ivy league haircut military

GETTING ALL THE ATTENTION WITH 25 BEST SHORT HAIRCUTS FOR MEN

Men with short hairstyles are typically those who value ease of wear and low-maintenance care. Finding the perfect short haircut for men is as easy as knowing where to look among the many fashionable styles available. In the upcoming year, iconic hairstyles including mullets, cropped cuts, burst fades, and other kinds of tapers will undoubtedly make a comeback. You’ve come to the perfect spot if you want to cut your hair short in the new year.

CREW CUT

The crew cut is fashionable and simple to keep up. Men with square faces and thick hair seem to benefit the most from it. The primary distinction between the crew cut and the ensuing military buzz cut is that the former gives you more styling options because your hair isn’t uniformly chopped.

IVY LEAGUE

The Ivy League haircut, also referred to as the Princeton or Harvard Clip, is ideal for a traditional business professional appearance. It works with almost every kind of hair, including curly, wavy, and straight. Style the top with a side part and keep the side moderately short.

SIDE PART FADE

The side part fade is a classic look that suits many settings. It’s not too hard to maintain every morning, but to keep the side short, you’ll need to visit your hairdresser at least once a month. SInce this haircut is so low-maintenance, this is no doubt one of the best fade haircuts for men.

POMPADOUR WITH TAPER FADE

This hairstyle is a modern take on the traditional Pompadour haircut. The Pompadour hairstyle has shorter sides and a lot of hair at the front of the head. The sides of this one are tapered for a sleek appearance.

HIGH TOP FADE

The variations of the longer top, shorter sides haircut formula are endless. This curling, high-top fade disappears into the skin and then resurfaces as a beard. This cut is excellent. Very nice. 

SHAVED SIDES WITH SHORT TOP

Fine or thin hair appears thicker due to the high skin fading at the forehead and the additional length and volume there. In addition to looking fantastic, these short hairstyles make fine or thin hair appear fuller. The secret is having short sides, which in turn give the top hair a fuller appearance. If not, styling, volume, and texture together with roughly an inch of length assist in making hair appear thicker. As seen above, a quiff, comb over, and small pomp are all attractive options.

SHORT LAYERS WITH COLORS

Although it may appear like every male these days has a faded haircut, that is not the case. This is a thick hairstyle with layers that taper off at the sides. The color streak can give black hair more depth.

180 WAVES WITH HIGH AND TIGHT

One of the most common short hairstyles is the high and tight, especially on textured hair. Longer hair is styled as the name suggests, with the ends cropped close to the skin. The appearance of waves at first keeps things interesting.

TEMPLE FADE FOR THICK HAIR

The temple fade, which takes the phrase “longer top, shorter sides” literally, removes hair at the sides while leaving the rest thick and full. The curvature of the hair and fading contrasts coolly with the straight across neckline at the back.

DROP FADE WITH CURLY HAIR

This is an additional men’s haircut with short sides and back and noticeable texture left at the top. There are noticeable tight curls, and the remaining hair is kept in check with a taper fade at the neckline.

CLEAN SIDE PART

You have three options for adding flair to your disheveled hairstyle: high, mid, or low fade. Additionally, you can choose a low fade if you want to go extremely dramatic. Furthermore, you have the option to choose a side part if the fade seems too simple for you. The options are nearly infinite, as you can see.

CLASSIC BUZZ CUT

The most popular haircuts for guys in 2024 who choose a short, low-maintenance hairstyle are buzz cuts. Though it’s commonly referred to as the “military-style haircut,” both businesspeople and athletes adore its appearance. Men’s buzz cuts are incredibly adaptable and low maintenance because they can be easily “washed and gone.” If you’re looking for a clean haircut for men, you should give a buzzcut a try.

MESSY FAUX HAWK 

A fake hawk lacks the boldness of a real mohawk. It nevertheless exudes the same level of flair and audacity. The quantity of hair remaining on the sides makes it possible to adorn them with various hairstyles. A faux mohawk is also a suitable option for all types of guys because of its moderate intensity. 

MODERN MULLET FADE

This spiky modern mullet fade has a ton of volume on the top with its “shape up,” which is another name for styling the hair upwards and slightly toward one side for a spiky, textured effect. This look is great for those with square-shaped faces.

