75 Short Men’s Hairstyles To Inspire Your Next Chop

Updating your look doesn’t have to mean growing out your hair or trying out a new color—the right men’s haircut can make a serious statement, too. But deciding on a cut can feel challenging, especially if you aren’t up-to-date on the latest men’s hair trends. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up 75 of the best short haircuts for men worth trying. Find inspiration for your next chop below—and don’t forget to bookmark this page for easy access next time you hit the barbershop.

1. Super-close buzz cut

If you want to wake up, throw on your clothes, and head out the door, we know the perfect short men's hairstyle for you: a closely cropped buzz cut. This low-maintenance men’s haircut is the epitome of effortless, requiring zero styling products to keep looking neat.

2. Mid-fade buzz cut

For men who like to combine classic styling with a trendy touch, the buzz cut and mid-fade style should be next on your must-try list. This faded style leaves a bit more hair on the top than a classic buzz cut, with short, neatly-trimmed sides.

3. Scissor cut

The scissor cut, as the name suggests, is cut with scissors rather than clippers. The tousled, layered style is a great way to add volume to finer hair and can easily be customized to complement different hair textures.

4. Undercut

This high and tight men’s haircut is a short—to medium-length hairstyle in which the top contrasts with the sides. Get the look by leaving your hair long on the top and buzzing the sides and back super short. This is one of the best short haircuts for men who favor a clean, short look but still want a bit of length on top.

All you need to style this haircut is a touch of hair putty. Just rub a dime-sized amount of the L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty between your palms and work it through your roots to add volume and texture.

5. Short brush-up with undercut

The short brush-up is an excellent choice for men who love the traditional undercut style but want to experiment with texture. While this look is long on the top and short on the sides with a stylish fade, the brushed-up front takes things to new heights (pun intended).

6. Caesar cut

A Caesar cut is a prime pick for men who want to keep their hair short, neat, and stylish. You've probably seen this style on the runways and a few of your favorite celebs, and it's easy to see why. This cut helps to enhance your strong features and bring attention to your jawline.

7. Fringe crew cut

If you're a flexible guy, wearing a style that mixes various lengths may be the right pick for you. Start by getting a traditional tapered cut that fades out the sides. Then, have your barber lightly feather the front to give you airy, tousled fringe.

8. Surfer undercut

This twist on the traditional undercut allows you to keep your length longer on the top, and adding bleached tips gives it a beachy vibe. Since this look requires bleaching, it's essential to take care of your color by using reparative products, like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo with Citric Acid and the coordinating Conditioner, to help keep it feeling soft and hydrated.

9. Short curls

Give your natural texture the attention it deserves with a short, curly hairstyle that shows off your curls and coils. If your hair has trouble keeping shape, work a bit of volumizing mousse, such as L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, through damp strands before letting your hair air-dry.

10. Classic short cut with high fade

Nothing beats a classic style—and this short cut with a high fade is no exception. A fresh alternative for men who like trendy styles without long styling times, this cut takes next to no time to style—just wash and condition your hair, then let it dry naturally.

11. Starter locs

You don’t need a lot of hair to start your loc journey. The right stylist can get you started with as little as a few centimeters of length. Note that this style holds best on tightly coiled, textured hair.

12. The classic crew cut

The crew cut is a simple, straightforward cut that works equally well on all hair textures. It features short, tapered sides with slightly more length at the top (usually around an inch or so). You can air-dry it naturally or work gel through your mane before drying to help give your style shape and hold.

13. Front line fade

If you’re looking for a way to manage your textured hair, consider asking your barber for a front-line fade. This look keeps your hair cut short while showing off a sharp, defined hairline, making it a popular style for men with thick and curly hair.

14. Short and spiky

Give your classic short men’s haircut a rock-and-roll edge by using a maximum-hold gel to spike your hair straight up. We love how this punky look pairs with unexpected hair colors like platinum blonde, but it looks cool no matter which hue you choose.

