Top 25 Men's Hairstyles for 2026

1. The Modern Buzz Cut

Don't sleep on the buzz cut—it's evolved way beyond the military standard. Joe Burrow's ice blonde buzzcut became iconic during the 2025 season, proving that even the shortest cuts can make a statement. The 2026 version plays with different lengths on different sections, creating subtle texture and dimension.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Square, Diamond

Expert Tip: Ask for a #3 or #4 guard on top with a gradual fade on the sides. This creates just enough contrast to keep it interesting without looking like you're trying too hard.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Start with clean, slightly damp hair from the shower
2. Apply a small amount of matte styling cream for texture (optional—you can go product-free)
3. Use your fingers to work product through if using, or simply towel dry
4. Let air dry naturally—takes about 5 minutes total

Time: 5 minutes | Best for: Low-maintenance guys

2. Textured Crop

This is hands-down one of the most requested styles right now, and it's only getting bigger in 2026. Think Tom Hardy's textured crop in recent films—rugged, masculine, and effortless. The textured crop combines short sides with a slightly longer, choppy top that you can style in about 30 seconds.

Best Face Shapes: All shapes, but especially great for round and heart-shaped faces

Expert Tip: The key is in the texture. Your barber should use point-cutting techniques to create that piecey, lived-in look. A small amount of matte pomade is all you need for styling.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Start with towel-dried hair (slightly damp)
2. Take a dime-sized amount of matte pomade or clay and warm it between your palms
3. Work through hair from back to front, using your fingers to create separation
4. Push hair forward and slightly to one side for that effortless, piecey look
5. Don't overwork it—the messier, the better

Time: 2 minutes | Best for: Guys who want style without looking "done"

3. High and Tight 2.0

The classic high and tight gets a 2026 update with softer lines and more gradual fading. It's still sharp and masculine, but less aggressive than the traditional military version.

Best Face Shapes: Square, Rectangle, Oval

Expert Tip: Ask for a mid-to-high fade instead of the stark contrast of the original. This modernizes the look while keeping that clean, professional vibe.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Wash hair in the morning—this cut looks best fresh
2. Towel dry completely
3. Optional: Apply a light styling cream to the top for hold and slight texture
4. Brush or comb forward, then style as desired (up, to the side, or slightly messy)
5. That's it—seriously, this cut does most of the work for you

Time: 3 minutes | Best for: Military, law enforcement, or anyone who wants sharp and simple

4. French Crop

The French crop continues to be a winner in 2026, and for good reason. It's effortlessly cool, works with most hair types, and requires minimal styling. Popular with everyone from college students to CEOs.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Heart

Expert Tip: The fringe should hit mid-forehead. Too short and it looks like a bowl cut; too long and it covers your eyes. Your barber knows the sweet spot.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Start with damp hair after your shower
2. Apply a small amount of sea salt spray or light styling cream
3. Use your fingers to push the fringe forward toward your forehead
4. Let air dry or use a blow dryer on low heat for faster results
5. Once dry, add a tiny bit of matte paste to the fringe for definition (optional)

Time: 4 minutes | Best for: Guys with straight or slightly wavy hair

5. Skin Fade with Textured Top

Skin fades aren't going anywhere in 2026. The evolution here is in the top—we're seeing more natural texture and less of that super-styled, product-heavy look.

Best Face Shapes: All shapes (that's why it's so popular)

Expert Tip: The fade should blend seamlessly from skin to hair. A good barber will spend most of their time perfecting this transition—that's where the magic happens.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Start with slightly damp hair
2. Apply a light texturizing cream or sea salt spray to the top section only
3. Use your fingers to tousle and create natural-looking texture—no combs needed
4. Let air dry or blow dry with your hand running through it to maintain that textured look
5. Finish with a matte clay if you want more hold without shine

Time: 5 minutes | Best for: Versatile style that works from gym to office

6. Caesar Cut Modern Edition

Yes, the Caesar cut is back, but it's not your dad's version. The 2026 Caesar features more texture on top and a cleaner, more defined fringe.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Square, Rectangle

