21 Line Up Haircut – 23 Amazing Styles for Men in 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

A line up haircut is a fashionable hairstyle for men that features clean, sharp lines around the edges of the hair. Line-up haircuts showcase distinct angles and straight lines around the hairline, temples, and/or parting, causing the edges of the hair to ‘line up’. Line up haircuts can be combined with other hairstyles for men such as pomps, fades, and undercuts.

Sometimes referred to as the shape up or edge up, this type of cut is becoming popular for its extremely clean finish and its razored edges, especially when paired with a skin fade and sharp angles at the temple.

Incorporating the line up into your favorite men’s hairstyles can make the entire look stand out. Plus, the added contrast and definition can enhance the natural shape of the face, highlighting those masculine features.

The line up is one of those adaptable styles that suit any haircut, particularly with shorter lengths. “Shorter hair is preferable or ideal to line up,” says Elite barber and Visionz Barbershop owner Jose Tapia, “but line ups don’t exclude any length of hair.” Whether it’s a man bun or a buzz cut haircut, you can confidently expect a clean edge and a defined look at the conclusion.

“Short hair line ups require very little to no maintenance,” he adds. Keep it fresh by scheduling a monthly appointment with your barber, but ensure that your barber “doesn’t go too far in on the line up, keeping it as natural as possible. You wouldn’t want a hairline that’s excessively high.”

Before your next visit to the barber, check out these images of the most sought-after line up haircuts for your inspiration:

Photos

#1: Styled Lined-Up Undercut with Side Part

The sides of this undercut style provide an excellent grow-out option. This lined-up haircut features a distinctive hard part for effortless styling.

#2: Curly Top Afro Line Up for Black Men

Here’s the classic afro line-up hairstyle for young black men to rock! Short curls and line-up create timeless, stylish looks.

See more haircuts for young black boys.

Impeccably Styled low top fade
Instagram @max_dossantos

#3: Impeccably Styled Low Top Fade

When you rock this killer lineup cut, no one- and I say, no one- has a thing on you.

Sleek line up haircut
Instagram @barbersukraine

#4: A Sleek Line Up with Bald Fade

Almost resembling a Caesar cut with a line-up, this fine man is fortunate to pull off sharp edges. Not everyone can achieve that, but those who do truly make an impression!

Textured short haircut with a line up for guys
Instagram @cal_newsome

#5: Textured Short Haircut with a Line Up

A textured short haircut with a line up is a fantastic option if you want to try out a new hairstyle. The textured short haircut gives this style a clean yet bold appearance that will attract attention. Any skin fade will enhance the textured cut with a precise lineup to achieve this look.

Related: Top short haircuts for men.

trimmed line up taper haircut
Instagram @omithebarber_

#6: Trimmed Line Up Taper Fade

Maintain a sharp angle while enjoying that polished look on the sides by sporting this line up with taper fade. You can’t beat this line up hairstyle!

Textured line up cut for men
Instagram @jamik_sup

#7: Textured Line Up Cut

A textured line up cut is ideal for individuals with medium to thick hair. The style is faded closely around the ears, showcasing a line up on the temple and a bold line on top. This cut demands minimal upkeep. A quick blow-dry and styling powder will provide the desired look and hold needed throughout the day.

#8: Casual Hairstyle with Clean Edges

A casual hairstyle with clean edges offers the perfect blend of a relaxed look and a polished finish. The clean edges provide a sharp outline at the top of the head utilizing various blades and styling techniques. It necessitates regular visits to the barber to maintain the defined shape. The casual hairstyle adds ease and flexibility while also introducing movement and enhancing texture to the hair.

Classic Low Fade Line Up
Instagram @califreshcutz

#9: Classic Low Fade Line Up

This straight razor line up with low fade represents a timeless, chic, and contemporary hairstyle crafted by stylist Javier Hernandez of California.

“Fades have been around for years. They’re fashionable because they elevate your appearance, and you can never go wrong with a fade. Fades are still really popular, and I don’t see them fading away,” Hernandez emphasizes.

Before adopting a low skin fade with line up, Hernandez advises considering if you have the appropriate hair and length on top to style it.

He suggests, “use the right products to style your hair. I believe you can never go wrong with a fade depending on your face shape, and it’s astonishing how a great haircut can transform your personality and the way you perceive yourself.”

Styled Line Up Cut with Drop Fade and Beard
Instagram @thatbarbernate

#10: Styled Line Up Cut with Drop Fade and Beard

This lineup hairstyle showcases a sleek traditional side part combined with a contemporary mid-drop fade. It’s blended down into the beard and features a medium to long length on top.