15. Traditional buzz cut

The traditional buzz cut is ideal for men seeking a low-maintenance look. This cut keeps your hair the same length all over, so you don’t need to manage a mismatched trim schedule (plus, since it’s so short, you don’t have to do anything to style it).

16. Flat top

If you’re torn between keeping your length or opting for a shorter men’s haircut, consider the flat top. This on-trend look keeps the sides short with an ultra-defined flat top (hence the name) for a distinct style that stands out.

17. Short shag

The classic shag typically falls somewhere around the shoulders, but it’s totally possible to adapt this effortless style for a shorter mane. Ask your stylist to use a razor to cut lots of messy layers throughout—the key here is to avoid anything too neat. As for styling, start by turning up the volume with the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Shampoo and the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Conditioner. Once you finish washing your hair, follow up with a texturizing paste or styling cream (we love the aforementioned L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty).

18. Afro

A classic afro is a great way for men with short textured hair to give their hair body and movement. Use an afro pick to loosen your coils and take your textured hair to new heights.

19. Afro and beard

The only thing better than a perfectly-picked ‘fro is a neatly groomed beard to complement it. Use the same products you use on your hair on your beard to give your facial hair the care it deserves.

20. Medium crop with undercut

A medium crop style allows you to play with your length for a longer look at the top. The sides stay true to the classic style with a buzzed finish for a modern appeal. This look is versatile and great for curly, straight, tightly coiled, and wavy textures.

21. Classic fade with finger waves

Faded hairstyles are always on-trend, but if you want to take your style up a few notches, try finger waves. This styling technique is among our favorite short hairstyles for men because it has tons of flair but doesn’t take too much work to achieve.

Start by working a dime-sized amount of hair putty throughout your hair. As it dries, use a comb to help define your waves and lay them down. When you’re satisfied with your styling, mist your hair with L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray Unscented for lasting hold with a soft, shiny finish.

22. Low fade brush back

If you're the type of guy who doesn't mind spending time in the mirror to perfect your hair, the low fade brush back is worth a try. The retro-inspired look offers the best of both worlds, with short tapered sides and a voluminous, slicked-back front. While sculpting this style can take a while since you have to brush your hair from the front to the back for a smooth finish, it's absolutely worth it.

23. Barely-there cut

The barely-there cut keeps your hair short, neat, and clean—it's easy to see why it is so popular. It's simple to style and requires little to no maintenance other than a regular shape-up to maintain the cropped length.

24. Marcel fade

Paying homage to the popular Marcel curls of the 1920s and 1930s, the Marcel fade is perfect for those with natural locks. This style features a unique block-shaped fade around the face and voluminous coils brushed up for volume and texture.

25. Slick part hairstyle

There’s something undeniably dapper about a well-groomed mane with a side part. This cut features a barely-there taper on the sides with longer hair at the top—but the key to the look is the parting. Use a comb to create a side part above one eye, then swoop the longer lengths over to the side for a retro look with serious style.

26. Bowl cut

This isn’t the bowl cut you sported for your first-grade school picture—so put down the scissors. Instead, ask your barber to give you a softly rounded cut with layering at the very ends. This layering will help keep the bottom of your cut from appearing too full, so it reads less mushroom and more ‘70s mod. Keep in mind that you may need to blow dry your hair to style this retro cut. When you do, be sure to prime your hair with L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant to help protect your strands from the heat.

27. Stitch Braids

Braids are one of the best hairstyles for men who love the convenience of not having to style their hair every day—and you don’t need super long strands to pull them off. You'll have a fresh hairstyle for weeks as long as you remember to protect your style with a bonnet, scarf, or satin pillowcase at night.

28. Classic slick-back

Give your luscious locks a new look with a suave slicked-back style. Start by working L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel throughout your hair from roots to ends. Then, use a fine-toothed comb to slick your hair back—just be sure to finish your styling before the gel dries completely.