Expert Tip: This cut is perfect if you're dealing with a receding hairline. The short fringe actually draws attention away from the temples.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Wash and towel dry your hair
2. Apply a small amount of light pomade or styling cream while hair is still damp
3. Comb or brush everything forward toward your forehead
4. Use your fingers to create slight separation and texture in the fringe
5. Let air dry—the cut does all the heavy lifting

Time: 3 minutes | Best for: Guys who want a polished look with minimal effort

7. Crew Cut with Hard Part

The classic crew cut gets a modern edge with a hard part (a shaved line) on one side. It's preppy meets contemporary, and it works great in professional environments.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square

Expert Tip: The hard part should be subtle—about 1mm wide. Any wider and it starts looking gimmicky instead of sharp.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Wash hair and towel dry thoroughly
2. Apply a medium-hold pomade or grooming cream to damp hair
3. Comb hair to one side, following the natural line of the hard part
4. Use a brush or fine-tooth comb for that clean, precise look
5. Optional: Finish with a light hairspray for all-day hold

Time: 4 minutes | Best for: Professional environments and formal occasions

8. Burr Cut with Low Fade

Slightly longer than a buzz cut, the burr cut with a low fade offers just enough length to show some personality while staying ultra low-maintenance.

Best Face Shapes: Square, Oval, Diamond

Expert Tip: This is the perfect "ease into short hair" cut if you're not ready to commit to a full buzz. You can always go shorter next time.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Wash and towel dry—this cut air dries in minutes
2. Optional: Apply a tiny amount of matte cream for texture
3. Run your fingers through to create slight movement
4. You're done—literally the easiest cut to maintain

Time: 2 minutes | Best for: Maximum convenience with minimal styling

9. Textured Quiff

The quiff is timeless, but 2026's version is all about natural texture. Patrick Mahomes popularized this athletic yet refined look—it's confident without being over-styled. Less Elvis, more effortless cool with that intentional-but-not-trying-too-hard vibe.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Heart, Diamond

Expert Tip: The sides should be no longer than 2 inches, with 3-5 inches on top. Use a blow dryer for volume, then finish with a flexible-hold product.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Start with damp, towel-dried hair
2. Apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse to the top section
3. Blow dry while lifting hair up and back with your fingers or a round brush
4. Once dry, work a small amount of flexible-hold pomade through the top
5. Push hair up and slightly back to create that signature quiff shape
6. Finish with light hairspray if you need all-day hold

Time: 8 minutes | Best for: Guys who want a statement style worth the effort

10. Slick Back

Cillian Murphy's Peaky Blinders slick back defined an era, and the style is here to stay. The 2026 version is slightly more relaxed—you want it to look like you ran your fingers through it, not like you shellacked it in place. Mad Men meets modern sophistication.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square

Expert Tip: Apply pomade to damp hair, comb it back, then let it air dry partially before combing again. This creates that lived-in texture.

How to Style This Cut:

1. Start with damp hair fresh from the shower
2. Work a nickel-sized amount of medium-hold pomade through your hair
3. Use a wide-tooth comb to brush everything straight back from your forehead
4. Let it air dry for 5-10 minutes to set
5. Run your fingers or comb through one more time to refine the look
6. For extra hold, finish with a light pomade touch-up

Time: 10 minutes | Best for: Professional settings and evening events

11. Side Part with Volume

Classic but never boring, the side part is getting a 2026 update with more height and movement on top. It's sophisticated without being stuffy.

Best Face Shapes: All shapes, but especially good for round faces (the side part creates length)

Expert Tip: The part should follow your natural hair growth pattern. Fighting against it will just make styling harder.

12. Messy Fringe

This is the "I woke up like this" cut, except it actually takes some skill to pull off. The messy fringe works great for guys with naturally wavy or straight hair.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Heart, Rectangle

Expert Tip: The fringe should be cut in layers with point-cutting techniques. This creates that perfectly imperfect texture.

13. Faux Hawk Modern

The faux hawk has come a long way from the spiky, gelled-up look of the 2000s. The 2026 version is more subtle, with a gentle taper from center to sides.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Heart, Diamond

Expert Tip: Style it up for weekends, brush it to the side for work. That's the beauty of medium length—versatility.

