I’m Hakan — a men’s grooming specialist with 10+ years shaping modern looks in barbershops and editorial shoots. The undercut is one of the most versatile, contemporary cuts I recommend because it balances sharp structure with styling flexibility. Undercuts suit a wide range of men: oval and square faces adapt easily, oblong faces benefit from added volume on top, and with small tweaks, even round faces can achieve a flattering silhouette. Hair types from straight to wavy and coarse can wear an undercut when tailored correctly. In this post I’ll guide you through 20 inspiring undercut variations, how to ask your barber, quick styling routines, and product choices — from matte paste to light pomade — so you can match the cut to your lifestyle. Expect practical maintenance intervals, step-by-step styling cues, and easy swaps to transition between casual and polished looks.
Textured Quiff with Low Skin Fade – Modern Mens Short Sides, Long Top
This textured quiff with a low skin fade pairs longer, tousled length on top with very short sides for a modern, versatile profile. Face shape suitability: best for oval, square and oblong faces where added height highlights the jawline; round faces can wear it if the sides are tapered tightly and top volume is kept controlled. Styling technique: start on towel-damp hair, apply a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray at the roots, then blow-dry with a round or vent brush while lifting the front and directing hair back; use fingers to separate pieces for a natural, lived-in texture. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator nozzle, round or vent brush, wide-tooth comb and optional clips for sectioning. Products required: pre-styler (mousse or sea-salt spray), a matte clay or fiber pomade for texture and medium hold, and a light hairspray to finish. Difficulty level: moderate — requires basic blow-drying and shaping skills. Maintenance tips: refresh the fade every 2–4 weeks and trim the top every 4–6 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, and clarify monthly to remove product buildup.
Textured Wavy Crop with Tapered Fade — Modern Mens Hairstyle
This textured wavy crop pairs a longer, tousled top with short tapered sides for a contemporary, versatile look. Face-shape suitability: ideal for oval, square and round faces — the added top texture creates height and angularity; men with longer faces should avoid excessive height at the crown and ask for slightly softer sides. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a salt spray or light volumizing mousse through the top, then blow-dry with fingers or a diffuser while lifting at the roots to build texture. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte clay or texturizing paste through the ends and scrunching to define waves; use a light hairspray to lock shape. Tools needed: blow-dryer (with diffuser optional), vent brush or fingers, barber scissors for home trims or a comb for styling. Products required: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray, occasional deep conditioner. Difficulty level: moderate — quick daily styling once learned. Maintenance tips: trim every 3–5 weeks to maintain the fade and shape, wash 2–3 times weekly, and use a weekly deep conditioner if hair is dry.
Textured Fringe with Undercut – Modern Mens Tousled Haircut
This textured, tousled fringe with a short undercut balances volume on top with clean sides — ideal for modern men seeking a relaxed but structured look. Face shape suitability: best for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces; the long top and forward fringe soften angular jaws and add height for round faces, though men with very long (oblong) faces should avoid excessive top length. Styling technique: towel-dry hair until damp, apply a volumizing spray or sea-salt mist at the roots, then use a blow-dryer with fingers or a vent/round brush to lift and direct hair forward and slightly to the side for separation. Work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste through mid-lengths and ends, tousle with fingers, and finish with a light hairspray or texturizing spray. Tools needed: blow-dryer, round or vent brush, wide-tooth comb, and barber scissors for shaping. Products required: pre-styler (salt spray or mousse), matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray, and dry shampoo. Difficulty level: moderate — daily styling takes 5-10 minutes. Maintenance tips: trim sides every 2-4 weeks, tidy the top every 4-6 weeks, deep-condition weekly, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.
Textured Crop with Skin Fade — Modern Mens Short Fringe Hairstyle
This textured crop pairs a low skin fade with a longer, tousled fringe for a contemporary, masculine look. It flatters oval, square and heart-shaped faces by adding height and softening strong jawlines; men with round faces should keep the top taller and sides tighter to elongate the profile. To style: start with towel‑damp hair, mist a sea‑salt or volumizing spray through the top, then rough‑dry with a blow dryer while using your fingers to lift and push the fringe slightly forward and to one side. Warm a pea‑size of matte clay or paste between your palms, rake through mid‑lengths and ends to create separation, and finish by defining the fringe with your fingertips. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, vent or round brush (optional), and a mirror. Recommended products: sea‑salt spray or pre‑styling mousse, matte clay/paste for texture, and a light hold hairspray for longevity. Difficulty: easy–medium (4–6/10). Maintenance: refresh the fade every 2–4 weeks, trim the top every 3–6 weeks, use a gentle shampoo/conditioner routine, and avoid heavy waxes that weigh down texture.
