Here are 33 contemporary short hairstyles and haircuts for men, perfectly chosen to combine classic sophistication with the latest fashion-forward styles.
If you’re looking to revamp your look or stay ahead of the trends in men’s grooming, this collection is your go-to resource. With everything from sharp fades to textured crops, each haircut is selected to elevate your hairstyle to the next level.
1. Layered Crew Cut with High Fade
This modern crew cut combines short, textured layers on top with a high fade for a sharp and edgy look. The blonde hair adds a bright, striking contrast, emphasizing the clean lines. Perfect for men seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut.
2. Choppy Short Crop Haircut
This short, textured crop features choppy layers that add volume and dimension to the top. It’s a popular, versatile cut that suits different face shapes. Paired with tapered sides, it creates a fresh and bold look.
3. Classic Fringe Caesar Haircut
The Caesar cut is a classic, short haircut with a straight fringe across the forehead. The uniform length around the head creates a tidy and structured appearance. It’s ideal for men looking for a timeless, easy-to-maintain style.
4. Close-Cropped Buzz Cut for Men
The buzz cut is a clean, close-cropped haircut that offers simplicity and practicality. It’s cut evenly all around, creating a uniform look with minimal styling needed. A great option for those who prefer a no-fuss, low-maintenance haircut.
5. Messy Textured Short Top Hairstyle
This messy, tousled look adds casual texture to short hair. It gives off a laid-back vibe while still appearing stylish. Perfect for men wanting a relaxed, yet modern hairstyle.
6. Platinum-Colored Ivy League Haircut
The Ivy League is a polished, versatile style with a longer top and shorter sides. The platinum color adds a bold, modern twist to this classic cut. It’s ideal for men looking for a smart, sophisticated hairstyle with a bit of flair.
7. Curly Top with Fade
This haircut blends a curly textured top with a clean fade on the sides. The natural curls add volume and personality, while the fade keeps the look sharp and fresh. A great option for those embracing their natural hair texture.
8. Short Curled Men’s Haircut
Short curls are cut to create a defined, neat look without losing the natural texture. This style is easy to maintain and works well with all face shapes. Ideal for men who want a clean, polished look with a hint of character.
9. Layered Crop with Mid Fade for Men
The textured crop with mid fade offers a stylish contrast between the textured top and the gradually faded sides. This cut balances modern and classic elements, making it suitable for various occasions. Perfect for men seeking a fresh, edgy look.
10. Slick Pompadour with Undercut for Men
The slicked-back pompadour features volume and height on top, paired with a sharp undercut. This timeless yet bold style creates a powerful, confident appearance. It’s perfect for men looking to make a strong statement with their hair.
11. Skin Fade Short Cut for Men
The bald fade creates a smooth transition from short hair to skin, offering a clean, minimalist look. Paired with a short top, it’s ideal for a sharp, low-maintenance style. This cut is versatile and works well for any face shape.
12. Quiff Undercut
The undercut quiff is a stylish choice, with short, shaved sides and a voluminous top styled upward. The contrast between the short sides and the full top creates a bold, confident look. This haircut is perfect for men who want to combine classic and modern elements.
13. Casual Surfer Cut with Blonde Highlights
This messy surfer style gives off a relaxed, beachy vibe with tousled texture and natural-looking blonde highlights. It’s perfect for men looking for an effortless, casual look. The highlights add depth and dimension to the short, textured layers.
14. Modern Pompadour
The modern pompadour adds volume and height to dark hair, creating a bold yet polished appearance. Paired with shorter sides, it gives a sleek, contemporary twist to a classic look. Ideal for men seeking a stylish, confident hairstyle.
15. Faux Hawk with Faded Sides
The faux hawk fade combines edgy height on top with a gradual fade on the sides. This modern take on the mohawk offers a stylish, versatile look. It’s perfect for those wanting a bold but wearable style.
16. Short Blonde Hair Brushed Up
This brushed-up style adds height and texture to short blonde hair, creating a fresh, youthful look. The short sides keep the focus on the voluminous top. Ideal for men looking for a clean, contemporary hairstyle.
17. Modern French Crop for Men
The modern French crop features a short, textured top with a blunt fringe. The sides are tapered, creating a clean, sharp contrast. This style is perfect for those wanting a fashionable, low-maintenance cut.
18. Crew Cut with Beard
The crew cut is a classic short hairstyle that pairs well with a beard for a rugged, masculine look. The clean, simple lines of the cut balance the fuller facial hair. Ideal for men seeking a timeless, easy-to-maintain style.
19. Tousled Crop with Taper Fade
This messy crop features textured layers on top and a fade on the sides for a trendy, youthful look. The tousled top adds a relaxed, casual vibe. Perfect for men who want a stylish yet easygoing hairstyle.
20. Tall Top Fade
The high top fade offers height and structure on top with a sharp fade on the sides. This cut highlights the natural texture of the hair while maintaining a clean, polished look. Ideal for men who want a bold, confident style.
