Walking into a barber shop without knowing what to ask for is a little like ordering at a restaurant with no menu. You know you want something good, you just can’t name it. So when your barber asks, “What are we doing today?” you end up pointing vaguely at your head and saying, “Uh, shorter?”
We’ve all been there, and there’s no shame in it. With so many haircuts for men out there, it’s easy to get lost in the lingo. Is it a taper or a fade? A pompadour or a quiff? And what exactly makes a mullet “modern”?
Consider this guide your menu. We’ve rounded up the most popular types of haircuts for men, from timeless classics to styles with a little more attitude, and explained what sets each one apart. Along the way, you’ll find links to our deeper dives on the cuts that catch your eye. Whether you want something you can wash and forget or a look that turns heads, you’ll walk into your next appointment knowing exactly what to ask for. And if you’re still torn, your barber is always happy to help you decide.
Fades and Tapers
Fades and tapers are the foundation of many modern men’s haircuts. Both gradually shorten the hair on the sides and back, but they aren’t quite the same thing.
Taper vs. Fade: What’s the Difference?
A taper is the more subtle of the two. The hair gets gradually shorter toward the sideburns and neckline, but most of the length on the sides stays in place. The result is clean and polished without looking dramatic.
A fade covers more ground. The hair blends from very short, often down to the skin, up into longer hair, creating a gradient that can climb high on the head. The result is more contrast and a sharper, more modern look.
In short, every fade tapers, but not every taper is a fade. For a closer look at the variations, check out our guide to the types of taper fades.
Types of Fades
Fades are named for where the blend begins or the shape it takes:
- Low fade: Starts just above the ears. It’s subtle and versatile.
- Mid fade: Begins around the temples. It’s a balanced middle ground.
- High fade: Starts near the top of the head. It’s bold and high-contrast.
- Burst fade: Curves in a semicircle around the ear, leaving length at the neckline. It’s often paired with mohawks and mullets.
- Drop fade: Dips lower behind the ear toward the nape for a sleek, contoured shape.
Zero Fade vs. Skin Fade
A zero fade uses clippers with no guard, leaving a light layer of stubble. A skin fade goes down to bare skin with a foil shaver or razor. Learn which is right for you in our breakdown of zero fade vs. skin fade.
Short and Classic Haircuts
These short, classic haircuts are clean, easy to maintain, and look good on almost everyone. For our full take on timeless looks, read our guide to classic men’s haircuts.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is as simple as it gets: clippers, one length, all over. No product, no fuss, no bad hair days. Just a clean cut that says you’ve got better things to do.
Crew Cut
The crew cut keeps the sides short and tapered while leaving a bit more length on top, slightly longer toward the front. It’s clean and masculine, with just enough length to style.
Ivy League
Think of the Ivy League as a grown-out crew cut. The top is long enough to comb into a neat side part, giving it a polished, preppy look.
High and Tight
Rooted in military tradition, the high and tight is discipline you can see from across the room. Get the full story in our guide to the high and tight haircut.
Textured Crop
The textured crop, sometimes called a French crop, pairs short sides with a choppy, textured top pushed forward into a short fringe. It’s modern, low-maintenance, and one of the most requested short cuts right now.
Bold and Edgy Haircuts
These styles bring contrast, height, and attitude. For more inspiration, browse our roundup of edgy haircuts for men.
Undercut
An undercut keeps the sides and back very short while the top stays long, with no blending between the two. That sharp disconnection is what sets it apart from a fade. Learn more in our guide to the undercut haircut.
Faux Hawk
The faux hawk captures the spirit of the mohawk without the commitment: short sides and a top styled upward toward the center. Here’s everything you need to know about the faux hawk.
Modern Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back — but these days, the party’s got a lot more polish. The modern mullet pairs shorter front and sides, often with a fade, with extra length in the back. It’s far more refined than its ’80s ancestor. Master the look with our guide to the modern mullet.
Pompadour and Quiff
Both styles sweep the hair at the front up and away from the forehead for volume. The pompadour is sleeker and more sculpted, brushed up and back. The quiff is its more relaxed cousin, with extra texture and movement. Both need some length on top and a good styling product.
Slick Back
A slick back combs longer hair on top straight back for a sharp, confident look, usually with a medium-to-high shine product. Pair it with an undercut or fade for contrast, or keep the sides longer for an old-school look.
Medium and Long Haircuts
If you’d rather keep some length, these styles let your hair move while still looking intentional. For care and growing tips, see our long hair tips for men.
Surfer Hair
Surfer hair is effortless, textured, and a little tousled, like you just came in from the waves. Learn how to get the look in our guide to surfer hair.
Hockey Hair (The Flow)
The flow features medium-to-long hair swept back from the face and curling out behind the ears. Read all about hockey hair and the flow.
Middle Part
The middle part, sometimes called curtains, splits medium-length hair down the center so it frames the face on both sides. It’s a ’90s favorite that’s back in a big way.
Fringe
A fringe haircut brings hair forward over the forehead, from a short, textured fringe to a longer, heavier one. It’s a great option for softening strong features or covering a higher hairline.
Haircuts by Hair Type
Curly Hair
The right curly cut works with your texture instead of fighting it. Tapered sides with length on top and curly fringes are both great options. Explore our favorites in our guide to curly haircuts for men.
Thinning Hair
Shorter styles like the buzz cut, crew cut, and textured crop reduce contrast between thinner and fuller areas, making hair look denser overall. Find the best options in our guide to haircuts for men with thinning hair.
Find Your Next Great Haircut at Hudson / Hawk
Ready to try something new, or just keep your go-to cut looking its best? If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, stop by your neighborhood Hudson / Hawk. Our barbers know every cut on this list, from skin fades and textured crops to classic side parts and modern mullets, and they’ll help you find the style that suits you best. Relax in our welcoming shops, enjoy good conversation, and explore our full range of services, including shaves, beard grooming, and waxing. Book your next haircut today.