Top 80 All Times Exceptional Men’s Hairstyles (Revised)
Your options just got bigger: find a unique style in the endless list of most popular haircuts in 2022
Recent years were wonderful and controversial for men’s hair. We witnessed the reign of the undercut. We experienced the resurgence of retro hairstyles. We saw the roller-coaster-like rise and fall of the man bun. Trends came and went; some stuck around while others went the way of the mullet. More and more guys are pushing the boundaries of men’s hairstyles and taking them to new heights (sometimes literally). Fashionable styles are just for male models anymore, and men realize that now.
But the same question is always asked at the end of each year: Which hairstyles will be trending in the new year? To answer that, we’ve taken a look back at the successes of the last year and peeked into the future by seeing what’s currently fashionable. We’ve pinned down a few styles that resemble the best of last year and the near future of men’s hair. We’re excited to see what men’s hairstyles will bring, and we think you should be, too!
And what better time than the new year to reinvent your hair? All it takes is a trip to the barbershop and an idea. So if you’re looking for men’s hairstyles in the new year, look no further. We’ve got your bases covered. We’ve compiled a list of the top essential men’s hairstyles. Read on, and you just might find a new style to sport:
Thin Pocky Brush Up with Low Drop fade
If you are looking for something rugged, tough and something that goes well on all occasions then look no more. The top is pocky yet thinly brushed up with sides being taper faded. The cheeky drop low fade is what makes it more trendy.
Liam Payne's Ivy League Hairstyle
The ivy league haircut is similar to a crew cut but leaves the hair on top long enough to be parted. This style helps frame the face and modern adaptations may be styled with curls or a comb-over instead of being flicked back.
Classic Taper
A tapered haircut goes from shorter to longer hair, following the shape of the head. Try slicking it back for a classic look, or spiking it up if you want to be more modern.
Classic Faux Hawk
Faux-hawks are the ideal hairstyle for men who want a hip, edgy look. Shave the sides of your head, but leave your hair long in the center so it can be spiked upward.
Comb Over Taper Fade
Comb overs are a classic style, and fades are one of the most popular styles today. Mixing the old with the new is an unexpected, eye-catching twist on two favored looks.
Curly Medium Crop
Having short yet intense curls almost instantly ramp up your volume by quite a bit. The sides are just tapered enough so that they go well with the beard. Moreover, the side sweep texture is less obvious and more chilled out. The dye on the top acts as highlights and makes it more lively.
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Brushed-Back Scissor Crop
Is it just me or you think too that the intense look goes well with that fighter-slicked-back textured top. The sides are tapered slightly to match the volume needed on the sides but the top is simply rolled back like a gentleman. The temples are in place without fade because this one is all rugged and no fancy.
Layered Taper Fade
Add some variety to the typical fade style by incorporating a taper and some layers to your ‘do. It’s unexpected but still trendy and stylish.
Undercut with Stylish Pomp
Nothing is as simultaneously edgy and classy as an undercut with a pomp. The pomp is a classic style, but the undercut makes the look fresh and modern.
Samurai Haircut (aka. Top Knot)
Top knots are similar to man buns, but instead of growing all of your hair out, you shave most of your head and leave a lot of length on the top. This is an adventurous hairstyle that works best in casual situations.
Thin Spikes Texture Crop and Burst
Isn’t it too much style in one picture? Those amazingly waved strands on top with added rough brown dye that makes the whole look so cool yet quite poppy at the same time. The sides are taper faded with the temple being a drop fade, this is just too good to be true look.
Nick Jonas's Tousled Curls
Curls can be chaotic, but with a little product to enhance their bounce, they can be controlled. For something out of the ordinary, you can even show off a deep side part, which contrasts nicely with the curls.
Man Bob
The man bob is one of 2018’s most elusive men’s hairstyles. We’re not exactly sure when it will take over, but our sources say it will be the 2018 version of the man bun. It’s a controversial yet popular style that’s gaining traction.
In the man bob, the hair is worn long enough to reach the chin, creating a practical long hairstyle. Kurt Cobain famously sported the look, and it’s suitable for similarly straight-haired dudes.
Liam Payne's Mop Top
While mop tops were especially popular in the 1960s and 70s, they are still trendy today. Add some texture to your hair with your favorite mousse or texturizing spray to give it a more modern feel.
