When it comes to men’s grooming, your haircut plays a major role in how you look and feel. But getting the right cut isn’t just about copying what your mate has or what a celeb is rocking—it’s about working with your hair type. The texture, thickness, and natural movement of your hair should guide your style choices. The right cut can highlight your best features, make daily styling easier, and boost your confidence. Here’s how to figure out which haircut is best for your hair type.
1. Straight Hair
Men with straight hair often have the most styling flexibility, but that doesn’t mean every cut works. If your hair is fine and flat, you’ll want to avoid long styles that drag your look down. Instead, go for cuts that create structure and volume—like a textured crop, a messy fringe, or a short fade with volume on top. If you have thick straight hair, you can get away with more dramatic looks like a slick back undercut or longer layers. Straight hair shows everything—so precision in your cut is key.
2. Wavy Hair
Wavy hair gives you natural movement that works well in both casual and styled looks. Men with waves can pull off mid-length styles better than most, making cuts like the modern quiff, messy fringe, or layered taper ideal. Wavy hair can puff up if not managed, so choosing a haircut that removes bulk but keeps texture is important. Let the waves do their thing—just guide them with a lightweight styling cream or sea salt spray for control.
3. Curly Hair
Curly hair has tons of personality, but it needs the right shape. Trying to flatten or straighten curls often leads to frustration, so your best bet is to embrace the texture. Go for cuts like the curly undercut, high top fade, or a short afro with shaped edges. Curly hair benefits from definition and structure, so regular trims and moisture-rich styling products are a must. A good barber who understands curl patterns will be your best friend.
4. Coily or Afro Hair
Men with coily or afro-textured hair can choose from some of the most distinctive and stylish cuts out there. High fades, shape-ups, temple fades, or sponge twists let the texture shine while keeping the overall style sharp. This hair type needs regular moisture and maintenance to stay healthy and defined. If you want something low-maintenance but cool, go for a clean fade with a short top. If you’re looking to make a statement, grow it out and go with a shaped afro or braided style.
5. Thin or Thinning Hair
For men with thin or fine hair, the right haircut can make all the difference. Keeping the hair short on the sides and adding texture on top helps give the appearance of volume. Go for a buzz cut, a French crop, or a short taper—these styles reduce contrast between thinner areas and thicker ones. Avoid heavy product or long cuts that expose the scalp. Talk to your barber about ways to work with what you have to make it look fuller and cleaner.
6. Thick Hair
Thick hair can be a blessing or a beast, depending on the cut. If your hair is dense, choose a style that removes bulk but keeps shape. Medium-length layered styles, undercuts, or faded sides with a textured top are great options. Your barber may use thinning shears to lighten things up without sacrificing style. Thick hair tends to hold shape well, so take advantage of that with structured styles like pompadours or combovers with a matte finish.
Summary
Choosing the right haircut starts with knowing your hair type. What looks amazing on someone else might not be the right fit for you—and that’s totally fine. Whether you’ve got curls, waves, or straight strands, there’s a style that will work with your natural texture, not against it. Talk to your barber about what your hair does naturally, and ask for styles that suit your hair’s behavior and your lifestyle. When you get the right cut for your hair type, everything else—style, confidence, and maintenance—falls into place.
