Every time I come back to the mod cut style, I’m realizing more and more the ways it’s changing with the culture, and how we are currently styling hair. There’s plenty of ways to wear it, but the core of it hasn’t changed since the 60s. The requests are changing though. A few years back I remember a client of mine who was a software engineer and had never done anything fun with his hair, and pulled up a picture of Steve Marriott from 1966. I felt like he was looking for a costume, like maybe he didn’t want to see the outcome, but he ended up looking amazing. After I finished cutting his hair, he left the salon way more confident than when he walked in. That’s the beauty of a good mod cut; it really gives you a different vibe, and a lot of people really enjoy the challenge.
Some inspire more than others, and I really appreciate the range you can get from the original structure of the mod cut. I’ve put together 15 of my personal favorite variations to help you decide what you might like best, from clean and editorial to something a bit more lived in.
#1: Rebellious Jet-Black Mod Fringe
This design really illustrates the impact color can have. The saturated jet black color really stands out against the skin surrounding the cut. I’m sure it makes the cut look sharper than it really is on paper. The fringe is all very structured but the top is messy in an intentional way. This is a nice balance to keep it from looking too pristine and the combination of all these elements gives an individuality to this design. If you have medium to thick hair, this is the type of cut that makes the way your hair falls really enjoyable. It will need some maintenance in the form of fringe trims every couple of months, but having a fresh clean fringe makes the design so much sharper, which is the goal. When they start losing that defined line everything in the cut will start to soften. I think when it’s freshly cut it really has that soft intensity that is very appealing.
#2: Textured Feathered Mod Haircut
I can’t even describe the number of different versions of this cut I’ve done, that’s how many times I’ve done it. I keep doing it because of how effective it is on such a wide variety of people. The layering on top gives a lot of density without the weight, so even if your hair is only medium thick, it gives the appearance of more hair. This haircut really suits straight hair and some slight waves as well. For separation, a light pomade will work well, and will hold your hair without stiffness, but other than that, keep it simple. If you stretch your appointments, it will grow out awkwardly around week five or six.
#3: Curly Tapered Fade with Natural Texture
With this particular haircut, the focus is on the curl. Understanding where a curl should stay and where it should be taken away is key. The taper is nice and tight around the ears and neck which provides a clean polished look. The top is long enough to let the curls fully take form. You are already at a good point if your hair does so naturally. To bypass the bedhead look, a diffuser is suggested to promote the desired curl definition. It will help to achieve the goal look and add some purpose to it. Most oval-shaped faces will appreciate this look as it offers some elongation to the overall appearance. Being honest, this style’s best feature is that it looks like someone knew what their hair would do, and instead of trying to fight it, they went with it.
#4: Tousled Shaggy Layers with Mid-Length Charm
What I enjoy most about this cut is how it looks relaxed, and as if there was no overthinking put into it. The flow of the hair looks really nice. Natural flow like this is harder to achieve with scissors than most people think. If your hair has any waves or curls, this cut will reward you by doing most of the styling for you. For straight and looser textures, some texturizing spray may need to be added. The edges of the hair will lose shape over time. Some styles look best during a short period, and this style meets that criteria. It has a unique, rare, and effortless appearence. Very few styles are able to achieve this look within the right time span.
#5: Rugged Textured Chop with Angular Fringe
What I like about this one is that it emphasize a bit more on texture than most of the other cuts. The top heavy layering with the cut being evened, removes bulk without removing volume, which is super important for thick hair. The angled bangs better frame the face and keep it looking more modern, not retro. Overall, the style has movement and direction to it. This will require some maintenance in the mornings and this is probably not the style for you if you want to towel dry and be able to just walk out the door. However, the reward will be great if you are going to put in a few minutes to style it.
#6: Classic Mod Mullet with Soft Textured Layers
I was initially unsure about a mod mullet when it was first suggested, and now I promote it a ridiculous amount. The short framing around the face and long hair in the back, provides a flattering silhouette, especially with feathered layers to diminish the ‘costumey’ vibe. Due to the even proportions, the style works surprisingly well with different face shapes. While you’ll want to get reshaping done every 4-5 weeks to avoid the layers becoming flat, it is low effort in the end. I find it interesting to see certain people with a hairstyle that bold and confident.
#7: Windswept Mod Fringe with Natural Texture
I enjoy the restraint shown here, as it takes enough from 60s mod jargon like the fringe, the side weight, the whole shape, etc. without going to anything too literal. The mid length works for finer hair especially as it holds volume at the crown and doesn’t end up looking thin at the ends and the windswept movement through the top adds some life. The fringe sits nicely over the forehead drawing attention to the eyes which on a round face is exactly what you want. It can really go anywhere from casual to more dressed up looks which is practical in a way some of the more dramatic cuts here aren’t. It does take regular maintenance to keep it looking intentional and not just as if it’s overgrown.
