20 Trendy Short Hairstyles for Men to Try This Year

Short haircuts for men look simple, but small details like fade height, top length, and texture decide whether a cut looks sharp or dated. A classic crew cut and a textured crop may be similar in length, yet they suit very different faces and routines.

These trendy short hairstyles for men cover 20 cuts to try this year, from buzz cuts and French crops to pompadours and Afro fades. Hairstyle Inspirations has updated each one for 2027 with top length, trim timing, and styling time so you can walk into the barbershop with a clear plan.

Quick Overview: Key Points

• Lowest maintenance: buzz cut with skin fade, high and tight, and crew cut.
• Best for thinning hair: textured crop, French crop, and Caesar cut.
• Best for the office: side-parted fade, Ivy League cut, and hard part with fade.
• Best for curls and coils: short Afro fade, flat top, and taper fade.
• Most volume: short pompadour, short quiff, and faux hawk.
• Trim timing: fades every 2–3 weeks; textured and longer tops every 3–5 weeks.

What Are Trendy Short Hairstyles for Men?

Trendy short hairstyles for men are current cuts with roughly 3 inches or less on top, usually paired with fades, tapers, or undercuts. Popular examples include textured crops, French crops, buzz cuts, quiffs, and pompadours, typically finished with matte or natural-shine products.

They differ from classic short cuts mainly in texture and contrast. Older styles often used uniform length and shiny gel, while modern short cuts favor choppy texture, sharp fades, and matte finishes. Many classics, like the crew cut and Caesar, have been updated with fades and texture.

1. Textured Crop

A textured crop keeps the top short and choppy with a forward fringe, paired with faded or tapered sides. It’s the most requested of all short hairstyles for men because it looks sharp with almost no effort. Ask for point-cut texture on top and a mid or high fade.

Work a pea-size amount of matte clay through towel-dried hair and push it forward with your fingers. The texture hides cowlicks and thinning at the crown. It suits oval, round, and square faces. Refresh the fade every three weeks.

Best for: Fine to thick hair, straight or wavy

• Length: 1–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

2. Crew Cut

A crew cut keeps the top short, slightly longer at the front, with tapered sides. It’s athletic, timeless, and fits nearly every dress code from the office to the gym. Push the front up slightly with a light matte paste, or leave it natural.

It suits almost every face shape and hair type. Ask your barber for a clean neckline so it looks fresh longer. Trim every three to four weeks. It dries in minutes after a workout or swim.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 0.5–1.5 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 1–2 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

3. Buzz Cut with Skin Fade

A buzz cut with skin fade clips the top evenly short and fades the sides down to the skin. The fade adds sharpness to the simplest cut there is. Choose a #2–#4 guard on top and a skin fade at the temples and nape.

There’s almost no styling: wash, moisturize the scalp, and go. It suits oval and square faces and masks thinning well. Refresh every two weeks to keep the fade crisp, and wear sunscreen on the scalp outdoors.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 0.125–0.5 inch on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 1 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

4. French Crop

A French crop pairs a short, textured top with a blunt fringe and faded sides. It’s modern and low-maintenance, and our guide to hairstyles for men shows how it compares with other short cuts. Push the fringe forward with matte paste.

The blunt fringe disguises a receding hairline. It suits oval and square faces. Trim every two to three weeks so the fringe and fade stay sharp. It works on straight and slightly wavy hair. Wash out product every few days to avoid buildup.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, fine to thick

• Length: 1–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

5. High and Tight

A high and tight keeps a very short top with sides clipped high up the head, often to the skin. It has military roots and looks disciplined and sharp. There’s almost no styling. It suits oval and square faces with strong jawlines.

Refresh every two weeks to keep the high line crisp. It’s practical for hot weather, sports, and anyone who wants the lowest-effort cut possible. Moisturize the scalp and use sunscreen outdoors. Ask for a slightly longer top if you want a softer version that still looks neat.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 0.25–1 inch on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 1 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

6. Ivy League Cut

The Ivy League cut is a longer crew cut with enough length on top for a side part. It’s preppy, polished, and work-ready. Comb the top to one side with a light cream or pomade. It suits oval and square faces and straight or wavy hair.

Trim every three to four weeks. A matte finish feels modern; a little shine feels classic. The cut is named after the Ivy League universities where it became popular in the mid-20th century. It looks sharp with a suit or casual knitwear and grows out neatly.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 1–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

7. Short Quiff

A short quiff brushes the front up and slightly back with shorter sides. It adds height without the commitment of a full pompadour; for longer versions, see medium-length hairstyles for men. Blow-dry the front upward and set with matte clay.

