18 Ways to Wear the Undercut Hairstyle this Fall Season

Who knew this haircut had such a juicy past?

Whoever predicted that the undercut hairstyle would prevail to this day is probably laughing all the way to the bank. Did you know that this edgy, directional style making its rounds on the fashion scene had quite a colorful past? To give you an update on the most modern ways to wear it, we’re sharing a brief history lesson, as well as 20 of the most stylish undercut hairstyles to check out:

The History of the Undercut Hairstyle

Wondering how the undercut hairstyles came about? Read on to find out.

Undercut Hairstyle History

The undercut hairstyle gained attention around 1910 during the lavish Edwardian era, but its association as primarily a poor boy’s haircut gives the undercut its curious appeal. The cut was a style apparently adopted by blue-collar Englishmen who couldn’t afford to go to skilled barbers and would then end up with a crude, non-blended hairstyle.

The shaven sides were apparently also practical in street fights, making the undercut the go-to style for gang members. It was also a popular haircut with soldiers during WWII, which furthered the style’s controversial reputation.

It then became a fixture of the punk and new wave scene in the 1980s and gained even more steam two years ago. This was thanks to celebrities who displayed and rhapsodized the undercut in its various forms. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after styles, notoriety aside, due to its versatility, ease of wear, and some would say an unparalleled swag factor.

The Hottest Undercut Hairstyle Inspo for 2023

From slicked-back to pompadour styles, keep scrolling to check out our favorite undercut hairstyle inspo!

1. Undercut with side quiff

undercut side quiff
Rake product upward and outward to create height.

Blended with a slight downward taper, this style incorporates two trends in one: the undercut and a fun quiff at the hairline. One of the more wearable versions due to the fading and slightly mussed-up feel at the crown, it’s a trendy, boyish take on this look and is popular with the model-off-duty set. Style with clay or putty, like Axe Signature Spiked Up Look: Styling Putty, to maximize texture.

2. Undercut with clipping

undercut hairstyles
Side clippings, even the most minimal, can upgrade the most no-nonsense of undercuts and fades.

A high and tight fade is one of the best ways to showcase some cool hair clippings or designs on your white-walled (shaven) sides. Ask your barber for something distinctive yet minimal near the hairline to keep it fresh but still professional.

3. Comb-Over undercut

undercut hairstyles comb over
Comb-over undercuts are best when shiny but not greasy.

Made for the dapper dudes out there, the comb-over is the good brother of the slicked-back undercut. Simply run a comb lengthwise on your natural part and comb hair away to each side towards the ear. Use a gel or pomade, such as Dove Men+Care Defining Pomade, for a glossy look to play up the retro vibe, or a matte version for a less vintage feel.

4. Undercut with pompadour

undercut hairstyle pompadour
Up and at ’em: The modern-day undercut pomp is lower and less greasy than its predecessor. Photo credit: Dvora

Another hip 2-in-1, the definitive pompadour cut gets updated with shaven sides. This look starts out as your regular top-heavy undercut but with a slight fade where the tops are styled with a 1950s greaser wave. This is a great style to go for if you want to achieve more of a vintage-inspired look. However, it’s still perfect for everything from work to date night.

5. Knotted undercut

undercut hairstyle top knot brown
The top knot: Nifty for keeping your hair away from your face on off days.

It’s the style du jour of busy-slash-peacocking celebrities and sports heartthrobs everywhere. The top knot or man bun with an undercut is a pretty handy way to keep your long hair out of your face on off days or even grow the style out if you ever decide you’re over it. Ensure hair is at least six inches long before knotting to avoid pressure on your scalp.

6. The Caesar undercut

undercut hairstyle caesar cut
A fringe by any other name: The Caesar bowl cut features a short bang at the forehead. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Famous during the ’90s (aside from Ancient Rome), the Caesar bowl cut gets a revamp with a high and tight fade on the sides and back. The top lengths, which are normally left to an inch short, can be left to grow up to three inches and styled flat on the hairline for a masculine fringe effect (Yes, boys can get bangs too.)