WAVY MESSY QUIFF

A tapered quiff, like the one shown here, is a good choice if you’re searching for a short haircut with a little edge.  It produces a low contrast, so you don’t need to use really complex styling. To give it a more daring edge, the length on top is voluminous and unkempt, while the rear is shorter. This is one of those short men’s haircuts that gives you a clean, standout look without requiring extra work.

UNDERCUT WITH LONG TOP

If you require a more put together look, this men’s disconnected undercut fade is quite fashionable. The sides are also shaven, and the neatly cropped beard complements them both well. The length at the top creates a disheveled faux hawk that gives volume and a polished, sophisticated appearance.

BLOWOUT HAIRCUT

A blowout haircut is a stylish hairdo that instantly creates a carefree and airy image. You can pair it with sides and back fades to accentuate its style. Additionally, you have the option to change the aggressiveness and contrast by going for a low taper fade or a high bald.

SPIKY TAPER FADE

If you want a fashionable look that is sleek and polished, this spiky taper fade is ideal. It works well with any hair texture and requires very little time to style, making it ideal for people who are constantly on the move.

MODERN CAESAR HAIRCUT

Naturally named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, this is a Caesar Cut. These are short haircuts for guys with forward-styled bangs and a straight, horizontal fringe that is often cut in layers of one to two inches.

BURST FADE MULLET

The burst fade mullet hairstyle features a back and side burst fade in addition to a mullet cut. The characteristic mullet shape is created by leaving the back hair longer and the top and side hair shorter.

SIDE SWEPT

The short sides long top is one of the most common short hairstyles for men. It doesn’t require much maintenance while looking stylish and spruce. All you need to do for styling it in the morning is to run a comb with a blob of a styling product through the top section of your hair.

SHORT MULLET

A modern mullet is unaffected by an antiquated, geeky aesthetic; instead, it exudes style and sophistication while adhering to the principle of “all business in the front, all party in the back.” You are free to make any additional adjustments you see fit. The photo’s mullet is particularly well-defined, with a hard part and bald fade on the sides.

UNDERCUT WITH BRUSHED UP TOP

One of the most popular short haircut styles for males this season is the undercut. Additionally, undercut men’s styles—which feature some of the newest cuts available—are sweeping the globe. Any hairstyle that has length on top and is either faded, entirely buzzed, or extremely closely cropped is known as an undercut.

MODERN MOHAWK FADE

A Mohawk is the go-to men’s haircut for 2024 for guys who don’t mind flaunting their inner—or perhaps outer—punk. Everyone will definitely be staring at you because it is so contrasty and edgy. You are free to wear facial hair with this style since it doesn’t have any hair on the sides. It will work perfectly with a chin-strap beard.

CROP TOP FADE

The top has a delicately faded texture, a well-trimmed fringe, and a soft texture. You won’t be able to keep your eyes off of this really tidy finish, and we doubt that anybody else will either, thanks to the light tone of this crop top fade!

Though it may seem straightforward, the term “short” actually refers to a wide range of styles, each with its own set of guidelines. Selecting one isn’t always simple. More factors than most people realize need to be taken into account, including face form, styling, and other factors. For this reason, we’ve gathered all the data and design ideas you require in one handy location. Check out our list for more inspo.

WHAT IS QUIFF HAIRSTYLE?

One of the most legendary men’s haircuts, the quiff has been making waves since the 1950s, securing its spot among timeless styles like the French crop, buzz cut, and short back and sides.

Blending elements of the pompadour, flat top, and even the mohawk, this bold, voluminous style commands attention while complementing a variety of face shapes, ages, and personal aesthetics.

Research also suggests it’s one of the most attractive hairstyles to women. In a survey conducted by styling brand Fudge, 28 percent of 2,000 women said they would be most likely to swipe right on a man sporting a quiff.

WHAT IS THE QUIFF?

The quiff is a classic men’s hairstyle that you’ve likely seen before. It’s defined by shorter hair on the sides and back, with a longer, voluminous top. While this description applies to several styles, what makes the quiff unique is how it’s styled.

The hair on top is lifted to create volume and then combed back, achieving a sleek yet textured look with a strong vertical focus at the front. The sharp contrast between the different lengths adds an edgy, modern appeal that shares similarities with the timeless pompadour.

Blending elements of the pompadour, flat top, and even the mohawk, the quiff makes a bold statement. Its versatility allows it to complement various face shapes, ages, and personal styles.

