Find Your Perfect Men's Hairstyle For 2023
We've got all the men's haircut and hair styling inspiration you need for 2023.
Mar 30, 2023
- The Crew Cut
- The Slick Back
- The Buzz Cut
- The Modern Mullet
- Mid-Length Wavy
- The Textured Quiff
- Wavy Shoulder Length
- Bleached Hair
Our haircuts and hairstyles can be a reflection of our own personality, and choosing one which suits you can be a tricky business! We’ve all been through bad ‘hair stages’ in our lives; whether it be in our teenage years when we wanted to test out some ‘frosted tips’, or when we got stuck in lockdown and had to turn to a bit of DIY! One of the best ways to discover the best hairstyle for you is to speak to your barber because they will understand what suits your face shape and hair type. If they know their stuff, they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Before you head to the barbershop, it might be wise to do a bit of research on some of the classic men’s hairstyles that won’t let you down, as well as the top trending men’s hairstyles which offer some alternative inspiration for a refreshing switch up!
We’ve picked out a mixture of short, mid, and long men’s hairstyles - some classic and some more bold/brave - which we know will see you through 2023. Also, we’re going to advise you on the best men’s hair products to help you achieve these styles. Whether it’s a clay, pomade, seasalt spray, paste, or cream, we have all the men’s hair styling tools to get your hair looking its best.
Image Credit: David Beckham Instagram
The Crew Cut
Starting off with the crew cut; this timeless hairstyle has been around for centuries: there are varying rumours to where it started, one being that it was popular in the military in the 18th centure and another that it became popular after being sported by many a rowing crew member in the US. Today it’s hugely popular hairstyle that most men will have featured at some point in their lives. You’ll have probably sat in your barber chair and asked for a ‘short back and sides’. And that’s exactly what it is, with more length on the top.
What’s great about a crew cut is that you can adapt it how you like it and also how it suits your hairtype. There’s the curly crew, the textured crew, the ivy league crew, and crew cut with fade. One of the most recognised crew cuts is from David Beckham. We all know the adventurous styles he’s tried to pull off - some successful, some not so (do we mention the cornrows or mohawk?!) - but as he ages with style he likes to keep his hair classic and low-maintenance, but still with some texture and length on top. He’s also now embracing the salt and pepper that’s starting to appear - we love that.
How to style a crew cut
If you decide to go for Beckham’s length, you’ll need to buy yourself a pomade or styling cream for texture and hold. This hairstyle might be slightly easier for men with thick hair to style, as naturally the hair will want to stick up, but for those of you with thinner hair, a cream wax or paste (like PATRICKS M1) will help to give you a decent amount of hold in the hair. For David’s hair, which has a decent amount of length on top, you’ll want to achieve some volume so try a pre-styling mousse to build that in before drying. A powder or sea salt spray will also help to create a messy, rough, textured finish.
Image Credit: Vanity Fair Instagram
The Slick Back
If you love a suave and sophisticated men’s hairstyle, the slick back is one that can be worn during the day (for a well-groomed look), but also makes a fantastic style for a black tie occasion. You’ll need a bit of length in your hair to be able to sweep it right back.
One of the most recognised male celebrities to sport this style is none other than modern-day Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio. For most red carpet appearances you’ll notice he tends to part his hair to one side and slicks it all the way back - there isn’t a single hair out of place! Another slicked back look that has been seen on the red carpet recently is The Last Of Us star, and viral style icon, Pedro Pascal. He’s normally seen with a more rough and ready hairstyle, however for this year’s Oscars he was seen sporting a very smart loose and wavy slick back.
How to achieve a slicked-back hairstyle
A high-shine gel or strong pomade will be your go-to styling products to make sure there are no fly-away hairs and your hair is left with an almost wet-look finish. It’s best to apply the styling products whilst your hair is damp. Warm the product in your hand and apply it all over the hair; making sure it’s evenly distributed.
If you’re going more DiCaprio, a comb will be ideal for keeping the hair straight and in place. For Pascal’s wavier look, it will be better to use your fingers as a comb. Pay attention to the hair on the sides too. Giving a quick blast of the hairdryer (on a medium heat) will help to set it in place, and then finish off with a bit more product if needed. This style is also perfect for showing off facial features!
The Buzz Cut
This short men’s hairstyle is the most low-maintenance style and involves your barber cutting the hair very short and the same length all over. It is the perfect choice for men who prefer a no-fuss look and also for anyone who doesn’t have the time to test out any styling products! When it comes to the cut, the only maintenance you need is for your barber to trim it, however it’s important to maintain the health of your scalp. Celebrities who like to keep it short include the likes of future fashion designer, Pharrell Williams, and Hollywood actor, Channing Tatum.
How to maintain a buzz cut
Just because your hair is extremely short, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need attention in your grooming routine. You might not need any styling products, but it’s important to keep your scalp moisturised, and protected if you’re out in the sun. A scalp oil, such as John Masters Organics Follicle Scalp Purifying Serum, is fantastic for stimulating blood flow to the scalp and encouraging hair growth. It will also help to hydrate the skin and get rid of any dry patches. On the topic of hair growth, this hairstyle is appropriate for anyone suffering with hair loss (if you feel ready to embrace the short hair) or a receding hairline.
Image Credit: Baz Bamigboye Instagram
The Modern Mullet
Who would have thought the mullet would be back in style for 2023?! This is a classic style from the 80’s and isn’t for the faint of heart. It is a bold men’s hairstyle to pull off, however the more modern take on it has proven popular this year. The main feature of a mullet is to keep the length of the hair down the back, and particularly at the base of the neck. The sides are kept short (how short will depend on personal preference), emphasising the length in the back and giving the whole look a unique dimension. Some length can be kept on the top but the hair is normally kept short at the front hairline.
