32 Stylish Yet Low-Maintenance Men’s Haircuts We Love
Gone are the days of ultra-shellacked side parts and pompadours—today’s leading men are embracing their hair’s natural texture in cuts that require minimal product and only semi-frequent visits to the barber or salon chair. They’re experimenting with length (hello, ’90s heartthrob waves!) fades, buzzes, and pops of color that look effortlessly cool. Below, we’re sharing 32 of our favorite low-maintenance men’s haircuts along with expert tips on how to style them.
Low Fade
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According to James, a low fade calls for regular trims on the neck and sides (on average, once a week), but daily styling is otherwise “quick and hassle-free.” Focus on adding moisture with a leave-in conditioner or curl cream.
Curly Mullet
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Mullets make a statement while being surprisingly easy to style, especially if your hair is wavy or curly like Paul Mescal’s. The cut does most of the work, but a quick dab of pomade gives extra definition.
Cropped Curls
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When your hair is thick and curly, excess length can make it harder to style. A short cut like Charles Melton’s will enhance your hair’s texture without adding to your getting-ready time.
Buzz Cut
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A buzz cut is the “ultimate low-maintenance style for everyday upkeep,” says James. It’s easy to DIY and a great choice for all hair types and densities.
Choppy Shag
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A medium-length shag works for almost any hair type and is easy to grow out. “The style is low-maintenance by nature and can be left to air-dry for a loose, tousled finish,” says James.
Texturized
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Short, tapered sides and volume focused on the top add texture to straight hair. A pomade or styling cream will give a defined pieceyness.
Forward Facing
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Troye Sivan keeps his curls neatly trimmed on the sides with the top pushed forward to create a face-framing effect. If your hair is wavy to curly like his, simply style with salt spray.
Crew Cut
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A simple crew cut and finely chiseled facial hair make a subtle yet impactful statement. “The sharp length makes styling easy while looking crisp and polished,” says James. “The only real maintenance is occasional trims to tidy the sides and neckline.”
Short Afro
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When growing out coily hair, hydration is your top priority. Wash with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner, then style with a combination of oil and conditioning cream.
Tousled Curls
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Salt spray and pomade are the only styling products you’ll need for tousled layers like Timothee Chalamet’s. To maintain the cut’s shape and keep the length looking intentional, James recommends booking monthly trims.
Volumized
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If your hair is straight and you’re willing to blow-dry it, save this voluminous, ’90s-inspired style for your next hair appointment. Subtle texturizing “removes excess bulk without sacrificing movement and natural flow,” says James.
Allover Length
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Daniel Dae Kim keeps his length uniform all over, with subtle tapering at the neck and sideburns. This look requires little expert maintenance—just a texturizing paste as a daily styler.
Soft Fade
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Want to grow out your hair without sacrificing your weekly or biweekly lineup? Take inspiration from Colman Domingo’s low fade.
Ivy League Cut
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An Ivy League cut is a slightly longer version of the crew cut. “While not as frequently trimmed as a buzz or crew cut, a little bit of product needs to be applied in the styling every day to achieve a groomed appearance,” explains James.
Gelled
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A shine-enhancing gel adds glossiness and definition to naturally wavy hair like Pedro Pascal’s, while a hard part dresses up the cut for date nights and formal events.
Short Twists
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Twists add definition and make it easier to style your hair as it grows out. Jean Elie pairs his with a subtle fade and crisp facial hair.
Brushed-Back
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A brushed-back Ivy League cut adds subtle volume and texture to straight or fine hair. It’s also ideal for concealing signs of hair thinning, says James.
Bold Buzz
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If you’ve been itching to experiment with color but don’t want to commit to a look long-term, bleach and dye your buzz cut. The beauty is that you can always buzz it again and start fresh.
Middle Part
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“For those who like to have their hair longer, the ’90s center part is enjoying a massive comeback,” says James. To nail the look, you’ll have to learn your way around a blow dryer and a round brush.
Mid Fade
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Michael B. Jordan’s mid-fade calls for weekly to bi-weekly lineups, but on an everyday basis, it only requires a quick go with a soft, boar-bristle brush.
’90s-Inspired
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To mimic Hugh Grant’s classic, straight-out-of-a-romcom style, ask your stylist for floppy, volume-enhancing layers. At home, blow-dry your hair upside down for extra body.
Lightly Tousled
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Look for a styling product that offers flexible hold to maintain your hair’s natural movement and shine, like Steven Yeun’s.
Grown-Out Buzz
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As you’re growing out a buzz, keep the sides and neck trimmed and push the front forward for an edgy effect. To style, all you have to do is run a texturizing paste through with your fingers.
Bold Facial Hair
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Make your facial hair the star of the show with a pared-back buzz cut. With this look, a good beard oil is essential.
Curly Shag
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James recommends monthly trims to add volume and definition to a shag, especially on curly textures.
Short and Neat
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“Longer lengths make thinning areas more visible, but a buzz cut or short, textured look can create the illusion of fuller hair,” notes James. “I also recommend sporting a confident, well-groomed look rather than attempting to conceal thinning. It’s all about having confidence!”
Short Coils
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A classic fade spotlights short, defined coils on Daniel Kaluuya. To reactivate your curl pattern between wash days, keep a hydrating mist on hand.
Straight Mullet
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A mullet works well for fine and straight hair, too. Rather than styling with a pomade or gel, rough it up with some texturizing spray.
Soft Buzz
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Idris Elba’s buzzed fade is a study in sophisticated ease. “Although it doesn’t require much styling, regular trims (every week on average) are needed to keep it sharp,” says James.
High Fade
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A high fade keeps the sides and neck tight while enhancing Miguel’s curl pattern. For a similar look, style with a curl-defining gel.
Long Afro
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The Weeknd traded his signature locs for an Afro and a full beard that defines his bone structure. Use a pick to volumize your coils and achieve a similar shape.
Casual Quiff
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No buzz, just texture at the top equals minimal trims and fast styling time—all you have to do is rake through a matte pomade and style with your fingers.