Textured Short Quiff with High Skin Fade — Mens Modern Fade & Texture
This high skin fade with a textured, short quiff is ideal for men with straight to slightly wavy, medium-thick hair. It flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces by emphasizing the cheekbones and jawline while adding height on top to elongate the face. To style: towel-dry hair to damp, apply a light sea-salt spray or volumizing pre-styler, then blow-dry while lifting the front with fingers or a medium round brush to create lift and separation. Work a pea-to-nickel-sized amount of matte clay or paste through the top with fingertips, defining small sections into short spikes or a tousled quiff. Finish with a light hold hairspray for added staying power. Tools and products: barber clippers for the fade (guards 0–2), scissors for texturizing the top, blow-dryer, round brush, sea-salt spray, matte clay/paste, light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — quick daily styling (3–6 minutes) but requires frequent fades. Maintenance tips: visit the barber every 2–4 weeks for the fade, trim the top every 4–6 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.
Textured Curly Top with High Fade — Modern Mens Haircut
Face shape suitability: Best for oval, square and heart-shaped faces; adding height and texture also flatters round faces by elongating proportions. Ideal for medium to thick natural waves or curls — not recommended for very fine, stick-straight hair without chemical/texturizing help. Styling technique: Start with towel-damped hair, apply a lightweight sea-salt spray or curl-enhancing mousse through the top. Use a diffuser on low heat or air-dry while scrunching with your fingers to build natural volume and separation. Finger-style the curls into place and finish by working a small amount of matte clay or paste through the ends for hold and definition. Tools needed: clippers for the fade, scissors for texturing, hairdryer with diffuser, wide-tooth comb and your hands. Products required: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/paste, light hold hairspray (optional), weekly deep conditioner. Difficulty level: Moderate — daily styling takes 5–10 minutes and requires basic technique. Maintenance tips: refresh the fade every 3–4 weeks, trim the top every 6–8 weeks, avoid over-washing (2–3x/week), use conditioner to prevent frizz, and restyle with water and product between washes.
Textured Wavy Long Top with Tapered Sides — Messy Fringe for Men
This modern textured wavy top with tapered sides and a messy fringe flatters oval, square, heart and oblong face shapes by balancing strong jawlines and adding vertical height. Men with round faces can wear it if they keep extra height at the crown to elongate the face. To style, towel-dry damp hair, mist a sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse through the mid-lengths, then blow-dry using your fingers or a diffuser while lifting at the roots to build volume. Use a wide-tooth comb or vent brush to shape the fringe forward; finish by working a small amount of matte clay or texturizing paste through the ends, twisting pieces for separation and a lived-in look. Tools needed: blow dryer (with diffuser option), wide-tooth comb/vent brush, and styling scissors for trims. Products required: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/texturizing paste, light hairspray, and an occasional leave-in conditioner. Difficulty: moderate — about 5–10 minutes daily with practice. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–4 weeks, tidy the top every 6–8 weeks, deep-condition weekly, avoid overwashing and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve texture and moisture.
Textured Long Fringe with Skin Fade — Modern Side‑Swept Mens Hairstyle
This look pairs a long, textured fringe with a low-to-mid skin fade for a modern, side-swept finish. Best for oval, oblong and heart-shaped faces — it can also soften strong jaws on square faces and add balance to round faces when cut with enough length and volume. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a sea-salt spray or lightweight leave-in for grip, then blow-dry while sweeping hair forward and to the side with fingers or a medium round brush to build volume. Work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or texturizing paste through the mid-lengths and ends using a raking motion to define separation and movement; finish with a light-hold hairspray for hold. Tools needed: clippers (for fade), barber scissors and thinning shears, blow-dryer with concentrator, round brush or vent brush, fine-tooth comb. Products required: pre-styling salt spray or volumizer, matte clay/paste, light hairspray and dry shampoo for between washes. Difficulty: medium — requires an experienced barber for the fade and layering; daily styling takes 5–10 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh the fade every 2–4 weeks, trim top shape every 6–8 weeks, condition weekly, avoid overwashing and use dry shampoo to preserve texture.
