I’m Hakan — a men’s grooming specialist with 10+ years helping athletic guys look sharp on and off the gym floor. This post showcases 18 image-backed gym aesthetic hairstyles tailored for men who train hard but want low-fuss, high-impact looks. These styles suit athletic builds, active professionals, and anyone who needs hair that survives sweat, frequent wash days, and a fast-paced routine. Expect short sides and textured tops, practical long-hair options for tying back, and transition cuts that move from workout to work or a night out. My practical tips: ask your barber for short sides with a textured, scissor-work top; use matte clay, salt spray, or lightweight pomade for hold without shine; towel-dry and use dry shampoo between washes; and trim every 4–6 weeks to preserve shape. Throughout this guide I reference 18 curated images to help you choose the best cut for your hair type and gym schedule.
Textured Tousled Crop with Short Sides — Modern Mens Hairstyle
This textured tousled crop with short sides is a low-fuss modern mens look that balances volume on top with tapered sides. Best suited to oval, square, and heart-shaped faces — the height and forward fringe elongate features and add definition; men with round faces can adapt by keeping more height at the crown. To style: towel-dry hair until slightly damp, apply a sea-salt spray or light volumizing mousse, then blow-dry while lifting the roots with fingers or a small round brush for extra lift. Once dry, work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or texture paste between palms and run through the top, piecing out the fringe and creating separation; finish with a light-hold hairspray for longevity. Tools needed: blow-dryer (with nozzle), round brush or comb, and your hands for texturing. Recommended products: sea-salt spray, lightweight mousse, matte clay or paste, light hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — quick once you know the routine. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to preserve the silhouette, wash 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, and refresh texture with a spritz of sea-salt or dry shampoo on non-wash days.
Textured Short Crop with Taper Fade — Mens Modern Classic Hairstyle
This textured short crop with a tapered fade suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces particularly well — it softens strong jawlines while keeping proportions balanced. To style, start with towel‑dried hair at around 1–2 inches on top and shorter sides. Apply a light sea‑salt spray for texture, then blow‑dry with fingers or a vent brush to lift at the roots and direct hair forward or slightly back depending on preference. Work a pea‑sized amount of matte clay or paste through the top, raking with fingertips to create separated, natural-looking strands and finish by smoothing the fade with a comb for sharpness. Tools needed: hairdryer, vent brush or blow‑dryer nozzle, small comb and clippers for touch-ups. Products required: sea-salt spray or texturizer, matte clay/paste, and optional light hairspray for hold. Difficulty: easy–moderate — basic drying and product work, no advanced barbering. Maintenance: visit the barber every 3–5 weeks for fade upkeep, trim the top as it grows, shampoo 2–3 times weekly (use conditioner to avoid dryness), and keep beard stubble tidy to match the clean taper.
Textured Short Crop with Low Taper — Mens Modern Short Hairstyle
This textured short crop with a low taper is a versatile modern look that works well for oval, square and rectangular face shapes and can soften round faces by adding height on top. The cut features closely tapered sides with a slightly longer, textured top that can be styled forward or pushed up for volume. To achieve it: ask your barber for a low taper (skin or #1–#3) at the sides and back with 1–2 inches left on top; point-cut the top for texture. Tools: clippers, barber scissors, a wide-tooth comb, and a blow dryer (optional). Products: sea-salt spray for raw texture, a matte paste or clay for separation, and a light-hold hairspray for all-day control. Styling technique: towel-dry then mist with sea-salt spray, blow-dry while raking fingers through to build lift, finish with a pea-sized matte paste warmed between palms and tousled in. Difficulty: easy–medium — straightforward daily styling. Maintenance: trim every 3–5 weeks to keep the taper sharp, shampoo 2–3 times weekly, condition regularly, and maintain a matched beard trim for a polished finish.
Short Textured Crop with Low Fade — Casual Backward Cap Look
A short textured crop with a low fade and a neatly trimmed beard creates a versatile, athletic look that works well with a backward baseball cap. Face shape: ideal for oval and square faces, it also flatters heart and diamond shapes by balancing the forehead and jawline. Styling technique: ask your barber for a low fade on the sides (clipper #1–#3 depending on preference) with 1–2 inches left on top; use point-cutting or texturizing shears to create separation and movement. To style at home, apply a sea-salt spray to damp hair, blow-dry with fingers to shape, then finish with a matte clay or fiber worked through the roots for texture and light lift. Tools needed: clippers and guards, scissors or texturizing shears, trimmer for edges, comb, and a blow dryer. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, matte clay or pomade (light–medium hold), light hairspray for hold, and beard oil or balm. Difficulty level: easy–moderate — straightforward to maintain daily but a professional barber is recommended for clean fades. Maintenance tips: refresh the fade every 3–4 weeks, trim the top every 4–6 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly, condition as needed, and regularly oil/shape the beard to keep the overall look sharp.
