Best Short Hairstyles For Men

Men’s short length hairstyles are among the most popular and commonplace varieties. It’s easy to understand why the busy man may favour a short haircut over longer alternatives. They require very little to no maintenance and are versatile for most environments.

Short hair will often imply a haircut that is no longer than 2 inches (5 cm) long at the top. The finishing cut is usually much shorter on the sides and may feature a taper or fade. It’s the foundation of the majority of classic haircuts. Furthermore, they are often office appropriate and ideal for sports enthusiasts or men living in humid areas.

Although we do understand it, some men consider the economical aspect. The hair is cut very short in a way that lets it grow back naturally over time. However, they won’t return to the barbershop until many months later. The most versatile haircuts do indeed grow back naturally yet the convenience is not always worth the outcome.

Best Short Haircuts For Men

Below you will discover the best short haircut styles for men, which we’ve grouped into five different categories. Simply click on one to learn more.

Furthermore, take note that we’ve identified 7 individual face shapes, which play an important role in deciding how well certain styles may suit different men. If you aren’t yet sure about yours, we strongly recommend you identify your face shape before you continue reading.

Choosing The Best Style For You

As we explain in detail, the best hairstyles compliment you and wardrobe to define the identity you wish to exude. Consequently, it’s best to adopt an architectural stance to a haircut rather than treating it as a mere garden chore.

There is a rich variety of short hairstyles each with their own look. Military-inspired Buzz Cuts or Crew Cuts offer a youthful and energetic, low-maintenance styles that can even be undertaken at home. Alternatively, men can try more reserved styles such as Caesars or Side Parts that provide poise and maturity.

Considering a short hairstyle is a safe choice for conservative men who require a neatened appearance. Short haircuts aren’t without style, though. On the contrary, there are many fashionable choices on offer that cover in detail below.

Furthermore, a short hairstyle is versatile for honing facial features according to a man’s needs. Softer finishes can be exploited to reduce facial angularity or alternatively sharp cuts can be used to provide emphasis.

Finally, we also group a clean-shaven head with short hairstyles for men despite its complete absence. Whether by choice or obligation, a clean-shaven head is still a style. Indeed, it exudes both virility and strength and shouldn’t always be regarded so negatively. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, we suggest that you read our full guide to the bald haircut.

How To Style Men’s Short Hair

As you can see above, there are a variety of different short haircuts that you can wear. However, styling them can easily transform a dull haircut into a dashing hairstyle.

With particularly short hairstyles like buzz cuts and crew cuts below a certain length, there isn’t much you can really do. Your best option is to ensure that you properly wash it when necessary.

Very short hair requires frequent washing as the scalp produces an oil called sebum. This oil is designed to nourish your follicles to keep your hair healthy and shiny. Yet, since the hair has been cut too short, your scalp is likely producing too much.

Fortunately, this isn’t particularly visible. Nevertheless, you’ll need to shampoo and condition at least every other day to prevent it from becoming greasy. Meanwhile, longer haircuts can certainly be styled.

What Hair Products To Use For Short Hair

There are lots of choices in products to use as styling aids and the best one for you depends on the result that you want. For instance, each product has a different hold strength and finish. Similarly, some products can be restyled throughout the day.

You can opt for each a glossy or matte finish. Additionally, you can choose between a strong, medium, or loose hold. As for the products themselves, these are usually categorised between gels, waxes, pomades, and creams.

Firstly, cream is a very loose-holding and glossy product. For particularly short hair, it serves little purpose but functions as a great styling aid for side parts in particular. One of the most famous versions is Brylcreem, which we reviewed in detail some time ago.

Secondly, gels will usually create a rock-hard and shiny finish. They can be useful for longer hairstyles but might be overkill with shorter styles. Additionally, gels can’t be restyled throughout the day and need to be washed out. If you prefer hair gel, we would recommend American Crew.

Finally, the best products for short hair are either waxes or pomades. They have similar performance in terms of but wax produces a more natural, matte finish. Meanwhile, pomade is a traditional glossy product with a firm hold.

Both wax and pomade can easily be restyled if necessary and good quality products won’t fall out of your hair through the day. For a natural look, we suggest using TIGI Bed Head. Otherwise, Royal Crown is one of the finest, old-school brands for pomade.

Men’s Short Haircuts History

Roman men took their hair very seriously. Back then, long hair belonged to barbarians and short hair was a sign of civilisation. Much like today, the common man would frequent the social environment of the Tonstrina or barbershop.

However, unlike today, wealthy Romans would have their own slave to tend to their grooming routines.

The fashion bounced back during the Classical revival of the early Renaissance. Henry VIII’s hair would get particularly short with skin fades as he aged.

This short haircut was probably due to his Syphilis but it launched a craze. In France, the fashion would soon swing back to long hair with the introduction of wigs.

Short hair would return again in the early 19th Century. The French Revolution’s aftermath under Robespierre known as the Terror witnessed a wave of executions. Aristocrats would have the hair cut at the back to make the guillotine work efficiently.

Soon after Robespierre’s own execution, surviving aristocrats organised grandiose gatherings known as the Bals des Victimes.

Both male and female guests would arrive with hairstyles inspired by this, which were coined as the “coiffure à la victime”. They became enormously popular and quickly went on to be known as the Titus.

While this hairstyle can be still seen among women today, it became a precursor to the Caesar‘s return to men’s fashion.

What Next?

Now that you have learned about short hairstyles for men, check out more of our resources:

• Buzz Cut Guide
• Caesar Hairstyle Guide
• Crew Cut & Fade Guide
• Side Part Guide
• How To Speak To Your Barber
• Identify Your Face Shape