Textured Quiff
The quiff has been the hairstyle of choice for many a fashionable man, but in the past year, it was somewhat dwarfed by undercuts and pompadours. In 2017, the quiff will reemerge as a trendy style, but this time around, it’s all about the texture. The idea is that the textured quiff looks lusher and fuller than a regular quiff. You can get some serious volume, or you can keep it short and styled.
Another key to the 2017 quiff is the super short cut on the sides and back. We expect to see quiffs paired with skin fades to create a contemporary, high-contrast look that will soon be popping up on male heads everywhere.
If you’re going for the quiff, it’s crucial to get the right product and have the right length. Your hair will need to be 2 to 4 inches to get a good quiff going, and you’ll need to take your time styling it. Look out for a guide to the textured quiff in the coming months.
Mid Skin Fade
Go bold with a mid skin fade. Instead of having it extend lower on your head, have the fade end above your ears for a truly arresting look.
Skin Fade with Pompadour
One of the most popular men’s hairstyles in the past years was the pompadour, and as a result, it’s getting more attention. More variations are thought of, so it’s likely we will see quite a few pomp-based styles.
This pompadour with a skin fade is a newer take on the classic style, and it’s undoubtedly dapper. You can make the pompadour more or less dramatic depending on your style, and both work for different situations.
If you like the ultra-short look, ask your barber or stylist to use a #2 or #3 on the sides and fade from there. Anything longer won’t give you this look. There should still be some length on top, but the amount is up to you. We think 2 to 3 inches is a good benchmark.
As always, bring in a picture to your barber or stylist. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the hair world, it’s worth ten thousand.
Henry Cavill's Elephant Trunk
An elephant trunk is a classic, refined look from days past. To rock it in the modern era, you must cut most of your curls off, except for one or two in the front. Use your preferred holding product to style the curls and keep them in place.
Volumized Brush-Up
High volume can be really ideal if and only if pulled right. The top is brushed up with longer strands while the sides are tapered in a way where the volume is still there but the attention still goes to the top. Having a cheeky stubble here just adds more life to this style and makes it less stubborn.
Tapered Curls
And we all did miss afro hair a little when we talk exclusive hairstyles. This is very close to the trendy Drake style where the sides are faded with a slight taper and the top is all thick and dense. The top is short curls and that’s exactly what makes it special and more afro-y.
Diagonal Fade with High Volume
We have been seeing quite a few side parts and it is quite right to say that it is one of the exceptional classic ones of all times. The straight taper with a fade is just too good to be true with that lineup being faded as well. The beard doesn’t need a blend to start and hence it doesn’t have one.
Chris Pine's Longer Buzz Cut
Buzz cuts can be intimidating, but you can still wear one without shaving your head. Get an even, short cut all over your head but keep your hair at a medium length.
Low Fade and Curly Quiff
Now, this is one step further to the generic afro look with that longer curls and taper faded sides, one can never go wrong. The side brush on these haircuts just looks so well done if used some amount of product and given a little hair dry. The dense rugged beard adds to the chaos, balancing the whole look.
Short Crop and Low Undercut
Post Malone, is that you? The top is pocky combed with that pinch pattern on the top. The sides are tapered with the temple being exclusively faded just to add more attention to the sides. The color overall is a shiny golden dye which is what makes this style pop out even more.
Pushed Back Shiny Pompadour
Please welcome slicked back but with more style and added pompadour that is not your another day combination. The top is pushed back with a fluff whereas the sides are tapered and not faded. That being said, the sides are slightly longer so that they are pushed back as well.
Side Swept Undercut
Anything I say is going to be less for this one as we can see, the top is side brushed but with a lot of quiff texture. That plus the layers on top is just something to feast up. The sides are tapered and not faded so that volume is distributed equally, all of that plus that highlight dye makes it a perfect one.
Casual Irregular Top
When we say exclusively it doesn’t mean all those fanciest styles, sometimes exclusive can be something casual yet not casual like this one. The top is dense yet the volume is controlled with the lighter texture and the sides are tapered, nothing fancy so that it blends with that beard, which it does quite well.
Temple Fade and Side-Swept Mop
Haven’t seen a cool mop top or a long-stranded haircut in a while? Take a deep look as this is quite fancy especially with that temple fade and the dye on longer strands. The best part is you can style it in so many different ways that it becomes very versatile, try a slicked back!
Low Fade and Medium Scissor Crop
Quite simple, let’s break this down! It starts with a brush-up top that is thick in volume and has high density. That plus the sides are taper-faded with it being mid fade just to mention the slit shave is a wave pattern shave line and then a simple temple fade. As I said, quite simple, right?