Mens Textured Crop with Skin Fade and Messy Fringe
This modern textured crop pairs a tight skin fade with a choppy, messy fringe — a versatile look that balances edge and everyday wearability. Face shape: best for oval, square, diamond and heart shapes where the short sides and added top texture emphasize the jawline; round faces can wear it if you add height at the crown to elongate the face. Styling technique: barber creates a low-to-mid skin fade at the sides and back, while the top is point-cut for texture. At home, towel-dry hair, apply a light salt spray or pre-styling tonic, then blow-dry while lifting the roots with fingers or a vent brush to build volume. Work a pea-sized matte clay or paste through the top, focusing on separation and a tousled fringe. Tools needed: clipper set (0–4 guards), scissors, thinning shears, comb, blow dryer and vent or round brush. Products required: sea-salt/texturizing spray, matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray (optional). Difficulty: moderate — requires a professional cut but simple daily styling. Maintenance: trim the fade every 3–4 weeks, tidy the top every 4–6 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly and use conditioner to keep texture manageable.
Textured Short Crop with Faded Sides — Modern Mens Hairstyle
This textured short crop with faded sides suits oval, square and diamond face shapes best — it adds height and structure while keeping the profile sharp. For round faces, build extra lift on top to elongate the face. To style, start with towel-dried hair, apply a sea-salt spray or light volumizing pre-styler, then blow-dry using fingers or a vent brush to lift and separate the strands. Use a small amount of matte clay or paste worked between the palms and raked through the top to create definition and controlled texture; finish by tousling with fingertips for a natural, undone look. Tools needed: clippers (for a 1–4 guard fade), scissors for point cutting on top, a blow dryer and a vent brush or your fingers. Products required: sea-salt or volumizing spray, matte clay/paste, light hold hairspray (optional), plus beard oil/balm if keeping facial hair. Difficulty level: easy–medium — quick to style daily after initial learning. Maintenance tips: trim sides every 3–4 weeks, tidy the top every 4–6 weeks, shampoo 2–3× weekly with conditioner, and visit your barber with guard numbers and a reference photo for consistent results.
Modern Textured Quiff for Men — Tapered Sides with Natural Volume
This modern textured quiff pairs a medium-length, swept-back top with tapered sides to create natural volume and definition. Face shape suitability: ideal for oval, square and heart-shaped faces; men with round faces can wear a slightly higher quiff and tighter sides to add length. Styling technique: towel-dry until damp, work a pre-styler (sea-salt or volumizing spray) through roots, then blow-dry while lifting the hair with a round brush or your fingers to build height and texture; finish by shaping the front backward or slightly to the side with your fingers. Tools needed: blow-dryer with nozzle, round brush or vent brush, fine-tooth comb and a mirror. Products required: lightweight pre-styler (sea-salt or volumizing spray), matte clay or low-shine pomade for texture, light-hold hairspray or texture spray to set. Difficulty level: moderate — basic blow-drying skills and product control are needed. Maintenance tips: trim every 3–5 weeks to keep the taper clean, shampoo 2–3 times weekly (use conditioner), refresh style midday with a spritz of water or texture spray, and keep beard edges neat to complement the look.
Textured Quiff with Low Taper and Full Beard – Modern Mens Hairstyle
This textured quiff with low tapered sides pairs a longer, swept-back top with a full beard for a contemporary, masculine look. Best for oval, square, diamond and heart face shapes — the height on top helps elongate round faces, while the taper keeps proportions balanced on stronger jawlines. Styling technique: start towel-dried hair, apply a sea-salt spray or light volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a round brush or fingers while lifting the hair at the crown to build volume; finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte paste or medium-hold pomade through the mid-lengths and tips and shape the quiff with your fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer (with nozzle), round brush or vent brush, wide-tooth comb, and a beard trimmer. Products required: sea-salt spray, volumizer or mousse (optional), matte paste or clay, light hairspray for hold and a nourishing beard oil. Difficulty: medium — takes 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–4 weeks, tidy the top every 6–8 weeks, wash 2–3 times weekly with conditioner to avoid dryness, and keep beard shaped weekly.
Textured Side‑Swept Crop with Low Fade — Mens Short Hairstyle
This modern textured side‑swept crop with a low fade suits straight to wavy hair and medium thickness. It flatters oval and square faces, adds height for round faces, and balances a longer chin on heart shapes. To style: towel‑dry hair until slightly damp, apply a light salt spray or volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow‑dry using a vent or round brush while sweeping hair to the side to create natural lift and movement. Finish by working a pea‑sized amount of matte clay or paste through the top for texture and separation; smooth the sides with a small amount of lightweight pomade if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer, vent or round brush, fine‑tooth comb, and scissors/clipper for trims. Products required: pre‑styler (salt spray or mousse), matte clay/paste, optional light hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate — about 5–10 minutes daily once you learn the pattern. Maintenance tips: trim sides every 3–4 weeks to keep the fade crisp, reshape the top every 6–8 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner, and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve texture.
