14 Classic Men’s Hairstyles That Never Go Out of Style
The side-part is the epitome of refined elegance. This timeless cut, characterized by a clean, defined part—often achieved with a razor for sharpness—works with various hair lengths, from tight fades to longer, classic scissor-cuts. It’s incredibly versatile, easily transitioning from a casual day look to a formal black-tie event with a simple change in styling product. The side-part communicates confidence and attention to detail, making it a perennial favorite for gentlemen who value a polished appearance that is both professional and effortlessly cool.
1. The Side-Part
The side-part is the epitome of refined elegance. This timeless cut, characterized by a clean, defined part—often achieved with a razor for sharpness—works with various hair lengths, from tight fades to longer, classic scissor-cuts. It’s incredibly versatile, easily transitioning from a casual day look to a formal black-tie event with a simple change in styling product. The side-part communicates confidence and attention to detail, making it a perennial favorite for gentlemen who value a polished appearance that is both professional and effortlessly cool.
Styling the side-part is all about precision and product choice. Start with damp hair and use a comb to create a clean part. For a sleek, glossy finish, a strong-hold pomade is ideal. For a more modern, textured look with a matte finish, a clay or paste works wonders. Blow-drying can add volume and help set the direction. The beauty of this style is its adaptability; it can be worn sharply defined for the office or messily textured for a weekend brunch, always maintaining its core sophisticated structure.
2. The Pompadour
The pompadour is a bold statement of rock-and-roll rebellion and classic Hollywood glamour. This iconic style is defined by volume on top, with hair swept upwards and back away from the face, while the sides are typically kept tight and tapered. It requires a certain length on top to achieve its signature height and wave. From Elvis Presley’s greasy classic to David Beckham’s modern, textured interpretation, the pompadour has proven its enduring appeal for the man who isn’t afraid to command attention and express a confident, dynamic personality.
Achieving the perfect pompadour requires a blow-dryer, a round brush, and a strong-hold product. Begin by applying a heat protectant to towel-dried hair. Use the round brush and blow-dryer to lift the hair at the roots, directing it up and back. Focus on creating volume at the front. Once you have the desired shape, apply a high-hold pomade or wax through the lengths, sculpting the final form and taming any flyaways. This style is a commitment but delivers an unmatched payoff in terms of style and attitude.
3. The Crew Cut
The crew cut is the ultimate in low-maintenance, high-impact style. This military-originated cut is short and tapered on the sides and back, with the top trimmed short, usually with a slight taper from front to back. It’s a no-fuss, practical haircut that projects an image of cleanliness, discipline, and confidence. Ideal for men with active lifestyles or those who simply don’t want to spend time styling in the morning, the crew cut is a powerful, masculine look that always appears sharp, modern, and intentionally chosen.
One of the greatest strengths of the crew cut is its versatility within a simple framework. It can be adapted to different face shapes and personal styles. A “fringe” crew cut leaves a bit more length in the front, while an “ivy league” cut is slightly longer on top, allowing for a side-part. It works with straight, wavy, and even curly hair textures when cut correctly. Maintenance is key; a visit to the barber every 3-4 weeks will keep it looking crisp. It’s a timeless symbol of effortless cool and practicality.
4. The Undercut
The undercut creates a dramatic contrast that is both modern and deeply rooted in classic style. This cut features very short or shaved sides and back, juxtaposed with significantly longer hair on top. This stark difference in length creates a clean, sharp line that highlights the hair on top, making it the star of the show. While often associated with contemporary trends, its origins trace back to the early 20th century, proving its lasting power. It’s a versatile base for countless other styles, from slicked-back looks to textured quiffs.
Styling an undercut offers endless possibilities, making it a favorite for the style-conscious man. The length on top can be swept back with pomade for a sleek, refined appearance, or it can be textured with sea salt spray and paste for a messy, modern look. It can even be worn down in a more rockabilly-inspired style. The maintenance involves frequent trims on the sides to maintain the sharp contrast. This haircut is a blank canvas that allows for maximum creativity while maintaining a clean, intentional silhouette.
