The disconnected undercut haircut is when your hair is short on the sides and long on top. Instead of blending the sides with the hair on top, there’s a sharp contrast or transition between the two that creates a disconnection, hence the name “disconnected undercut.” In this way, the two sides are separated and it really makes this a popular & edgy look right now. Celebrities like David Beckham, Justin Bieber, and Joe really popularized this trend.
This disconnection is usually called a hard part line or surgical line. Longer hair is usually styled by either having it slick back or back and to the side, which is called a modern quiff. The length of this type of haircut is best when your hair touches anywhere between your eyebrows and the bottom of your chin. This cut is also referred to as simply an “undercut.”
Below are pictures of disconnected undercuts that are very popular this year. These hairstyles & haircuts are sure to be a hit with young boys, hipsters, and men in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. You’ll see a mix of styles from pompadours, side parts, messy, quiffs, casual and formal. Whether your hair is thick, thin, thinning, wavy, curly or fine, you’ll find a cool haircut for you.
Types of Fades for a Disconnected Undercut
Typically, there will be a slight fade on the sides and back leading up to line separating it from the top. Lately, the fade has been getting shorter. Some men prefer a bald fade at the bottom and some prefer a more gradual fade, up to a size 1 guard near the top. If you’re a guy who’s not comfortable with a bald fade, then ask your barber for the clipper to be set between #1 and #3. A more modern look is to have a taper fade at the bottom, to give your undercut a more natural and clean style.
How To Ask a Barber for a Disconnected Undercut
- Ask about your current hair length and if you should grow it to have longer hair on top.
- Let them know what kind of fade you want, if at all. If they use clippers, ask for anywhere between a 0 and 3.
- Ask for to a taper fade around the very edges of the neckline for that clean and modern haircut.
- Ask for extra space around your ears. As men’s short hair on the side grows, it won’t grow over your ears as quickly.
- Ask for them to texturize your hair for a messier hairstyle and if you have thicker hair, this will naturally thin it out.
- Take advantage of their expertise and ask them how you should style based on your hair length, type, face shape, time and product budget.
- Save a couple of images of your favorite hairstyles on your phone and show your barber.
How to Style a Disconnected Undercut
- Start with wet hair and add a control and volumizing product, also known as a pre-styler that sets the foundation.
- Take a brush or comb and blow dry from front to back or to the side and back until your hair is dry.
- Use a quarter size amount of a clay wax with a matte finish, texture clay or a pomade and rub all through your hair.
- Either use a comb to comb it back for a clean look or use your fingers for a more casual, messy look.
- Finish with a holding spray if you plan on being a little more active that day.
Check out the popular video by BluMaan on how to style disconnected haircuts:
Long and Casual
Haircut by @kyleliebermanAn Original Skin High Fade
Haircut by @alanmainsterCombed Back Casual Disconnection
Haircut by @erichagbergMid Fade With High Volume
Haircut by @wuuulliLow & Separated With Very Short Sides
Short Comb Over
Instagram @philyscutsMini Mohawk
Instagram @hagopartCombed Forward
Haircut by @guerin_thebarberLong Surgical Line
Haircut by @criminal_barberTall Quiff
Haircut by @marianodivaioLow Fade Pompadour
Haircut by @andyauthenticBrushed Back and To The Sides
Haircut by @titan_barberLong Hair With Bald Sides
Haircut by @braidbarbersCombover Pompadour Line Up
Haircut by @_mannysShort Piecey Low Fade
Haircut by @willsalonMedium Undercut & Messy Hair
Haircut by @braidbarbersSwept Up With Short Tapered Sides
Haircut by @jordan_king30Side Swept With a Deep Hard Part
Haircut by @horatiuthebarberCalifornia Thick Wavy Hair
Haircut by @viktorfrisksSlicked Back Undercut Fade
Haircut by @sr4oficialUndercut for Thin Hair
Haircut by @napolesbarbershopUndercut for Thick Hair
Haircut by @lianos_urban_cutzDetached Man Bun
Haircut by @eddie_rtbTextured With Mid-Fade Undercut
Haircut by @ayozecastellanoSide Part With Faded Beard
Haircut by @flatmaxMedium Length Wavy Hair
Haircut by @r.braidLow Razor Part With Long Fringe
Haircut by @casquero_officialbarberForward Facing Long Wavy Hair
Haircut by @beholdthybarberDisconnection for Curly Hair
Haircut by @jakebbarberTextured Waves & Shaved Sides
Haircut by @vazgen.ogaNatural Twists With Line Designs
Instagram @z_ramseyGet a tight disconnected cut that is surprisingly easy to pull off! A long surgical line paired with a neat line-up make a cool hair design if you wanna feel confident and fresh!
Long Straight Hair Pomp
Instagram @marconybarberSpiky Texture
Instagram @juanmapelukaShort Pompadour for Straight Hair
Instagram @linothebarberAsian Undercut Fade
Hidden Receding Hairline
Instagram @camillemoore.sA Gentleman Cut
Instagram @jesuszambrana_barberUnique Asymmetrical Fringe
Instagram @jesuszambrana_barberLong Curly Hair
Instagram @travisanthonyhairA long surgical line can remarkably emphasize your hair especially if you have vibrant textured curls. Apply some wax or gel to add more volume and take advantage of the benefits of having disconnected hair.
Military Cut
Instagram @travisanthonyhairQ&A with style creator, Travis Hill
Barber @ Travis Anthony Hair in Eugene, OR
How would you describe this look?
This is a very classic, timeless style with a little modern twist. I would call this haircut a classic side-part with a mid-bald fade.
It is also one of the most popular hairstyles for men. This style is a pretty attractive hairstyle on most head shapes. You can associate it with a man who is passionate about looking nice.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This haircut could be for somebody who enjoys extensively styling their hair. In my opinion, this hairstyle works best with straight hair.
For curly hair, I use Clay-Pomade by Baxter of California to achieve this look. I tend to steer clear of real shiny pomades and grease.
I recommend clays and creams to shows the true nature of a well-done haircut and style instead of greasing the hair down and taking away from the beauty of a well-structured haircut.
Thinning Hair Disconnect
Instagram @jamesmackeyhairQ&A with style creator, Mackey Atkinson
Stylist @ Stephen Gregory Men’s Concept in Birmingham, AL
How would you describe this look?
In this look, it really shows off my artistic side and my attention to detail.
I love the texture on the top and how I incorporated fading with a dramatic disconnection.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This haircut can be high maintenance. To keep up the skin fade, I recommend a touch up every 2 weeks.
Styling it can be super easy. I heavily texturized the top to give it the “piecey” appearance.
You can use a clay or texturizing pomade to create this look and even smooth it out with a flat iron.
This cut will work on all hair types. I love seeing this on guys with curly hair. I would not recommend this for men looking for haircuts for thin/fine hair or has a highly progressed receding hairline. If you have facial hair, fading your beard into the cut is a perfect way to tie it all in.