Tips and Techniques for Styling Men's Hair

Tips and Techniques for Styling Men's Hair

Are you looking to change up your look due to a change of seasons, a new job, current trends, or just because? As you should! When it comes to men’s hair styling, it’s all about the proper cut and products — but first things first. You’ve got to identify your hair type and face shape. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Ahead: the ultimate guide filled with tips for styling your hair like a pro — you’ve got this.

Understanding Your Hair Type and Face Shape

Whether you want a classic cut or a new and trendy look, you should have a grasp of your hair type and face shape to ensure it flatters your features while being easy to style and take care of.

Identify Your Hair Type

Hair is categorized as either straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Hair type research suggests that the shape of the hair follicle determines a person’s hair type, and genetic factors play a significant role.

While you can typically determine which type you have by looking at it, you can do the touch test when it comes to texture:

  • Rub a small piece of hair between your fingers. Don’t feel anything? Then your hair is considered fine. If you can feel some texture, it’s medium. Notable roughness, or a wiry feeling, indicates a coarse hair type.

Determine Your Face Shape

It’s helpful if you can determine your face shape by measuring it because it will help you choose the most complementary hairstyles. All you need is a flexible measuring tape; here are the areas to measure:

  • Horizontally across your forehead, halfway between your hairline and brows.
  • Between the highest points of your cheekbones to the outer corner of your eyes.
  • From the beginning of the jaw to the tip of the chin. Multiply twice to get the entire jaw measurement.
  • The face length from the center of your hairline to the bottom of the chin.

Face Shape Guides

Oblong

An oblong face length is long, and the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are the same measurement. The best cuts help make the face look wider to balance the length, such as a textured style with fuller sides or a side-swept crew cut.

Diamond

A diamond-shaped face is characterized by a narrow forehead and a pointed chin — the cheekbones are the widest part of the face, resulting in a chiseled jawline. Cuts like a faux hawk, long fringe, and textured top are among the most flattering.

Square

This face shape is naturally wider, so avoiding cuts that provide more width is best. Opt for a quiff, classic side part, buzz cut, French crop, or pompadour because they feature short and tight sides.

Heart

Since the chin of a heart-shaped face is narrow in proportion to the forehead, the goal is to make it appear more prominent with a wavy textured side part or messy fringe cut. Avoid middle parts and styles with a lot of height on top.

Triangle

Volume is the secret to evening out a face shape like a triangle. It’s also helpful to have even sides to give the illusion of a wider forehead and cheekbones, so consider a crew cut, comb-over, or textured quiff.

Oval

While an oval face offers more versatility than other shapes, you should avoid fringe around the forehead because it can make your face appear more round. Opt for a crop with faded sides, mid-fade pompadour, a taper fade with a quiff, or an undercut.

Round

To help conceal roundness, choose a cut with lines and angles that is fuller on the top, such as a side-swept brush-up or a spiky cut. While faded sides make the face appear slimmer, avoid a buzz cut as it can accentuate roundness.

Choosing the Right Men’s Hairstyles

Even if you feel confident in understanding your face shape and hair type, talking to a pro can ensure you choose the best cut. Clear communication is vital!

You’re not expected to know all the correct cutting and barbering terms. Instead, show a picture or two and discuss important factors like your lifestyle and how much you’re willing to put into the styling process.

Classic and Timeless Haircut Options for Men

  • Buzz Cut: A military-like style achieved with clippers. High on the sides with a slightly longer patch on the crown.
  • Side Part: Also referred to as the Ivy League, a preppy version of a crew cut. Top hair is left longer for styling into a side part.
  • French Crop: Flattering for most face shapes, especially round. Shorter sides with a longer forehead fringe.
  • Brush Up: Short taper, fade, or undercut on the back and sides, styled for volume at the crown.
  • Messy Mid-Length: Versatile style, perfect for man buns or ponytails. Requires precision scissor cutting.

Trendy and Modern Haircut Styles

  • Quiff: Height at the front with shorter sides.
  • Faux Hawk: Tapered sides with a crested top, subdued compared to a traditional mohawk.
  • Textured Crop: Long tousled top with clean cropped sides, often with a short fringe.
  • New Ceasar: Classic Ceasar with longer bangs that can be slicked down.
  • Wolf Cut: Shaggy, voluminous style, suitable for confident men. Resembles a mullet.

Need inspiration? Check out our post on trending men’s hairstyles!

Essential Men’s Hairstyling Products and Tools

Even the sharpest cut requires the right men’s hair styling products and tools to complete the look.

Different Types of Hair Styling Products

Hair products for men help you achieve volume, shine, texture, control frizz, and provide hold.

Pro Tip: Check out our post about Volume for Men’s Hair and how to achieve it!

Tips for Selecting the Correct Products

Choose products based on hair type first, then styling goals. See our guide: Best Products for Your Hair Type.

Tools of the Trade

Start with the basics. Jack Black Durable Styling Comb handles all hair types for everyday styling and detangling.

Depending on your style, you may also need a boar bristle brush, straightener, and hair dryer for volume.

Tips for Everyday Haircare

An effective men’s hair care routine includes regular shampooing and conditioning to remove dirt, oil, and buildup while providing hydration. Scalp care promotes natural luster, shine, and growth.

Washing and Conditioning Techniques

Use Shampoo and Men's Hair Conditioner for your hair type. Follow guides on How Often You Should Wash Your Hair and the Jack Black Hair Conditioning Guide.

Common Haircare Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using the wrong product for your hair type
  • Using too much product or incorrectly
  • Shampooing too often or not enough
  • Not providing adequate moisture
  • Neglecting regular trims and areas like sideburns, mustache, beard, and neck
  • Not switching up your cut to meet your hair’s current needs
  • Choosing the wrong haircut/style for your face shape and hair texture
  • Not replacing men’s haircare products regularly

How to Keep Hair Healthy and Nourished

Scalp care is crucial for follicle health. Regular exfoliation removes buildup, helping oils nourish and protect scalp and hair.

Jack Black Exfoliating Scalp Scrub + Shampoo is a 2-in-1 scalp exfoliator and cleanser that removes excess oils and dead skin cells, resulting in stronger, healthier hair. Gentle enough for daily use.

Styling your hair doesn’t have to be complicated. Understand your face shape and hair type, and consult a stylist when unsure. Jack Black has you covered for styling products.

Back to blog