35 Best Undercut Styles for Men: Haircuts and Hairstyles (2025 Images)

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

An undercut for men hairstyle is a contemporary take on a pomp and a quiff, featuring longer hair on top and shaved sides. The variety and originality of designs for this stylish hairstyle is why it’s one of the most sought-after cuts for modern men.

The shaved sides provide ample volume for the top mane and stunning contrast that can easily suit any length and type of hair.

You can opt to keep your hair natural or apply products like gel and pomade for a glossy sleek or textured and tousled finish!

Every guy’s favorite aspect of this style is its adaptability – you can pretty much wear it for any occasion, whether it’s for casual outings or a formal business setting. There are numerous exciting variations of this fantastic cut!

Here’s a roundup of this year’s trendiest undercut for men haircuts and hairstyles to inspire you before your visit to the barber.

Photos
Undercut with Burst Fade for Curly Hair
Instagram @nstfadez

#1: Undercut with Burst Fade

Styling curly hair can often be challenging. Many individuals opt for an undercut to maintain shorter sides while preserving length on top for styling. Communicating your desired look to your barber is essential, and using visual references can be particularly effective. With curls, proper styling time is necessary. It’s advisable to refrain from using a hair dryer, as it may lead to excessive volume and frizz. I suggest applying a small amount of Argan oil to damp hair and allowing it to air dry. The product I use is MUK Argan oil.

Mid Skin Fade Undercut for Short Hair
Instagram @tonecutz716

#2: Mid Skin Fade Undercut for Short Hair

A mid-skin fade undercut looks incredibly sharp. With coarse hair, the blended effect appears even more flattering. This short hairstyle is ideal for men in the military looking for a cut that complies with military standards.

When considering this men’s undercut fade, barber Tony Avery of Buffalo, NY advises, “Ask your barber for a mid skin fade with two inches of length on top, styled with pomade. I suggest Elegance styling pomade, as it offers excellent hold and a pleasant fragrance.”

#3: Afro Undercut Featuring a Hard Part

Fades can also be taken extremely tight and disconnected to create an afro undercut featuring a hard part. The style has been faded meticulously to assist with the varying directions of the curl. The hairline and hard part have been razored in to accentuate the disconnection and allow the top to grow. Consult your barber if he does razor the edges in to give your undercut mens haircut a precise finish.

#4: Stylish Cuts with a Curly Top

Chic styles featuring a curly top are perfect for those looking to stand out and showcase their personality. The back and sides have been undercut quite low, allowing the top to flourish while providing space for the design. Before visiting your barber, I recommend browsing online for inspiration and selecting a style that resonates with you, but be sure to confirm with your barber if they can execute it. Designs can grow out relatively quickly, so you can refresh your appearance frequently.

#5: Sleek Asian Undercut for Fine Hair

Styled with a timeless combover and featuring a distinct hard side part, this undercut haircut truly imparts a gentlemanly/professional essence.

#6: Stylish Long Top Undercut for Wavy Hair

This mid fade men’s undercut for wavy hair is a trendy, youthful style. Created by hair artist Nikki Probasco of Arizona, the coolest thing about this particular cut is the disheveled look on the top, making it low-maintenance. It’s also very versatile as it can be styled into a modern pompadour for a clean-cut dapper look. Or, keep longer curls at the front of the face to form as the fringe.

Probasco suggests, “Use some product to style it. One of my absolute favorites is Free Hold from the Kevin Murphy line. It helps to create a flexible hold with a little shine, and the essential oils make it smell so good!”

Hard Side Part Undercut
Instagram @hairstylehubb

#7: Side-Parted Undercut Hairstyle

The side-parted undercut hairstyle exemplifies a perfect blend of professionalism and casual style. This look is particularly appealing to young professionals seeking a refined appearance. For those who prefer to avoid showing skin, opting for a shadow fade is an excellent choice. This technique starts with a #1 at the base and gracefully transitions to a #2. The styling aspect is perhaps the most exciting feature of this haircut.

Individuals with curly hair can also achieve this hairstyle, but it requires dedication. Blow drying and, if necessary, straightening are essential steps. A curly undercut introduces dynamic movement into men’s hairstyles. There are a variety of products available for styling. For those aiming for a polished, firm appearance, I suggest using pomades with strong hold. Alternatively, for a more natural look that allows for easy adjustment throughout the day, a lightweight paste is advisable.

#8: Defined Hard Part with a Clean Line

Wow, check out this defined hard part with a clean line! This haircut is for bold dudes looking to stand apart from the crowd. I suggest showing this picture to your barber and discussing how to make this haircut work best. If you can pull off something like this, go for it!

Wavy thin hair with undercut for men
Instagram @criztofferson

#9: Undercut for Wavy Thin Hair

This hairstyle featuring wavy thin hair with an undercut is perfect for men looking for a style that is both easy to manage and trendy. The sides are faded high and tight, creating a distinct separation from the wavy curls on top. This cut helps maintain control over the sides and provides men with a variety of styling possibilities.

