Hair Files: Men’s Trends

We’ve talked in the past about how men continue to put more focus on their appearance and are putting more effort into their hairstyle.  Industry expert Ivan Zoot—better known as the Clipper Guy—recently sat down with Short Hair Style to talk men’s hair.

Short Hair Style: When a man sits down in a stylist’s chair, what does he usually want?

Ivan Zoot: Men are less driven by celebrity style and pop culture than women are. Men are more open to suggestions from the stylist, especially if she’s female. Books and magazines that show hair styles for men are great tools because men are so visual; they can imagine outcomes from pictures. Men may not know the language of hair cutting so I avoid using hair industry jargon and salon terms. For example, to a guy “volume” is a knob on a radio! So instead, I talk about fullness or puffiness — those are words he can visualize.

SHS: What are the latest trends in hair styles for men?

IZ: Undercutting and disconnection are big in hairstyles for men this spring and summer… not the undercuts we did 10 years ago but cleanly tapered perimeters, disconnected, non-blended tops, and longer top lengths for styling versatility. The shorter undercut areas are perfect for hair graphics and designs.

SHS: Is spiky hair still in? What’s the best way to achieve the look?

IZ: Spiky is always a hot hairstyle for men. The height it provides can balance certain facial shapes, too. The messy randomness of spiky hair makes for great casual appeal. Most spiky styles can be tamed down for work and more formal settings, too. Notching or texturizing scissors and razors are the tools of choice for hair cutters to create a truly spiky finish. And firm styling gels are the products of choice for managing the spiky style.

SHS: Most men don’t want to spend a lot of time on their hair. What style do you recommend that easily goes from office to nightlife to casual?

IZ: The undercuts described above are perfect for exploring styling options. The looks can be slicked and tamed for daytime work situations. Firm hold gels will create more structured looks by day. For evenings, the added top length can be restyled with funk and texture. Pomades, texture pastes, and creams will break up the look and add some style.

Are you seeing similar things occurring in your salons? What trends do you see going on with your male customers?