Textured Tied-Back Twists/Dreads with Tapered Sides — Mens Natural Hair Style
This tied-back textured look features short-to-medium twists or starter locs gathered into a low ponytail with face-framing pieces — a modern, athletic mens hairstyle that keeps hair controlled while showing natural texture. Face shape suitability: flatters oval, square, and oblong faces; the vertical height from the tied back top helps balance round faces and softens strong jawlines. Styling technique: start with clean, damp hair. Section into 1/4–1/2
Textured Medium Crop with Messy Fringe — Mens Casual Hairstyle
This textured medium crop with a messy fringe suits oval, square, heart and diamond face shapes — the soft fringe balances wider foreheads and the volume on top lengthens round faces. To style, towel-dry hair to damp, apply a light pre-styler (sea-salt spray or light mousse) and use a blow dryer while tousling with your fingers or a vent brush to build natural lift. Finish by working a pea-to-nickel sized amount of matte clay or paste through the roots and ends to create separation; use fingertips to push pieces forward for the fringe and add texture. Tools needed: blow dryer (with nozzle), vent or small round brush, wide-tooth comb, and styling scissors for occasional texturizing at the barber. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/paste, and a light-hold hairspray for longer days. Difficulty: low–moderate — quick to recreate daily once cut. Maintenance tips: get tidy trims every 4–6 weeks, shampoo 2–3 times weekly with conditioner to preserve texture, avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down, and refresh second-day hair with a spritz of dry shampoo or sea-salt spray.
Textured Quiff with Low Taper — Modern Mens Medium-Length Hairstyle
This textured quiff with a low taper is a versatile, contemporary look that suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces best; men with round faces can wear it if the top is kept higher to add length. To style, towel-dry hair until slightly damp, apply a light sea-salt or pre-styling spray for grip, then blow-dry while lifting the front with a round brush or your fingers to create volume. Work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste through the mid-lengths and ends, raking with fingers to define texture and finish by smoothing sides with a comb for a clean taper transition. Tools needed: hairdryer, round or vent brush, wide-tooth comb, and clippers/scissors at the barber. Products required: pre-styling spray (or sea-salt), matte paste or lightweight pomade, and optional light hairspray for hold. Difficulty: medium — requires basic blow-drying and product control. Maintenance tips: visit the barber every 3–5 weeks for taper upkeep, trim the top as needed, avoid daily heavy product buildup by using clarifying shampoo weekly, and condition regularly to keep hair healthy and workable.
Textured Medium-Length Curly Fringe for Men — Tousled Casual Look
This medium-length, textured curly fringe suits oval, oblong and square face shapes especially well — the forward-falling curls soften strong jawlines and add width to longer faces. To style: towel-dry damp hair, apply a dime-to-quarter-sized amount of leave-in curl cream or lightweight styling cream through mid-lengths and ends, then scrunch upward to encourage curl formation. Use a hairdryer with a diffuser on low heat to set the shape without frizz, or air-dry for a softer finish. Tools needed: diffuser-equipped dryer, wide-tooth comb, microfiber towel and optional round brush for controlled front pieces. Recommended products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or sea-salt spray for texture, a light matte paste or cream pomade for hold, and dry shampoo between washes. Difficulty level: easy to medium — basic techniques are quick but require product balance to avoid stiffness. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep layers tidy, deep-condition weekly to prevent dryness, avoid over-washing (2–3 times weekly), and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose topknot to preserve curl shape. Ask your barber for layered, textured ends to maintain movement.
Textured Wavy Crop with Short Sides — Modern Tousled Mens Hairstyle
This textured wavy crop features short, tapered sides with a slightly longer, tousled top and soft fringe — a versatile look for modern men. It flatters oval and square faces particularly well, adding structure to oval shapes and balancing a strong jawline on square faces. Men with round or heart-shaped faces can use added height and texture at the crown to create the illusion of length. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, spray a sea-salt or texturizing mist through the top, then rough-dry with a blow dryer while raking hair with fingers or a vent brush to create natural separation. Work a pea-to-nickel sized amount of matte clay or paste between palms, scrunch through the top and define the fringe with your fingertips for piecey movement. Tools needed: blow dryer (nozzle/ diffuser optional), vent brush or wide-tooth comb, and fingers for finishing. Products required: sea-salt spray or pre-styler, matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray for longevity. Difficulty level: easy–medium — quick once you learn the routine. Maintenance tips: trim sides every 3–4 weeks, refresh length on top every 6–8 weeks, use conditioner to keep hair healthy, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down texture.
