There are few hairstyles as universally loved as the undercut. It’s a trendy men’s hairstyle that many love for its modern, edgy vibe. The best part is that this style is super versatile, meaning even women rock it and look amazing. Anyone can wear it slicked back for a polished look or messy/textured for a more casual style.
This haircut is also well-loved because it is easy to dress up or down. Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Zayn Malik, and David Beckham have also rocked the undercut, making it even more popular. Keep reading to find eight amazing undercut styles inspired by Instagram and what consumers will need to pull it off confidently.
Table of Contents
A quick history of the undercut
8 fresh undercut styles men will love in 2025
1. Short undercut
2. Long undercut
3. Faded undercut
4. Classic pompadour undercut
5. Disconnected undercut
6. Slicked-back undercut
7. Textured crop undercut
8. Side swept undercut
Final words
A quick history of the undercut
The undercut has been around for a while but became popular in the 1920s. It continued to evolve throughout the early 20th century, becoming a go-to hairstyle for men who wanted style and practicality, from businessmen to jazz musicians and soldiers.
But that’s not all. The second half of the 20th century saw new undercuts pop up like wildfire, attracting even well-known figures. And it wasn’t just a trend for the younger crowd—even older men looking to stay stylish and youthful loved the look. The undercut has a fresh, energetic feel that never goes out of style.
8 fresh undercut hairstyles men will love in 2025
1. Short undercut
The short undercut is a stylish, easy-to-manage haircut for men. It cuts the sides and back very short, keeping everything looking sharp and clean. The hair on top is usually a bit longer but still neat, giving the style a more modern feel. More importantly, this cut works well for most face shapes and is a great choice for everyday wear and more formal occasions.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- Styling pomade or gel: These medium-hold hair products allow men to keep their styles in place while still allowing them to move naturally.
- Matte clay: This product is perfect for men who prefer adding definition and texture to the top. It’s even better if they want a slightly tousled look.
- Finishing spray: Alternatively, they may use a light hairspray to secure their hair without making it unnaturally stiff, especially if they work long days.
2. Long undercut
If men do not feel comfortable with the short undercut, they can use the longer version instead. This cut keeps the hair longer on top while the sides and back are short or shaved. Even better, the longer cut opens more styling options without losing the clean and sharp look. The long undercut is a great choice for men with thick hair who want to keep some length without looking messy.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- Strong hold pomade: Since the top has some length, men may need a stronger hold to keep things sleek and well-defined.
- Texturizing cream: This product will help create a natural flow and soft transition, ensuring the longer hair on top won’t look too stiff.
- Quality clippers: Men doing a DIY touch-up will need a good pair.
3. Faded undercut
This haircut smoothly blends short sides into longer hair on top, creating a sharp and polished look. The faded undercut is a great choice for men who want a stylish and versatile cut that works for any casual or formal occasion. Plus, it flatters different face shapes, making it a popular option for many.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- Hair clippers with fade attachments will help men achieve a clean, even fade, whether they maintain it at home or visit their barber.
- Lightweight mousse to help men with longer hair on top boost their volume and hold their style without the extra weight.
- A finishing gel with a strong hold will keep every line crisp and defined, especially for high fades.
4. Classic pompadour undercut
The classic pompadour features a high, swept-back top with short or shaved sides, giving it a bold and stylish look. This timeless hairstyle is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out with a sharp, confident style. It also suits different face shapes, adding a vintage charm while still looking modern.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- Strong-hold pomade (oil-based or water-based). Oil-based pomades give a long-lasting classic finish, while water-based pomades offer something similar but easier to wash away.
- Volumizing mousse of pre-styler to add structure before men style their cut.
- Some men may prefer hair spray (strong hold) to lock in volume and shape throughout the day.
5. Disconnected undercut
Men looking for a bold hairstyle where the long top sharply contrasts with the short of shaved sides will love the disconnected undercut. This edgy look is perfect for men who want to stand out strikingly. However, it works especially well for thick hair and suits angular face shapes.
Note: Men can use the same products for “long undercuts” to maintain the disconnected undercut.
6. Slicked-back undercut
The slicked-back undercut is incredibly stylish. Men can get the look by combing the longer top straight to the back, creating a clean and polished look. The best part? This cut is a great choice for formal events and professional settings, especially if men want to give off a confident and sophisticated vibe. It works well with different face shapes, making it a versatile style.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- Hair pomade (oil- or water-based) is the classic way for men to achieve the slicked-back look—but with extra shine.
- Hair spray will help men lock in a slicked-back style, especially if they have fine or straight hair.
- A quality comb with fine teeth is important if men want to rock a smooth and even slicked-back look.
7. Textured crop undercut
The textured crop is a short, easy-to-manage haircut with a slightly messy top and faded sides. It’s a great choice for men who want a stylish look without too much effort or minimal products. Additionally, it’s a versatile style that works well with any hair type and suits all face shapes.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- Men may use texturizing powder to boost their hair’s lift and texture.
- Sea salt sprays can also help them add grit, texture, and light hold, making the crop more effortless.
- Men looking for a softer, more natural texture with minimal hold may prefer a styling cream.
8. Side swept undercut
The side-swept undercut features longer hair on top but is styled to one side. It’s a versatile cut that looks flattering on different face shapes. Men can also rock the stylish yet effortless side-swept undercut for professional and casual settings.
What men may need to keep this style fresh?
- A light-hold gel or cream can help men smooth down the longer hair, keeping the side sweep clean and sharp.
- Volumizing spray will also help them maintain body and lift, keeping the side-swept portion light and bouncy.
- Men need a hairbrush or comb to create a perfect and smooth sweep.
Final words
When choosing an undercut, men should always consider their face shape and how much effort they want to put into styling. A sleek undercut will look better on a longer face, while round faces work better with added height on top. If men want a low-maintenance look, they’ll go for a simple cut—but if they wish for a more styled undercut, they must be ready for extra grooming with products, tools, and regular visits.
