Timeless Haircut Styles Every Man Should Know
At Barber Craft, we know that classic haircut styles for men never go out of fashion. These timeless looks have stood the test of time for good reason.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most iconic men’s hairstyles, help you choose the perfect cut for your face shape, and share expert tips for maintaining your look between barber visits.
Classic Men’s Haircuts That Never Go Out of Style
At Barber Craft, we’ve witnessed numerous hairstyles rise and fall over our 25 years in business. However, some cuts have withstood the test of time, maintaining their popularity decade after decade. These classic styles offer versatility, easy maintenance, and suit a wide range of face shapes and hair types.
The Timeless Crew Cut
The crew cut stands as a short, neat style that has been a staple in men’s grooming for generations. It features short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. This cut suits men who want a low-maintenance style that looks sharp in any setting.
To achieve the perfect crew cut, ask your barber to use clippers on the sides and back, gradually increasing the length towards the top. The hair on top should be cut with scissors to about 1-2 inches in length (depending on your preference). For a modern twist, try adding a fade on the sides.
The Versatile Side Part
The side part exudes sophistication and professionalism. It works well with most hair types and adapts to suit different face shapes. This style involves parting the hair on one side and combing it over to the other side.
When getting a side part, request your barber to leave the hair longer on top (typically 2-4 inches), while keeping the sides shorter. The key to a great side part lies in finding your natural part line. Your barber can help you identify this and cut your hair accordingly.
The Sophisticated Pompadour
The pompadour has remained popular since the 1950s. It features short sides with longer hair on top that’s swept back and up. This style works particularly well for men with thick hair.
To get a pompadour, ask your barber to keep the sides short (either with a taper or fade), while leaving the top longer (usually 3-5 inches). The front should be the longest part. Styling a pompadour requires some effort, but the results prove worth it. Use a strong-hold pomade and a blow dryer to achieve the signature height and shape.
The Low-Maintenance Buzz Cut
For those who prefer an ultra-low-maintenance style, the buzz cut offers an excellent choice. This military-inspired cut involves cutting the hair to a uniform length all over the head, typically with electric clippers.
When getting a buzz cut, you’ll need to decide on the length. Clipper guards range from #1 (1/8 inch) to #8 (1 inch). A #2 or #3 guard provides a good starting point for most men. For a modern take on the buzz cut, consider adding a skin fade on the sides.
These timeless haircuts form the foundation of men’s grooming, but choosing the right style for your face shape can make all the difference. Let’s explore how to select the perfect cut based on your unique features.
Finding Your Perfect Haircut
Selecting the right haircut goes beyond following trends. It’s about finding a style that complements your unique features and enhances your overall appearance. Here’s what we’ve learned about matching haircuts to face shapes.
Understanding Face Shapes
Before choosing a haircut, you need to identify your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face with a washable marker or soap. Step back and observe the shape you’ve drawn. Is it more circular, square, or oval?
Oval faces are longer than they are wide, with a jaw that’s slightly narrower than the forehead. Round faces have similar width and length, with soft angles. Square faces feature a strong jawline and a forehead of similar width.
Haircuts for Oval Faces
Oval faces suit most hairstyles. For a classic look, try the side part. It adds structure and emphasizes your balanced features. The pompadour also works well, adding height to elongate your face further.
For a more modern style, consider a textured crop. This involves short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer, textured hair on top. It’s a low-maintenance option that adds interest without overwhelming your features.
Flattering Cuts for Round Faces
For round faces, try to create the illusion of length and angles. Go for a cut that adds height and length, such as a pompadour or a faux hawk. Keep the sides shorter to elongate your face.
Another great option is an angular fringe. This involves longer hair on top styled forward, with short sides. The sharp angles of this cut contrast nicely with the softness of a round face.
Square Face Hairstyles
Square faces benefit from styles that soften strong jawlines while maintaining a masculine edge. The textured slick back is a great choice. It involves longer hair on top, slicked back with product, but maintaining some texture for a less severe look.
For a shorter option, consider a buzz cut with faded sides. This low-maintenance style actually accentuates your strong jawline while the fade adds a modern touch. Just keep the fade high to elongate your face slightly.
These are guidelines, not rules. The most important factor in choosing a haircut is how it makes you feel. A professional barber with many years of experience who also teaches classes or manages creative direction of their salon will be able to provide personalized advice. The goal is to find a look that not only suits your face shape but also fits seamlessly into your daily routine.
Now that you’ve found the perfect haircut for your face shape, let’s explore how to maintain your style between barber visits.
How to Keep Your Cut Fresh Between Visits
Invest in Quality Hair Products
The right products can transform your hair care routine. For short styles like crew cuts or buzz cuts, a light pomade or wax adds texture and hold. Pompadours or slick backs require stronger hold products. American Crew Fiber offers versatile styling for most cuts.
Choose shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type. Dry hair benefits from moisturizing formulas, while oily hair responds well to clarifying shampoos. Use shampoo 2-3 times a week to preserve natural oils.
Master Your Daily Styling Routine
Your morning routine shapes your style. For short cuts, towel dry your hair and apply a small amount of product, working it through with your fingers. Longer styles benefit from a blow dryer on medium heat to add volume and direction.
Curly hair thrives with a leave-in conditioner applied to damp hair, left to air dry for enhanced natural texture. Straight hair maintains its style throughout the day with a light hold gel.
Trim Regularly to Maintain Shape
Trim frequency depends on your hairstyle and hair growth rate. For those with long hair, or if you’re aiming to grow out your hair, every 6 weeks is a good rule of thumb for getting a trim.
Growing out your hair still requires regular trims to prevent split ends. Try to schedule a trim every 8-10 weeks to keep your hair healthy as it grows.
DIY Maintenance Tips
Professional cuts always yield the best results, but you can maintain your style at home. For fades and short cuts, invest in a good quality trimmer for touch-ups between visits.
Longer styles benefit from thinning shears to manage bulk and texture. Exercise caution – it’s easy to overdo it. When in doubt, wait for your next professional cut.
Protect Your Hair
Hair care extends beyond styling. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent bedhead. Protect your hair from the sun with a hat or UV-protective spray to prevent damage and color fading.
These tips will help maintain your haircut’s freshness between professional visits. However, nothing surpasses the expertise of a skilled barber for preserving your signature look.
Final Thoughts
At Barber Craft, we have explored classic haircut styles for men that have withstood the test of time. These styles offer versatility and enduring appeal, from the timeless crew cut to the sophisticated pompadour. We emphasize the importance of selecting a haircut that complements your face shape, as the right cut can enhance your features and boost your confidence.
Proper hair maintenance plays a vital role in keeping your style fresh between visits. Quality products, a mastered daily routine, and protection from damage all contribute to a polished appearance. Regular trims (even when growing out your hair) are essential for maintaining the shape and health of your hair.
While these tips help you maintain your style at home, nothing replaces the expertise of a professional barber. At Barber Craft, we combine years of experience with modern techniques to provide a premier grooming experience. Our skilled barbers can help you achieve the perfect look, whether you want a classic haircut, a luxurious shave, or a precise beard trim.