You need about 2–3 inches at the front. It suits round and oval faces. Trim every three to four weeks. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying. A quiff is a smart middle ground for offices that want polish without heavy styling. Wash out clay every few days.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, medium to thick

• Length: 2–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5–10 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

8. Taper Fade

A taper fade gradually shortens the hair from the top toward the ears and nape, leaving a natural edge. It’s clean and versatile and pairs with almost any top style. A taper grows out more gracefully than a skin fade, so it stays neat longer.

It works on straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. Style the top as you like. Trim every three to four weeks. It suits nearly every face shape and dress code. A light matte paste on top keeps it modern.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 1–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

9. Spiky Hair

Spiky hair pushes short hair up into textured spikes for a playful, energetic look. It’s back among trendy hairstyles for men, now with a matte rather than wet finish. Blow-dry upward, then twist small sections with a matte clay.

Avoid stiff gels. It suits round and oval faces and thick, straight hair. Trim every four weeks. Wash out clay every night to keep the scalp healthy. The spikes can be softened into a messy crop on workdays. A matte finish looks more current than shiny gel.

Best for: Thick, straight hair

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

10. Short Pompadour

A short pompadour sweeps the top up and back into a rounded crest, with shorter sides. It’s a compact version of the classic, easier to style daily. Blow-dry the front upward with a round brush and set with a medium-hold pomade. You need about 2–4 inches on top.

It suits oval, square, and round faces. Trim every three to four weeks. Wash out pomade every few days to avoid buildup. Pair it with a clean shave or short beard for a polished finish. The compact height makes it easy to wear daily.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, medium to thick

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5–10 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

11. Side-Parted Fade

A side-parted fade combines a defined side part with a fade on the sides. It’s clean, professional, and one of the most versatile office cuts. Comb the top to one side with a light pomade or cream.

Ask for a shaved hard part if you want extra definition. It suits nearly every face shape and works on straight and wavy hair. Refresh the fade every three weeks. It looks sharp with suits and casual wear alike. Wash out product every few days.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

12. Caesar Cut

A Caesar cut has a short, horizontal fringe and even length on top, with short sides. It’s simple and neat and especially good at disguising a receding hairline. Push the fringe forward with a little matte paste.

It suits oval and square faces and straight or wavy hair. Trim every three to four weeks to keep the fringe line crisp. It needs almost no styling time, making it practical for busy mornings. A light matte cream adds texture without shine.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, fine to thick

• Length: 1–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 2–3 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

13. Faux Hawk

A faux hawk pushes the center of the top into a ridge, with shorter or faded sides. It gives a mohawk silhouette without shaving and works for nights out. Use a strong-hold clay, pushing the sides toward the center.

You need about 2–4 inches on top. It suits round faces by adding height. Refresh the sides every three weeks. Flatten it with water for a softer daytime look. Wash out clay every evening to keep the scalp healthy. It works on wavy hair.

Best for: Medium to thick hair, straight or wavy

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

14. Slicked-Back Undercut

A slicked-back undercut keeps very short sides with a longer top combed straight back. It looks bold and polished and works best on straight hair. Apply a high-shine pomade to damp hair and comb back. You need about 3–5 inches on top.

It suits oval and square faces. Keep the undercut sharp with trims every two to three weeks. Wash out pomade every few days to avoid buildup. It pairs well with a clean shave or short stubble and looks sharp with tailored clothing.

Best for: Thick, straight or wavy hair

• Length: 3–5 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5–10 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

15. Messy Crop

A messy crop is a short, textured cut styled loosely with fingers for an undone finish. It’s one of the easiest short hairstyles to wear daily. Rough-dry with a sea-salt spray and finish with a little matte paste.

It suits most face shapes and fine to medium hair. Trim every four weeks. Dry shampoo at the roots adds grip on second-day hair. The cut grows out well and hides cowlicks. It looks especially good with stubble and casual wear. It suits most faces.

Best for: Fine to medium hair, straight or wavy

• Length: 1–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 2–3 min
• Trim every: 4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

16. Bald Fade with Beard

A bald fade with beard fades the sides to the skin and pairs the cut with a full or shaped beard. It’s a popular choice among short hairstyles for men with beards. Keep the top short or textured.

Blend the fade into the beard at the sideburns for a seamless look. Use beard oil and trim the beard weekly. Refresh the fade every two weeks. Exfoliate the face and neck weekly to prevent ingrown hairs. It suits oval and square faces.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 0.5–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

17. Short Wavy Cut

A short wavy cut keeps 2–3 inches on top with natural waves and tapered sides. It’s relaxed, easy, and shows off texture. Scrunch in a sea-salt spray or light cream and air-dry. Avoid heavy waxes that flatten waves.

