How to Style Short Hair Men: 5 Easy Steps

Short hair can be both stylish and practical, offering a clean look that’s easy to maintain. Whether you’re preparing for a formal event, a casual outing, or just want to keep things fresh, there are numerous ways to style short hair.

With short hair, I know it can be tricky to style at times. But with the right products and techniques, you can easily achieve a stylish look. Here are my top tips for styling short hair as a guy:

Here’s a detailed guide on how to style short hair for men. Whether you’re going for a polished look or a more casual vibe, these tips will help you achieve a stylish appearance.

Understanding Your Hair Type: What hair type do I have?

Before diving into specific styles, it’s essential to understand your hair type. Hair can be straight, wavy, curly, or coily, and each type has its own characteristics:

  • Straight Hair: Smooth and can be thin or thick, often easy to style but may lack volume.
  • Wavy Hair: Has a natural wave, adding volume and texture.
  • Curly Hair: More defined curls, offer a lot of volume but may require more maintenance.
  • Coily Hair: Very tight curls, offering the most volume and texture, but also needing careful handling.

Knowing your hair type helps in choosing the right products and styles that work best for you.

Essential Hair Products

  • Shampoo and Conditioner: Use products suitable for your hair type. For instance, if you have oily hair, go for a clarifying shampoo. For dry hair, use moisturizing products.
  • Styling Gel: Provides hold and shine, ideal for sleek and structured looks.
  • Pomade: Offers a medium to strong hold with a natural shine, perfect for classic styles like the pompadour.
  • Wax: Gives a matte finish and strong hold, excellent for textured and messy styles.
  • Mousse: Adds volume and can enhance natural waves and curls.
  • Hairspray: Provides a finishing hold to keep your style in place throughout the day.
  • Sea Salt Spray: Great for adding texture and a beachy look to your hair.
How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - Popular Short Hair Styles - Short Trendy Haircuts for Men

The first step is to get a haircut that suits your face shape and hair type. Talk to your barber about what style you’re going for and ask for their advice. Some popular short haircuts for guys include:

  • The Crew Cut: A timeless and low-maintenance style where the hair is cut short on the sides and slightly longer on top. Use a small amount of pomade to keep it neat.
  • The Buzz Cut: The hair is clipped very short all around. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance style but requires regular trims to maintain.
  • The Ivy League: A longer version of the crew cut, where the top is long enough to part. Use a light styling gel to create a polished look.
  • The Textured Crop: This style features short sides with a slightly longer, textured top. Apply some wax to add definition and a tousled finish.
  • The Pompadour: Short on the sides with the top left significantly longer and swept upwards and back. Use pomade for hold and shine.
  • The Side Part: A classic style with short sides and a neatly combed top. Use gel or pomade to keep the part in place.
  • The French Crop: Similar to the textured crop but with a defined fringe. Great for adding some edge to your look.
  • Other Haircuts: Edgar Haircut, Fade Haircut, Morgan Wallen Haircut, Low fade Haircut, Taper Haircut, Comb Over Haircut

How to Style Short Hair Men

1. Wash and Towel Dry

Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Avoid rubbing your hair too hard with the towel to prevent frizz and damage.

How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - man washing hair
How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - man drying hair with towel

2. Apply Product

Depending on your chosen style, apply the appropriate product (gel, wax, pomade, etc.) to your hair. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary.

How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - Man apply the appropriate product (gel, wax, pomade, etc.) to hair
How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - Man apply the appropriate product (gel, wax, pomade, etc.) to hair

3. Comb or Finger Style

Use a comb for sleek styles like the side part or pompadour. For textured styles like the crop or messy look, use your fingers to style your hair.

How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - Use a comb for sleek styles like the side part or pompadour
How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - For textured styles like the crop or messy look, use your fingers to style your hair

4. Blow Dry (Optional)

For added volume and hold, use a blow dryer. Blow drying can help set your style in place, especially for styles like the pompadour.

How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - Blow drying can help set your style in place, especially for styles like the pompadour

5. Finish with Hairspray

If you need extra hold, finish with a light mist of hairspray.

How to Style Short Hair Men 5 Easy Steps - a man using light mist of hairspray to hair in salon

Maintenance Tips

  • Regular Trims: Keep your hair looking sharp by getting regular trims every 4-6 weeks.
  • Healthy Scalp: Maintain a healthy scalp by washing your hair regularly and avoiding too many heavy products that can build up and cause dandruff.
  • Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Good nutrition and staying hydrated are essential for healthy hair growth.

Styling short hair can be straightforward and fun with the right tools and techniques. By understanding your hair type and using suitable products, you can achieve a variety of looks from classic to modern. Regular maintenance and experimenting with different styles will ensure your hair always looks fresh and stylish. For more inspiration, check out other popular short hairstyles like the crew cut, buzz cut, French crop, and quiff.  And remember, confidence is the best accessory.

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