Fact:

Due to its high-contrast and stylish design, the undercut easily gives anyone a unique, classy, and dapper look.

Moreover:

This cut has numerous variations, all of them as distinct and recognizable; just like the normal undercut itself.

Anyway:

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 trendy undercut hairstyles as well as a few tips on how to do and style this haircut.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Let’s dive in…

What is the Undercut Haircut?

Now:

Before we jump into how many styling options you have, let’s take a look at what the undercut is.

Get this:

The undercut haircut has been around for quite some time and has grown in popularity in recent times.

One of the reasons for the haircut’s popularity can be due to its youthfulness and versatility.

Basically:

This haircut features lengthy hair on top of the head while the back and sides are kept short.

And that, in turn, creates a high-contrast look to emphasize the hair on the top.

Get it?

So, the undercut has a lot of variations but the main idea is that you have short sides and back and longer hair on top.

And this means that you can pair it with almost any other type of hairstyle.

Anyway:

Here are a few awesome types of the undercut I’m sure you’ll love…

Top 12 Undercut Styles in 2024

1) Slicked Back Undercut

The slicked back undercut has to be one of the most popular variations of the undercut haircut.

Simply put:

This hairstyle features longer hair on top – styled backward without parting.

To get this style:

You’ll have to leave relatively longer, slicked-back hair on top and have shorter hair on the sides.

Now:

The secret recipe to having a great slicked-back undercut is using a top-notch hair product; although I’d recommend you use some pomade, you can also use wax or gel.

Once done with the clipping, apply the hair product and style the hair backward.

Pro Tip:

Using pomade will give your hair the glossy shine you often see with the slicked-back undercut.

The slicked back undercut has to be one of the most popular variations of the undercut haircut.

Simply put:

This hairstyle features longer hair on top – styled backward without parting.

To get this style:

You’ll have to leave relatively longer, slicked-back hair on top and have shorter hair on the sides.

Now:

The secret recipe to having a great slicked-back undercut is using a top-notch hair product; although I’d recommend you use some pomade, you can also use wax or gel.

Once done with the clipping, apply the hair product and style the hair backward.

Pro Tip:

Using pomade will give your hair the glossy shine you often see with the slicked-back undercut.

2) Disconnected Undercut

Another popular variation of this haircut is the disconnected undercut.

It is bold, elegant, stylish, and great for anyone looking to own their look.

So, how is it done?

For starters, you’ll need to have a good bit of hair on top of the head and the sides/back should have relatively short hair.

Now:

The “disconnect” refers to the dramatic way in which short hair on the sides and back transitions into the longer hair on top.

This defines a clear line where the short hair ends and long hair starts creating a striking contrast between the two.

Just like the slicked-back undercut, the disconnected undercut is styled backward using a top-notch hair product.

3) Side Part Undercut

Combining the stylish elegance of a side part and the sharp contrast of an undercut, the side part undercut is probably one of the best styling combos you’ll see today.

In simple terms:

It offers a classy and edgy look.

To get this hairstyle, you’ll have to begin by parting the hair to the side and tying the top part to separate it. Next, you’ll want to clip the sides and back with a clipper.

Pro Tip: 

You can leave a little bit of hair just underneath the part line on one side for better styling.

Once you’re done clipping, use some pomade, gel, or wax on the hair on top and arc it off into the opposite side of the part line.

4) Layered Undercut

If you want a classy appearance but with a little bit of “depth,” then a layered undercut is a great choice.

It offers a refined, textured, and charming look for men.

Basically:

Adding layers can also amplify an undercut giving it more fullness and better style improvement.

5) Temple Fade Undercut

With this haircut, you get to enjoy the stylishness of a temple fade and the elegance of an undercut.

The end result?

A dapper, contemporary look that will leave heads turning whenever you walk by.

This style features shorter hair on the sides and back with a nice fade around the temples.

You can also add some layering to the remaining hair to give it more volume and depth.

6) Modern Caesar Cut + Undercut

Another unique way to rock the undercut is by combining it with a Caesar cut.

As you probably know, the Caesar cut has been around since the days of Julius Caesar making it a classic and timeless hairstyle.

The classic Caesar cut features short hair with a relatively short fringe but if you combine it with an undercut you’ll want longer hair and a somewhat longer fringe – but not too long.

Now:

You can always style the hair on top as you’d like – tight or loose.

This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking for an impressive, contemporary look.

7) Pompadour Undercut

Without a doubt:

The Pompadour Undercut is a clear definition of style, elegance, charm, and classiness.

How is it done?

The Undercut Pomp is much like the Slick Back version in terms of the cutting process.

Also:

Remember to use high-quality pomade, wax, or gel, and a comb so that the style will hold.

8) Undercut with Hard Part

I know what you’re thinking:

What’s the difference between a Side Part and a Hard Part?

Well, the former is achieved by splitting the top hair into two parts using a comb.