Barber Nate Alexander from Los Angeles shares, “I appreciate the contrast from a full dark top to a bald finish, accented by the arch around the temporal.”

Ideally, straight to wavy hair and a strong facial structure will make these types of men’s hairstyles truly stand out.

For styling, Alexander suggests using a shiny pomade or a strong-hold gel. “This low-maintenance haircut can carry you through a long day,” Alexander concludes.

#11: Modern Comb Over Haircut

Here’s a stylish approach that’s also a contemporary version of the comb over. A timeless design made striking by the bold line along the shaved edge.

Achieve the Pompadour Look with a Line Up for Long Hair
Instagram @omarbarberdiaz

#12: Achieve the Pompadour Look with a Line Up for Long Hair

This hairstyle features a line-up combined with a pompadour, enhancing volume for men’s hair. Massachusetts-based Barber Omar Diaz crafted this style to complement the shape of the face and the dimensions of the head.

For a gentleman with abundant hair volume and a narrow face along with a short forehead, Diaz opted for a high fade with a meticulously clean finish. “Initially, I cut the hair at 90 degrees using 45-degree angles. Then, I performed texture cuts near the nape and halfway through the already cropped hair to lessen the bulk. Lastly, I executed the fade with a line on the forehead,” Diaz explains.

After completing the haircut, Diaz washed the hair, then dried and polished it until achieving a shiny look. Finally, he applied a matte wax from the Pacinos brand along with a strong, fast-drying spray.

Fade Line Up for Curly Locks
Instagram @barberosupremo

#13: Fade Line Up for Naturally Curly Locks

This fade line up is an edgy haircut style for a curly hair type to highlight its natural texture. Seriously, we’re not asking much—A perfect fade, clean edges, plus curly hair, and we’re good!

Crew cut + line up for receding hairline
Instagram @dimasbarber

#14: Crew Cut with Line Up for Thinning Hairline

A crew cut paired with a line-up is an excellent choice for managing a thinning hairline. Who wants to experience baldness? Nobody. Always remember that the shorter the sides, the more voluminous and full the hair on top will seem.

Defined Line Up haircut
Instagram @rawbthebarber

#15: Defined Line Up Haircut

This style of line up is a highly sought-after cut known as the gentleman’s cut, featuring razored skin-tight sides paired with a meticulously crafted hairline. This hair design is by barber Rob Ramirez of Turlock, CA.

“I would certainly advise keeping some length on top, as you want it long enough to style. I also suggest using pomades and investing in a good brush and blow-dryer for an appealing look,” Ramirez mentions, sharing tips for men who wish to sport this style.

Men's stylish side-swept line up
Instagram @n.gents

#16: Stylish Side-Swept Line Up

Explore a stylish side-swept line up for a remarkably clean cut that complements your beard beautifully. The semi-undercut provides length on top for an ideal side-swept appearance. The defined line up enhances the hairline, offering a sharp and polished look. Remember, this haircut will need touch-ups every 2-3 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate.

#17: Sharp Fade and Line Up Haircut Featuring a Hard Part

Besides enhancing the facial structure, such a distinct skin fade paired with a lineup cut can be blended with various styles to maintain harmony.

The hard part in this style highlights the pomp up top, which brings a softer touch to the overall appearance. This hard part lineup combined with a sharp fade haircut would also look remarkable alongside a fuller beard style.

Textured wavy top with subtle fade
Instagram @jamik_sup

#18: Textured Wavy Top with Subtle Fade

A textured wavy top with a subtle fade is ideal for those with thick, coarse hair. It has been taken down to the skin around the ears and faded up into a stylish wavy top. It is a cut that’s quick and easy to style. A texturizing clay or styling paste will work well with this cut.

Buzz cut featuring a line up and mid fade with a hair line design
Instagram @steezecuttme

#19: The Stylish Buzz Cut with Mid Fade and Hair Line Design

Lay the foundation on top with textured hair. Then, shave it till it’s clean at the sides to get a sharp line up hairstyle. Add some designs like a shaved line to one side for that ultimate style statement.

Sharp flat top line up with Line Up and High Skin Fade
Instagram @jordantabakman

#20: Sharp Flat Top with Line Up and High Skin Fade

Too stylish for anything less with a fresh look of perfectly shaped line up hedge and a smooth skin fade.

#21: Men’s Double Line-Up Haircut

Check out that double line-up hairstyle flowing through the brows. The fade complements everything here!