and tying it in place.

The simplicity of tying all your hair back into a bun is an easy way to get it out of the way for work or sports. While people seem divided over the man bun hairstyle, we say if you can pull it off, go for it.

Man Bun

Top Knot

Like the man bun, a top knot also involves tying you hair back. The central difference is really all about placement. The top knot is tied at the top of the head, while the man bun near the crown or back.

Furthermore, another common distinction is that guys with top knot hairstyles seem to prefer shaving the hair on the sides. If you have long hair and want to try something different, the top knot is an easy change of style that accomplishes the hipster look.

How To Ask For A Haircut

Knowing the names of haircuts that you’d like to try can really help you get the best cut each time you visit your barbershop. But while it’s important to remember haircut terms when speaking with your barber, here are a few other factors to keep in mind when getting your hair cut.

Have a hairstyle in mind when visiting your barber.
Choose between a fade or undercut on the sides.
If you want a fade, know how high or low and which clipper size or grade.
If you plan to style your hair on top in a certain way, tell your barber in advance. Based on your face shape, hair texture, and current length, he can make recommendations.
Decide on how you want your neckline trimmed.

Cool New Men’s Haircuts To Try

Since each hairstyle comes with so many variations and guys can always find ways to customize any cut, here are some additional ideas and options for you to check out. Below, check out our gallery of cool new men’s haircuts to try this year!