29. Angular fringe hairstyle

This classic, clean look features tapered sides that build up to a thick fringe at the crown of the head. To style it, wash and dry your hair as usual, then brush your fringe toward your face for an effortless, windswept look. Then, mist your mane with a flexible-hold hairspray like L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray Unscented to keep your touseled look in place all day long.

30. High fade with a messy top

Try the high fade with a messy top for a modern look with a touch of edge. This tousled hairstyle looks great on short and medium lengths and allows you to play with your natural texture. Plus, since it’s meant to look messy, styling can be low (or no) maintenance—a bonus for busy guys who don’t want to spend tons of time on their hair.

31. High and tight

The high-and-tight is a 1920s-inspired haircut with short, faded edges and about an inch of length at the top. Since it’s so short, you don’t need any styling products to nail this look—just a classic shampoo and conditioner.

32. Salt-and-pepper slick back

Embrace your inner silver fox with a salt-and-pepper slick back that hits just around the nape of your neck. If you find your hair starts looking more “salt” than “salt and pepper” at the roots, you can easily blend your silvers using L’Oréal Paris Men Expert One-Twist Permanent Hair Color.

33. Classic pompadour

For old-school charm that's still very much on-trend, try the pompadour. Pompadours (a.k.a. quiffs) have been around for years, and it seems like the trend will stick around for a while. This hairstyle instantly takes you back to an era of muscle cars, hot rods, and old-school rock and roll bands.

If your hair tends to fall flat, add structure with a pomade or gel, like the L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel. Rub a small amount of product between your hands, then apply the gel evenly throughout damp or dry hair and style.

34. Back-combed quiff

As we mentioned, quiffs, also known as pompadours, are a great style for those who favor a more retro aesthetic. Try back-combing yours to create a slicked-back look reminiscent of ‘50s heartthrobs.

35. Side-swept

This style is perfect for medium-length hair and shows off short sides and side-swept bangs for a unique touch. Airy, touchable volume is key to nailing this windswept style, so we suggest adding L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair to your weekly lineup. The purifying scalp serum formulated with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid helps to minimize excess oils and remove scalp residue while providing up to 72 hours of hydration.

36. Low top fade

This understated look features softly faded sides that build to a closely cropped top. It’s ideal for minimalists and requires no styling products to maintain, though you will want to have clippers on hand for touchups as needed.

37. Faux-hawk

Mohawks are undeniably cool, but not the most approachable hairstyle. Get the edgy look without shaving your sides by opting for a faux hawk. The look features short sides and about two to three inches of length at the center of your head, where a natural middle part would sit. When left to air-dry, it looks like a bold take on a classic fade—but when styled with gel, it can be molded into a temporary mohawk shape.

38. Curly fade

If you search “fade haircut” on Google, you’ll likely be met with a plethora of images showcasing relatively straight, structured strands. But there’s no reason curly-haired folks can’t opt for this short men’s haircut. We’re especially fond of how it looks when the curls are left to fall loosely over the face.

39. Middle part with medium fringe

Channel your favorite ‘90s movie stars by parting your straight hair down the middle and letting the strands in front hang loosely around your face.

40. Classic taper

The classic taper is simple and refined. With long hair on the top that gradually gets shorter down the back and sides of the head, this style is easy to wear and easily flatters just about every hair type and texture.

41. Sleek skin fade

The skin fade turns up the drama on a classic fade, forgoing the subtle taper in favor of shaved sides and a full, voluminous top. While this contrasting cut delivers tons of impact, it’s important to keep in mind that it requires a fair bit of maintenance, too. You can expect to shave the sides a few times a week (depending on how fast your hair grows), while you’ll want to trim the top about once every six weeks.

42. Wavy tapered fade

If you're looking for a modern hairstyle for men that doesn’t require a ton of styling, consider a wavy tapered fade. This look makes your natural texture the focal point of the style as the sides get shorter to blend in with your skin. You don’t need to use any products to style it, but if you want to give your waves definition, we suggest working the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse through damp hair and then letting your cut air dry.

