Undercut Style Haircut Guide: How-To’s and Styling Tips for Men

Imagine a hairstyle that’s a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, edgy and sophisticated on the outside, but with a rebellious edge lurking underneath. That’s the magic of an undercut style haircut. Trust us, it’s like finding a hidden gem in a thrift store – totally unexpected and awesome.

For over a century, undercuts have maintained their popularity due to the distinctive difference in length between the sides and top. This is because it is easy to match your natural texture and desired length, whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or thick. However, its simplicity can be deceptive. The undercut haircut can create a powerful style statement by adding a touch of individuality and boldness to your appearance.

In this comprehensive guide we will talk about all things undercut. We’ll break down different undercut variations, share expert styling tips, and help you find the perfect look to match your unique style and vibe.

A Classic Haircut Defined

Originating in the early 1900s, the undercut hairstyle has a captivating historical background. Initially popular among working-class men and military personnel, its prominence rose and fell throughout various periods. Furthermore, its continued popularity is attributed to its impressive ability to adjust and be flexible as a hairstyle regardless of shifting fashion trends.

This classic hairstyle features shorter sides and back, with longer hair on top creating a sharp contrast. The short section can range from a clipper buzz cut to a faded blend, making a clean and defined line. The undercut’s timeless popularity is due to its adaptability to diverse hairstyles. You can opt for a short textured top, slick it back smoothly or keep it long and bold – your styling options are limitless.

Fading Your Way – Different Levels of Short

Alright, let’s talk about the sides and back of your undercut. The key to a killer undercut is how smoothly the short part blends into the longer hair on top. That’s where the fade comes in. Think of it as a magic trick – poof! Your hair goes from short to long without a weird line.

There are basically three ways to fade it down:

• High Fade: This starts the fade high up on the sides, just above the temples, and blends down to the shortest hair length at the bottom. This creates a dramatic contrast and a very clean look
• Mid Fade: The fade begins at the midpoint of the head, around the crown, and transitions down to the shorter hair. This offers a good balance between a sharp look and a slightly softer feel.
• Low Fade: The subtlest fade, a low fade starts at the bottom of the head, providing a gentle blend from the short to long hair sections.

Styling the Longer Hair Of Your Undercut

The beauty of the undercut lies in its adaptability to various top-hair styles. Here are some popular options:

• Short and Textured: A low-maintenance choice, short hair on top can be styled with a matte product for a textured, messy look.
• Slicked Back: This classic style involves using a styling product to sweep the hair back for a polished and sophisticated finish.
• Pompadour: This iconic style features volume at the front with the hair swept back, creating a dramatic silhouette.
• Quiff: Similar to the pompadour, the quiff has shorter sides but features hair swept upwards and forwards for a more casual look.
• Long Hair: An undercut can also work with longer hair on top. This can be styled in various ways, like a man bun or a ponytail.

Undercuts for All Textures

The undercut works surprisingly well with all hair textures. Here’s a quick guide:

• Straight Hair: Straight hair allows for a clean, defined fade and a variety of styling options for the top hair.
• Wavy Hair: Undercuts complement wavy hair by adding definition and highlighting the natural texture.
• Curly Hair: For curly hair, a shorter top section with an undercut can help manage volume and create a more defined shape.

Choosing the Right Undercut for You

Hair type plays a role in choosing the right undercut. Fine hair might benefit from a shorter top section to avoid appearing thin, while thick hair can handle a longer style with more volume. It’s always best to consult with a barber who can assess your hair type and desired style to recommend the perfect undercut variation for you.

The Undercut How-To

Let’s say you’ve decided to take the plunge and get an undercut. The level of complexity you choose will determine whether a professional cut or a DIY attempt is the best route.

Taking on the Challenge of DIY Undercut

If you’re feeling brave and possess some expertise in haircuts, it could be worth a try to give yourself a DIY haircut. Nonetheless, ensure that you have all the essential tools and materials ready and take caution before starting.

Here’s a basic rundown of the process:

1. Gather your tools: You’ll need electric clippers with various guard attachments, a comb for sectioning hair, and a mirror (preferably two) for a clear view from all angles.
2. Sectioning: Separate the top hair from the sides and back using clips. This allows you to focus on the undercut area without accidentally cutting the longer hair.
3. Fading the sides and back: Start with a longer guard attachment on the clippers and gradually work your way down to shorter attachments, creating a smooth transition from short to long hair.
4. Blending: Once the fading is complete, use a blending guard or barber scissors to soften the line where the undercut meets the longer hair on top.

But before you grab those clippers, let’s discuss some strategy. When doing your DIY undercut, start slow, pause regularly to assess your work, and don’t hesitate to halt if uncertain. Remember, it’s better to be careful and seek advice from a professional instead of risking a bad haircut.