Research also suggests it’s one of the most attractive men’s hairstyles. In a survey by styling brand Fudge, 28 percent of 2,000 women said they were most likely to swipe right on a man sporting a quiff.

THE HISTORY OF THE QUIFF

Although the quiff had been around for years, it truly gained popularity after World War II as a rebellious response to the military buzz cuts and strict wartime styles. However, it became a cultural icon with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll, symbolizing youthful defiance.

“As a style, it has always represented rebellion, and it screams confidence,” says ReeRee Rockette, owner of Rockalily Cuts. “It’s a hairstyle that literally takes up more space, so it makes you stand out and gets you noticed.”

The quiff’s signature height often meant it would fall forward throughout the day, requiring regular upkeep. This maintenance became part of its charm, with Elvis Presley famously turning the act of fixing his hair into an effortlessly cool and flirtatious gesture—just as iconic as his hip shakes or microphone caresses.

Beyond fashion, the quiff also played a role in shifting male grooming culture. It encouraged men to take greater pride in their appearance, paving the way for the grooming revolution we see today. In short, the quiff didn’t just influence hairstyles—it helped change the way men approached personal style.

THE QUIFF VS. THE POMPADOUR

There’s often debate about how the quiff differs from the pompadour, another classic cut. In general, the quiff is a more understated version of the dramatic, top-heavy pomp worn by rock ‘n’ roll icons like Little Richard and later, Bruno Mars.

“In truth, there’s no black and white answer,” says Devon-based barber Tom Chapman, founder of The Lions Barber Collective. “A typical quiff features short back and sides, and longer hair on top that’s swept upwards and backwards at the front. But this can be messy, straightened, or brushed, making it a generally more versatile style. Pompadours are similar in that they take the hair off, up, and away from the face, but are usually glossier and very precise.”

While pompadours lift all the hair for a dramatic effect, quiffs primarily emphasize the forelock—the section just above the forehead—while the rest of the hair can remain relatively flat.

“Ask your barber for a tapered cut with plenty of length on top, and you can’t really go wrong,” Chapman advises.

BEST QUIFF HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN

Looking to update your hairstyle? Here are some of the best quiff hairstyles for men to inspire your next visit to the barber.

THE CLASSIC QUIFF

Timeless and effortlessly stylish, the classic quiff has remained a favorite for decades. Unlike modern variations, this version features a softer contrast between the longer top and shorter sides, creating a balanced look.

When getting this cut, ask your barber for around four to five inches of length on top, with slightly more at the fringe. The sides should be trimmed short but not disconnected, and a fade isn’t necessary.

For styling, go easy on the products to avoid weighing down your hair. After washing, towel dry and apply a matte paste as a pre-styler. Then, use a comb or your fingers while blow-drying to create volume. Finish with a light pomade for definition and shine—just rub a small amount between your palms and work it through your hair from front to back.

THE ROCKABILLY QUIFF

While the pompadour has been getting a lot of attention, the rockabilly quiff is a more relaxed and versatile choice. Worn by icons like James Dean and Elvis Presley, this vintage-inspired style remains effortlessly cool.

A classic rockabilly quiff typically features a side part, which can be either shaved in or combed. It’s lower in height compared to a pompadour, and the top is usually faded into the sides. Some variations also include a ducktail, where the side sections are curled inward at the back.

For styling, pomade is your best friend. Warm it up between your hands, smooth it through your hair, and comb everything into place. A hairdryer can help set the style, and a comb is essential for achieving a polished finish.

THE UNDERCUT QUIFF

For a modern and edgy twist, the undercut quiff blends vintage appeal with contemporary sharpness. This style relies on the contrast between the long top and short, disconnected sides, creating a bold, statement look.

To achieve this cut, ask your barber to disconnect the sides from the top at your recession point, extending to the back of your ear. You can choose either a soft taper or a sharp fade for the undercut, depending on how dramatic you want the contrast to be. The top should be textured and left long enough for a voluminous quiff.

For styling, start with a salt spray on damp hair and use a round brush while blow-drying to build volume. Finish with a matte clay for a textured, separated look.

THE PSYCHOBILLY QUIFF

The psychobilly quiff, also known as the wedge quiff, is a bold, punk-inspired take on the style. With its sharp, sculpted shape and shaved sides, this look is a fusion of rockabilly and mohawk aesthetics.

