The disconnected undercut haircut is when you have long hair on top and short hair on the sides. It’s become a pretty popular when it comes to this year’s men’s hairstyles. 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 slicked back or back and to the side, which is called a modern quiff. The length of the undercut 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 disconnected 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 disconnected 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 disconnected hairstyles on your phone and show your barber.
How to Style
- 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 Disconnected Undercut Hairstyle
An Original Skin High Fade
Combed Back Casual Disconnection
Mid Fade With High Volume Undercut
Low & Separated With Very Short Sides
Short Comb Over
Faux Hawk
Combed Forward Undercut
Q&A with style creator, Kendal Strong
Hairstylist @ Metropolis Salon in Fayetteville, AR
How would you describe this look?
This disconnected undercut is my take on the old school bowl cut. My client and I were inspired by K-pop stars and the way they modernized the hairstyle so we played around with the idea of a more defined shape. I love the contrast between the harsh, structured lines and the soft, airy texture on top.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is great for someone who likes to stand out in a crowd and push the envelope with their style. It can be styled very structurally or air dried for a messier carefree look. This style works best on someone with straight to slightly wavy, medium hair with a strong bone structure.
The round shape of this cut could add too much emphasis to round face shape. If you are looking for a way to spice up a short hair cut, this is definitely a fun option. To achieve this look, apply a texturizing cream to wet hair, blow-dry, and finish with a matte strong hold pomade. The pomade can be applied generously throughout the hair, then using soft twisting movements with your fingers, create definition between the pieces.
Long Surgical Disconnected Lines
Tall Quiff
Low Fade Pompadour Undercut
Brushed Back Undercut
Long Hair With Bald Sides
Combover Pompadour Line Up
Short Piecey Low Faded Undercut
Medium Undercut & Messy Hair
Swept Up With Short Tapered Sides
Side Swept With a Deep Hard Part
California Thick Wavy Undercut
Slicked Back Undercut Fade
Disconnected Undercut for Thin Hair
Disconnected Undercut for Thick Hair
Disconnected Undercut Man Bun
Textured With Mid-Fade Undercut
Side Parted Undercut With Beard
Medium Length Undercut Wavy Hair
Low Razor Part With Long Fringe
Forward Facing Long Wavy Hair
Disconnected Undercut for Curly Hair
Textured Waves & Shaved Sides
Natural Twists With Line Designs
Get 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
Spiky Textured Disconnected Undercut
Short Pompadour for Straight Hair
Asian Undercut Fade
Hidden Receding Hairline
A Gentleman Undercut
Unique Asymmetrical Fringe
Undercut for Long Curly Hair
Don’t be afraid to go under the razor with a buzz cut of your own. The wavy, long hair does the job of giving you all the body.
Disconnected Military Undercut
Q&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 disconnected style 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 disconnected style. 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 Disconnected Undercut
Q&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 disconnected style.
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.