Men's haircut styles explained.

The easiest way to choose between men’s haircut styles is to decide four things: how much length you want to keep, how clean or natural the sides should look, how much styling you will do, and how often you are prepared to have it cut.

A style name is only a starting point. “Crop”, “fade” and “flow” can each describe several shapes. Hair texture, density, growth direction and current length affect what the finished cut can realistically do. Use this guide to narrow the options, then discuss the details before the first cut.

Short back and sides

The short back and sides is a practical category rather than one fixed template. The sides and back are cut shorter than the top, while the top can be worn forward, parted, textured or left fairly natural.

Decide how much contrast you want. A conservative version keeps some softness around the sides. A tighter version creates a clearer difference between the top and the perimeter. Tell the barber whether you want the ears and neckline very clean or prefer a finish that grows out less sharply.

This style often suits someone who wants a tidy everyday cut without committing to skin around the sides. It can be done with clippers, scissors or a combination of both.

Textured crop

A textured crop usually keeps the top relatively short and brings the hair forward. The finish may be blunt, broken up or lightly styled depending on the hair and reference.

It can be a lower-effort option for someone who does not want a defined side part or longer styling routine. “Low maintenance” does not mean “no maintenance”: the fringe length, weight through the top and sides still determine how the cut sits as it grows.

Bring a reference if you care about the exact fringe shape. A straight, irregular and softer fringe create visibly different results even when all three are called a crop.

Side part and classic scissor cut

A classic side part keeps enough length on top to establish direction and shape. The sides can be scissor cut for a softer finish or clippered for more definition.

This option works best when the consultation includes how you normally dry and style the hair. If you do not want to use a product each morning, say so. The barber can avoid building the entire result around a finish you will not reproduce at home.

A scissor cut is also useful when you want shape removed without making the sides feel closely clipped. It can keep movement and a more natural outline while still cleaning the ears and neckline.

Men’s fade haircuts

A fade gradually moves from very short hair at the bottom into more length above. The important decisions are the shortest point, how high the transition begins and how the blend connects with the top.

Common descriptions include:

• Taper fade: the shortest work is concentrated around the sideburn and neckline rather than carried broadly around the whole head.
• Low fade: the transition stays closer to the ear and lower edge.
• Mid fade: the transition begins higher and creates more contrast through the side.
• High fade: more of the side is taken short, making the top feel more separate.
• Drop fade: the fade line curves lower behind the ear rather than staying level.
• Burst fade: the blend radiates around the ear and leaves a different shape toward the back.
• Skin fade: the shortest section is taken down to skin before blending upward.

These terms can overlap. A low skin fade, for example, describes both the height and the shortest length. Show where you want the transition and discuss how much top length should remain. Read the dedicated skin fade guide for the booking details at JSL Studios.

Fades look clean because the contrast is deliberate. That also means the shortest area becomes visible as it grows. Consider how often you want to return before choosing a very tight finish solely from a fresh photo.

Longer layered and flow styles

A flow haircut keeps enough length for the hair to move back or away from the face. It generally depends more on shape and weight distribution than on a tight perimeter.

The starting length matters. If your hair is currently short, a reference photo can still establish the direction, but the final shape may require a growing period. Ask what should be trimmed now and what should be left alone so the cut develops toward the target rather than restarting it.

Longer styles also need a clear conversation about the ears, neckline and bulk. “Keep the length” can mean maintaining the overall outline while removing weight, or it can mean taking very little off. Explain which areas feel difficult day to day.

JSL Studios lists longer layered cuts, shoulder-length trims and shape-ups within men’s haircuts. Mention the length and change when booking so Josh can confirm the right appointment.

Mullet and other shape-led restyles

A modern mullet usually keeps more length through the back while creating shorter or more controlled areas at the sides. The amount of contrast varies widely. Some versions are subtle and connected; others use a pronounced fade or burst shape around the ear.

Because “mullet” covers several different silhouettes, send a photo showing the side and back rather than using the word on its own. Your current length may limit what can be created in one visit. If the change is substantial, include that information in the booking request and ask Josh whether the intended restyle fits the listed service.

The same approach applies to any trend-led cut. Name the style if it helps, but show the parts of the reference you actually want.

How hair and routine affect the choice

Two people can show the same photo and need different cutting decisions. Before settling on the style, consider:

• Growth pattern: cowlicks and the natural direction at the front or crown affect how the hair sits.
• Texture: straight, wavy and curly hair show length and weight differently.
• Density: the amount of hair changes how much bulk can be removed while keeping the intended shape.
• Current length: a longer style cannot be produced instantly from a short starting point.
• Daily routine: be honest about whether you dry, brush or use product.
• Return schedule: a very defined fade and a softer scissor cut grow out differently.

These are consultation points, not rules that assign one haircut to one face or hair type. A barber needs to see how your own hair behaves and hear what you want from it.

Use reference photos well

Choose photos where the hair texture and starting length are reasonably relevant, then collect more than one angle if possible. Point out exactly what you like: the fringe, fade height, length at the crown, shape around the ear or overall movement.

Also say what you do not want. That may be more informative than the style name. For example, you might like the top in a reference but not want the sides taken to skin.

Treat the photo as a communication tool, not a guarantee of an identical result. The goal is to agree on a version that works with your hair and routine.

What to say when booking

You do not need to write a technical brief. Include:

1. Whether it is a tidy-up or a significant change.
2. The approximate current and intended length.
3. Whether you want a fade, beard trim or another combined service.
4. Your preferred day and rough time.
5. A reference photo when the shape is difficult to describe.

If you are choosing between a standard men’s haircut and a fade appointment, say what you want the sides to do and let Josh confirm the closest service.

Book a men’s haircut in Richmond

JSL Studios is at 1 Darcy Street, Richmond. Use the booking form to send the style, day and rough time, or call or text 021 296 4496.

Customers comparing local options can also read the guides to barbers in Richmond, barbers in Nelson, barbers near Stoke and barbers across Tasman.