Textured Messy Fringe with High Fade — Modern Mens Hairstyle
This relaxed, textured fringe paired with a high fade creates a contemporary, undone look that suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces best; men with round faces benefit from extra height on top to lengthen the profile. Styling technique: start with towel-damp hair, work a sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse through the roots, then blow-dry while scrunching and lifting with your fingers or a vent brush to build volume. Use a matte clay or paste to define pieces, twisting small sections for separation and finishing with a light-hold hairspray for movement. Tools needed: blow dryer (preferably with a diffuser or concentrator), vent or round brush, fingers for texturing, and quality clippers/scissors at the barber. Products required: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/paste, light hairspray and a weekly deep conditioner. Difficulty level: medium — 5–10 minutes daily once you master the tousled technique. Maintenance tips: refresh the fade every 2–4 weeks and trim the top every 6–8 weeks, wash less frequently to preserve texture, condition weekly, and ask your barber for disconnected sides and textured point-cutting on top for easy restyling.
Textured Curly Top with High Fade — Modern Mens Cut
This textured curly top with high faded sides suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces best — it adds height and softens strong jawlines. It works particularly well for naturally wavy or curly hair; very fine, straight hair can mimic the look with more product and heat styling. Technique: start with a barber-cut faded or disconnected side (clippers 0.5–2.5) and longer, layered top cut with point-cutting or texturizing shears. For daily styling, towel-dry to damp, mist a sea-salt pre-styler, then rough-dry with fingers or a diffuser to build volume. Finish by working a pea-to-nickel size of matte clay or fiber through the roots and ends to separate strands and create piecey texture; use fingers to tousle and a light-hold hairspray to lock shape. Tools needed: clippers, scissors/texturizing shears (barber), blow dryer with diffuser, comb, and fingers. Products required: sea-salt spray (pre-styler), matte clay or paste, optional texturizing powder and light hairspray. Difficulty: medium — requires a skilled barber cut and 5–10 minutes daily styling. Maintenance: trim the fade every 3–4 weeks, refresh texture with occasional deep-conditioning, and shampoo 2–3 times weekly to preserve natural texture and product buildup control.
Long Textured Fringe with High Skin Fade Undercut
Face shape suitability: This long textured fringe with a high skin fade flatters oval, square and heart-shaped faces—the volume on top lengthens the face while tight sides define the jawline. Round faces work if you add extra height; avoid an overly long fringe on narrow faces. Styling technique: Ask your barber for a disconnected undercut with a high skin fade and 4–6 inches left on top. Use scissors with point-cutting and thinning shears to create layered texture. Towel-dry to damp, mist a sea-salt or texturizing spray, rough-dry forward with fingers or a vent brush to build movement, then work a pea-sized matte paste through and shape the fringe forward or side-swept. A flat iron can tame stubborn strands. Tools needed: clippers (0–4 guards), scissors, thinning shears, blow dryer and vent brush, comb; flat iron optional. Products required: sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight pre-styler (heat protectant), matte paste or clay, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty & maintenance: Moderate — expect 5–10 minutes daily styling and barber touch-ups every 2–4 weeks. Deep-condition weekly, avoid heavy oils that weigh the fringe, and refresh texture with a light mist on day two.
Textured Quiff with Tapered Sides — Modern Mens Short Sides, Long Top
This textured quiff with tapered sides is a versatile modern cut that suits oval, square, diamond and even slightly round faces (the added height helps elongate). Best for straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium density; very curly hair can work with a longer top and additional smoothing. To style: towel-dry to damp, apply a small amount of volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray at the roots, then blow-dry using your fingers or a medium round/vent brush to lift the front into a quiff. Work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste through the mid-lengths and ends for separation, shaping with fingers for a tousled finish and lock with a light-hold hairspray if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round or vent brush, comb for line-up, and regular visits to a barber with clippers/scissors. Products required: volumizing shampoo (optional), pre-styler (mousse/sea-salt), matte clay/paste, light-hold spray, and heat protectant. Difficulty: moderate — expect 8–12 minutes daily. Maintenance: trim the sides every 3–5 weeks, refresh texture with a damp rework or dry shampoo between washes, and use a clarifying wash weekly to avoid product buildup.