14. Ivy League Evolved

The Ivy League cut (basically a long crew cut) is getting a less preppy makeover in 2026. We're adding texture and keeping the finish matte instead of shiny.

Best Face Shapes: All shapes

Expert Tip: This is one of the most versatile cuts out there. You can style it forward, to the side, or even slick it back depending on the occasion.

15. Comb Over Fade

Don't let the name fool you—this isn't your grandfather's comb over. Joe Burrow's signature comb over fade proves this cut is polished, professional, and perfectly modern. The modern version features a clean fade on the sides with a stylish sweep on top.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square

Expert Tip: The fade should start high to create maximum contrast with the longer top. This is a sophisticated look that works great in professional settings.

16. Wavy Textured Style

Got natural waves? 2026 is your year. This cut is designed to enhance your hair's natural texture rather than fight against it.

Best Face Shapes: All shapes, but especially great for oval and heart

Expert Tip: Ask your barber to cut when your hair is dry so they can see how the waves naturally fall. Use a sea salt spray for enhancement without weighing it down.

17. Angular Fringe

This cut features a fringe that's cut at an angle rather than straight across. It's edgier than the classic fringe but still professional enough for most workplaces.

Best Face Shapes: Heart, Oval, Rectangle

Expert Tip: The angle should be subtle—you're going for modern, not costume party. Your barber will know the right degree of slant.

18. Shoulder-Length Flow

This is the surfer aesthetic gone mainstream. Hair that grazes your shoulders, with natural movement and texture. Think Jason Momoa or Kit Harington—that kind of masculine, effortless vibe.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square

Expert Tip: Regular trims every 8-10 weeks are essential to prevent split ends. And invest in a good leave-in conditioner—long hair needs moisture.

19. Long Slick Back

All that length slicked back creates a powerful, commanding presence. It's the executive version of long hair—polished and intentional.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square

Expert Tip: Use a strong-hold pomade or gel, but apply it to damp (not soaking wet) hair. This prevents that greasy, overdone look.

20. Man Bun Contemporary

The man bun took some heat a few years back, but it's back and better than ever in 2026. Chris Hemsworth's refined man bun shows how to pull it off with confidence and style. The key is keeping it neat and intentional, not sloppy.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Diamond

Expert Tip: Position the bun at the crown of your head, not too high (topknot) or too low (samurai). And keep the sides either faded or neatly trimmed.

21. Long Layers with Curtain Bangs

The '90s are back, and curtain bangs are leading the charge. This style features medium-to-long layers with a center part and face-framing fringe.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Heart, Rectangle

Expert Tip: The bangs should hit around your eyebrows when styled. Blow dry them outward for that signature curtain effect.

22. Long Textured Waves

If you've got natural wave or curl, this style lets it shine. Longer hair with layers that enhance the natural movement and prevent the dreaded triangle shape.

Best Face Shapes: All shapes

Expert Tip: Curly guys, listen up: you need a barber who specializes in curly hair. The cutting technique is completely different from straight hair.

23. Long Fringe Pushed Back

This style features longer hair all around with an even longer fringe section that can be pushed back or swept to the side. It's versatile and looks great both styled and un-styled.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Heart, Rectangle

Expert Tip: Use a texturizing spray when styling to add grip and prevent the fringe from falling flat.

24. Shaggy Layers

The shag is making a comeback, but don't worry—we're not talking about the '70s version. The 2026 shag is more refined, with strategic layering that creates movement without looking messy.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Heart, Diamond

Expert Tip: This cut looks best with some natural texture. If you have super straight hair, you might need to add some wave with a curling iron or sea salt spray.

25. Long Top with Undercut

The ultimate contrast cut—keep the top long (4-8 inches) while the sides and back are buzzed short or even shaved. It's edgy, modern, and definitely makes a statement.

Best Face Shapes: Oval, Rectangle, Square

Expert Tip: You'll need to maintain the undercut every 2-3 weeks to keep it looking sharp. The good news is these touchups are usually quick and affordable.