Stylish Messy Undercut for Boys
Instagram @cavemanbarber

#10: Stylish Messy Undercut for Boys

A blend of organized and tousled hair – this messy undercut provides styling versatility and ensures it stands out due to that clean high fade. To achieve this look, ask your barber for a french crop undercut tailored to your hair texture.

Bold High Skin Fade Undercut
Instagram @shearly_mad

#11: Bold High Skin Fade Undercut

Opt for a striking undercut with a bald/skin fade that’s beautifully lightened all over. A talented hairstylist from Kansas, Courtney Ankrum, also performed a beard trim/clean up with this fade, as well.

This high skin fade undercut is quite simple to maintain. “Just put some gel, mousse, or pomade in and slick it back, wet or dry,” states Ankrum.

This men’s undercut style can complement various hair textures, depending on the volume they prefer. Ankrum explains, “This style is incredibly versatile regarding face shape and hair texture. You could just apply some matte pomade for a soft and flowy look. There are endless ways you can style this!”

Stylish Faux Hawk Hairstyle with Undercut
Instagram @raduvitca

#12: Stylish Faux Hawk Hairstyle with Undercut

A faux hawk featuring an undercut draws all eyes to the textured hair on top. What better approach to style a faux hawk than with crisply tapered sides?

#13: Contemporary French Crop Undercut

A contemporary French crop undercut is a stylish take on the classic 90s Caesar haircut. The back and sides are faded short with the top left longer, and the front is blended in with a texturized fringe. This haircut serves as a fantastic choice for men with a receding hairline as it helps to hide low-density areas along the top of the forehead.

#14: Sleek Skin Fade and Undercut with Textured Spikes

An undercut and a high tight skin fade with a styled disconnected top is a work of art by Logan Wyatt, a barber from Salisbury, NC.

The hair type for this styled undercut with fade would be most suitable for fine to medium density, straight, or subtle curl. Any individual can wear this style, as it suits best with confidence. Wyatt emphasizes, “This undercut on spiky hair is for any guy who desires a fresh, polished, and easy-to-maintain hairstyle that caters to any event.”

#15: Thick Waves with Undercut

The thick waves with an undercut is perfect for those with dense hair who prefer to maintain length on top. The sides are clipped tight and separated from the top, resulting in the undercut. A minimal amount of upkeep is required to achieve this look in the morning. Employing a lightweight texture paste or styling powder will provide the necessary movement for this hairstyle.

Drop fade undercut for men with curly hair
Instagram @midas_irv

#16: Curly Hair with Drop Fade Undercut

A drop fade undercut for curly hair is ideal for thicker, darker locks to maximize the impact of this style. The fade is positioned lower at the back of the head, creating a smooth transition that complements the undercut. This cut adds length to the curls, allowing them to stand out. Using styling powder is recommended to define the curls in your men’s undercut hairstyle.

Medium-Length Thick Hair with Undercut Fade
Instagram @chop_a_gram

#17: Medium-Length Thick Hair with Undercut Fade

It’s a disconnected style undercut on both sides with enough length left to create forward movement without collapse. “I used a number two guard on the sides and tapered it in with a one,” says Natalia Molenda, a stylist from Scotland who created this chop.

“I use a wide tooth comb and no guard on the crown as the hair is so straight. When I cut the top, I kept it medium-length so I can produce lift and texture. The texture is achieved through slicing and razoring. This style is finished with matt clay applied to wet hair and dried in. For extra texture and lift, I apply a little bit of Affinage wonder dust,” Molenda adds.

This look is best suited to gents with thick hair which can take a lot of texturizing. Molenda would advise on the use of Matt Clay and Dust. Ideally, the man wearing this should be confident and perhaps working in a setting where a modern look is appealing.

Stylish Quiff with Taper Fade Undercut
Instagram @fabaobarber

#18: Stylish Quiff with Taper Fade Undercut

Showcase your thick black hair on top with a clean disconnection and a tapered fade undercut! By sporting a refined undercut with a quiff like this, you’ll achieve a contemporary and polished appearance!

Bold Slicked Back Undercut Hairstyle
Instagram @liz_thebarber

#19: Bold Slicked Back Undercut Hairstyle

It’s a disconnected slicked back undercut with skin-tight, high fade (slight drop). According to Washington-based barber Lizet Sanchez, the best thing about this cut is how well it effortlessly sits and lays back.

On the other hand, Sanchez emphasizes that if the top is not long enough, it won’t lay as nicely. Additionally, for hair growth patterns, cowlicks tend to play a significant role in this style.

The under cut for men also requires a bit of time to style it. Sanchez continues, “I recommend a strong hold pomade (water-based preferably) and a blow dryer because it works wonders. When it comes to personality and lifestyle, I see the undercut as a fantastic cut with numerous options for styling.”

