Though many think that it’s women who have all the fun when it comes to cutting and styling their hair, these days the world of men’s hairdressing is equally varied, covering a wide range of different cutting and styling techniques. You may choose a hairdresser that has been specifically trained to cut men’s hair; though you will also often find stylists who cut both men and women’s hair; it’s all down to your preferences and whether you just want to freshen up your cut or get a total makeover.
Is it for me?
The main deciding factor when it comes to men’s haircuts is whether you want to go down the scissor cut or clippers route.
Clippers are an electric styling tool used to trim hair to a uniform length, leaving an extra neat and precise finish on the edges of the hairline. Inside the cutting area is a pair of comb-like zig-zag blades, which when powered up, move rapidly from side to side in opposite directions. A guard is usually placed in front of the blades to protect the scalp and to channel the hair between the cutting edges. Depending on how short you want to go, the blades can be adjusted for a longer or super close cut.
Scissors also have a number of different blade types, and are used by barbers and stylists to manually and precisely thin and trim hair. A scissor cut may take longer, but it allows for a greater variety of lengths and textures in the finished style, so if you are after a more intricate hairstyle and want to add texture to your cut, a scissors cut is the best option.
A scissor cut may take longer, but it allows for a greater variety of lengths and textures in the finished style, so if you are after a more intricate hairstyle and want to add texture to your cut, a scissors cut is the best option.
Good to know
If you are not a pro at hairdressing lingo but want to make sure that your hairdresser knows what you want from your haircut here are some terms you need to know:
A 'buzz cut' is very short clipper haircut with the same length all over. It's also known as the military haircut' and it's super easy to maintain!
A 'man bun', Samurai hairstyle or topknot - make of it what you will. This hairstyle is suitable for medium to long hair and your hair will be secured into a firmly rounded bun. Half buns are also possible! In this case only hair on top of the head is used.
The 'Pompadour' is an iconic haircut. Even Elvis rocked one and nowadays many variations of the Pompadour are out there for you to try. A Pompadour typically has a short back and sides and long hair on top. Get that volume in the front or slick it back or to the sides for a stylish and sophisticated look.
A ‘fade cut’ on the other hand, (also known as taper) is a style that involves a change in hair length from one part of the head to another (for example: long at the top, shorter as it approaches the neck).
Although many think mens’ cuts are lower maintenance than women’s styles, if you want to keep the definition and proportions of your haircut intact we recommend you visit your barber every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your hair growth! If that’s too much for you, a trip to the hairdresser every couple of months to counter the damaging effects of pollution, weather and chemical dyes will not only leave your hair looking neater, but it will encourage new growth too. So what are you waiting for?