Textured Side-Swept Long Top with High Skin Fade
Modern textured side-swept long top with a high skin fade combines volume and sharp contrast. Best suited to oval, square, oblong and triangular faces, the extra length on top visually balances strong jawlines and adds height for round faces (use with caution). To style, towel-dry hair until slightly damp, work a light texturizing spray through the roots, then blow-dry using fingers or a vent brush while directing hair forward and across the forehead to create a sweeping fringe. Finish by emulsifying a pea-size matte paste or clay between palms and running it through mid-lengths and ends to build separation and hold; rework with fingertips for a lived-in look. Tools: hairdryer, vent or round brush, wide-tooth comb and barber scissors/clipper for maintenance. Products: sea-salt/texturizing spray, matte clay or fiber paste, optional light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — daily styling takes 5–10 minutes. Maintenance: get the fade tightened every 2–4 weeks, trim the top every 6–8 weeks, avoid heavy oils to preserve texture, condition weekly, and trim facial hair to complement the clean fade.
Textured Pompadour Fade — Modern Mens Quiff Hairstyle
This textured pompadour with a mid-to-high fade pairs long, brushed-back top volume with tight sides for a contemporary look. Suitability: Works best on oval, square and diamond face shapes — the added height elongates round faces but may need fuller sides to balance. Styling technique: Towel-dry hair to damp, apply a volumizing pre-styler (mousse or sea-salt spray), then blow-dry while lifting the roots with a vent or round brush and directing hair backward to create a quiff/pompadour shape. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte clay or medium-hold pomade through the top with fingers for texture and separation; use a comb to tidy the front and a light hairspray to lock hold. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, round or vent brush, fine-tooth comb, clippers/scissors (for cut). Products required: volumizing pre-styler, matte clay/paste or pomade, light hairspray, heat protectant. Difficulty: Moderate — takes 5–10 minutes daily with basic blow-drying skills. Maintenance: Barber touch-ups every 3–4 weeks for the fade, trim the top every 6–8 weeks, condition regularly, and avoid daily heavy product buildup by clarifying monthly.
Textured Quiff with Low Fade — Modern Mens Hairstyle
This textured quiff with a low fade is versatile for men seeking height and natural movement. Best suited to oval, square and heart-shaped faces (and good for round faces when you add extra height), the cut uses shorter sides and a longer, layered top to elongate the face. Ask your barber for a low fade or tapered sides with point-cut layers on top to create separation and texture. Styling technique: towel-dry hair until slightly damp, apply a light volumizing spray or sea-salt mist, then blow-dry with fingers or a vent brush while lifting at the roots. Work a pea-to-nickel sized amount of matte clay or paste through the top with your fingertips to define pieces; finish by tousling and setting with a light hold hairspray if needed. Tools needed: clippers (for fade), scissors and thinning shears, blow dryer, vent or round brush, and comb. Products required: pre-styler (volumizer/sea salt), matte paste or clay, light hairspray. Difficulty: Easy–Medium (5/10). Maintenance: trim sides every 3–5 weeks and tidy the top every 6–8 weeks; wash 2–3 times weekly and condition regularly to retain texture and manageability.
Textured Modern Quiff with Skin Fade — Mens Short Sides, Long Top
This look pairs a clean skin fade with a longer, textured top — ideal for oval, square, diamond and heart-shaped faces that benefit from added height and defined cheek lines. Start at the barber with a close clipper fade on the sides (0–2 guard) and 2.5–4 inches left on top; ask for point-cut texturizing or thinning shears to create separation. For daily styling, towel-dry hair to damp, spritz a sea-salt or volumizing spray, then blow-dry while lifting the front with your fingers or a round brush to build volume. Work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste through the mid-lengths and ends, twisting small sections to enhance the tousled texture and sweep slightly forward or back depending on preference. Finish with a light-hold hairspray or texturizing powder for extra grip. Tools needed: clippers, barber scissors, thinning shears, blow dryer, round/vent brush and fingers. Difficulty: moderate — needs a professional cut but quick daily styling. Maintenance: trim the fade every 3–5 weeks, refresh top layers every 6–8 weeks, avoid daily heavy washing, and use conditioner or weekly deep treatments to keep hair healthy.