43. Deep side part

For a standout style that you can create on your own, try switching up your part. A deep side part helps make your hair appear fuller at the crown and lends your go-to look a sauve, vaguely vintage flair.

44. Short curls with a burst fade

The burst fade is among the best short haircuts for men with curls. The cut features a soft taper (or fade) around the ears and just above, while the top, front, and back of the hair are left longer. The look allows you to show off your natural texture without your hair taking on an overly round or poofy shape. For ultra-defined curls, we recommend working a curl cream like L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In throughout damp hair before letting your hair dry naturally.

45. Modern military flat top

People in the military tend to opt for short men’s haircuts for practical reasons, but there’s no reason you can’t embrace a similar style, too. Ask your barber for an ultra-close crop, with a squared-off hairline and high fade around the sides and back of your head.

46. Wavy high fade

Show off your natural waves by asking your barber to create a blunt taper at the sides of your head and leave your wavy strands intact on top. You can wear this high-contrast style slicked back, with a middle part, or with a side part—either way, your natural texture will be on full display.

47. Textured crop cut

The textured crop cut bridges the gap between classic styling and modern trends, making it one of the most popular short hairstyles for men. Offering versatility and suiting all hair textures, this cut enhances separation with a low, closely-cropped fade.

48. Two-strand twist

If shrinkage makes your hair appear shorter than it is, consider stretching your strands and twisting them into a classic two-strand twist hairstyle. This low-maintenance look for natural hair is both protective and easy to maintain—no daily styling products necessary.

49. French crop

Consider the French crop a laid-back twist on the wavy fade, with a shorter crop on top and a less defined fade at the sides. We love this look as-is, but if you want to add texture, work L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty throughout dry hair for undone, workable hold.

50. Brush-up

Bangs can be great, but if you need to get your fringe off your face, consider the brush-up. This low-effort style is exactly what it sounds like and involves little more than brushing your bangs upward and spritzing them generously with hairspray so they stay put.

51. Soft spikes

Give your classic low fade an edgy flair by using a medium-hold styling gel to spike up your hair at the sides and crown of your head. You’ll get a lived-in, rock-and-roll effect perfect for nights out.

52. Short curly drop fade

Unlike a classic fade, which is more or less symmetrical all the way around, the drop fade features a dip (or “drop”) around the face. The result is a sculpted style that looks neat, clean, and groomed—without tons of effort.

53. Short spiky mohawk

Experiment with a classic mohawk—without having to commit hours to styling—with a short mohawk. This punky cut features cropped or shaved sides with a longer strip of hair at the center of the head. Because there’s less length than a classic mohawk, styling is a breeze—you can either wash and go or work a touch of hair gel into your mane to give your look a bit more definition.

54. Frohawk

A frohawk is one of our favorite best short haircuts for men with textured hair because it’s unexpected and effortlessly cool. Ask your barber to sculpt your mane into a classic mohawk shape, leaving your afro intact along the midline of your head, to achieve this unique look.

55. Curly cut with fringe

Curly hair is often best worn a little bit longer, simply because the more length you have, the more room your curls have to show off. Put them on display by cutting the back of your hair to about an inch or two in length, and leaving the front longer to create face-framing curly fringe.

56. Rounded high-and-tight

The high-and-tight style is typically worn with a more squared-off hairline, but if you prefer a softer look, ask your barber to round out the corners. You’ll get a natural-looking cut that requires no styling and little maintenance other than the occasional trim.

57. Side-parted pompadour

Give your pompadour an elegant flair by swapping the slick back for a deep side part. We recommend using a comb to part your hair just above the arch of your brow, then brushing the bulk of your hair diagonally toward the opposite ear for a dapper, ‘20s-inspired vibe.