21. Wavy Quiff Hairstyle
The wavy quiff combines natural texture with a styled top for a relaxed yet polished look. The waves add movement, while the quiff provides height and structure. This style is perfect for men looking for a versatile, sophisticated cut.
22. Smooth Side-Parted Hairstyle
This sleek side part is a classic, polished look with a sharp parting and smooth, styled hair. It’s perfect for formal occasions or everyday wear, offering timeless elegance. Great for men who prefer a clean, structured appearance.
23. Comb Over with Faded Sides
The comb-over fade features a longer top combed to the side with a smooth fade on the sides and back. This cut creates a sharp, professional look while still being stylish. Ideal for men seeking a modern take on a classic hairstyle.
24. Curly Fade Cut
This style blends natural curls on top with a fade on the sides for a neat yet textured look. The curly top adds personality, while the fade keeps it sharp and clean. Great for men who want to embrace their curls while maintaining a polished appearance.
25. Messy Short Top
This tousled top offers a relaxed, messy style with short sides for a casual yet trendy look. The texture on top adds volume and movement. Perfect for men seeking an easygoing, fashionable haircut.
26. Curly Short Cut with Beard
This short curly cut enhances natural curls while keeping the sides trimmed for a clean look. The beard adds a rugged, masculine edge to the style. Ideal for men who want a well-groomed yet textured appearance.
27. Spiked Short Cut
This spiky style adds texture and height to short hair for a fun, edgy look. It’s easy to style and perfect for men looking for a youthful, energetic haircut. The short sides balance the spiky top for a clean finish.
28. Short Fringe
The forward fringe creates a bold, modern look with short sides and a fringe pushed forward. This style adds dimension and structure to short hair. Ideal for men wanting a fresh, fashion-forward appearance.
29. Side Swept Hairstyle
This side-swept style uses scissors for a soft, natural look with longer layers on top. The hair is styled to one side for a classic, elegant finish. Great for men who prefer a polished, versatile haircut.
30. Bowl Cut for Men
The modern bowl cut features a clean, defined line around the head with short, tapered sides. This bold style offers a contemporary twist on a retro classic. Perfect for men looking for a unique, standout hairstyle.
31. Short Box Fade
This short box fade offers a structured top with a clean, sharp fade on the sides. It’s a bold yet neat style that highlights natural hair texture. Ideal for men who want a fresh, confident look.
32. Low Fade Pompadour
This pompadour with a low fade adds volume and height on top while keeping the sides short and neat. The low fade creates a subtle transition for a polished finish. Great for men who want a stylish yet classic hairstyle.
33. Defined Side Part with High Fade
The hard side part creates a sharp, defined line with a high fade on the sides for a clean, modern look. This cut adds structure and contrast to short hair. Perfect for men who want a sleek, professional appearance.
Men’s short haircuts offer a range of styles, from clean and professional to edgy and modern. This article will explore different types of short haircuts, how to choose the right one based on face shape, hair texture, and personal style, and the latest trends for 2024. You’ll also learn tips on maintaining and styling these cuts.
Choosing the Perfect Short Hairstyle
Before deciding on a short haircut, men should consider various factors to find a style that complements their appearance and lifestyle.
Facial Structure and Symmetry
Different face shapes like round, square, or oval influence which short haircuts look best. For instance, angular cuts may suit round faces, while soft layers can balance square features. Men with oval faces often have the most flexibility in hairstyle choices.
Hair Type and Density
Hair type plays a huge role in how a short haircut will look. Thick, curly hair may benefit from fades or crops, while fine, straight hair works well with buzz cuts or crew cuts. Understanding your hair’s natural behavior ensures a more flattering and manageable style.
Lifestyle Considerations
Short haircuts are ideal for men with active lifestyles due to their low maintenance. If you have a demanding job or enjoy outdoor activities, a no-fuss style like a crew cut or buzz cut can be practical and stylish.
Age and Hair Health
As men age, their hair may become thinner or gray, which affects how short styles look. Short haircuts can help reduce the appearance of thinning, while also being easy to maintain. Color choices, if dyeing, should match the natural tone to avoid harsh contrasts.
Which Short Haircut Suits Your Face Shape Best?
For oval faces, almost any style works, from a buzz cut to a quiff. For square faces, styles with softer edges, such as the French crop, complement the jawline. Men with round faces should opt for cuts that add height and angles, like the faux hawk or pompadour. Avoid rounder styles like a butch cut if your face is round, as this may enhance roundness.
Trending Short Haircuts for Men
Ivy League Hairstyle
A sophisticated version of the crew cut, the Ivy League is perfect for men who want a professional look while maintaining some length for styling on top.
Sharp Line-Up Cut
Known for its sharp, clean edges, the line-up is a stylish, precise cut that emphasizes the hairline, making it great for men with strong facial features.
Side-Swept Comb Over
The comb-over keeps the top longer, styled to one side, with shorter sides. It’s versatile and can be styled to look both formal and casual.
Buzzed Hairstyle
The buzz cut is one of the most low-maintenance and universally flattering haircuts. It’s great for men who prefer simplicity, and it suits a wide range of face shapes.
