Best haircuts for young men 21 ideas: Stylish, casual and trendy

Finding the perfect hairstyle can be a game-changer for young men, especially in 2024, where trends are ever-evolving. Whether you’re looking for a short casual cut or something more stylish and sophisticated, there’s a look out there that will perfectly suit your needs. Let’s explore some of the top hairstyles for young men this season.

Classic Pompadour Revival

The classic pompadour has made a strong comeback in 2024, blending vintage charm with modern aesthetics. This hairstyle features a voluminous top with neatly trimmed sides, giving a sleek and sophisticated look that’s perfect for various occasions.

This style is ideal for men with thick hair who can easily create and maintain the volume needed for a pompadour. It’s also great for those looking to add height and a polished finish to their look. However, if you have fine hair, achieving and sustaining the volume might be challenging.

To keep your pompadour looking sharp, invest in a high-quality pomade or styling cream. Brands like Suavecito and Layrite offer excellent products that provide the hold and shine necessary for this style. Regular trims will also help maintain the shape and prevent the sides from growing out too much.

Personally, I find the classic pompadour to be a versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up for formal events or down for casual outings. Its timeless appeal makes it a favorite among many young men.

Textured Crop for Effortless Style

The textured crop is a fantastic choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance yet trendy look. This haircut features choppy layers and a slightly tousled finish, offering a relaxed and modern vibe.

This hairstyle suits young men with wavy hair or thick hair, as the natural texture adds volume and movement. It’s also a great option for teens who want a stylish yet easy-to-manage haircut. However, if you have very straight hair, you might need additional styling products to achieve the desired texture.

To style a textured crop, use a lightweight mousse or sea salt spray to enhance your natural waves. A product like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray can add the perfect amount of grit and hold. Regular trims will help keep the shape and prevent the hair from becoming too heavy.

In my experience, the textured crop is perfect for those busy days when you want to look good without spending too much time on your hair. It’s effortlessly cool and suits a variety of face shapes.

Modern Undercut for Bold Statements

The modern undercut is all about contrast and boldness. This style features long, tousled hair on top with closely shaved sides, making a striking and edgy appearance.

Best suited for young men with thick hair or wavy hair, the modern undercut allows for versatility in styling. You can slick it back for a formal look or leave it messy for a more casual, laid-back style. Those with fine hair might struggle to achieve the same level of volume and texture.

For maintaining this style, a strong-hold gel or wax like American Crew Fiber is essential. It helps in creating definition and keeping the hair in place throughout the day. Regular visits to the barber are crucial to maintain the sharp contrast between the top and sides.

The modern undercut is one of my go-to recommendations for young men who want to stand out. It’s bold, trendy, and can be customized to suit various personal styles.

Curtain Bangs for a Touch of Sophistication

Curtain bangs offer a unique blend of sophistication and trendiness, perfect for young men looking to try something different. This hairstyle features a center part with longer bangs that gracefully frame the face.

This style is ideal for men with straight hair or wavy hair. It provides a soft and flattering frame for the face, making it a great choice for those with angular features. Men with curly hair might find it challenging to keep the bangs in place without excessive styling.

To care for curtain bangs, use a light styling cream or serum to keep the bangs smooth and manageable. A product like Aveda Smooth Infusion can help tame flyaways and add shine. Regular trims will ensure the bangs stay at the desired length and shape.

From a stylist’s perspective, curtain bangs are a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance to your look. They work well with various hair types and can be easily styled for both casual and formal settings.

Military Buzz Cut for a Clean Look

For those who prefer a no-fuss hairstyle, the military buzz cut is a classic and practical choice. This haircut features uniformly short hair, offering a clean and sharp appearance.

The military buzz cut is suitable for all hair types, including thick hair, fine hair, and thinning hair. It’s particularly great for young men who want a low-maintenance style that requires minimal styling. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking to add volume or shape to their hair.

Maintaining a buzz cut is straightforward—simply use clippers to keep the hair at a consistent length. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, like those from the Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions line, can help keep your scalp healthy and your hair soft.

I often recommend the military buzz cut to clients who lead active lifestyles or prefer a minimalist approach to grooming. It’s timeless, easy to maintain, and always looks neat.

Textured Spiky Cut

The textured spiky cut is a trendy choice for young men looking for a modern and edgy look. This haircut features short, spiked strands that are styled to create a messy yet stylish appearance, perfect for men seeking a bold aesthetic.

This style is best suited for those with thick hair or wavy hair, as the natural volume helps achieve the spiky effect. It’s also great for teens and young adults who want a short casual look that’s easy to maintain. However, it might not be as effective for those with fine hair or thinning hair.

To style this haircut, use a strong-hold gel or wax like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel, which helps maintain the spikes throughout the day. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the style looking fresh and prevent the hair from becoming too unruly.

In my opinion, the textured spiky cut is a fantastic way to add a bit of fun and personality to your look. It’s versatile enough to be styled differently for various occasions, making it a great choice for the modern young man.

Classic Crew Cut

The classic crew cut is a timeless hairstyle that offers a clean and polished look. This cut features short hair on top with even shorter sides, creating a simple yet refined appearance.