58. Tapered cornrow braids

A famous late rapper made this style of cornrow braids popular, and they’ve only become more on-trend as the years go on. Make this style your own and get artistic with your parts. Whether you opt for straight, wavy, or zig-zag parts, you can make the style all your own.

59. Clean-cut cornrows

If you love the look of a fade but want to try cornrows, consider this combination style. The side fade keeps your style looking clean-cut, while the braids allow you to experiment with your limited length.

60. Comb coils

Comb coils are a style in which your stylist or barber coils small sections of hair with a fine-tooth comb. The effect is similar to dreads but slightly softer (and, typically, less long-lasting).

61. Spiderweb buzz cut

Buzz cuts don’t typically lend themselves to much personalization, but we can’t get enough of this spider web design. Shaving a design into your hair is an easy way to take your style to the next level—just keep in mind that keeping the look fresh will require regular visits to the barbershop.

62. Mohawk man bun

You don’t need to grow out your hair to add a man bun to your style repertoire. If you’re rocking a mohawk, simply gather the longer strands into a bun at the crown of your head to keep your hair off your face and give your punky style a modern twist.

63. Afro puffs

Afro puffs are a great way to show off your enviable hair texture. This short hairstyle for men doesn’t require a trip to the barbershop to nail, either: all you need to do is part your hair into equal sections and secure each with an elastic to create puffs. If needed, you can use an afro pick to loosen the puffs and give them more volume.

64. Cornrows

We love this protective style because it’s endlessly customizable and requires next to no maintenance once completed. You will, however, have to set aside at least a few hours to get your braids done—how long depends on how long your hair is, how thin or thick you’d like your braids to be, and of course, your stylist’s experience.

65. Jumbo box braids

Box braids are another great protective hairstyle for men with natural hair. In contrast to cornrows, which lay flat against the head, these braids hang loosely, almost like woven dreads.

66. Buzz cut with dyed design

If shaving a design in your buzz cut is too much of a commitment, ask your stylist to get creative with temporary hair dye, such as L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Whether you choose one color all over or a combination of technicolor hues, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind look that’ll wash out within a week or two.

67. Deep waves with a full beard

Nothing pairs better with pristine, deep waves than a full beard. Keep your waves and beard in tip-top shape by maintaining regular appointments at your barbershop.

68. Mini mullet

A classic ‘80s mullet can be a tricky style to pull off, but if you like the look, consider dipping your toes in with a mini mullet. This cut features short sides and blunt fringe in front, with the back left longer (aim for the longest hairs to extend just past the nape of your neck).

69. Finger coils

Finger coils are one of the best ways to enhance your natural curly texture. Make sure your hair looks and feels moisturized and refresh your strands with a hydrating serum like L’Oréal Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free. The serum delivers a boost of moisture, re-plumping and reshaping dry, dehydrated hair for up to 72 hours without weighing it down.

70. Sponge curls

If you have coily hair but don’t want to commit to a full afro, try sponge curls. This technique utilizes a sponge to add body and fullness to your coils but with less height than a full afro.

71. Cornrow design

Just because you don’t have a lot of length doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with your hairstyles. An intricate cornrow design is a great way to personalize your style and make you stand out in a crowd.

72. Middle part

A middle part is a classic style that’s super easy to pull off, regardless of your hair texture. All you need is a comb to part your hair down the middle. Watch your hair frame your face and bring attention to your eyes.

73. Undercut braided man bun

Put a twist (pun intended) on your classic man bun by braiding the underside of your hair and securing it into a mini bun at the crown of your head.

74. Starter wicks

Wicks are a type of loc achieved using a technique typically reserved for crocheting. While wicks have a much wider base than traditional locks—usually over an inch across—you don’t need a lot of length to get started on this funky style.

75. Curly perm

Whether completely transforming your straight hair or refreshing your curly texture, a curly perm is a great way to enhance your texture. This is not a DIY style, so be sure to schedule an appointment at a trusted salon to ensure your hair looks (and feels) its best.

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