Modern French Crop
The French crop is characterized by short sides and a slightly longer top with a fringe. It works well for men with thick or textured hair and adds a modern touch to classic short cuts.
Faux Hawk Style
The faux hawk is an edgier style, with longer hair in the middle that can be spiked up for a daring, modern look. It’s great for men with round faces who want to add height and dimension.
Butch Cut
This all-over short style is practical and neat, making it a good option for men who prefer low-maintenance haircuts.
Classic Crew Cut
A classic choice, the crew cut leaves a bit more length on top than the buzz cut, allowing for slight styling flexibility. It’s clean, easy to maintain, and works well for men with straight or wavy hair.
High and Tight Cut
This military-inspired cut features closely shaved sides and back with a short top. It provides a sharp and structured appearance, making it ideal for men who like a bold look.
360 Waves Hairstyle
360 waves are a popular style for men with curly or coiled hair. This cut requires regular brushing and care to maintain the distinctive wave pattern.
Medium-Short Hairstyles for Men
Stylish Quiff
The quiff adds volume at the front of the hair, making it a stylish option for men who want a bit of flair without going over the top.
Textured Top Crop
The textured crop is a versatile style where the top is left slightly longer and styled for a messy, textured finish. It’s low-maintenance and works well for men with thicker hair.
Disconnected Undercut Style
The disconnected undercut features a sharp contrast between the short sides and the longer top, making it a bold, modern choice.
Slicked-Back Hairstyle
Slicked-back hair is classic and can be achieved with medium-length hair on top, while the sides are kept shorter. This style offers a timeless, polished look.
Afro Hairstyle
For men with coily hair, the Afro offers a natural, voluminous look. The length can vary depending on whether the hair is styled in its natural state or stretched.
Side-Parted Haircut
The side part is a traditional and elegant cut where the hair is parted to one side, giving a neat and organized appearance.
Modern Pompadour Look
The modern pompadour gives volume and height, making it perfect for those with round faces who want to elongate their appearance. It’s a high-maintenance yet striking style.
Classic Tapered Cut
Taper cuts gradually shorten the hair towards the nape of the neck, offering versatility for many face shapes. This is a refined, timeless style that suits both professional and casual settings.
Top Short Hair Trends for 2024
Textured Crop with Low Fade
The textured crop with a low fade is one of the most popular cuts for 2024, offering a clean, yet relaxed style.
The Edgar Cut
The Edgar haircut is a bold, choppy style that’s gaining traction among younger men. It’s known for its straight fringe and short, boxy look.
Caesar-Style Haircut
With its uniform length and short fringe, the Caesar cut remains a popular low-maintenance option.
Spiky Short Hair
Spiky hair is back, with short lengths and textured spikes giving a youthful, dynamic appearance.
Slicked-Back Undercut Style
The slicked-back undercut is versatile, working for various face shapes. A medium-length undercut is generally more flattering and easier to style.
Burst Fade Look
The burst fade creates a dramatic, angular look that adds height to round faces, transforming their appearance.
Drop Fade Cut
The drop fade curves around the ear, offering a unique, modern silhouette that works with many hair textures.
Curly Hair with Taper Fade
This cut combines tight curls with a clean fade along the sides, creating a fresh and modern look for men with curly hair.
Recommended Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
Men with straight hair should opt for cuts like the buzz or crew cut for a neat look. Wavy hair benefits from textured styles, such as the quiff or pompadour, which enhance natural movement. Curly hair looks great with taper fades or 360 waves. For those with thin hair, a classic taper or comb-over can add volume, while thick hair works well with French crops or fades. Coarse hair can be tamed with a butch cut or high and tight.
Are Bangs a Good Choice for Men?
Yes, bangs can work for men depending on face shape. Haircuts with bangs like the short fringe suit square faces by softening the features, while side-swept or angular fringes flatter round or oval faces by adding dimension.
Textured Fringe
The textured fringe gives a messy, laid-back look, suitable for men with thick or curly hair.
Angular Fringe
This cut features sharp angles, great for adding structure to round faces.
Short Bangs
The short fringe is sharp and modern, ideal for men with defined jawlines.
Side-Swept Fringe
A side-swept fringe adds a softer, more romantic touch, perfect for those with round faces.
Short Haircuts for Older Men
Older men should prioritize styles that are easy to maintain and flattering for thinning or graying hair. A classic taper or crew cut can give a youthful, polished look. Avoid styles that require too much volume or styling.
Tips and Tricks for Styling Short Hair
For short hair, use lightweight styling products such as pomade or wax to add texture without weighing the hair down. Men with thin hair should opt for volumizing sprays, while thicker hair types can benefit from matte products for a natural finish. Always use a good conditioner to maintain hair health, regardless of the cut.
Short haircuts are versatile, stylish, and easy to maintain for men of all ages and hair types. Whether you’re looking for a trendy style or a classic cut, there’s a short hairstyle to suit every need. For 2024, expect to see bold textures, sharp fades, and classic styles with modern twists making their mark.