7. Curly top

undercut hairstyle curly platinum hair
Take advantage of all that texture with the proper cream. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Guys with wavy or naturally curly hair shouldn’t avoid trying an undercut hairstyle. It looks equally interesting, worn with curly textures! Emphasize your undercut’s hip, modern feel by asking for a taper on the sides and styling the tops by following your natural texture as you dry. Run a softening product on your curls, such as Axe Natural Look: Softening Cream, and blast your hair with a blowdryer and finger-styling to refine.

8. Floppy long bangs

undercut hairstyle floppy long bangs
Pretty boy swag: Have your bangs trimmed to ear-length to keep things neat. Photo credit: Dvora

We’ve been seeing a lot of gentlemen rocking this major undercut hairstyle. It’s a throwback to the ’90s but with a cool twist: a sexy mid-fade. This undercut hairstyle variation is also an awesome way to show off that full, bouncy head of hair.

9. Silver Strands Undercut Hairstyles

undercut hairstyle silver
Silver is the new black.

Get in on the silver hair strand and pair it with an edgy undercut for a super fresh look. When you’re sporting a color like this, it’s important to use purple shampoo so your silver strands don’t turn brassy. We love Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo and Conditioner because it combines keratin proteins and violet pigments to keep blonde and silver healthy and toned.

10. Major Volume

undercut hairstyle major volume
Get it on the volume.

Amp up the volume on your strands and pair your undercut with a voluminous style. Use a blowdryer and brush to help your hair dry in the right direction. After drying, use the paste to give your hair more control, hold, and shape. When you pay for a look like this with an undercut, you’ll naturally create the illusion of more voluminous hair thanks to the contrast between lengths.

11. Classic Pompadour

undercut hairstyle pomp
It’s a classic for a reason.

What can we say? You can’t go wrong with a classic pompadour! A style like this is professional and looks very sleek. If the rest of your hair is long enough for a pompadour hairstyle, it’s very easy to achieve. All you need is a small amount of gel, and you’ll be set for the rest of the day.

12. Voluminous Waves Undercut Hairstyles

undercut hairstyle voluminous waves
Embrace your natural texture.

Embrace your natural texture and show off your wavy strands. If your hair is on the wavier/curlier side, an undercut can work in your favor. The shaved portion will help take away volume, making your texture easier to style and manage. It’s basically the best of both worlds because you can still show off those luscious waves but don’t need to hassle with a lengthy styling routine.

13. Subtle Highlights

undercut hairstyle highlights
Opt for a subtle color story.

We get it. Adding color to your hair can seem daunting if you’re new to the world of hair dye, but there’s no need to worry. Something as simple as highlights can completely transform your look. If you want to switch up your typical undercut hairstyle, add subtle color to your strands. This draws even more attention to your edgy undercut. We love how the look of highlights instantly warms up an undercut look.

14. Undercut Art

profile of a man’s haircut tattoo

Turn your scalp into a canvas and give your undercut the right edge. You can really go crazy and experiment with geometrical forms, symbols, or even letters. This style is guaranteed to turn your side profile into your best angle.

15. Undercut and Half Ponytail

Hipster man gets a trendy haircut with a hair clipper and comb.

Blending tight sides and a go-with-the-flow style, half pony and undercut is the best combo for the chich and sporty. It’s easy to maintain, and if you’re tired of your undercut, you can just let your pony loose and cover it up.

16. Side-swept

easy hairstyles for guys: low fade undercut
Get a Peaky Blinders-inspired to look with a side-swept undercut.

No need to be in the rough 1900s Birmingham to get a sharp Peaky Blinders-inspired cut. If you love the show as much as we do and want to recreate Tom Shelby’s rakish hairstyle, you just need to cut on the sides and leave a coif up top—a timeless choice for stylish men.

17. Undercut and Long Beard

Pair your undercut with a long beard for the ultimate length effect.

This look is perfect if you want to balance out a long beard with the tightly short sides of an undercut. It’s also a face-framing look that will enhance your face type. Leave the top slightly longer or in a pompadour to enhance the length effect.

18. Undercut And Slicked Back

undercut hairstyles slicked back
An undercut and a slicked-back top are one of the trendiest ways to wear this hairstyle.

The slicked-back and undercut combo is probably one of the trendiest ways to wear this hairstyle. Playing on the contrast ‘short sides, long top,’ offers the best of both worlds. Plus, it looks as cool at a business meeting as it does at a party.

Are you thinking about trying out one of these undercut hairstyles? Be sure to snap a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!

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