Ideal for young men with straight hair or thick hair, the crew cut is particularly great for those who prefer a short casual style that requires minimal effort. It also works well for individuals with a receding hairline or thinning hair, as it provides a neat and tidy look that can help minimize the appearance of hair loss.

For maintenance, use a light styling cream like American Crew Forming Cream to add a bit of texture and hold. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will keep the haircut looking sharp and well-groomed.

The classic crew cut is one of my top recommendations for its versatility and ease of maintenance. It’s perfect for young men who want a stylish yet no-fuss haircut that suits both casual and formal settings.

French Crop

The French crop is a stylish and contemporary hairstyle that features a short fringe and evenly cropped hair on the sides and back. This cut is perfect for those looking for a modern and low-maintenance look.

This style is best suited for young men with straight hair or thick hair, as it provides a neat and structured appearance. It’s also an excellent choice for those with a receding hairline, as the fringe can help cover the forehead area. However, it might not be as suitable for those with curly hair or very fine hair.

To style a French crop, use a matte pomade like Baxter of California Clay Pomade to add texture and definition. Regular trims every 4-5 weeks will help maintain the shape and keep the fringe at the desired length.

Personally, I find the French crop to be a trendy and versatile haircut that works well for various face shapes. It’s a great option for young men who want a short and stylish look that’s easy to manage.

Voluminous Quiff

The voluminous quiff is a striking hairstyle that combines volume and style, perfect for young men who want to make a statement. This cut features a voluminous top with shorter sides, creating a bold and elegant look.

This hairstyle is ideal for those with thick hair or wavy hair, as the natural volume helps achieve the height and structure of the quiff. It also works well for individuals with straight hair, provided they use the right styling products. However, it might not be as suitable for those with very fine or thinning hair.

To maintain a voluminous quiff, use a volumizing mousse like Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam and a strong-hold hairspray to keep the quiff in place. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape and prevent the sides from growing out too much.

In my view, the voluminous quiff is a great choice for young men looking to add a touch of sophistication to their look. It’s versatile enough to be styled for both casual and formal events, making it a favorite among many.

Messy Textured Top

The messy textured top is a casual and effortlessly cool hairstyle, ideal for young men who prefer a relaxed yet stylish look. This cut features short to medium-length hair on top that is styled to create a messy, textured appearance.

This style is best suited for those with wavy hair or thick hair, as the natural texture adds volume and movement. It’s also a great option for teens and young adults who want a short casual look that’s easy to style. However, it might not be as effective for those with very straight hair or fine hair.

To achieve the messy textured top, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and a lightweight pomade to add definition. Regular trims every 5-7 weeks will help maintain the shape and prevent the hair from becoming too heavy.

Bold Fade with Texture

The bold fade with texture is a dynamic and eye-catching hairstyle perfect for young men who want to make a statement. This cut features a high skin fade with a textured top, creating a sharp contrast that is both modern and stylish.

This style works well for men with thick hair as it allows for the texture on top to be emphasized. It’s also a great choice for those looking for a short casual haircut that still has an edge. However, it may not be the best option for those with fine hair or thinning hair due to the lack of volume.

To maintain this look, use a texturizing paste like TIGI Bed Head Manipulator to enhance the texture and keep the style in place. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will help keep the fade sharp and the top manageable.

The bold fade with texture is a fantastic choice for young men looking to combine a clean, professional look with a bit of rebellious flair. It’s a great way to stand out while keeping things practical and easy to manage.

Curly Fringe with Fade

The curly fringe with fade is a trendy haircut that combines natural curls with a sleek fade, making it perfect for young men who want to embrace their natural texture. This style features a pronounced curly fringe with a gradual fade on the sides and back.

This hairstyle is ideal for men with curly hair or wavy hair, as it highlights the natural curl pattern. It’s also great for teens looking for a short casual and stylish look. However, it might not be suitable for those with straight hair unless they are willing to use a curling product.

To style this haircut, use a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to define the curls and add moisture. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape and keep the fade looking sharp.

In my experience, the curly fringe with fade is a perfect blend of style and functionality. It allows young men to showcase their natural curls while maintaining a neat and polished appearance.

Tapered Bowl Cut

The tapered bowl cut is a modern twist on a classic hairstyle, offering a fresh and stylish look for young men. This cut features a straight fringe with tapered sides, creating a balanced and clean appearance.

This style suits young men with straight hair or thick hair, as it helps maintain the structured look of the fringe. It’s also an excellent option for those looking for a short casual haircut that stands out. However, it might not be as effective for those with curly hair or very fine hair.

To keep the tapered bowl cut looking sharp, use a lightweight styling cream like Baxter of California Grooming Cream. Regular trims every 4-5 weeks will help maintain the shape and keep the fringe at the desired length.

The tapered bowl cut is a great choice for those wanting a modern yet classic look. It’s a versatile style that works well in both casual and formal settings, making it a favorite among many young men.

Angular Fringe

The angular fringe is a trendy and bold haircut that features a sharp, angled fringe with shorter sides. This style is perfect for young men looking to add a unique and stylish element to their look.