#20: Stylish Undercut for Men’s Long Hair

Featuring long hairstyles for men, a man bun, and an undercut that was crafted by California-based stylist Brittany Alamillo.

“For this bold style, we clipper cut his undercut and sides and then with shears gave the rest of his hair a trim,” Alamillo notes.

Low Fade Hair
Instagram @andrewdoeshair

#21: Low Fade with Undercut

Enhance your tousled locks even further by opting for a fade near the ears with this low fade and undercut combination. This style has become a favorite among stylish men seeking a textured look.

Stylish Side-Swept Undercut for Men
Instagram @kiki_cuts

#22: Stylish Side-Swept Undercut for Men

Try this trendy side-swept men’s undercut hairstyle that offers depth and looks fantastic with grey hair! With this style, you can achieve a polished look without resorting to a buzz cut.

#23: Textured Undercut with Sleek Pompadour

This textured undercut with sleek pompadour is ideal for thick, dark hair. The top has been disconnected at the sides allowing all of the length and weight to be styled upward into the pomp. The sides have been taken down to the skin around the edges and faded neatly into the top. You’ll need to maintain this style daily, so ensure you have the time to do so and follow tips from your barber.

#24: Textured Long Undercut with Sharp Fade

A sleek yet textured undercut by Stylist Heather created a truly adaptable and stylish appearance. With length on the upper part of the head, you can choose a combover, a side-part, or a tousled look.

Stylish Man Bun with Undercut
Instagram @jaymac22_

#25: Stylish Man Bun with Undercut

Combine long hair with a sharp mid fade and what do you create? A striking undercut! Style your hair in a man bun to embody that trendy vibe!

#26: Stylish Textured Mullet with an Undercut for Men

A stylish textured mullet is relatively easy to maintain but will need daily styling to keep the shape. The side panels have been shaved out and disconnected from the rest of the cut, with scissor layering techniques to create the texture. One of the best ways to create the texture is to dry some sea salt spray into it and don’t forget to use a good styling powder for enhancing the volume and texture. This is a great undercut men love.

Trending Comb Over Undercut with Fade

#27 Trending Comb Over Undercut with Fade

An impressive undercut style leverages the distinction that the shaved or faded sides offer. Straight and wavy hair textures would be ideal for this cut.

Chic Pompadour Undercut with Gentle Line-Up
Instagram @mateusmetzler

#28: Chic Pompadour Undercut with Gentle Line-Up

The perfectly faded short sides with gentle line-up show off the long top hair and allows for any cool styling to be the center of attention. Going blonde with dark roots also completes the overall hipster vibe.

Stylish Disconnected Undercut for Oblong Face Shapes
Instagram @barber.aa

#29: Stylish Disconnected Undercut for Oblong Face Shapes

A fantastic brushed-up hairstyle with a precise surgical line blends contemporary and classic styles to create a refined appearance like this disconnected undercut. Men with long or oblong face shapes would love showcasing this cut.

#30: Distinctive Men’s Side Part Undercut

Elevate your chic hairstyle on top with trimmed sides to create a stylish undercut. Worn tousled and side-parted, this appearance feels contemporary and striking.

Creative Mohawk Undercut Featuring a Shaved Design
Instagram @tailorfade

#31: Creative Mohawk Undercut Featuring a Shaved Design

Incorporating simple linework can elevate a mohawk undercut like this! Barber Trevor crafted a look that energizes your hair and enhances the original style.

#32: The Timeless Undercut

Achieve an iconic style with this all-time favorite, timeless undercut haircut. A clean and sharp shave is essential for pulling off this trendy hairstyle. This is an undercut paired with a short pompadour that can be tailored for any occasion with some simple adjustments.

Sleek Side Part Undercut complemented by Beard
Instagram @nurii_b

#33: Sleek Side Part Undercut complemented by a Beard

When it comes to mens undercut hairstyles, a big beard combined with a stylish combover featuring a side part allows any gentleman to look sharp.

Undercut Stylish Fade with Expert Designs
Instagram @dirosahaircare

#34: Stylish Fade with Expert Designs

Looking for a trendy haircut for an occasion or celebration? A stylish fade with expert designs will allow you to take your regular haircut yet add a flair for a party or event. Make sure your barber is skilled in not only this men’s undercut hairstyle but also able to add a design. You can finish this cut at home with a pomade for shine or matte styling cream for a matte, second-day feel!

Long Side Fringe with Undercut Style
Instagram @spukthebarber

#35: Long Side Fringe with Undercut Style

The long side fringe with undercut style is a striking haircut choice. When worn down, the length accentuates the head shape, jawline, and hair texture. However, the length also allows for creative flexibility when styling the hair by being pulled up in different ways. Undercut hairstyles for men can be accomplished by clippering the hair straight up, all in one length, or implementing different fading techniques. While the top length may not need a stylist or barber’s attention as often, the undercut will need to be touched up every couple of weeks to maintain its sharpness.