When in uniform, military personnel must follow grooming and appearance guidelines to maintain a clean-cut and professional look. If you want a short style, a military haircut is a functional choice for men who want a stylish, masculine and low-maintenance look that exudes confidence and strength. From the buzz cut fade to the high and tight, these military-inspired hairstyles can suit former servicemen, law enforcement officers or any modern guy needing a cool and effortless vibe.
For fresh ideas, check out some of the best military haircuts for men to inspire your next visit to the barbershop.
Men’s Military Haircut Styles
Buzz Cut Fade
The buzz cut fade is a short military-inspired haircut for guys who want a low-maintenance and effortlessly masculine look. Versatile and always stylish, you can ask your barber for a low, mid or high skin fade to create contrast and focus attention on the buzzed top. For a classy variation, a taper fade may offer extra coverage on the sides and back but still maintain a short style.
Crew Cut
The crew cut is a short and classic hairstyle for the guy who wants to go short but still rocks some length. The haircut is simple as the hair is faded from the front of the head toward the back, leaving it slightly longer in front. You can ditch the fade for this cut.
Short Side-Swept Hair with Shaved Sides
A short side-swept hairstyle with shaved sides is a cool look for modern men who moonlight as punk rockers and want an edgy look. With this cut, the back and sides are cropped skin tight while the longer hair on top is combed to the side and styled with gel.
High and Tight
A high and tight is a very short military-style haircut that looks classically masculine while still offering a stylish finish. The short hair on top is left longer compared to the back and sides, allowing guys to choose an undercut, taper or skin fade to complement the style. Typically paired with a bald fade, you can go with anything from a number four guard to a one on top to create the iconic look.
Butch Cut
A butch cut is a clean-cut option for a military look. While still uniform across the top, the length leans longer using any guard between a three and a five. Ask for a fade to tighten everything up and this is as easy as it gets.
Burr Cut
A burr cut is a great option for guys who want a style that is rougher around the edges but still manageable. While maintaining a number one or two on top, you’ll want to get a mid skin fade to create a fuller look. A short thick beard can be a solid complement to the style.
Flat Top
A flat top is exactly what it sounds like. A longer variation of a military cut, the hair on top holds onto some length so it can be trimmed nice and level. Hair on the sides can be faded or tapered to accentuate the corners of this bold look.
Disconnected Undercut Fade
The disconnected undercut fade may not be a regulation cut, but it is a trendier option for the younger crowd. The high disconnected fade makes for a strong manly finish, while some pomade can lock it all in place.
Induction Cut
The induction cut is a low-maintenance haircut for recruits when they enter boot camp, hence the name “induction”. This style can be a great DIY haircut for home because it’s done using only clippers without a guard.
Ivy League
The Ivy League is a classic haircut style for guys who attend schools like Harvard and Princeton. As a conservative cut, the hair is trimmed neatly on the back and sides and the top is left long enough to style with product.
Short Spiky Hair with Faded Sides
Short spiky hair with faded sides is a youthful cut for the guy who wants to dip their toes into shorter styles. Have your barber point cut to add texture on top and ask for a number two fade to maintain a soft look.
Brush Cut
The brush cut is another classic option that’s easy to achieve. While the front of the hair is typically left longer for men to brush up, the top can go as short as a number four guard with the back and sides tapered down to the skin. Getting this cut would be well within military regulations.
Curly Hair Fade
Curly hair can be faded like every other texture and still be as manly as every other recruit. Opting for a high bald fade will leave you with a sharpness that highlights the natural bounce of your locks.
Caesar Cut with Mid Fade
The Caesar cut is a short style that is dapper and full of character. Defined by a horizontal fringe, this look is great for highlighting your sharper features. A mid fade completes it by adding depth.
Flat Top with High Skin Fade
A flat top with a high skin fade is a stylish variation for modern gents who wants to take their style to the next level. The top is still flat and short enough that it can stand on its own without the need for a styling product. With very short sides, the bald faded finish is ideal for a manly look.
Short Textured Spikes with Tapered Sides
For a fashionable option, short textured spikes never seem to go out of style. Textured and lively, you can go from sleek to stylishly disheveled, with a small amount of hair clay. The tapered sides soften the appearance for a more approachable vibe.
Crew Cut with Low Razor Fade and Line Up
A crew cut with a low razored fade is a clean and powerful look for men, young and older. Much like a traditional cut, this sharp masculine style is rugged and handsome, especially with a full beard. With shorter hair towards the back, a razor fade updates the cut while the crisp shape up enhances the hairline.
Short Brush Forward with Low Fade
The short brush forward is popular with men of all ages. Layered and textured on top, this style keeps it short and easy to manage with a small amount of gel or pomade. A low fade helps sharpen all the soft edges, so all eyes are on you.
Short Brush Back with Burst Fade
The short brush back is a modern style for masculine guys who have strong facial features and want a powerful look. Similar to Brad Pitt’s haircut in Fury, you’ll need longer hair in the front so you can push it back and over with pomade for that sleek look. A burst fade keeps it tight around the ears and interesting and full in the back.
Short Crew Cut with Buzzed Sides
This version of the crew cut goes for a subtler approach. The hair on top leans on the longer side at a number four guard and the fade doesn’t get too close to the skin, making for a smoother finish. Add a flair of your own with a shaved-in design.