This hairstyle works best for those with straight hair or wavy hair, as it helps achieve the clean lines of the fringe. It’s also a great option for those with thick hair who want to try something different. However, it might not be as suitable for those with fine hair or thinning hair.

To maintain the angular fringe, use a light-hold gel or wax like Hanz de Fuko Modify Pomade to keep the fringe in place and add shine. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the sharp angles and keep the style looking fresh.

The angular fringe is an excellent choice for young men who want to experiment with their style and stand out. It’s a bold and trendy look that adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Long Side-Swept Undercut

The long side-swept undercut is a dramatic and eye-catching hairstyle that features long, sweeping hair on top with an undercut on the sides. This style is perfect for young men who want to combine length with a modern twist.

Ideal for men with straight hair or wavy hair, this style allows for a lot of versatility in styling. It’s also great for those with thick hair who want to showcase their volume. However, it might be challenging for those with fine hair to achieve the same effect.

To style this look, use a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse and a strong-hold hairspray to keep the long hair in place. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will help maintain the undercut and keep the top from becoming too heavy.

In my opinion, the long side-swept undercut is perfect for those looking to make a bold statement. It’s a versatile and stylish look that can be adapted for both casual and formal occasions, making it a popular choice among young men.

High Fade with Quiff

The high fade with quiff is a sleek and modern hairstyle that features a high fade on the sides with a voluminous quiff on top. This cut is perfect for young men looking to combine a classic element with a trendy twist.

This style is ideal for men with thick hair or straight hair, as it allows for the volume needed to create the quiff. It’s a great choice for those wanting a short casual look that can easily transition from day to night. However, it might be challenging for those with fine hair to achieve the same volume.

To maintain this look, use a volumizing mousse like Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam and a strong-hold hairspray to keep the quiff in place. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the fade and the shape of the quiff.

The high fade with quiff is perfect for young men who want a stylish and versatile look. It’s a great way to add height and sophistication to your appearance.

Textured Top with Low Fade

The textured top with low fade is a contemporary hairstyle that features a textured top with a subtle low fade on the sides. This cut is perfect for young men who prefer a more understated yet stylish look.

This style works well for those with wavy hair or thick hair, as the natural texture adds volume and movement. It’s also a great option for teens and young adults looking for a short casual haircut that is easy to maintain. However, it might not be as effective for those with very straight hair.

To style this look, use a texturizing paste like TIGI Bed Head Manipulator to enhance the texture and add definition. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape and keep the fade looking fresh.

The textured top with low fade is a fantastic choice for young men who want a modern and effortless look. It’s versatile enough to suit various occasions and easy to style.

Messy Fringe with Mid Fade

The messy fringe with mid fade is a trendy haircut that combines a messy fringe with a clean mid fade. This style is perfect for young men looking for a relaxed yet fashionable look.

This hairstyle is best suited for men with wavy hair or thick hair, as it enhances the natural volume and texture. It’s also great for those wanting a short casual look that requires minimal effort. However, it might not be as suitable for those with very straight hair.

To maintain this look, use a lightweight styling cream like American Crew Forming Cream to add texture and hold. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help keep the fringe and fade looking sharp.

The messy fringe with mid fade is perfect for young men who want a stylish and laid-back appearance. It’s easy to manage and adds a touch of cool to any outfit.

Curly Top with Taper Fade

The curly top with taper fade is a stylish haircut that features a curly top with a gradual taper fade on the sides. This cut is ideal for young men looking to embrace their natural curls while maintaining a clean look.

This style is perfect for those with curly hair or wavy hair, as it allows the natural texture to shine. It’s also a great option for teens and young adults who want a short casual haircut that highlights their curls. However, it might not be as effective for those with straight hair.

To style this look, use a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to define the curls and add moisture. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape and keep the fade looking fresh.

The curly top with taper fade is a great choice for young men who want a modern and trendy look. It’s perfect for showcasing natural curls while keeping the overall style neat and polished.

Long Hair with Middle Part

The long hair with middle part is a classic and elegant hairstyle that features long hair parted down the middle. This style is perfect for young men looking to add a touch of sophistication to their look.

This hairstyle works best for those with straight hair or wavy hair, as it allows the hair to fall naturally on either side. It’s also a great option for those with thick hair who want to showcase their length. However, it might not be as suitable for those with curly hair.

To maintain this look, use a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil Treatment to add shine and reduce frizz. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will help prevent split ends and keep the hair looking healthy.

The long hair with middle part is perfect for young men who want a stylish and sophisticated appearance. It’s a timeless look that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.

Classic Taper Cut

The classic taper cut is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that features a gradual taper on the sides and back with a slightly longer top. This cut is perfect for young men looking for a clean and professional look.

This style suits young men with straight hair or thick hair, as it helps maintain a neat and structured appearance. It’s also a great option for those with fine hair who want a short casual haircut that is easy to manage. However, it might not be as effective for those with very curly hair.

To keep the classic taper cut looking sharp, use a lightweight styling cream like Baxter of California Grooming Cream. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will help maintain the shape and keep the taper looking fresh.

The classic taper cut is a great choice for young men who want a modern yet timeless look. It’s versatile enough to suit both casual and formal settings, making it a favorite among many.