Short men's haircuts: four ways to choose

A short men’s haircut is not one fixed style. Start with how much hair you want to keep on top, then decide what should happen at the sides and how much time you want to spend styling it. That helps narrow the choice to a very short buzz cut, a textured crop, a neat side part or a short cut that keeps your curls.

• Buzz cut: very short on top, often cut mainly with clippers; little daily styling, although the length and outline show clearly.
• Textured crop: short hair with visible texture and often a small fringe that you may want to arrange in the morning.
• Short side part: enough length to comb to one side; usually takes some time to arrange.
• Short curls: natural shape kept on top; you may want to shape the curls with your fingers.

Use these options to think through what you want; no style is guaranteed to suit your hair. The images in this article are generated illustrations inspired by photos of the salon, not photos of customers or examples of Ani’s work. They show different shapes; discuss the exact length in light of your own hair.

1. Buzz cut: when you really want very little length

The top of a buzz cut is usually clipper-cut. You can keep it even all over or pair it with a transition on the sides. Guard lengths make a visible difference: Wahl’s guard guide 🔗 lists a #2 at roughly 6 mm and a #4 at roughly 13 mm. Guard numbers are only a starting point; the equipment and technique also matter.

If this appeals to you, use the detailed buzz-cut length guide. The first decision here is whether you want the top that short at all. If you want a fringe or enough hair to comb, compare the next options.

2. Textured crop: short, with a visible shape on top

A crop keeps enough hair to show texture and is often worn forward towards the forehead. The sides can look soft or have a more obvious fade. What you see in a picture depends on hair density, growth direction and styling as well as the cut’s name.

Show how much fringe you want from the front, then point out how high the shorter area should reach in a side photo. Asking only for “a crop” leaves both decisions open.

3. Short side part: when you want to comb your hair

This option keeps enough length on top for a part or a side-swept finish. You can ask for no skin fade, so the sides are not shaved down to skin. The hair in the picture is styled, so consider whether you want to spend time styling it yourself.

“Short on the sides” could mean a gentle taper, a wider fade or simply a cleaner outline. The taper-fade guide breaks down those choices. Pall Mall Barbers 🔗 also describe a taper as gradual shortening around the temples and neck. A taper describes the sides; it does not settle how long to leave the top.

4. Short curls: keep the texture you already have

If your hair curls, “short” might mean neat sides while leaving enough on top for your natural shape to show. A photo of straight hair will not describe that result well. Bring a reference with similar texture and say how much curl you want to keep.

What should you show before the cut?

Bring one front photo and one side photo. Point out the length on top, how high the short area should reach, whether you want skin to show and how you normally wear your hair. For example:

“I like the shape of this crop, but I’d like a slightly longer fringe and sides that aren’t cut quite as short. I don’t want a skin fade. I only have a few minutes to style it in the morning.”

If you are still exploring, the haircut quiz may give you ideas. Not every short style is a buzz cut. Review the site’s service options and check which one covers the cut you want before booking.

Written by Ani

Master barber raising the standard for men’s haircuts in Varna, with a focus on shape, beard work, and personal advice for every client.

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