How to style a modern mullet
When it comes to styling, it does depend on your hair type, but if you have similar hair to the current ‘mullet king’, Paul Mescal, you’ll want to create some texture in the hair. This gives it a casual, more ‘shaggy’, look.
Paul Mescal’s modern day mullet is relatively easy to style, once you know how. After drying your hair, a styling clay will be your best bet to add a bit of texture but with a natural effortless finish. You’ll be looking to achieve a matt effect on the hair, so avoid styling products with a high shine. Use a small amount of clay on your finger tips to run the product through the top lengths of the hair, as well as teasing the ends of longer strands by your neck to add some definition. Don’t use too much product to avoid weighing the hair down.
Although this mullet is suited for people with a bit of movement or curl in their hair, it can also be achieved with straight hair. Ex-BTS superstar Jimin (who has classically straight asian hair) is currently sporting his own version by keeping it short around the sides, with an exaggerated fringe and length down the back. We can’t deny it suits him!
Image Credit: BRITs Instagram
Mid-Lenth Wavy Hairstyle
This is probably one of the most common men’s hairstyles and is easiest to achieve if you have a natural wave in your hair. It’s a casual hairstyle that suits most face shapes and for those men who have a decent amount of hair. It can be still be styled in a way to make it looks effortlessly cool. It’s reasonably easy to maintain, but you’ll need to have a regular trim to keep the style in shape, and avoid any dead ends. Someone who is well-recognised for evolution of hairstyles is ex-One Direction’s Harry Styles. His hair is almost as famous as his music! He’s tried numerous looks, but in 2023 he’s enjoying this more relaxed style with a hint of a wet finish. The natural wave in his hair helps to give movement to the style.
How to achieve a mid-length wavy hairstyle
If you’re looking to achieve this hairstyle, you’ll need to grow your hair out a bit, as there is a fair amount of length, particularly on the top. When you go to your barber, make sure you ask for some layers. When it comes to styling, use a volumising mousse when your hair is damp, after shampooing. Aside from adding volume, it will also help to add texture to the hair. When blow-drying, use your hands to help scrunch the hair. You can then use a hair oil to tame any frizz, or Pomp & Co Aloe Hair Gel will give more hold and added shine.
The Textured Quiff
Yes, the quiff is still in style! It’s a popular men’s hairstyle (and has been since the 1950s), where the hair on the top and at front of the head is styled upwards and backwards. The classic quiff has evolved over time but typically the hair on the sides is shorter and tapered, and the way the hair is styled, it creates a voluminous wave along the front hairline. Whilst we’ve moved away from the iconic Elvis Presley exaggerated quiff, a softer look still proves popular amongst men. And talking of Elvis, Austin Butler is someone who has perfected his more modern textured quiff. Keeping some long length on top, he has shown on the red carpet how effective this look can be.
How to style a textured quiff
To achieve this quiff style, hair will need to be washed and conditioned for a manageable texture. After towel drying, apply a hair mousse to help build volume and lift into the hair. Using a round brush, blowdry the hair (on a high heat) and push the front up and back. You can use a comb or brush to tame the sides and back down. Then use a wax or pomade to style the hair into place, separating strands of hair to create texture. A blast of cold air from the hairdryer will help keep it in place, and finish with a hair spray for a long-lasting finish.
This men’s hairstyle might take some practice but once you’ve found the products that work best with your hair type, you’ll find it easier and easier to achieve.
Image Credit: John Wick Movie Instagram
Wavy Shoulder Length
For those of you blessed with a full head of hair, you might be tempted to grow it all the way out. The key for any long length men’s hairstyle is to keep the hair looking healthy. It never looks good if it looks greasy and unkept. Someone who knows how to rock the shoulder length hair is John Wick star Keanu Reeves. He’s fortunate to have thick hair with a natural wave which frames his face perfectly and has some movement at the ends.
How to style wavy shoulder length hair
To keep shoulder length hair in tip-top condition, make sure you use a decent shampoo and conditioner. A leave-in conditioner will also add a moisture boost and help to prevent any frizz.
For styling, you can leave it to air dry for a natural effect, although with thick hair it might take a while, so it’s wise to get a hairdryer on it. Using a paddle brush or round hair brush (like the ones by 3 More Inches) when drying will help to smooth out the hair and add some shape. You can finish off by using a hair oil to add nourishment and side. If you prefer more of a beachy effect, we definitely recommend a sea salt spray. With more length in the hair, there will be more weight and it’s common for long hair to look flat. A sea salt spray can be used as a pre-styler, before you use a hairdryer, to add volume, absorb any excess oil, and add some life into lacklustre hair.
And if you want to go full Keanu, don’t forget that centre parting!
Image Credit: Usher Instagram
Bleached Hair
Dying hair really is for the bold and the brave. If you fancy dialling things up and going for a loud colour, just be aware that it will be a process! Usher recently decided to dye his afro hair a bright hue of red/orange which will have involved some serious bleach - probably more than once. If you’re blonde, it will be much easier to achieve a colour like this, but if you’ve got brown or black hair it will need to be heavily bleached to strip out the natural colour, and then dyed to reach the desired tone.
Dying your hair can be a lot of fun, but it can also do a fair amount of damage to the hair. Definitely speak to your barber about this, and don’t attempt to do it out of a box at home.
How to maintain bleached hair
Bleach and hair dye can really dehydrate the hair and scalp, so a daily conditioner or hair treatment will be your hair’s best friend, no matter the length! PATRICKS CD2 Moisturising Conditioner is specifically formulated for damaged hair and will help to restore any lost moisture, as well as looking after the scalp and hair follicles. Also, for those of you with afro hair, which has a coarse texture, we recommend using Aaron Wallace Deeply Nourishing Hair Conditioner.
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