Messy High and Tight with Drop Fade
A messy high and tight is a cool cut to try if you’re growing out your hair from a military short style. Leave the top alone and go for a drop fade to add weight. A strong hair clay can aid in separation and texture.
Shaved Sides
Shaved sides are a bold haircut choice for modern men who want to take an edgy and low-maintenance approach. A shaved look on the sides and back can contribute a daring flair to any cut and keeps your hair very short. Whether you want to keep the top longer or shorter for boot camp, having the sides shaved will let the world know you’re a badass.
Military Undercut
The military undercut is a chic take that will look ruggedly handsome on most guys. Using a number three guard, the top holds weight and stands out from the skin-tight sides. Getting your edges lined up can take this hairstyle from the junkyard to the red carpet.
Short Comb Over Fade
The short comb over fade is a stylish hairstyle for the gentleman who wants an easy-to-maintain look that complements his career. As a cool business professional cut, this classic comb over comes with a manageable length and a mid-to-high fade for a flattering finish. All you’ll need is a matte pomade for texture and fullness.
Short Mohawk Fade
The short mohawk fade is a bold look for guys who want to make a statement. This cropped and subtle mohawk features with a high skin fade for contrast and a shaved part for an edgy touch. Combined with a well-groomed beard, the hairstyle offers a fashion-forward and masculine option.
Very Short Cut
A very short haircut is a modern and bold choice for guys that can be created with clippers at home. This cropped cut is achieved using nothing but clippers and can even go without a guard, although you can get away with going as long as a number one guard. With no fade, just run the clippers through your hair until it’s uniform.
One Length Buzzed Top
The one-length buzzed haircut is an easy and breezy look on top that allows any man to cut their hair at home for extra convenience. You can choose a number 4, 3, 2 or 1 to achieve the right length. Just stick to a single guard and you’ll be fresh and ready in minutes.
Long Textured Buzz Cut with Faded Sides and Hair Design
The long textured buzz cut is a trendy look for guys who want to change up their style and experiment with a new option at the barbershop. Start with a number five on top and slick your hair down with pomade or clay to create separation. Fade down the sides for contrast and embrace your fun side with a hair design.
Choppy Fringe with High Bald Fade
A choppy fringe can refresh the dullest of cropped styles. Have your stylist go asymmetrical and jagged on the bangs for an unpredictable look. Pairing it with a high bald fade can help keep it fresher for longer.
Side Swept Crew Cut with Fade
Another variant of the crew cut, this one keeps the hair long enough towards the front so you can push it to the side with hair gel or clay. A fade cleans up the whole look, taking you from scruffy to charming.
Short Brush Up with Tapered Sides
The short brush up is a simple haircut for any man that requires little styling effort while still offering a good look. Keep your hair on top long enough to brush up with some product, but nothing longer than an inch. Get your sides tapered to keep the length short but not severe.
Modern Flat Top
A modern flat top is a fashionable choice for guys who think the classic version needs an update. With a retro touch, the back and sides are faded like a high and tight to give the top its square look, but the textured brush up offers a more natural style.
Short Comb Over
A short comb over is an all-around approachable style for men who want a cool and youthful look without exerting effort. Paired with a short taper and some stubble, this stylish haircut is a short, versatile and easy option that won’t cause bedhead. A quality pomade can go a long way to help lock your hair in place.
Modern Butch Cut with Mid Fade and Beard
If you want to upgrade your look, the modern butch cut is a daring style that works well with a mid fade and beard. For this dashing look, style your hair down and forward and ask your barber for a line up to get those edges crisp. A mid bald fade can help balance out your face and create separation between your cut and well-trimmed beard.
Simple Short Sides with Longer Hair on Top
The classic short sides and back with long hair on top look is a favorite style that allows men to achieve any classic military style. By keeping the hair on top longer, this haircut offers maximum versatility while the fade or undercut offers a clean and attractive finish. Use a strong matte product for control or a low-hold cream to allow movement and flow.
Buzzed Cut with Shape Up and Beard Fade
Adding a shape up to your buzz cut can be a refreshing reset to your look. It provides symmetry and polish to an otherwise basic look. Getting a beard fade is a unique way to add balance to your style and draw attention to your face.
Modern Regulation Cut
This new take on the regulation cut maintains longer hair on top, which is parted to the side with gel or pomade. A high fade makes certain that you’ll pass inspection from your sergeant.
Clean-Cut Low Fade
A clean-cut low fade is a versatile and classic haircut that will focus attention on your style. A low fade keeps the sides dense and neat, while the top is lightly trimmed so it can still provide personality and style.
Balanced Medium Fade
A balanced medium fade is the perfect option for the guy who likes to maintain and regular cut and never gets bored. Ask for a mid fade down to a number 2 and keep the top suitably long. A light-hold product can go a long way here.
Simple Short Top with High Skin Faded Sides
If you want to stand out, this simple and short haircut with high skin faded sides can make a bold statement. The high bald fade provides contrast and makes for a sexy finish while the low-maintenance style will keep your hair neat and sophisticated. You can use a medium-shine product to keep your hair down and feature a natural sheen.
Popular Military Haircut Ideas For Men
The most popular military haircuts for men are short and simple styles like the buzz cut, crew cut, high and tight, hard side part, induction, burr and side swept crop for a masculine look. These low-maintenance and handsome men’s hairstyles are easy choices that will create a clean, sharp and purposeful aesthetic.