Angular Fringe on French and High Fade
Angular fringes are very trendy but it has to accept one as a style, in here he clearly rocks it in every way shape, and form. Plus the top is quite tossed with sides being taper faded and that tiny slit shave sits on the sides with peace.
Casual Side Brushed Up
This is the thin line between spikes and brush up, the casual side of it with extra side sweep makes it a chill brush up with no undercut that doesn’t separate the hair. It looks like one whole piece with sides being taper fade with temple blend makes it fun.
Stir Fried Top with Matte Dye
This is one of those hairstyles that will blend in pretty good in casual to party occasions. The sides are tapered and not dyed whereas the top is dyed big time with a tossed top. The pocky texture makes it slightly fun and the highlight dye makes it poppy.
Ashton Kutcher's Shaggy Fringe
For a hairstyle that makes you look youthful and carefree, consider a shaggy fringe look. Let your hair grow out, then style it back to accomplish the perfect messy ‘do.
Skin Fade with Part
While the skin fade has been popular for a while now, it’s finding its way into more hairstyles.
A skin fade simply means that the hair is faded down to the skin. As the hair moves toward the neck, there’s less and less until it’s just your skin. The skin fade gives you a clean, polished look. It’s ideal if you want to tap into the fashion power of your hair and give it a makeover.
Skin fades work best with straight or wavy hair. Combining a skin fade with a part is an easy way to get a great, trendy hairstyle. You can also pair a skin fade with other styles (check out the next style).
Ryan Gosling's Classic Side Part
Short, straight hair with a side part is classy, understated, and popular for a reason. Take a page from Ryan Gosling’s book and brush your hair both up and to the side to add a modern edge.
Messy Man Bun
A messy man bun is the best of both worlds. Not only does it keep your hair back and out of your face, it is also a low-maintenance and relaxed style that you can wear even if your hair is dirty.
Natural Texture
Of all the men’s hairstyles, the natural textured look is one of the most surprising. This is sort of an anti-hairstyle; while it requires a stellar cut by a knowledgeable barber or stylist, it doesn’t require too much styling, and it looks like a tidier, flatter version of the “rolled out of bed” look.
The idea here is to get layers in order to get the most natural volume and texture out of your hair. To style, spray your hair with blow dry spray and then blow dry it flat. You can finish up with a light oil spray, being careful not to disturb the natural layout of your hair.
The result is a look that’s a far cry from towering pompadours but still fashionable. It’s also easy to style quickly, so if you’re often pressed for time, this could be your new favorite style.
Side Part
Even though this might be an obvious choice, we decided to include it because of its versatility and the eternal spot in the men’s hair hall of fame.
This classic style is still as fashionable as ever––in fact, it’s probably more fashionable than ever before. The side part is especially wonderful because it goes with so many hairstyles. Rock a pompadour? Add a side part. Prefer an undercut? A side part goes great with that, too.
If you want a super trendy look, combine a skin fade with a side part and a short pompadour. It’s an easy way to make many men’s hairstyles stand out.
Slicked Hair
Slicked men’s hairstyles (like the slicked back undercut) were prevalent in the past years, and they show no signs of stopping.
Like a side part, slicked hair is a versatile technique that can be paired with other styles. It’s appropriate for both short and long hair, but curly-haired fellows may not be able to achieve the look.
To get the slickest finish, you’ll want a pomade with high shine. Apply a generous amount to damp hair and style to your liking. Whether you’re going for a pompadour or a skin fade, adding some slick will give it an extra touch of style.
Beards
That’s right––hairstyles aren’t just about the hair on your head. The hair on your face will play an important role. Facial hair can complement and balance hairstyles when the two work together in harmony.
While the hipster beard may have gone (somewhat) out of style, we expect to see lots of facial hair on the trends. Whether you’re capable of growing only a bit of stubble or a full beard, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate your facial hair into your hairstyles.
It’s not about how much you can grow––it’s about synchronizing your head hair and facial hair to add another dimension to your hairstyle.
Angular Fringe
Lots of recent men’s hairstyles are focussing on the fringe. This is an element that hasn’t been in play for a while––styles like quiffs and pompadours have no fringe. However, we’re seeing lots of shorter to medium-length cuts that all feature a fringe. In particular, the messy and styled fringe is making a comeback.
With the help of some spray (like a sea salt spray) and a light mousse or paste, you can easily create a vibrant fringe to pair with a cut of your choosing.
