Fade, Buzz, or Pompadour? Pick Your Cut

Thinking of switching things up? Or maybe just cleaning things up a bit? There are so many different types of haircuts for men, and choosing the right one for you depends on more than just what looks good on someone else. Your hair's natural texture and shine, personal style, and face shape all play a part in finding the right cut. Let's walk through the most popular haircuts for men—from longer, wavy looks to sharp fades—and help you find one that suits you.

Let's Start with Your Hair Type

Your hair type sets the tone for every style you'll try. Some cuts work better for wavy hair, others for natural curls or straight hair. Even hair thickness plays a role in how your hair falls, which in turn affects which styles suit you best. The goal is to work with your hair, not fight it.

Choosing a Haircut Based on Your Face Shape

Let's talk about face shapes quickly. The shape of your face is important when choosing a haircut.

• Square face shapes

  Go for clean sides and some volume at the top. Ivy League cuts, Crew cuts, and textured crops work well.

• Round face shapes

  Add height and avoid volume on the sides. A mid fade or skin fade with a longer top adds nice balance to a round face.

• Oval face shapes

  You've got the most options. Long or short, it all works.

• Rectangular face shapes

  Try to avoid styles that elongate your face. Balance is the real deal. For the best effect, choose a medium length on top without adding too much height.

• Natural Texture Is Key

  Instead of forcing your hair into shapes it doesn't want to take, let the natural texture of your hair lead the way. Wavy hair, natural curls and kinky hair, or straight hair—each type has its charm. Work with the flow of your hair. That's how you bring out the best look.

Classic Crew Cut

The classic crew cut is one of those styles that never goes out of fashion. Short on the sides and just a bit longer on top, it suits most men. It’s especially great for oval face shapes and square face shapes, because it adds balance and sharpness.

Use a light styling cream for a bit of texture without stiffness. A quick pass with the blow dryer adds volume if your hair needs it.

The Pompadour Haircut

The Pompadour is a timeless hairstyle. It blends vintage flair with modern style. Characterized by volume at the front and shorter sides, it’s all about that swept-back look. This cut for men works well with medium-length hair and suits a variety of face shapes, especially square and oval.

A blow dryer and light styling cream are your best tools to create and hold the height. Like a clean skin fade or a more subtle mid fade? The Pompadour gives you a bold yet refined look that turns heads without trying too hard. It’s a go-to style for men who want something classic and full of character.

Buzz Cut

Clean, simple, and no fuss. The buzz cut works well for men with rectangular face shapes or anyone with a strong jawline. If you're dealing with thinning hair, this cut can actually make your hair look fuller. Whether you choose a close shave or a longer buzz, no styling tools are needed with the buzz cut. Just clip it and go.

Textured Crop

This hairstyle is all about texture. The textured crop is edgy, short, and great for slightly wavy hair or natural waves. If you've got a bit of movement in your hair, this style brings it out. You can pair it with a skin fade or a mid fade for a modern twist. Add a touch of light styling cream, and you're good to go.

Ivy League Cut

Long Curly Hair

Got curly hair? Show off those locks. Long, curly hair isn't just a cut, it's a statement. This hairstyle shines when you embrace your natural curls or waves. Keep the ends clean and use moisturizing products to maintain your hair's natural texture and shine. A long, curly cut for men can be refined or wild. It all depends on how you feel that day.

Medium to Long Hair

Rocking medium to long hair? You've got a lot of room to play. This length works with slightly wavy hair, curly or coily hair, and straight hair. The goal here is movement and natural flow.

Let your hair grow out, and ask your hairstylist for light layering according to your hair type. Use a blow dryer to add volume and texture with a cream. Pair it with facial hair for a laid-back style.

The Fade Haircut

The fade haircut is one of the most versatile styles out there. It’s all about smooth transitions—from short or shaved sides to longer hair on top. You can go for a sharp skin fade for a high-contrast look or keep it subtle with a mid fade that blends naturally. The fade works best with most hair types, and truly stands out with wavy hair, thick hair, or afro-textured hair. It pairs perfectly with many top styles, such as the Ivy League, textured crop, or even a Pompadour.

Fades are also a great match for different face shapes, adding edge to any look. This cut keeps things neat and low-maintenance—ideal for men who want a fresh look that never goes out of style.

Long Curly Hair Fade

This one brings together two things: structure and curls. A long, curly hair fade keeps the sides short while letting your curls grow up top. The contrast is fresh and bold. If you've got thick hair, this style is your playground.

A mid fade works well for this style, especially for men with square face shapes or round face shapes. The curls add height, while the fade keeps things tight.

Skin Fade

Edgy. Clean. Sharp. A skin fade starts high and blends down to bare skin. It works perfectly with almost any top style—short or long—and gives everything a clean foundation. If you want to keep your personal style modern, adding a skin fade to your cut might be the move.

Mid Fade

The mid-fade is the middle ground. Not too subtle, not too dramatic. It balances out cuts like the long, curly hair fades, textured crops, and the Ivy League. Especially good for rectangular face shapes and oval face shapes, it draws the eye right to the center.

This cut works well with light styling cream, allowing your natural texture to do most of the work.

Styling Tips That Actually Help

You don't need a ton of hair products. Here's what matters:

• Use light styling cream to boost shine and control frizz.
• A blow dryer can add quick volume and direction.
• Gently comb through with your fingers for an effortless feel./li>
• The less you fight your hair, the better your style looks.

Personal Style Matters Too

At the end of the day, hairstyles for men aren't just about trends or fashion. They're about what feels like you. Prefer classic and clean? The buzz cut or classic crew cut delivers every time. Want something bold? Go for a long, curly hair fade.

Your haircut should match your personality, your routine, and your overall vibe. That's what makes a look work.

Don't Ignore Facial Hair

Your facial hair completes the look. A well-groomed beard or even a bit of stubble can entirely change the feel of your haircut. It adds balance, especially for certain face shapes. Pair your haircut with a fade into your beard, or line it up for a polished edge. Little touches like that go a long way.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous types of haircuts for men, and each one conveys a distinct message. Some work better with curly and wavy hair, while others look great on straight hair. Some focus on clean lines and sharp fades, while others bring out your natural texture.

Think about your face shape, your personal style, your hair's natural texture, and how much time you want to spend styling each day. Simple or styled, short or long—there's a cut out there for every guy.

Want to make your next haircut count? Know your style. Know your hair. And pick a cut that feels like you.

Beard Trims, Gray Blending at GENT Cuts and Grooming

Self-care goes beyond a quick trim. Gent Cuts and Grooming offers classic shave, executive shave, and scalp-smoothing head shave. We also provide gray blending, eyebrow hair removal, neck waxing, and ear or nose waxing, among other services.

For skincare, choose between our express facial or signature facial to give your face a clean, polished glow. Kids aren't left out either—youth haircuts are available for younger gents.

Need high-quality products? Gent Cuts and Grooming features premium products from brands like POMP and St James of London. Our team can help you pick just the right tools or grooming gifts.

You'll also meet professionals who lead the industry, including Elle, our Training Manager, and Kristin, our Lead Trainer and Quality Ambassador.

Visit Gent Cuts and Grooming at any of our locations: St. Paul, Edina, Eagan, Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, or Minneapolis. Book your visit today.