A Complete Guide to Men’s Undercut Hairstyles: Styles, Tips, and Maintenance

The undercut is a hairstyle that gained popularity among men from the 1910s to the 1940s.

It experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and has since become fully fashionable again in the 2010s.

Hey there, gentlemen! Are you looking to rock a stylish and versatile haircut that exudes confidence and charm?

Look no further than the classic undercut! With its short sides and longer hair on top, the undercut has become a go-to choice for men across the globe.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various styles, offer valuable tips, and share maintenance advice to help you master the art of the men’s undercut. So, grab your comb and let’s get started!     

1. Understanding the Undercut:

The undercut is characterized by short or shaved sides and back, creating a stark contrast with longer hair on top.

It’s this contrast that makes the undercut so visually striking and appealing.

One of the greatest advantages of the undercut is its versatility, allowing you to customize the style to suit your personal taste, face shape, and hair type. 

• Understanding the hair length ratio: The typical undercut features an essential difference in hair length between the sides and the top. The length on top can vary from 2 to 6 inches, while the sides are usually clipped short or shaved.
• Considering the undercut depth: The depth of the undercut refers to how high up the sides and back are shaved or clipped. Decide on the level of contrast you prefer—whether it’s a high, mid, or low undercut.
• Exploring variations: Beyond the classic undercut, explore variations like the disconnected undercut, undercut with a fade, or adding a hard part for a unique and personalized touch.
• Choosing the right side part: Experiment with different side part placements to find the one that best compliments your facial features and hairline.

2. Popular Undercut Styles:

1. Classic Undercut:

The timeless appeal of the classic undercut lies in its clean and sleek look.

With longer hair on top, you can slick it back or opt for a side part for a polished appearance.

• Slicked-back variation: Use a comb and some pomade to slick back the hair on top for a sophisticated and elegant style.
• Messy texture: Apply a texturizing product and use your fingers to create a messy, textured look for a more relaxed and casual vibe.
• Side part variation: Create a side part and comb the hair to one side for a classic and refined look.

1. Disconnected Undercut:

If you’re feeling bold, go for the disconnected undercut.

This style features a sharp contrast between the shaved sides and longer hair on top, creating a distinct separation.

• Skin fade disconnect: Opt for a high skin fade that creates a striking separation between the shaved sides and longer hair on top.
• Undercut with a hard part: Add an additional element of distinction by incorporating a precise hard part, creating a clean and defined separation.
• Comb-over disconnect: Comb the longer hair on top to one side, accentuating the contrast and creating a dramatic disconnected look.

1. Textured Undercut:

For a more modern and edgy vibe, try the textured undercut.

This style adds movement and volume to your hair, allowing you to create a messy, tousled look or textured spikes.

• Messy, tousled look: Apply a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch it with your fingers to create a disheveled, textured appearance.
• Layered and textured cut: Ask your barber to incorporate layers into your undercut to enhance the natural texture and add dimension to your hairstyle.
• Textured spikes: Use a matte styling product and your fingers to spike up individual sections of hair, creating a textured and dynamic effect.

1. Undercut with a Fade:

The fade adds a smooth transition between the short sides and longer hair on top.

Choose from low, mid, or high fade variations depending on your preference.

• Low fade: The low fade starts just above the ears and gradually tapers down. It offers a subtle and blended look, perfect for those who prefer a more conservative style.
• High fade: The high fade starts near the temples or even higher, creating a bold and dramatic contrast. It offers a striking and attention-grabbing appearance.
• Mid fade: The mid fade begins around the temples and creates a more pronounced contrast between the sides and top. It provides a balanced and versatile look that suits most face shapes.

3. Choosing the Right Undercut for Your Face Shape:

Understanding your face shape is crucial when selecting the perfect undercut style.

Whether you have a round, square, oval, or diamond-shaped face, we’ll provide tailored recommendations to enhance your features and create a harmonious look.

• Oval face: Lucky you! Oval faces can pull off various undercut styles, from classic to disconnected. Experiment with different lengths and textures to find your perfect match.
• Round face: Opt for a style with more height and volume on top to elongate the face, such as a textured top with a high fade or a pompadour.
• Diamond face: Balance the width of your cheekbones with styles that add volume on the sides, like a textured quiff with a mid fade or a messy fringe with an undercut.
• Square face: Consider styles that soften the angles, like a longer fringe with a disconnected undercut or a textured crop with a mid fade.

4. Tips for Styling Your Undercut:

1. Finding the Right Products:

Depending on the look you desire, select suitable products such as pomades, gels, waxes, clays, or sea salt sprays.

We’ll guide you on product selection based on your hair type and desired finish.

• Pomade: Ideal for a slick and shiny finish, perfect for classic and slicked-back undercut styles.
• Sea Salt Spray: Provides a beachy, textured look, perfect for achieving a tousled and relaxed appearance.
• Matte Clay or Wax: Great for creating texture and a natural-looking finish, ideal for messy and textured undercut variations.

1. Styling Techniques:

Learn step-by-step instructions on how to style your undercut.

From applying the product to blow-drying and using a comb or your fingers, we’ll walk you through the process to achieve various looks.

• Use towel to dry your hair: Remove excess moisture from your hair using a towel before applying any styling product.
• Apply the product: Take a small amount of your chosen product and spread it evenly through your hair, focusing on the top section.
• Go with blow-dry: Use a hairdryer and a brush or comb to dry and shape your hair. For volume, blow-dry the hair upward or in the direction you want it to go.
• Style and finish: Use your fingers or a comb to style your hair according to the desired look. Set it in place with a final touch of product if needed.

1. Maintaining Your Undercut:

• Regular trims: To keep your undercut looking sharp, visit your barber for regular trims. Depending on how fast your hair grows, aim for a trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the style and prevent the sides from growing out too much.
• Bedtime care: Before going to bed, consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent frizz. Additionally, tie your hair back loosely with a silk scarf or band to maintain the shape.
• At-home touch-ups: Invest in a good pair of clippers to perform minor touch-ups between salon visits. Use a smaller guard size to maintain the length of the sides and back.
• Protect from heat damage: If you frequently use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or using straighteners or curling irons. This will help prevent damage and keep your hair healthy.
• Keep it clean: Wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo to remove excess oil, product buildup, and dirt. However, avoid overwashing, as it can strip your hair of natural oils and lead to dryness. Aim for 2-3 times a week or as needed.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve now become well-versed in the world of men’s undercut hairstyles. Armed with various style options, styling tips, and maintenance advice, you’re ready to rock a confident and fashionable look that suits your unique personality. 

Remember, the undercut is all about self-expression and versatility, allowing you to experiment with different lengths, textures, and fades.

Whether you opt for a classic, textured, disconnected, or fade undercut, embrace the opportunity to showcase your individual style.

So go ahead, find your perfect undercut, and step out with confidence, knowing you’ve got a killer hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if an undercut will suit you, men?

Consider your face shape, hair type, and personal style preferences. Consult with a barber for personalized advice.

What is the purpose of an undercut haircut?

The undercut offers versatility, style expression, temperature control, and minimal maintenance.

How do you style an undercut for men?

Start with clean, damp hair. Apply styling product, comb or use fingers to create desired style, blow-dry if needed, and make final adjustments. Experiment to find what works best for you.