Textured Wavy Fringe with Tapered Sides — Mens Modern Messy Haircut
A mid-length textured wavy fringe with tapered sides that emphasizes natural movement and a low-maintenance, modern look. Face-shape suitability: ideal for oval, square, heart and oblong faces — it adds width to longer faces and softens sharp jaws; round faces can adapt the cut by adding height on top. Styling technique: start on towel-damp hair, mist a sea-salt spray or apply a light volumizing mousse, then scrunch through with your fingers. Blow-dry using a diffuser or use your hands to lift at the roots for volume and to enhance waves. Finish by working a small amount of matte clay or paste through mid-lengths and ends to define separation; use fingertips to position the fringe forward or slightly to the side and lock with a light hairspray if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), wide-tooth comb, scissors for trims, and your hands. Products required: sea-salt spray or mousse, matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray, and weekly deep conditioner. Difficulty level: easy–medium. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the taper and fringe shape, avoid heavy waxes that weigh hair down, use conditioner to maintain wave definition, and refresh the look with water and a dab of product between washes.
Textured Curly Crop with Tapered Sides — Modern Mens Short Curly Hairstyle
This textured curly crop with tapered sides works well for oval, square and heart-shaped faces — the short sides sharpen the jawline while the length on top adds height and movement, making it easy to adapt for slightly rounder faces by keeping extra length at the crown. To style: towel-dry hair until damp, apply a curl cream or light leave-in conditioner evenly, then scrunch upward to encourage natural curl pattern. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser on low heat to set shape and add volume, or air-dry for a softer finish. Tools needed: diffuser-equipped hair dryer, wide-tooth comb or fingers for styling, clippers/scissors for maintenance. Recommended products: curl cream or sea salt spray for texture, light matte paste or styling cream for hold, and an anti-frizz serum for humidity control. Difficulty: easy to moderate — requires basic styling but benefits from a stylist’s initial shaping. Maintenance tips: trim every 3–6 weeks to maintain the tapered sides, deep-condition weekly, avoid heavy waxes that weigh curls down, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a microfiber towel to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Waves for Men — Tousled Long Hair Style
This textured shoulder-length wavy cut suits oval, square and oblong face shapes best — the length softens angular features and adds vertical balance for round faces when kept slightly off the cheeks. To style, start with clean, towel‑dried hair (about 70–80% dry). Apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner or cream to control frizz, then mist a sea‑salt spray for grit and scrunch with your hands to define waves. Use a diffuser on low heat to set texture or let it air dry for a more natural finish. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, hairdryer with diffuser, and a few fingers. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave‑in or light styling cream, sea‑salt spray, and a matte paste or light clay for hold and definition; optional anti‑frizz serum for humid days. Difficulty: moderate — this cut benefits from natural wave and some styling knowledge. Maintenance tips: trim split ends every 8–12 weeks, deep‑condition weekly, avoid daily heavy washing, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction. Keep beard trimmed to complement the longer hair for a cohesive modern look.
Textured Short Top with Tapered Sides — Athletic Mens Casual Hairstyle
This textured short top with tapered sides suits oval, square and heart-shaped faces best — the volume on top balances strong jaws and adds height for rounder faces. To style, start with towel-damp hair: apply a small amount of sea-salt spray or lightweight pre-styler, then blow-dry while using your fingers or a vent brush to lift the roots and create separation. Finish by working a matte paste or clay through the mid-lengths and ends, scrunching and separating strands for a natural, lived-in texture. Tools needed: hairdryer, vent or round brush, a barber’s comb for clean lines, and clippers or a trimmer for maintenance. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, matte paste/clay, light hold hairspray (optional). Difficulty: easy–medium — basic blow-dry and finger-styling skills suffice. Maintenance tips: get a light taper or clipper cut every 3–5 weeks to keep the sides neat, refresh texture between washes with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, and limit shampooing to 2–3 times weekly to preserve natural oils. If you wear a cap often, restyle with a quick blast of heat and a touch of product to restore volume.
The gym aesthetic is about reliability, proportions, and products that perform under sweat and time. Of the 18 looks shown, pick the one that matches your face shape, hair texture, and daily routine: short tapered sides and a textured top for low-maintenance style, a longer top you can tie for high-intensity training, or a clean fade for a polished gym-to-office transition. When you visit your barber, bring the image that best matches your vibe and discuss guard lengths and blending technique. Use a matte clay or salt spray for texture, dry shampoo to refresh between washes, and a lightweight, water-resistant product for humid sessions. Maintain scalp health with regular cleansing and mid-length trims. With the right cut, product choices, and a clear photo reference, you’ll have a gym-ready haircut that stays functional and stylish. — Hakan
