BUZZ CUT, FRENCH CROP, THE FADE, CLASSIC SIDE AND THE TEXTURED CROP

2023 has delivered a new menu for hairstyles for men and the style opportunities are endless. From classic mens haircuts to modern trends, to styles that cut across all genders, finding the “one” ie. The right haircut for your face isn’t always easy. The simple request “I’ll have the short, back and sides,” is a little more complicated and today’s man, rightfully so, expects so much more from his stylist and his haircut. 

So to make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 men’s haircuts, who can rock them and the 6 must know tips to keep you groomed from morning to night. 

1. THE CLASSIC SIDE PART

The classic side part is just that … a classic. We’re pretty sure this style has always  been Ryan Gosling’s bed hair,  but now thanks to Austin Butler in Elvis, the 1950’s tousled and impeccably styled side part, its comeback is huge.   

This is an incredibly versatile, elegant and classy men’s haircut that works well for any occasion, here are the versions we love; 

  • Sculpted like Ryan Gosling
  • Neat buzz cut like George Clooney
  • The long side sweep like Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Extra short sides and extra long on top like David Beckham

Who suits the side part?

  • The sophisticated man with a good head of hair
  • Men with square and wide shaped faces
  • Those wanting to add a bit of height to their frame
  • Men who want to put some effort into their style

 How to style and maintain the side part

  1. With a good styling cream use the tips of your fingers to run it through the ends of your hair plus a little where you’re going to part
  2. Comb your hair to your preferred side and now apply extra product (even hairspray) to keep it in place. Check out KODA’ s top styling products here.

2. THE UNDERCUT

The undercut hairstyle for men is so popular these days that you almost have to add something different so you stand out from the crowd (like a man-bun). There’s not many men who don’t suit the undercut, it doesn’t really matter if you’ve got thick, thin or curly hair or what age you are, it’s a versatile and popular mens haircut. It also suits men with a variety of face shapes. Here are the versions KODA loves.  

  • Extreme close shave styled into a side part
  • Longer shaved sides, with a smooth transition to the top of the hair 
  • A long slicked back section on top
  • Shaved sides featuring patterns 
  • Messy, featuring short sides with a healthy tousled mane of hair on top

Who suits the undercut?

While traditionally it was a style reserved for the younger generation, the undercut now cuts across all age groups. The only time it doesn’t really work is if your hair is really starting to thin out on top. 

  • Men with an oval shaped face
  • Longer undercuts work well with a square face
  • Wavy or curly hair adds a fun dimension to the undercut

How to style and maintain the undercut

  1. Ask your KODA stylist to buzz the sides and back of your head and leave the top longer. You can have it shaved right to the skin or leave it a little longer, up to you. The best undercuts feature a contrast between the sides and top, otherwise it’s not much of an undercut.
  2. Regular visits to see your hair stylist will easily maintain your desired undercut, this style does take some maintenance. Pre-book your appointments for every 4 to 6 weeks. Check out our services so you can start planning now! 
  3. Invest in a good textured wax to help style the longer hair on top.

3. The Textured Crop 

If you love using hair products and have the time to style your hair, the textured crop is your style go-to. Popular in the 90’s this mens haircut has made a resurgence and is one of 2023’s most popular haircuts. It features a short, textured cut on top with faded sides. The layers are a great option for those with thick, wavy hair, and with the right hair products it can be styled in a variety of ways. Versions of the textured crop KODA loves;

  • The French crop. It’s still layered on top but has a short blunt fringe. It suits a slimmer, longer shaped face.  
  • Crop top with a fade. It sounds complicated right? But this style is perfect for men with thinner hair, with the right styling it’s great if you’re balding or want to cover a receding hairline.
  • The disconnected crop. It’s layered and textured on top and separated from your shaved sides. It’s dramatic and perfect if you’re planning a grand entrance at fashion week. 

Who suits the textured crop?

