Recent years were wonderful and controversial for men’s hair. We witnessed the reign of the undercut. We experienced the resurgence of retro hairstyles. We saw the roller-coaster-like rise and fall of the man bun. Trends came and went; some stuck around while others went the way of the mullet.
More and more guys are pushing the boundaries of men’s hairstyles and taking them to new heights (sometimes literally). Fashionable styles are just for male models anymore, and men realize that now.
But the same question is always asked at the end of each year: Which hairstyles will be trending in the new year? To answer that, we’ve taken a look back on the successes of the last year and peeked into the future by seeing what’s currently fashionable.
We’ve pinned down a few styles that resemble the best of 2018 and the near future of men’s hair. We’re excited to see what men’s hairstyles will bring, and we think you should be, too!
Skin Fade with Pompadour
One of the most popular men’s hairstyles in the past years was the pompadour, and as a result, it’s getting more attention. More variations are thought of, so it’s likely we will see quite a few pomp-based styles.
This pompadour with a skin fade is a newer take on the classic style, and it’s undoubtedly dapper. You can make the pompadour more or less dramatic depending on your style, and both work for different situations.
If you like the ultra-short look, ask your barber or stylist to use a #2 or #3 on the sides and fade from there. Anything longer won’t give you this look. There should still be some length on top, but the amount is up to you. We think 2 to 3 inches is a good benchmark.
As always, bring in a picture to your barber or stylist. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the hair world, it’s worth ten thousand.
Textured Quiff
The quiff has been the hairstyle of choice for many a fashionable man, but in the past year, it was somewhat dwarfed by undercuts and pompadours. In 2017, the quiff will reemerge as a trendy style, but this time around, it’s all about the texture. The idea is that the textured quiff looks lusher and fuller than a regular quiff. You can get some serious volume, or you can keep it short and styled.
Another key to the 2017 quiff is the super short cut on the sides and back. We expect to see quiffs paired with skin fades to create a contemporary, high-contrast look that will soon be popping up on male heads everywhere.
If you’re going for the quiff, it’s crucial to get the right product and have the right length. Your hair will need to be 2 to 4 inches to get a good quiff going, and you’ll need to take your time styling it. Look out for a guide to the textured quiff in the coming months.
Natural Texture
Of all the men’s hairstyles, the natural textured look is one of the most surprising. This is sort of an anti-hairstyle; while it requires a stellar cut by a knowledgeable barber or stylist, it doesn’t require too much styling, and it looks like a tidier, flatter version of the “rolled out of bed” look.
The idea here is to get layers in order to get the most natural volume and texture out of your hair. To style, spray your hair with blow dry spray and then blow dry it flat. You can finish up with a light oil spray, being careful not to disturb the natural layout of your hair.
The result is a look that’s a far cry from towering pompadours but still fashionable. It’s also easy to style quickly, so if you’re often pressed for time, this could be your new favorite style.
Man Bob
The man bob is one of 2018’s most elusive men’s hairstyles. We’re not exactly sure when it will take over, but our sources say that it’s going to be the 2018 version of the man bun. It’s a controversial yet popular style that’s gaining traction.
In the man bob, the hair is worn long enough so it reaches the chin, creating a practical long hairstyle. Kurt Cobain famously sported the look, and it’s suitable for similarly straight-haired dudes. If you’re thinking about getting the man bob, you’ll need some patience.
Styled Curls
There’s a variety of ways to style your curls, from subtle, gentle curls to curly-fry locks. You can pair your curls with an undercut or a skin fade for a look that will stand out from the rest for its uniqueness.
If you have curly hair, get your hands on some high-quality styling products and get ready for the new year. Whether you go short and defined or long and loose, you’ll be part of a new wave of men’s hairstyles for this year and beyond.
Side Part
Even though this might be an obvious choice, we decided to include it because of its versatility and the eternal spot in the men’s hair hall of fame.
This classic style is still as fashionable as ever––in fact, it’s probably more fashionable than ever before. The side part is especially wonderful because it goes with so many hairstyles. Rock a pompadour? Add a side part. Prefer an undercut? A side part goes great with that, too.
If you want a super trendy look, combine a skin fade with a side part and a short pompadour. It’s an easy way to make many men’s hairstyles stand out.