It suits oval and long faces. Trim every four to five weeks. A light leave-in keeps waves soft. The taper keeps the shape neat between cuts. It looks great with stubble and works for office and weekend wear alike. It suits most faces.

Best for: Wavy hair

• Length: 2–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3 min
• Trim every: 4–5 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

18. Hard Part with Fade

A hard part with fade adds a shaved line to define a side part, paired with faded sides. It’s sharp and modern. Comb the top over with a light pomade. Touch up the hard part every two to three weeks.

It suits oval and square faces. Ask for a natural part line rather than a very wide shave for a subtler finish. It pairs well with a clean shave or short beard. Wash out pomade every few days. It looks sharp for weddings and formal events.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

19. Flat Top

A flat top shapes the top into a flat, squared surface with short sides. It’s a bold, retro cut that’s making a comeback. Ask a barber skilled with clipper-over-comb. Keep the top moisturized. Refresh every two weeks.

Sleep with a durag to protect the shape. Ask for crisp corners. The flat top was popular in the 1980s and 1990s and has returned as a bold statement cut. It suits oval and square faces. Use a light oil to keep the top moisturized.

Best for: Coily or thick, straight hair

• Length: 1–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 3 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

20. Short Afro Fade

A short Afro fade keeps a rounded Afro on top with faded sides. It’s clean and celebrates natural texture. Pick the top for shape and moisturize with a leave-in. Refresh the fade every two weeks. Use a curl sponge for defined coils on top.

Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Ask for a crisp line-up at the hairline. It suits most face shapes and looks sharp for work and weekends. Moisturize the scalp daily. It celebrates natural texture. It also works for kids and teens.

Best for: Coily hair (types 4A–4C)

• Length: 1–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

How Do I Choose the Right Short Haircut?

Choose by face shape, hair texture, hairline, and how often you can see a barber. Round faces suit height on top; long faces suit fringes; receding hairlines suit forward-styled crops. Fades need visits every two to three weeks.

• Face shape: round faces suit quiffs and faux hawks; long faces suit Caesar and French crops; oval faces suit most cuts.
• Texture: straight hair suits slick-backs and side parts; wavy hair suits short wavy cuts; coily hair suits Afro fades and flat tops.
• Hairline: forward fringes hide recession; slick-backs show it.
• Routine: buzz cuts take a minute; pompadours take ten.
• Upkeep: skin fades need frequent visits; tapers grow out more gracefully.

Which Short Haircuts Work Best for Fine, Thick, Wavy, Curly, or Coily Hair?

Fine hair suits textured and French crops; thick hair suits pompadours and undercuts; wavy hair suits short wavy cuts and messy crops; curly hair suits taper fades with curls on top; coily hair suits Afro fades, flat tops, and buzz cuts. Texture decides which shapes hold on their own.

• Fine hair: short, textured cuts avoid flatness.
• Thick hair: fades and undercuts remove bulk.
• Wavy hair: a little length on top lets waves show.
• Curly hair: tapers frame the curls neatly.
• Coily hair: fades, flat tops, and short Afros hold shape well.

How Do I Style and Maintain a Short Haircut?

Use the right product for your finish, book trims on schedule, and wash out product regularly. Matte clay suits textured cuts, pomade suits slick styles, and sea-salt spray suits waves.

1. Product: clay or paste for matte texture; pomade for shine; sea-salt spray for waves.
2. Amount: start with a pea-size dab warmed between palms.
3. Blow-dry: dry the top upward for volume styles.
4. Wash out: every few days to avoid buildup.
5. Trim: fades every 2–3 weeks; other short cuts every 3–5 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular short haircut for men?

The textured crop and French crop are among the most requested because they look modern and need little styling.

Which short haircut is easiest to maintain?

A buzz cut or crew cut needs almost no styling and only regular trims.

What short haircut suits a receding hairline?

A French crop, Caesar cut, or textured crop with a forward fringe helps disguise a receding hairline.

How often should I get a fade touched up?

Most fades look sharpest when refreshed every two to three weeks.

What is the difference between a taper and a fade?

A taper leaves some length at the edges, while a fade goes down to the skin or very close to it.

Do short haircuts work with beards?

Yes. A bald fade with beard or a textured crop with stubble creates a balanced, groomed look.

Conclusion:

When choosing among these short hairstyles for men, start with your routine. For zero styling, try a buzz cut or high and tight. For a modern, textured look, go for a French crop or textured crop.

For polish, try a side-parted fade. Explore our short hairstyles for Black men for more ideas. Hairstyle Inspirations keeps updating ideas like these. Save your favorites to Pinterest and show them to your barber at your next visit.