9 Best Short Hairstyles and Haircuts for Men in 2020

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing a haircut, and it’s definitely not a case of one-size fits all. With the summer months upon us, several guys are opting for shorter styles to welcome the warm weather and complement the new season. The good news is, when it comes to short hairstyles for men, the options are a bounty.

But how do you know which cut is right for you? It’s a predicament that many men face. After all, you wear it daily, so it’s important that it complements the shape of your face and, of course, your personal style. Fear not: we’ve created a guide outlining what you should consider when it comes to choosing a short hairstyle that’s just perfect for you.

For Round Faces

If you have spherical features – think full cheeks and a rounded jaw line – you should opt for a short haircut that’s longer on the top of the crown. This will help create the illusion of height and, therefore, minimise the roundness. As a general rule, try and steer clear of bangs, as this will emphasise the rounded shape of your complexion. That said, a shorter, more piecey fringe can work, if judged just right. Remember: your barber is there to help guide you!

For Oval Faces

If you have an oval shaped face, it’s likely that you’ll be able to pull off any cut (you lucky thing!). Thanks to its well-proportioned features and a slightly rounded jawline, those blessed with an oval face can afford to go that much shorter to really accentuate that much coveted look of symmetry.

For Square Faces

If you have a strong jawline and pronounced cheekbones that are pretty much the same width as your chin, best to keep the sides short and maintain a little more length on top to create height, which can help elongate your features. Also try working in some textures (try the TIGI Bed Head for Men Pure Texture Molding Paste, £11.50*) to soften up your angular features a bit, so if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, use them to your advantage!

For Long Faces

If you have elongated facials features, try and avoid haircuts that involve taking the sides too short, as this will only accentuate the length of your face. Instead, opt for styles that are shorter on top and slightly longer on the sides to help add width and achieve balance.

Tip: adding a bit of natural-looking textures and subtle volume to your hairstyle can also help soften and round out a longer face. Try spritzing the VO5 Casual Control Dry Texture Spray (£3.99*) on to towel-dried hair to achieve this.

Diamond or triangle-shaped Faces

Being wider at the temples and across the forehead, it does mean this face shape is best suited to longer styles that will help detract attention from the width of the upper half your face. However, bangs will work well on you, so try taking the sides a tad shorter than the top, and comb it forward to create a fringe.

Taper fade

One of the most popular short hairstyles for men today, the taper fade involves taking the back and sides very short, and tapering downwards. To add a new dimension to the cut, your stylist will use more than one guard to gradually fade the hair from one length to another. With its modern appeal and masculine personality, this cut involves using clippers in order to give the hair a sharp, defined finish.

Classic short back and sides

Classics are called classics for a reason. This short back and sides, for example, is renowned for suiting all face shapes, which means it’s always a good option if you’re looking for a short cut that’s timeless, low maintenance and offers flexibility in styling. For a more directional look – and to get that extra mile out of styling – ask your barber to keep some length at the top and leave you some room to play around.

The side part

Neat, slick and utterly dapper, this smart hairstyle is 100% handsome, and continues to be a go-to cut for many male celebrities.

To really nail this look, take the back and sides shorter, and leave a considerable length at the top, which can then be parted at the side, then shaped, cut and styled to complement your taste and personality. The good news is, whether you have thin, medium of thick hair, you’ll definitely be able to pull of this look, although those with thicker hair should note that a stronger hold pomade (like the VO5 Extreme Style Grooming Pomade, £3.99*) is needed to keep the style looking slick from day to night.

Editor’s tip: want to test whether the side part suits you before taking the plunge? First, find your natural parting by brushing your hair forward, shaking your head and pinpointing where the hair starts to separate. Once you’ve found your natural parting, simply comb the sides down, and brush your hair over in the opposite direction to see how it looks and feels!

*RRPs are Unilever suggested retail prices only, it is at the discretion of the individual retailers to set the actual price.