High Skin Fade with Wavy Textured Top
This modern cut pairs a high skin fade on the sides with a longer, wavy textured top — a versatile look that flatters oval, square and heart-shaped faces by adding height and definition while keeping the sides clean. To create it, ask your barber for a high fade (skin to 1–2 guard) blended into scissor-cut length on top (about 1.5–3 inches), with point-cutting or thinning shears to enhance natural waves and remove bulk. Styling technique: towel-dry hair until slightly damp, apply a sea-salt spray or light mousse, then blow-dry using fingers or a medium round brush to lift the roots and shape the waves. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste through from roots to tips for hold and separation; use light hairspray only if extra hold is needed. Tools & products: clippers, scissors, thinning shears (barber); blow dryer, round brush or fingers; sea-salt spray/mousse, matte clay/paste, optional light hairspray. Difficulty & maintenance: moderate — the fade requires a pro. Daily styling takes 5–10 minutes. Schedule touch-ups every 3–5 weeks and condition regularly to keep waves defined and the scalp healthy.
Modern Textured Pompadour with Taper Fade
This medium-length textured pompadour with a low taper fade suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces best — it adds height to round faces and sharpens softer jawlines. Ask your barber for 2.5–4 inches on top with a high-to-medium skin or scissor fade on the sides and clean edges. To style: towel-dry then apply a light heat protectant and a volumizing sea-salt spray or mousse. Blow-dry the top using a round brush or vent brush to lift the roots and direct hair back and slightly up; use your fingers to create texture while cooling. Finish by working a matte clay or medium-hold pomade through the ends for separation and hold, and lightly mist with flexible hairspray if extra control is needed. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush or vent brush, wide-tooth comb, and a small styling brush or fingers. Difficulty: moderate — requires 5–10 minutes daily and basic blow-dry skills. Maintenance: trim the fade every 3–5 weeks, tidy the top every 6–8 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly, condition regularly, and avoid heavy product buildup with occasional clarifying treatments.
Textured Quiff with Low Fade – Mens Voluminous Top and Short Sides
This textured quiff with a low fade pairs volume on top with closely cropped sides for a modern, masculine look. Face shape suitability: ideal for oval, square, and diamond faces; it adds height to round faces to create balance but can exaggerate very long faces. Styling technique: towel-dry hair until slightly damp, mist a sea-salt or root-lifting spray, then blow-dry while using fingers or a medium round brush to lift the roots and create separation. Work a small amount of matte clay or paste through the mid-lengths and ends, scrunching and twisting sections to enhance texture and natural waves; finish with a light-hold hairspray to lock shape without shine. Tools needed: hair dryer with concentrator nozzle, round or vent brush, styling comb, and regular barber clippers/scissors for cuts. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, matte clay/paste, light hairspray, plus a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. Difficulty level: medium — 5–10 minutes daily styling. Maintenance tips: barber visits every 3–5 weeks for the fade and top trims every 6–8 weeks; avoid heavy oils that flatten texture and use a microfiber towel to reduce frizz.
Textured Pompadour with Low Taper Fade — Mens Modern Hairstyle
This textured pompadour with a low, skin-blended taper offers a clean, modern silhouette that works well for everyday and professional looks. Face-shape suitability: ideal for oval, square and heart-shaped faces; it also helps round faces by adding vertical height. Best on medium to thick straight or wavy hair—very fine or extremely curly hair will need additional pre-styling. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a root volumizer or mousse, then blow-dry hair up and back with a round brush to build lift. Create separation with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, and finish by working a small amount of matte clay or medium-hold pomade from mid-lengths to ends for texture and control. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, medium round brush, wide-tooth and fine-tooth combs. Products required: heat protectant/pre-styler, volumizing spray or mousse, matte clay or light pomade, and a light flexible hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — about 5–10 minutes daily once mastered. Maintenance tips: visit the barber every 3–5 weeks for the taper, trim the top every 6–8 weeks to retain shape, avoid heavy products that weigh hair down, and deep-condition weekly if color-treated.
An undercut is a powerful way to modernize your look without sacrificing versatility. As a stylist with over a decade of experience, my best advice is to choose a variation that complements your face shape and natural hair texture, then communicate specifics to your barber: clipper guard for the sides, length left on top, and whether you want a disconnected line or a tapered blend. Maintain the shape with trims every 3–6 weeks depending on how sharp you want the contrast. For daily styling, start with a towel-dried base, use a blow dryer for volume if needed, and finish with a matte paste or light pomade for control without stiffness. The 20 images in this gallery cover classic, textured, and bold takes — use them as references at your appointment. Keep experimenting subtly; small changes in length and product deliver big style differences. — Hakan