This extreme style involves shaving the back and sides down to a zero, leaving only a high, gravity-defying quiff at the top. It’s a high-maintenance choice that may not suit all workplaces, but a looser, less structured version can make it more wearable.

To style, you’ll need strong-hold pomade, a hairdryer, and a comb. Every strand should be coated with product to help maintain height, and a finishing spray can provide extra hold against gravity.

THE TEXTURED QUIFF

If you prefer a more relaxed, effortless look, the textured quiff is a great option. Worn by style icons like David Gandy, this version is less polished and more natural, making it perfect for men with wavy or unruly hair.

For this cut, ask your barber to clipper the sides short with a fade, while the top is point-cut with scissors for an uneven, textured finish.

Styling starts with a texture powder or volumizing spray at the roots to add depth. Then, warm a small amount of styling paste or soft clay between your hands, twist sections of the hair at the sides, and push the quiff upward until you achieve your desired look.

THE SIDE-PARTED QUIFF

A simple way to give a quiff a more polished and refined look is by incorporating a side part. While this can be done with most types of quiffs, if you’re aiming for a consistently sharp style, it’s best to mention it to your barber.

To achieve this look, celebrity hairstylist Asgar Saboo recommends using your palms to smooth styling product into the sides of your hair. Then, comb the top section away from the part to create a clean divide, lifting and shaping the fringe as desired.

For a sleek, structured finish, use a comb to perfect the shape. If you prefer a more relaxed, rugged effect, simply tousle it with your hands. You can also customize the overall vibe by selecting the right styling product—high-shine options give off a classic Ivy League feel, while matte products create a more casual and contemporary look.

THE SLICKED-BACK QUIFF

Channel a sleek, 1960s-inspired look with a slicked-back quiff—so polished, you could practically check your reflection in it.

This retro take on the modern quiff adds a sophisticated edge and works well for both everyday and formal occasions. Achieving the perfect shine, however, requires a generous amount of styling product and careful application. Once your hair is evenly coated, use a comb to sculpt the ideal shape.

For an extra touch of drama, consider adding a side part to this already eye-catching style. While it’s best suited for thick, wavy hair, even those with finer hair can pull off a slicked-back quiff with the right products and technique.

THE FADED QUIFF

For a modern twist, pair your quiff with a classic taper or fade. Unlike the dramatic contrast of an undercut quiff, the fade here is more subtle and gradual, creating a clean, professional look with a hint of sophistication.

This style is particularly popular among the preppy crowd and makes an excellent choice for daily wear, as it requires minimal styling. A quick application of product, a simple run-through with your fingers, and you’re good to go.

The faded quiff works well for a variety of hair types, including fine or thin hair. Whether worn slicked back or slightly tousled, this cut is a versatile option for those seeking a polished yet effortless look.

THE LONG HAIR QUIFF

Not ready to sacrifice your length for a quiff? The good news is, you don’t have to. Men with longer hair can still rock a quiff by keeping the sides and back shorter while allowing the top to grow out.

Styling a long-hair quiff requires extra effort, but with a strong-hold product and a blow dryer, you can achieve impressive volume. When properly slicked back, this style appears sharp and refined.

To highlight the contrast between the longer top and shorter sides, tuck your hair behind your ears. On days when you prefer a more relaxed look, let your hair hang naturally for a curtain-inspired or eBoy aesthetic.

THE CURLY QUIFF

Curly-haired guys can absolutely pull off a quiff—it just takes a slightly different approach. A curly quiff tends to have a more tousled, effortless appeal and pairs exceptionally well with facial hair. The same applies to wavy-haired men looking for a stylish, textured cut.

For a more rugged, laid-back vibe, let your curls grow out for a messy quiff. If you prefer a sharper, neater style, opt for tapered sides to create a refined contrast. Either way, texture is the key feature, so embrace your natural curls.

When styling, follow the same basic steps as any quiff, but go easy on the blow dryer to maintain volume and definition. Use minimal product to keep your curls from looking weighed down or flattened.

This version keeps all the key details while making the text smoother and more engaging! Let me know if you’d like any further tweaks. 

CONCLUSION

In essence, the quiff is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement. Its enduring popularity stems from its adaptability, allowing individuals to express their personal style while maintaining a classic and sophisticated look.