Best haircuts for men, by face shape and hair type

Popular men's haircuts and who they suit

• Low, mid or high fade: very short sides that blend into longer hair on top. Clean and modern, suits most faces.
• Taper: a softer, gradual shortening at the sides and neck. Office-friendly and grows out well.
• Crew cut: short on top, shorter on the sides. Zero styling, ideal for hot weather and thick hair.
• Textured crop: short, choppy fringe on top. Great for thick or wavy hair and for hiding a high forehead.
• Quiff and pompadour: volume swept up and back. Adds height to round faces.
• Side part: classic and neat, works for formal looks and straight hair.
• Medium and long styles: flow or shoulder-length hair suits oval and oblong faces with wavy or thick hair.

Match the cut to your face shape

• Round face: add height on top and keep the sides short, such as a quiff or high fade.
• Square face: almost anything works. Crew cuts and side parts show off the jawline.
• Oblong face: avoid too much height. Keep some length at the sides or add a fringe.
• Oval face: the most flexible shape. Try fades, crops or longer styles.
• Heart or diamond face: keep some length at the sides and avoid very tight fades.

Not sure about your face shape? B4GLOW finds it from a selfie and shows haircuts and beard styles that suit you. Free and private.

How to explain your haircut to a barber

1. Show a photo: Bring 2 or 3 photos of the cut on someone with hair like yours.
2. Say the clipper number: Mention the side length, for example "number 2 on the sides, fade to skin".
3. Mention how you style daily: Tell them how many minutes you spend styling, so they cut for your routine.
4. Agree on the neckline: Rounded, squared or tapered. A tapered neckline grows out the cleanest.

Fades look sharp for 2 to 3 weeks. Book a trim every 3 to 4 weeks to keep the shape.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a fade and a taper?

A fade goes very short, often down to the skin, with a strong blend. A taper is a gentler shortening that leaves more hair at the sides and neck.

Which haircut is best for thin hair?

Short textured crops and crew cuts make thin hair look fuller. Avoid long, flat styles that show the scalp.

Which haircut is low maintenance?

A crew cut or a taper with a short top needs almost no styling and grows out neatly.

How often should men get a haircut?

Every 3 to 4 weeks for short cuts and fades, and every 6 to 8 weeks for medium or long styles.