How to Ask for a Men’s Haircut

Men's hair trends are constantly evolving, but this year we're seeing some exciting new styles emerge, that are perfect for the fashionable man. Whether you have short, medium or long hair, there's a stylish haircut out there for you. Read on for the top men's hairstyles that are heating up barbershops. 

Haircut numbers

Let's explore these specific styles, you need to understand clipper guard numbers - the foundation of precise haircuts. Your hair grows approximately 0.5mm per day. When you use different clipper guards, here's what you're working with:

#1 guard: 3.175mm (1/8 inch) - Perfect for ultra-short styles

#2 guard: 6.35mm (1/4 inch) - Ideal for summer cuts

#3 guard: 9.525mm (3/8 inch) - The sweet spot for many fades

#4 guard: 12.7mm (1/2 inch) - Great for business-appropriate cuts

#5 guard: 15.875mm (5/8 inch) - Maximum flexibility for styling

#6 guard: 19.05mm (3/4 inch) - Maintains fullness while staying neat

#7 guard: 22.225mm (7/8 inch) - Excellent for textured looks

#8 guard: 25.4mm (1 inch) - Ultimate versatility

Knowing Your Terms

If you want a super trendy cut, you need to know how to ask for one. Here are some common haircut terms your barber might use: 

The Textured Crop

This cut maximizes your natural hair patterns. The science? Shorter sides stimulate blood flow to your scalp, while the textured top creates visual depth through varying hair lengths. Hair fibers interact differently when cut at angles, creating natural movement that catches light beautifully.

The magic happens in the styling process. Start with damp hair and work a pea-sized amount of matte clay between your palms. Apply it from back to front, creating piece-y texture with your fingers. The real secret? Use your body heat to warm the product - this activates the styling polymers and gives you better control. Pay attention to how your hair naturally falls and work with it, not against it. Your morning routine will thank you.

The Tempered Undercut

This style works with your head's natural curvature. The gradual taper follows your skull's phrenological points, creating a balanced silhouette that flatters your facial structure. It's particularly effective for square and oval face shapes, as it maintains strong angles while softening the overall appearance.

Here's what makes this cut stand out: the transition between lengths creates a visual illusion of fuller hair. Your barber will use specific cutting angles - typically 45 degrees for the initial taper, then graduating to steeper angles for the blend. This technique, combined with point-cutting at the top, creates seamless movement. The best part? This cut actually looks better as it grows out, making it incredibly cost-effective for maintaining your professional image.

Da'Dude recommends the Tempered Undercut for stylish men

The Textured French Crop

This cut plays with your hair's natural growth patterns. The longer fringe utilizes the frontal hairline's forward growth direction, while strategic point-cutting creates texture that reduces bulk and enhances movement. The messier finish actually makes this style more versatile - each strand works independently to create natural-looking volume.

Let's break down the morning styling routine that'll make this cut work overtime for you. Start with slightly damp hair - about 70% dry is perfect. Mix a combination of sea salt spray and matte paste in your palms. The salt spray creates grip and natural separation, while the paste provides hold without shine. Work the product through your fringe using forward and slightly upward motions. The key? Don't overthink it. The beauty of this cut lies in its controlled chaos.

The Textured Quiff

This style harnesses your hair's natural elasticity. When cut correctly, each strand works together to create height and movement. Success comes from the layering technique - each layer supports the one above it, creating a structure that holds its shape throughout the day.

Master the quiff by learning the science of directional blow-drying. Use a round brush to create tension while directing heat at the roots - this temporarily changes the hydrogen bonds in your hair, giving you that gravity-defying height.

Pro tip: alternate between hot and cold air. The heat shapes, the cold sets. This technique, combined with the right cutting angles, gives you a style that can transition from boardroom to bar without missing a beat.

Photo courtesy of @robbie.rg from Instagram.

The Textured Pompadour Fade

This cut creates visual interest through contrasting lengths. The fade follows your head's natural contours, while the longer top section uses gravitational pull to create dramatic height. The texturing reduces overall weight, allowing for easier styling and better hold.

Master this style with an apt understanding of product cocktailing. Start with a volumizing mousse at the roots - this creates a foundation of lift. Layer a medium-hold pomade through the mid-lengths, focusing on even distribution. Finally, use a light misting of flexible hairspray to lock in the shape without stiffness. This three-product approach might sound complex, but it's your ticket to all-day hold that moves naturally and never looks stiff.

The Grown-Out Buzz Cut

This low-maintenance style works with your hair's natural growth cycle. As your hair grows, each strand supports its neighbors, creating natural texture that requires minimal product. The slightly longer top creates a visual focus point while maintaining an effortless appearance.

Make this simple cut exceptional with these pro techniques:

Ask your barber to texturize the top using point-cutting techniques once it's grown out about an inch. This creates micro-variations in length that give you natural texture without extra styling time. A quick towel dry and a dab of light styling cream are all you need to enhance what's already there. This cut proves that sometimes less really is more - especially when you understand the growth patterns of your hair.

Product Science:

• Use water-based products for natural hold and easy washing
• Apply product to towel-dried hair for optimal absorption
• Work product from roots to tips for even distribution
• Choose matte products for fine hair, shinier products for coarse hair

Remember: your hair is a reflection of your inner state. When you look sharp, you feel sharp, and that energy radiates to everyone around you. Choose a style that matches your personality and lifestyle - because true confidence comes from authenticity.

Check out these 5 cool tips to get Better Haircut From Your Barber by Ben Arthur.

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