Men’s short hairstyles require less maintenance, yet a cropped cut can still make a big stylistic statement when cut and styled impeccably. The hottest short men’s cuts this year push creative limits for an edgy style that stands out. From precision high fades to intentionally messy, texture-rich crops, these latest short hair trends allow guys to look sharp while still being easy to wear.
The High Fade
A popular modern short cut, the high fade features very short hair at the temples and nape of the neck blended up to longer hair on top for dramatic effect; style with texture powder or light gel for definition and get trimmed every 2-3 weeks to prevent thick growth around the clean fade borders.
The Textured Crop
Covered in choppy short layers all over the head for movement and dimension, textured crop cuts leverage mix of lengths to achieve an intentionally messy style; style by working styling foam through hair to separate pieces, then scrunch and arrange layers in place with fingers.
The Buzz Cut
Simple and low-maintenance, the buzz cut is shaved extremely short all over with electric clippers; it suits guys who want an easy hairstyle option that works well for sports or if they have a receding hairline and value short manageable hair.
The Brushed Up Style
Ideal for men with straight, thick hair, brushed up styles sweep all hair upward and backwards away from the face for a look with height; use a blow dryer and round brush to style, applying light pomade, then finish by brushing hair up and away from the forehead.
The Edgar Cut
Typified by its blunt, thick fringe bangs cut horizontally across the forehead, the dramatic Edgar haircut is a bold men’s style allowing the heavy fringe to hang naturally downward without styling products so the shape stays crisp.
The Textured Quiff
A modernized quiff cut blending elements of the classic style with modern messy texture; style the textured quiff by working wax through longer hair on top and sweeping it diagonally backwards while creatively allowing some separated ends to splay for an undone look.
The French Crop
A fashionable men’s style leaving thick fringe long across the forehead/hairline while the back/sides are cropped short; style fringe hair swept naturally forward on the brows for casual texture or tease slightly upwards using finishing cream or salt spray.
The Temp Fade
Featuring medium-length hair clipped tight and faded very short at the temples only, this partial fade concentrates attention on the eye-catching curved fade lines around the sides; style top hair swept to one side and maintain fades with trims every 2-3 weeks.
The Shape Up
All about creating and maintaining super crisp hairlines and borders, the shape up cut utilizes precise trim techniques like line ups and edges; well-cut shape up styles finish any short men’s cut for and require visits every 2 weeks to keep lines razor sharp.
The Side Part
A classic style all about perfect part lines, the side part cut directs longer hair on top to sweep cleanly to one side from a defined side part; maintain structure by combing top hair towards part, trimming sides/back short every few weeks to prevent blurring part borders.
The Spiky Crop
A textured cropped cut styled to stand hair upward for maximum height and dimension, the spiky crop leverages shorter hair to create the illusion of longer spikes; style using firm finishing gel or wax, distributing product evenly throughout hair and piecing into seperate peaks using fingers.
Styling Short Hair Takes Skill
Just because short men’s hair is cropped doesn’t mean skill isn’t required when styling it. Creating perfect parted slopes, height that appears natural, and intentionally jagged layers all require technique. Invest time practicing working with various styling products as well to discover which waxes, gels and creams pair best with your hair type. With the right tools, tips and experience creating structure even on your short cut, people will definitely notice your awesome hair game.
Expert Cuts Are Essential
Getting consistently quality haircuts from a talented barber rather than trying to cut your own short hair is crucial for achieving a properly layered, detailed result. Book appointments at a skilled barbershop every 2-4 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows out. Maintaining your short hair investment through pro technique trims ensures you build momentum between cuts instead of losing shape or style.
In addition to working as a top colorist and stylist, Nicole frequently contributes tips and guides to lovethishair.co. She draws from her wealth of experience to write articles helping readers find the right cut and care for colored hair.
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