Colin Farrel's Slicked Back
Slicked back hair is a timeless look that suits virtually all face shapes. It’s a simple way to look professional without much effort.
Mop-Top
A mop-top is a relaxed look that is perfect for any casual occasion. However, it can take some time and product to ensure each hair falls into place.
Liam Payne's Comb Over Hairstyle
Comb overs are tried and true hairstyles that generations of men have worn. To create the comb-over effect with a full head of hair, slick your hair away from your part and comb it over. Use your favorite product to hold it in place.
Ear Tucked Part
A deep side part is one of the most universally flattering hairstyles, regardless of face shape or even gender. After parting your hair, tuck it behind your ear for a youthful appearance.
Edgy Side Swept Fringe
Buzz or shave the sides of your head but leave plenty of fringe on top to sweep to the side. You may have to use some product to keep the fringe in place.
Drake's Burr Cut
Similar to an induction cut, a burr cut is a low-maintenance ‘do. To add some personal flair, consider adding a funky cutout like Drake.
Nick Jonas's Slicked Back
Slicked back ‘dos aren’t just for guys with short or medium length hair. Even if your hair is long, like Nick Jonas’s, you can still slick it back and enjoy this hairstyle.
Garrett Hedlund's Neat Quiff
Let Garret Hedlund inspire you before your next job interview or a big night out. His neat coif is put together without looking too formal.
David Beckham's Modern Mullet
Many people associate the mullet with the 1980s, but they are easily adaptable to modern times. A short mullet is a youthful, fun haircut that’s perfect for men who like a messy look.
Barrett Foa's Curly Angular Fringe
Men with curly hair can rock a fringe too! Trim or shave the sides of your hair, but leave your curls on top. Style them at an angle to create a fringe.
Classic Taper with Part
Few hairstyles are as classy as a taper with a deep side part. For a modern twist, add volume to your bangs for a small pomp.
Donald Glover's Afro
Unless you have naturally coarse hair, growing an afro is difficult. However, more people, such as Donald Glover, are choosing to embrace their natural hair by sporting afros, even to formal events.
Brad's Pitt Long Hairstyle
Growing your hair out long is not for the faint of heart. Long hair may look simple, but it often involves much more maintenance and styling time than a short style. However, it’s worth the effort; long hair is a universally flattering look that anyone can pull off.
Sharp Edges French
Who said french crop had to be all straight strands laying down over the forehead? This one is one of its kind with pocky sharp strands are brushed up as well as hanging down the forehead for that french crop look. The sides are taper faded but the best part is that cheeky drop fade that peaks in.
Josh Duhamel's Wind Swept Undercut
This ‘do is almost like a blend between a comb-over and spikes. To achieve it, use your favorite product to spike your hair up, but also over, to make it look like the wind blew it into position.
Nolan Funk's Messy Brushed Up
Unkempt haircuts are some of the most stylish today. For this look, cut the sides of your hair short, and leave a full head of hair on the top. Proceed to style as messily as desired.
High Fade and Textured French Crop
Who doesn’t like a clean french crop with a straight taper all around the head. This is an epitome of how regulated a haircut can be. Plus, the top is tossed slightly so that it looks slightly poppy but not at the same time. Don’t forget the temple fade here, this is something neat.
Modern Caesar
Typically, Caesar haircuts have short and straight bangs. For a modern update, try spiking your bangs up or tousling your hair so it’s messier than a traditional Caesar cut.
Casual Tossed Dyed Top
This one might seem like one of the casual hairstyles but in reality, it is quite special. The top is thin stranded yet tossed in a forward motion to have those strands in slight brush up form. The sides are mid faded which then blends into the temple for that cheeky beard which is stubble and chin beard altogether.
Tossed Pocky Top with Mid Faded Sides
Who says trends are hard to style and maintain, here’s a take on tossed top with pocky pinched texture sitting on top and just chilling like a boss. The sides are high faded with temple vanished into beard to make way for some extra goodness of panache.
Classy Side Part with Low Fade
Is that Steve Jobs in the making? The turtle neck shirt drips class especially when paired up with a classy side part and a thin part but the fun is on the sides being tapered and taping down fade towards the temple makes it more trendy while keeping the class.
Thugged Rough Brushed Up Top
Have you ever seen a blend of military haircut with a slight hipster-ish look? If you look closely there is no obvious side part or hard part. The wholesome look gives a good spot to gradually fade it down with a neat low fade. The beard blend comes in handy as it supports this one look.