However, a hard Part follows the same process, but this time, using a hair clipper to create a sharp, contrasting line between the two parts of the hair.

Now:

While this hairstyle might look like an undercut with a side part, it is much bolder up close making it perfect for men with an edgy taste.

How to get it?

Just use the same procedure as you would an undercut with a side part; but use a hair clipper to play around with the thickness and length of your part so that it suits the bold look you want.

9) Short Undercut

A short undercut is a great choice for men with a stylish yet subtle style.

Plus:

Due to the fact that it’s shorter, it is much easier to maintain than the standard undercut and ideal for a large number of events and occasions.

How is it done?

First, cut the sides and back of the head short with a clipper; next, make the hair on top a #2 or #3 but make sure you maintain some contrast with the sides.

Since the main idea behind an undercut is having contrast, a short undercut will still look great.

Pro Tip:

A forward-swept appearance works great with the short undercut.

10) Man Bun Undercut

For men with Man Buns or Pony Tails looking to try an undercut, this is it.

The ponytail undercut has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years and with good reason.

Not only is it edgy but it also makes a bold statement.

Pro Tip:

To get the best look out of this style, your hair needs to be at least 6 inches long.

Now:

To get a Man Bun Undercut, begin with shaving the sides and back of the head as usual; once you’re done shaving, proceed to style the top part into a man bun or ponytail.

Use some pomade or gel for a nice slicked-back look.

Anyway:

This hairstyle is great for a younger, more casual look.

11) Textured Undercut

A textured undercut is ideal for adding a bit of casualness to your look.

The secret to rocking a properly-textured undercut is using a low shine styling product.

Also:

Make sure you apply the product evenly.

Pro Tip:

The goal is to make it look like you haven’t used any product at all; so, apply only a small amount.

12) Curly Undercut

Lastly:

Curls are usually paired with fades, but if you are looking to change up your appearance, try an undercut combo.

Pro Tip:

Use an enhancing cream to better manage your curls and give them more volume.

Curls are fun and easy-going but once paired with an undercut they’ll look even better.

And that’s a wrap.

Now:

Before I conclude this post, here are a few useful tips you can use when it comes to the undercut haircut…

How to Do the Undercut Haircut

If you’ve been reading this and wondering; “can I give myself an undercut?”

Short answer: Yes.

Anyway:

Here is the procedure to follow for a DIY Undercut:

• The first step to getting a great undercut is having the right clipper; a high-quality clipper not only ensures you’ll get a clean cut but will also make the work a lot easier.
• Next, you’ll want to tie the hair on top of the head with clips, pins, or bands. Remember that undercuts feature a longer top with short sides and back.
• Start by cutting and styling your sides and back as preferred. Try to keep them as short as possible for better contrast. This is completely dependent on your taste.

But, size relativity matters here.

For example:

If the hair on top is around 2 inches long then using a size 1 or 2 clipper guard on the sides would be ideal while a size 4 or 5 would be alright if the hair on top was around 6 inches.

Pro Tip:

A quality clipper will either be adjustable or have cutting guides – or both – making it extremely easy to choose the ideal cutting length.

You can also experiment with the adjustments to see what works best for you.

Now:

Once satisfied with your clipping, you can release the hair on top and give it a little touch-up with a pair of scissors if needed. 

As for styling, you can use some pomade, wax, or gel – although pomade works best for an undercut.

Too much?

Well, let a professional barber do it for you then.

Here’s how to tell them what you want:

How to Ask for the Undercut from a Barber

DIY self-cuts are not for everyone.

For a better and more professional haircut, visit your local barbershop.

If you decide to go the barber route – which I recommend – here are some tips on how to ask for an undercut.

Now:

The easiest way to do this is to bring a picture and show it to your barber especially if you are looking for a unique variation of this hairstyle.

But:

If for some reason you don’t have a picture, try to be as specific as possible while using the right barber terminologies in describing the haircut you want.

Don’t be afraid to divulge the relevant information like your personal preferences with regards to haircuts – textures, fades, etc. – as well as when you had your last haircut. 

All these will give the barber a good starting point for cutting.

Luckily for you, the Undercut is a popular hairstyle and most barbers will recognize the name immediately.

How to Maintain an Undercut

Basic maintenance of the undercut hugely involves maintaining the original length of the sides, back, and top.

Also:

You’ll have to do this once or twice a month depending on how fast your hair grows.

Fun Fact:

If you choose to let the hair on top grow out while maintaining the sides, you’ll end up with a disconnected undercut which looks great with longer hair on top.

Also, regular maintenance of the undercut will leave it looking stylish and fresh for a long time.

Conclusion…

That’s just about everything you need to know about the Undercut Haircut.

I think it’s one of the best hairstyles to date and will definitely look awesome, stylish, and trendy on just about anyone.

Do you have any questions?

If so, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below.

Also, let me know your favorite undercut variation. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Till next time… #StaySafe