5. The Slicked-Back Look
The slicked-back hairstyle exudes old-school charm and sophisticated power. Think of the Wall Street bankers of the 1980s or the suave leading men of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This style involves applying a generous amount of product to damp or dry hair and combing it straight back, keeping it close to the head without volume. It requires a good length of hair to achieve the necessary weight and sleekness. This look communicates control, confidence, and a man who has his life in order, making it a timeless choice for business and formal settings.
To master the slicked-back look, product choice is crucial. For a classic, high-shine finish that was popularized in the 1920s and 50s, a high-shine pomade or gel is your best bet. For a more modern, flexible hold with a less greasy appearance, a styling cream or strong-hold paste can be used. The hair should be combed through thoroughly to ensure every strand is aligned. This style works best on straight or slightly wavy hair and is an excellent way to manage thicker hair types by weighing them down for a polished result.
6. The French Crop
The French Crop is a masterclass in understated, European cool. This minimalist style features short sides and a longer top, but its defining characteristic is the straight, blunt fringe that falls across the forehead. The texture is often kept natural and textured, rather than overly styled. It’s a look favored by style icons like David Beckham for its effortless appeal and low-maintenance routine. The French Crop projects a relaxed, yet put-together attitude, perfect for the modern man who values style without the fuss.
Styling the French Crop is refreshingly simple, which is a large part of its enduring charm. After washing, simply towel-dry your hair and apply a small amount of matte product, like a paste or clay, to add separation and definition to the fringe. There’s no need for elaborate blow-drying or precise parting. The goal is a “lived-in” look that appears naturally great. It’s an incredibly adaptable cut that works with a variety of hair textures, from straight to thick and wavy, always delivering a sharp, contemporary silhouette.
7. The Quiff
Sitting between a pompadour and a slick-back, the quiff is a timeless style defined by volume and attitude. It involves sweeping the hair up and back from the face, creating a noticeable bulge at the front that doesn’t necessarily stand straight up like a pompadour. The quiff has been a symbol of rebellion and style since the 1950s, evolving through rock-and-roll, punk, and modern fashion. It’s a dynamic and expressive cut that allows for personal flair, making it a go-to for men who want a classic look with a bold, contemporary edge.
Building a perfect quiff requires creating volume at the roots. Start with damp hair and a volumizing mousse. Use a round brush and a blow-dryer to lift the front section of your hair, directing the airflow at the roots for maximum lift. Once you have the basic shape, apply a styling product like a clay or medium-hold pomade to define the texture and hold the shape without making it look stiff or helmet-like. The quiff can be worn high and dramatic or lower and more casual, proving its incredible versatility.
8. The Comb Over
Don’t let the name fool you; the modern comb-over is a world away from its thinning-hair connotations. Today, it is a sharp, sophisticated style where hair is grown to a sufficient length on top and “combed over” to one side, often with a hard or soft part. The sides are typically faded or tapered for a clean contrast. This style is a cornerstone of business professional looks but can be easily softened for a more casual appearance. It’s a reliable, intelligent cut that always looks deliberate and well-groomed.
The key to a great comb-over is the blend between the top and sides. A skilled barber will create a seamless transition, whether with a subtle taper or a dramatic skin fade. For styling, a blow-dryer is essential to direct the hair to the side and add volume. A matte paste will offer a natural, flexible hold for daytime, while a shine pomade can elevate the look for an evening event. This haircut is a testament to how a simple concept, when executed with precision, can become a powerful style statement.
9. The Ivy League
The Ivy League, or “Harvard Clip,” is a slightly longer, more versatile version of the crew cut. It features short, tapered sides and back with enough length on top to be styled with a part or swept to the side. It’s the quintessential “preppy” haircut, associated with East Coast universities and a sense of effortless, inherited style. This cut is perfect for the gentleman who wants a neat, manageable appearance without sacrificing styling options. It bridges the gap between a conservative business cut and a more relaxed weekend style seamlessly.
Styling the Ivy League is straightforward. On a day-to-day basis, it can be worn with a simple side-swept look using a light-hold cream. For a more formal setting, it can be precisely parted and laid down with a pomade. The beauty is that it always looks tidy, even as it grows out, making it low-maintenance between barber visits. It’s a haircut that speaks of quiet confidence and good taste, never shouting but always being noticed for its clean, classic, and intelligent aesthetic.
