Men's Hairstyles: From Classics to Modern Styles
- Mariam Gulmez
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
The history of men's hairstyles is a cultural phenomenon that has undergone a remarkable transformation. For centuries, men's haircuts have reflected not only the aesthetic preferences of their era and societal norms but also a form of self-expression.
Men's hairstyles have gone through minimalist and practical trends as well as extravagant creations that sometimes left people puzzled. For example, mohawks or spiky cuts may not be everyone's cup of tea, but even these unconventional styles had their purpose.
Join us on a journey through the fascinating history of men's hairstyles and learn how perceptions of different types of haircuts have changed over time. By the end, we'll help you choose the style that suits you best!
Classic Hairstyles for Men
In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of men's hairstyles from the 19th century up to the present day. The 19th century was defined by simple and clean lines that reflected the strictness and elegance of the era. Experimentation with hairstyles was not considered appropriate, especially for wealthy gentlemen.
As we move into the 20th century, changes begin to emerge, and hairstyles start to evolve. Men dared to experiment with new hairstyles, with bolder cuts occasionally making an appearance. What were the classic hairstyles of this period?
Pompadour
One of the most iconic hairstyles, made famous by stars like Elvis Presley and James Dean. Named after Madame de Pompadour, a mistress of King Louis XV, this hairstyle requires a hefty dose of pomade to stay in place. It became a symbol of elegance and masculine dominance.
Side Part
This hairstyle was (and still is) popular for its simplicity and clean look. It gives men a casual yet professional and polished appearance.
Quiff
A style that dominated the 1950s and 1960s (and remains popular today), the quiff combines height and volume. It’s versatile and timeless, making it a safe and stylish choice for many.
Retro and Vintage Styles
Retro and vintage styles of the past century can be divided into the defining hairstyles of each decade. For instance, in the 1920s, short, pomaded hairstyles symbolizing precision and elegance were all the rage.
In the 1950s, the world was ruled by Elvis Presley, who profoundly influenced the hairstyles of the time – think large volumes and pompadours.
By the 1980s, society shed its conservatism, and extravagant hairstyles with sharp lines, vibrant colors, and unusual cuts took center stage. The 80s were absolutely wild!
Modern Trends in Men's Hairstyles
Today’s men’s hairstyles are all about balancing aesthetics and practicality. They feature clean lines, dynamic textures, and flexibility that allows you to look great with minimal effort. What hairstyles are trending in barbershops today?
Fade
This hairstyle features a gradual transition from very short hair on the sides to longer hair on top. The fade is highly versatile, with numerous variations, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Undercut
Unlike the fade, the undercut has a sharp transition. It clearly separates nearly shaved sides from the longer hair on top. This style offers a bold and modern look, perfect for men who want to look like they frequent the barber regularly.
Textured Crop
The textured crop focuses on the top of the head, giving the hair a tousled and textured appearance. This hairstyle creates volume and dynamism, and it’s become increasingly popular in recent years.
How to Choose the Right Style? Still not sure? Visit The Looks!
Not every hairstyle suits everyone. Choosing the perfect haircut can be challenging, but here are some basic guidelines to make the decision easier:
Face Shape
Your face shape plays a crucial role in selecting the right haircut. The style should complement your features. For example, if you have an oval face, you’re in luck – almost any hairstyle will suit you. On the other hand, if your face is more angular, you may want to choose softer lines.
Personal Style
Your hairstyle should be practical and match your personal style and activities. For instance, if you’re an athlete, a practical, low-maintenance cut is ideal. If you’re an artist at heart, you can afford to experiment more.
Are you still debating what haircut to choose? Not sure what suits you best? Stop overthinking and book your appointment at The Looks today. We’ll help you decide what works for you and be completely honest in our advice. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