Thin Hard Part with Angled Line Up
This one may look utterly casual but the hard part makes it slightly subtle. The casual side brush with a cheeky mid to low fade. The temple fade with that clean shave look makes it look gentleman with a thick volume top.
Cheeky Mullet with Temple fade
Can anyone ignore this level of panache, first with the cool short texture on top with mullet on the back. The sides are temple faded with cheeky taper fade make it look very trendy whilst the mustache is what makes this retro again. The bottom face is balanced by that stubble.
Dyed Highlights with Low Fade
If we choose something exclusive in modern days, this will be it for sure. The cheeky brush up which is also in the shape of a mohawk gives a very hippie vibe at the same time the sides are in support with that slit shave, The temple fade just makes an easy way for the beard to blend it, also, don’t forget the mustache and goatee.
Natural and Scissor Taper
We all notice that the volume on top and on the bottom is pretty equalized with that long beard. The top however is a whole new story with that side sweep texture and a subtle side part tells how dapper it is especially as it is not tapered on the sides too much.
The Classic Moustache to Mid Fade Duo
Wait, who thought this duo could so much exclusive? Clearly, the mustache trend has not faded especially with a hairstyle like this, this is pure class. The top is brushed up with the side brushed a little for that specific look plus the sides are mid faded so that no one steals the attention from the mustache.
Thick Hair Touseled Quiff
Who doesn’t love when thick hair is tossed left, right, and center. This is no different with some added exclusivity. The sides are undercut tapered without any obvious side part also the fact that the top is quite long is relevant as it turns quite a few ways giving hints of brush up as well.
Thin Hair Neat Side Swept
Clean and subtle is always the way to go if you have second thoughts. The side part is quite obvious but not at the same time. The layers on top support the side brush quite well especially since this being a thin hairstyle, it definitely cannot get any better than this.
Confident Quiffed Brush Up
Is it just me or even you think that brush up looks better with raised eyebrows? This hairstyle with that panache is impeccable. The sides are tapered for that look without any obvious parting. We don’t see any fade as the approach is quite cleaner and elegant rather than being upbeat.
Simple Stranded Forehead
Another take on a simple yet exclusive style is this, the hair strands lay down pretty calm with a shorter length. The top is very calm and the sides are no different, the sides are tapered and faded, however, the fade is quite strict and adds a little flavor to the whole look.
Robert Downey's Ivy League Haircut
Ivy league haircuts aren’t always as long as Robert Downey’s is, but having extra length is a few, easy way to make the look more contemporary. Add some texturizing product to help things stay in place and to add more dimension to your ‘do.
Thin Hair Brush Up and Mid Fade, Perfect Combination
Have thin hair? You are not alone. Try this brushed up look coupled with a strong mid-fade. This puts a fresh spin on the classic hairstyle!
Fancy Thin Hair Pompadour
The pompadour has made its way back to the 21st century! Named for King Louis XV’s mistress, this is not the look to be sleeping on. Made popular by the King himself, Elvis broke hearts with his pompadour. Go for this simple one, with close-cut sides.
Elegant Pompadour Quiff
Pompadour with a taper on the sides becomes a modern one but this is a classic evergreen look that will never get old. The sides have just trimmed a tad to take care of the volume but the top is as retro as it can get, with that small quiff and tossed look, we’re back in the ’90s.
Nick Jonas's Buzz Cut
If you like the idea of an induction or burr cut, but still want some length, go for a buzz cut like Nick Jonas’s. You can still have the simplicity of that style of cut without fully shaving your head.
Patrick Dempsey's Classic Brush Up
A classic brush up works best for those with short to medium length hair. You will need to use your favorite product for this style, but don’t use so much that your hair becomes stiff.
Sharp Side Combed Undercut
Thick hair does wonder when you know what to do with it just like this one. Nothing crazy but a clean side sweep with some subtle hard part with a tapered side and a faded temple The drop texture on the fade is what makes it a neat one. Not to mention the side part isn’t your usual one, it is slightly towards the center.
High Volume Surf Top with Shaved Hairline
What do we say about this, brushed up open quiffed top with sides being taper faded and line up shaved from the middle. Not just that but the temple fade with a slight drop fade makes everything so much better. The beard blend sneaks in the beard and it gets dense towards the chin.
Adam Levine's Disconnected Undercut
Currently, disconnected undercuts are one of the trendiest male hairstyles. They make a statement but can still be modified to suit your personality. To start, shave the sides and back of your head, but keep your hair very long on top.