#8: Sleek Black Razor-Cut with Angular Fringe
I really like the razor technique on this cut. The layers are so full and soft. With fine to medium hair, the ends behave differently when cut like this. The boldness of the angled fringe is editorial, and the crown area is so full even though the ends are wispy and soft. The fringe will grow out more quickly than the rest of the hair, so keep that in mind. With hair growing quickly, you will want to maintain the fringe. The overall shape does stay nice for a while and it has this lovely sophisticated look that is very easy to fall for.
#9: Shaggy Retro Mod Mane with Soft Waves
There is a sort of hairstyle that is entirely based on the pattern of the waves. However, when it the texture is in perfect sync with it, just like in this case, it truly brings out that care-free vibe. The layers seem to have been randomly cut to add depth, but without being overly choppy, and the asymmetrical bangs provide a bit of a playful vibe, but without being too silly. This haircut is most suitable for thick, medium to big hair because it provides the appropriate volume for maintaining the desired shape. This style is impacted by humidity and frizz, so it would be the best option to use styling cream for better control on those kinds of days. However, on a good hair day, it is impossible to deny the strong attraction this hairstyle can create.
#10: Softly Tousled Mid-Length Waves with Tapered Back
I enjoy this style because the tapered back adds a nice structured element that stops short of being stiff. In front, the drape is soft and casual. Turning around, there is a nice clean look at the nape that really shows some consideration to the whole shape, not just the one area you see while looking in the mirror. This is definitely a cut that suits medium to thick hair best. The wave pattern is what will do the majority of the work for you regarding styling, and controlling a little bit of product will do the job for you. I also enjoy that the cut is not overly dramatic and I feel like there is a lot of strength in that. It definitely looks like you have good hair and went to a nice barber.
#11: Refined Mid-Length Layered Cut with Soft Fringe
I want to bring to your attention some of the unique features about the fringe here. It’s not a fully heavy bang, as the softness means it can be broken up across the forehead, creating a really nice framing effect, particularly for longer face shapes. The layers create movement through the mid-lengths without sacrificing shape, and on medium to thick hair, the final result is a delightful mix of polished and textured. It’s both modern and a bit nostalgic, which is a fine line to walk, and this cut does it beautifully. The length does require consistent upkeep to keep everything falling the way it’s meant to, but the versatility you get in return really is worth the maintenance.
#12: Effortlessly Casual Mid-Length Mod Cut
My only compliment for the person who styled the natural curls coming through the cut, is for the owner of the cut. Texture is so important at this length, in order to keep the curl pattern, so it’s nice to see that it’s mid-length. The shape feels really nice and airy, youthful in a classy way. This style can be worn under a hat, or dressed up for an occasion. The most significant upkeep is conditioning, after all, curls of that length tend to get dry. Keeping moisture up will mean you can really just wash and go, and this will be a very easy scenario.
#13: Vibrant Crimson Textured Crop with Asymmetrical Bangs
The dedication to such a deep red on a textured crop is commendable. It is a bold choice that requires maintenance and confidence to pull off, and I appreciate it. The asymmetrical bangs create a nice feature and direction to the cut, and the nicely, textured layers reduce bulk without flattening the overall shape. I can see why this cut was designed for thick hair. Considering how often the color will need to be refreshed (probably every four to five weeks to keep it from drifting into muddy territory) I can understand why this would need to be done. When the color is fresh, it looks great and catches the light.
#14: Swinging Sixties Revived Brunette Shag
The layers that are added to the shag give shape and purpose to an overall intended look. Because weight is distributed differently, there is more construction weight around the crown for more volume, but less around the jawline and cheekbones to create definition. This Also works well for all face shapes. Thick, wavy hair would be an even better way to fill out the silhouette. The mid-length also practical, and presence increasing, but is not so long, that it becomes a project every morning. Out of all the layered cuts, this one grows out the best. Approximately six weeks, the definition does begin to blend so if you want it to look deliberate, you should get a trim regularly.
#15: Slick Side-Parted Mod Cut with Soft End Curls
Ending with this one is only fitting because of its classic value. The combination of side part and soft curls is understated yet striking and keeps the style from being too corporate. The natural density of the hair is best on display here and coupled with the right amount of volume and movement, it looks effortless. This hairstyle works particularly well with oval and longer face shapes. The combination of polished and playful is the best of both worlds. This look is a commitment, and daily round brushing with heat styling are required to maintain the curls, but your daily reflection will make it worth it!
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