Short hair is a great way to stay cool, look stylish, and maintain a clean, polished appearance. But styling short hair for men can be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
Fortunately, I’ve got you covered. I will share with you the basics of short haircuts, essential tools and products, and how to choose the right hairstyle for your face shape.
Understanding Different Short Haircuts for Men
Short men’s haircuts are a great way to showcase your personal style while keeping your hair looking neat and tidy. Before I dive into styling tips and tricks, let’s first take a look at the four most popular options for short haircuts:
The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a classic short haircut that involves cutting hair uniformly with clippers. It’s a great choice for men who want a low-maintenance look that is easy to style and maintain. This style works well on all face shapes and is perfect for those who want a simple yet stylish look.
One of the benefits of the buzz cut is that it can be easily modified to suit your preferences. For instance, you can choose to leave your hair slightly longer on top or add a fade to the sides and back for a more polished look.
The Crew Cut
The crew cut involves cutting the hair short on the sides and back while leaving it slightly longer on top. This versatile style can be tailored to your preferences and face shape, making it a popular choice for men of all ages.
This hairstyle is low-maintenance but still looks stylish and cool. It’s also great for adding some volume and texture to your hair without going too short.
The High and Tight
The high and tight involves shaving the sides and back while leaving a short strip of hair on top. This military-inspired style is edgy, clean, and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for men who want a modern yet low-maintenance and simple look.
If you want a style that is both practical and stylish, choose the high and tight. It’s also a great option if you want to showcase your facial features or add some edge to your overall look.
The Fade
The fade combines a buzz cut or crew cut on top with a gradual taper on the sides and back. This style creates a seamless, polished look that works for almost any face shape. The fade is a popular choice for a modern and cool look that is easy to maintain.
One of the benefits of the fade is that it can be customized to suit your preferences. For instance, you can choose to have a high fade or a low fade, depending on your personal style and face shape.
Essential Hair Styling Tools and Products
Once you’ve chosen the perfect type of short haircut for you, it’s time to invest in some essential styling tools and products. Here are some of my top recommendations:
Hairbrushes and Combs
A good hairbrush or comb is essential for detangling and shaping your hair. Look for a high-quality brush or comb with sturdy bristles that won’t damage your hair.
A wide-tooth comb is perfect for detangling wet hair, while a boar bristle brush is great for smoothing and adding shine to dry hair. If you have curly hair, look for a brush or comb specifically designed for curly hair to avoid frizz and breakage.
Hair Dryers
A hairdryer can help you achieve a variety of styles by providing heat and airflow. Look for a dryer with adjustable heat and speed settings, and always use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage to your hair.
A diffuser attachment can help enhance your natural curls, while a concentrator attachment can help you achieve a sleek, straight look. For those with thick or coarse hair, consider investing in a high-powered dryer to cut down on drying time.
Hair Gels, Waxes, and Pomades
These styling products can help you sculpt and define your hair into the perfect style. Gels provide a strong hold, perfect for spiky or slicked-back looks. Waxes provide flexible hold, and they are great for messy, textured styles.
Pomades provide a shiny, polished finish, perfect for a classic, retro look. Experiment with different textures and finishes to find the right product for you. And remember, a little goes a long way – start with a small amount and build up as needed.
Hair Sprays and Texturizers
Hair sprays and texturizers can add volume, texture, and hold to your hairstyle. Look for a lightweight spray or texturizer that won’t weigh down your hair or leave a sticky residue.
A volumizing spray can help add body to fine or limp hair, while a texturizing spray can help create a tousled, beachy look. And for those with curly hair, a curl-defining spray can help enhance and define your natural curls.
Investing in high-quality styling tools and products can make all the difference in achieving your desired hairstyle. With the right tools and products, you can create a variety of looks, from sleek and polished to messy and textured.
Don’t forget to take care of your hair by using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Get regular trims to keep your hair healthy and strong.
How to Choose the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a new hairstyle is your face shape. Your face shape can have a big impact on how certain hairstyles look on you, so it’s important to choose a style that flatters your features.
If you have a round face shape, you’ll want to choose a hairstyle that elongates your face. On the other hand, if you have a square face shape, you’ll want to soften your features with a textured, layered top and short sides.
Oval face shapes are lucky because they can pull off almost any short hairstyle. If you have an oval face shape, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts and styles to find what works best for you.
If you have a diamond face shape, you’ll want to choose a hairstyle that adds width to your forehead. If you have a heart face shape, you’ll want to balance out your features with the volume on top and short, textured sides.
In the end, while these tips can be helpful, ultimately, the best hairstyle for you is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different styles until you find the perfect fit.
Michael (Mike) Davis is an experienced writer and freelance stylist specializing in men's grooming, skincare, hairstyles, and fashion.
With over 5 years of industry experience, he has a deep understanding of men's skin types, hair textures, and fashion preferences. Mike's passion for staying up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques is evident in his writing, which has been featured in popular publications.
He takes pride in providing practical advice to his clients and readers.