Men’s hairstyles have come a long way from the days when a simple buzzcut or a short-back-and-sides was the norm. Today, men’s haircuts are as varied and creative as women’s, and keeping up with the latest trends is essential for any stylist.
Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re an experienced professional looking to expand your skills, mastering modern men’s haircut trends is crucial.
Men are more conscious than ever about their hair, so being able to offer a range of trendy and classic styles will set you apart in your career. Let’s dive into the top men’s haircut trends and the techniques every stylist should know to keep their male clients looking sharp and stylish.
Why Men’s Haircut Trends Matter
Men’s grooming has evolved into a major market, and keeping up with haircut trends is essential for building a loyal male clientele. Gone are the days when men would visit the barbershop for a simple trim. Today, many men expect their haircuts to reflect their personal style, profession, and even lifestyle.
Being in tune with men’s haircut trends also shows your clients that you’re invested in giving them the best possible experience. Whether they want a clean, corporate look or something more edgy, you need to know what’s in style and how to achieve it.
At Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, our curriculum includes training on both classic and contemporary men’s haircuts, giving students the tools to succeed in cosmetology in Greenville, SC and beyond.
Top Men’s Haircut Trends and Techniques
Let’s explore some of the modern styles that have become highly popular among men today. Each of these cuts requires different techniques, so having a solid foundation in a variety of styling methods will help you deliver excellent results.
The Fade
Arguably one of the most iconic cuts of the decade, the fade has become a staple in men’s hairstyles. There are multiple types of fades: low, mid, high, and even skin fades, each offering a different look depending on how gradual the blend is from longer hair to shorter hair.
Techniques You Need to Know:
- Clipper Over Comb: This technique helps you create a smooth transition between lengths, essential for achieving a flawless fade.
- Blending: Learning how to blend the different lengths of hair seamlessly is key. A fade with noticeable lines will look unprofessional and choppy.
- Scissor Over Comb: For more refined fades, especially in longer-haired sections, scissor-over-comb can offer a polished finish that clippers alone might not achieve.
Stylists in cosmetology in Greenville, SC who master the fade technique will find that this style remains a popular request among male clients, especially younger men and professionals looking for a clean yet modern look.
The Undercut
The undercut is a versatile cut that leaves the hair on top longer while the sides and back are shaved or cut very short. It’s a high-contrast style that’s perfect for clients who want a bold, edgy look. The great thing about the undercut is that it pairs well with various hair types, whether your client has straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Techniques You Need to Know:
- Sectioning: Because the top part of the hair is left longer, sectioning is crucial for keeping the contrast clean and distinct.
- Clippers: Mastering the clippers for the sides and back while leaving the top long can create a sharp, modern look.
- Texturizing: For the top, depending on the client’s preference, texturizing the hair can add volume and movement, especially if they want a more rugged finish.
The undercut has staying power and is a favorite among trend-conscious clients. Student stylists at Kenneth Shuler learn how to execute undercuts with precision, so they’re prepared to offer this popular style in the salon.
The Pompadour
This classic hairstyle has made a huge comeback, especially among men who appreciate vintage-inspired looks. The pompadour is characterized by a voluminous top with a shorter back and sides. It’s a style that demands a lot of attention to detail and styling know-how.
Techniques You Need to Know:
- Blow-Drying: A key element of the pompadour is height and volume, so you’ll need to master blow-drying techniques to lift the hair and give it that distinctive shape.
- Round Brushing: For a sleek, polished pompadour, using a round brush to direct the hair upwards while blow-drying will create a smoother finish.
- Product Application: Pompadours often require strong-hold styling products like pomades or waxes to maintain their shape. Knowing how to apply and distribute product without weighing down the hair is essential.
The pompadour is perfect for men who want a bold, statement-making look, and learning this technique can open up new opportunities for stylists working in cosmetology in Greenville, SC.
The Crew Cut
For clients who prefer a clean, low-maintenance look, the crew cut remains a popular choice. While it may seem straightforward, perfecting a crew cut requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to blending and shaping.
Techniques You Need to Know:
- Precision Cutting: The crew cut may be short, but it still needs to be precise. The back and sides should be evenly trimmed and fade neatly into the slightly longer top.
- Texture Management: For clients with thick hair, thinning shears may be necessary to keep the top from looking too heavy. With finer hair, a careful approach is needed to maintain volume.
- Blending: As with any short cut, blending is key to a seamless finish.
At Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, we ensure our students understand the intricacies of classic cuts like the crew cut so they can offer their clients the best results every time.
The Buzz Cut with a Twist
While the buzz cut is the ultimate no-fuss hairstyle, adding a twist like geometric patterns or fading makes it modern and stylish. This is a great option for clients who want a low-maintenance style but still want to stand out.
Techniques You Need to Know:
- Clipper Precision: Whether you’re buzzing the hair all one length or adding patterns, having absolute control over your clippers is essential. Any mistakes in such a short style are noticeable, so practice is key.
- Pattern Design: For clients who want a little more flair, incorporating geometric lines or designs into the buzz cut requires both creativity and precision.
Buzz cuts with patterns are becoming increasingly popular, especially with younger clients. Stylists trained in cosmetology in Greenville, SC will benefit from offering these bold variations.
Modern Techniques for Men’s Hair
While knowing the trends is important, understanding the techniques behind them is what will make you a standout stylist.
At Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, students learn the technical and artistic skills necessary to execute even the most complex men’s hairstyles. Here are some key techniques you should master:
- Scissor Over Comb: Ideal for longer styles or when you need a more blended look. Scissor-over-comb offers more control than clippers alone.
- Texturizing and Thinning: Not every client wants sleek, polished hair. Some prefer texture and volume. Knowing how to use thinning shears or razors to add texture without bulk is essential.
- Blow Drying and Styling: Many modern men’s haircuts require styling to achieve the finished look, whether it’s a pompadour or a quiff. Being able to teach your clients how to recreate the style at home will also earn you points as a stylist.
Conclusion: The Future of Men’s Haircut Trends in Greenville, SC
As styles evolve, staying on top of the latest men’s haircut trends and mastering the right techniques are critical for building a strong client base. Clients want more than just a haircut—they want a stylist who understands their needs and knows how to deliver.
For students searching for a cosmetology school near me, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology provides the hands-on training needed. Whether you’re interested in classic cuts or the latest trends, our program aims to help you start a career in cosmetology in Greenville, SC.
Ready to take the next step in your cosmetology career? Learn more about our cosmetology program and discover how Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology can help you get started.
