Men's hairstyles
Men's Celebrity Haircuts: 10 Famous Styles and How to Get Them
From the buzz cut to the textured quiff, ten men's styles you have seen everywhere, with the words to use at the barber.
The best men's celebrity haircuts to copy are the textured crop, the taper fade, the quiff, the buzz cut and the slick-back, because each is easy to describe to a barber and works on most hair types. Here are ten, with what to say at the chair and how to style them at home.
How to use a celebrity haircut as a reference
A photo is a great starting point, but your hair is not theirs. Density, hairline, cowlicks and face shape all change the result. Bring a picture of a similar texture, and ask the barber what to adjust.
The names below are well-known public examples of each style. They are only there to help you picture the cut.
Ten haircuts to know
1. The buzz cut
One length all over, clipped short. David Beckham is a widely known example of how a buzz can look sharp. It needs no styling and suits strong head shapes.
How to ask your barber: "A buzz cut, number 2 on top and a skin or number 1 fade on the sides."
2. The textured crop
Short, choppy top with a clean taper on the sides and a fringe pushed forward. Easy and modern.
How to ask your barber: "A textured crop, scissor-cut on top for choppiness, with a mid taper on the sides."
At home: Apply a small dab of paste to dry hair and rake it forward.
3. The quiff
Longer on top, swept up and back, with short sides. Think of the volume on actors who wear this to premieres. It works best on thick hair.
How to ask your barber: "A quiff, about four inches on top, with a low fade on the sides."
At home: Blow-dry up and back with a round brush, then set with a medium-hold pomade.
4. The slick-back
Hair combed back and held smooth. A classic polished style for formal events. It needs enough length, usually three inches or more.
How to ask your barber: "A slick-back with a tapered neckline, long enough on top to comb back."
5. The side part
A neat part with the hair brushed across. It is timeless and flattering and works at the office or a wedding.
How to ask your barber: "A classic side part, scissor-cut on the sides, with the part cut in so it stays."
6. The French crop
A short top with a straight fringe across the forehead and tight sides. It disguises a receding hairline and takes seconds to style.
How to ask your barber: "A French crop with a blunt fringe, short, and a skin fade on the sides."
7. The curly top fade
Curls left on top with a fade on the sides. It shows off curl pattern. Wearing curls with a clean shape is a look many public figures favor.
How to ask your barber: "A curly top with a fade, shaped around my curl pattern, and left long enough to bounce."
At home: Use a curl cream on damp hair and let it air-dry.
8. The long layered cut
Shoulder-grazing layers with a middle or side part. It suits wavy hair. Keep ends healthy with regular trims.
How to ask your barber: "Long layers to the collar with a light trim to keep the ends tidy and my waves defined."
9. The undercut
Very short sides with long, disconnected hair on top. It is bold, high contrast and good for combing back.
How to ask your barber: "An undercut, number 1 on the sides, with length on top left alone."
10. The messy fringe
A choppy fringe that falls over the forehead, with tapered sides. A relaxed, youthful look that grows out easily.
How to ask your barber: "A messy fringe, textured and layered, with tapered sides and a longer front."
Which cut suits which hair
| Hair | Try | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Thick, straight | Quiff, slick-back, side part | Very short crop if you want volume |
| Fine, thinning | French crop, buzz, textured crop | Long, flat styles |
| Wavy | Messy fringe, long layers | Slick-back without product |
| Curly | Curly top fade, undercut | Very short sides with no shape on top |
Styling basics
- Start with towel-dried hair, not soaking wet.
- Use a pea-size amount of product, warmed between your palms.
- Style in the direction the hair will sit, back or forward.
- Finish with a spritz of hairspray if you want hold.
Products that help
You only need one or two. A flexible cream pomade, a texturizing paste and a root powder cover most of the styles above. The details are from manufacturer and retailer descriptions, not our own testing.
Medium hold, soft finish
Redken Brews Maneuver Cream Pomade
A water-based cream pomade described by retailers as medium hold with a soft finish, without stiffness or sticky residue. Good for textured crops and side parts.
- Flexible hold
- Soft, natural finish
- Not a strong-hold product
Easy texture
Kristin Ess Fragrance Free Texturizing Paste
A water-based paste retailers describe as giving texture, definition and light to moderate hold. It is marketed as rinsing out with shampoo and as free of fragrance, which suits sensitive noses.
- Adjustable, flexible hold
- Fragrance free
- Not strong enough for very firm styles
Root lift and oil control
Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder
A loose dry shampoo powder that the brand markets as both a root refresher and a volume booster, aimed at fine or oily hair. Shake it on the roots and massage in. Stock varies by retailer, so check before you plan around it.
- Adds lift at the crown
- Powder form means no aerosol
- Can show on dark hair if overused
- Availability varies
Face shape and haircut
Barbers often match the cut to the face. A round face looks longer with height on top and tight sides, so a quiff or textured crop works well. A square jaw suits almost anything, including a buzz cut or a slick-back. A long face looks better with a fringe or side part that adds width. An oval face is flexible. Beards change the equation, so ask your barber to blend the fade into your beard line for a clean look.
Daily routine in five minutes
Most of these styles need very little time. Wash two to four times a week, because daily washing can dry out hair. Towel-dry, add a small amount of product, and shape it with your fingers. If your hair is thick, a quick blow-dry with a comb attachment helps. If it is fine, use powder at the roots for lift. Sleeping on a smooth pillowcase also cuts down on frizz and bed head.
Growing a style out
If you want a quiff or a longer cut, you will pass through an awkward stage. Ask your barber to keep the sides tidy while the top grows. Trim every six to eight weeks to remove split ends and keep the shape. Use a little cream to calm flyaways, and be patient. Hair grows about half an inch a month on average, so a three-inch top takes some months to arrive.
Barber tips
Book a regular schedule. Fades need a visit every two to three weeks, longer styles every four to six. Tell your barber how you wear your hair on a normal day, not just for photos. Ask them to show you how they style it. If you are looking for a salon, see our guide on how to choose a hair salon.
When to see your barber again
Every cut has a shelf life. A skin fade looks best for about two weeks, then softens as it grows. A taper lasts three to four. Longer styles like layers or a quiff can wait six weeks. Ask your barber what schedule matches the look you want, and book the next visit before you leave. Many barbers also offer a quick neck and sideburn tidy between full cuts.
Mistakes to avoid
- Copying a cut that fights your hair. A cowlick or thin patch changes the outcome.
- Too much product. It makes hair greasy and heavy.
- Skipping haircare. Shampoo and condition regularly, and talk to a dermatologist if you notice sudden hair loss.
- Not asking for a trial. Ask your barber to leave extra length. You can always cut more.
More ideas
For more famous styles, see our guides to celebrity hairstyles and celebrity hairstyles for medium and long hair.
Questions people ask
How do I ask my barber for a celebrity haircut?
Bring a photo of the cut on someone with hair like yours, then describe it in barber terms: the guard or fade level, the top length, and the finish. Ask what will need to change for your hair.
What is the easiest men's haircut to maintain?
A short crop or buzz cut needs the least daily work. Expect a barber visit every two to four weeks to keep it sharp.
How long does hair need to be for a quiff?
Usually about 3 to 4 inches on top, though the exact amount depends on how thick and wavy your hair is.
Do I need hair product for these styles?
For most styles, a small amount of paste, pomade or powder helps. Short buzz cuts need none.