  • The bold and sassy man
  • Oblong and round shaped faces
  • Men with thick wavy hair

How to style and maintain the textured crop

  1. For this style ask your barber to layer the top and leave it slightly longer than the sides. 
  2. Invest in a wide range of hair products, a styling wax is a great way to add depth to your crop.

4. The Quiff

The quiff is similar to a wave, a classic men’s hairstyle that features a longer top with short sides. This hairstyle is for men wanting that something extra and men who like to be noticed.  The short sides are longer than an undercut style, and this versatile look can be styled in a variety of ways. From a sleek, polished look to a more tousled, casual style. 

KODA loves these celebrities who’ve rocked the quiff ever since Elvis Presley debuted this iconic hair style in the 1960’s. James Dean, Harry Styles, Pink, and the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner. Even Miley Cyrus has added it to her list of famous hair styles. Here are the versions we love.

  • Classic. This features shorter sides and longer hair on the top. Nothing too dramatic. The classic quiff is best suited for medium to short hair. Think David Beckham.
  • Rockabilly (owned by Elvis). This quiff is styled to perfection because it’s much longer on top. Suits thick, healthy and glossy hair.  
  • The Undercut quiff is a more modern version.. With shorter sides you’re really making a statement with the longer hair on top. 

Who suits the quiff?

If you’re got thicker hair, you can do anything with a quiff, but with the right hairdresser it can also help disguise thinning or thinner hair. 

  • Round and diamond shape faces
  • Men with thinning hair
  • Curly and straight hair

How to style and maintain the quiff

  1. Before you head to the salon, research and find the style of quiff you like. 
  2. To style simply comb your hair upwards and back and use a bit of product to hold it in place. If you want to spend less time at the hairdressers go for longer sides. 

5. The Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is a simple, low-maintenance men’s hairstyle that features a short, uniform cut all over. It’s a great option for those who want a clean, minimalist look without a lot of fuss. You may think it’s one size fits all, but there are lots of different lengths to a buzz cut. Here are the variations we love;

  • Military Buzz cut. We don’t need to tell you this is the shortest you can possibly go
  • The Fade Buzz cut. This is still a very close shave, it’s just the sides are slightly longer and there’s a graduation to the top of the scalp  
  • Buzz cut with beard. Leaving a beard makes your shaved head slightly more interesting and takes the focus away from your scalp. 
  • Buzz cut for thinning hair.  This hairstyle is a great way to embrace a receding hairline and with a number 2 or 3 blade can take the edge off feeling self-conscious about hair loss.

Who suits the buzz cut?

It’s a sleek, fuss free hairstyle but not everybody has the head or scalp for a buzz cut. Here’s Koda’s guide;

  • Men with a receding hairline
  • Men who are bald
  • Square, rectangle and triangular shaped faces 
  • Steer clear if you have a round face

How to style and maintain the buzz cut

  1. To achieve the buzz cut, simply ask your barber to buzz your hair all over with a clipper, there are no scissors involved.
  2. Men love this style as it’s a simple wash and go haircut.
  3. If you have some slight length use mousse or a sea salt spray to add texture or volume. 

KODA’S TOP SIX TIPS TO MAINTAIN MEN’S HAIR 

  1. Invest in regular hair cuts, every 2 to 4 weeks is ideal for shorter cuts.
  2. Exfoliate your scalp regularly when you wash your hair.
  3. For buzz and fade haircuts, regularly clip the hair at the base of your neck until your next visit to the salon.
  4. Treat your scalp and your hair with a weekly nourishing treatment.
  5. For thinning of balding hair, seek advice from your salon for the best hair thickening products. 
  6. Invest in the right shaving tools to help maintain your beard and growth.

Ready for your next hair style?

We know, choosing the right mens haircut can be overwhelming, but with these top 5 options, you’re sure to find a look that works for you. Whether you prefer a classic side part or a trendy textured crop, there’s one out there that’s a perfect with your unique style and personality.

Still not sure what style of men’s haircut will suit you? Book a styling session at our Bondi Salon or our brand new salon in the QVB  in the heart of  Sydney’s CBD.