10. The Fade
While not a standalone hairstyle, the fade is the most important technical element in modern classic barbering. A fade involves tapering the hair down to the skin, creating a seamless gradient from longer to shorter. Whether it’s a low, mid, or high fade, this technique provides a clean, sharp foundation for almost any style on top, from a crisp crew cut to a textured crop. It elevates a simple haircut into a precise work of art, highlighting the shape of the head and creating a clean, finished look that is universally flattering.
The versatility of the fade is its superpower. A low fade offers a subtle, conservative transition, perfect for professional environments. A high or temp fade creates a bold, dramatic contrast that is very popular in contemporary street style. It can be combined with a hard part for a sharp, geometric look or blended softly for a more natural appearance. This technique requires a skilled barber but pays dividends by making any hairstyle look more intentional, modern, and well-executed. It’s a timeless component of a great men’s cut.
11. The Textured Crop
The textured crop is the modern answer to effortless, “I-woke-up-like-this” cool. This style is all about creating movement, separation, and a lived-in feel. It typically features short sides and a longer top that is cut using techniques like point cutting to remove weight and encourage natural texture. Popularized by stars in the UK and Europe, it’s a deliberately messy and unstructured look that projects a youthful, energetic, and fashion-forward vibe. It’s perfect for men with straight or wavy hair who want a low-fuss but high-style everyday look.
Achieving the textured crop is all about the right product and a simple routine. Towel-dried hair is key. Work a sea salt spray through the hair to enhance natural wave and texture, then blow-dry on a low setting while using your fingers to scrunch and lift the hair. Finish with a matte paste or texturizing cream, twisting small sections to define separation. The goal is to avoid anything that looks too “done.” This style celebrates natural hair texture and is incredibly adaptable, looking great on a coffee run or a night out.
12. The Businessman’s Cut
This is the quintessential “short back and sides,” a timeless, conservative cut that has been the backbone of professional men’s styling for decades. It is characterized by neatly trimmed sides and back, with a slightly longer top that is easily managed with a comb and a bit of product. There are no drastic fades or dramatic contrasts—just clean, sharp lines and a tidy appearance. It’s a safe, powerful, and respectable choice that conveys reliability, tradition, and a no-nonsense attitude in any corporate or formal setting.
The styling of the Businessman’s Cut is minimal and consistent. A light-hold hair spray or a dab of grooming cream is often all that’s needed to keep the hair in place and looking neat throughout the day. It can be worn with a simple side-part or brushed straight back. The focus is on maintenance and cleanliness, not on trend-driven expression. This haircut is a uniform for success; it doesn’t distract but instead reinforces an image of competence and trustworthiness, making it a forever-relevant choice.
13. The Long Bob (For Men)
Often called the “lob” or simply shoulder-length hair for men, this style has a rich rock-and-roll and artistic heritage. Think of icons like Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, or a young Leonardo DiCaprio. This length offers immense versatility, allowing a man to tie it back in a man-bun or ponytail for practicality or wear it down for a more dramatic, free-flowing look. It’s a style that defies convention and projects a creative, independent, and confident spirit, proving that classic masculinity can embrace length and flow.
Maintaining a classic long bob is about health and styling options. Regular trims are essential to prevent split ends and maintain a good shape. When worn down, it can be styled with a light texturizing spray to enhance waves or blow-dried straight for a sleeker appearance. The ability to pull it back into a neat bun is a key functional advantage, offering a sharp look that keeps hair off the face. This style is a commitment but remains a timeless symbol of rebellious elegance and artistic expression.
14. The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is the ultimate statement of pure, unadulterated confidence. By cutting the hair down to a uniform length all over the head with clippers, you remove all styling pretense and put the focus squarely on your facial features and bone structure. It’s a cut with military roots that speaks of toughness, practicality, and a no-fuss attitude. In the world of fashion, it has been adopted as a bold aesthetic choice, celebrating minimalism and a powerful, streamlined silhouette that is impossible to ignore.
The practical benefits of the buzz cut are unmatched. It is the easiest hairstyle to maintain, requiring no daily styling and very infrequent trips to the barber. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can experiment with different guard lengths, from a close #1 to a slightly longer #4, to find what best suits your head shape. In summer, it’s wonderfully cool, and it eliminates bad hair days forever. The buzz cut is a timeless style because it is more than a haircut—it’s an attitude.
