Glow Up for MenHair
Looksmaxxing haircut: how to choose and keep a cut that suits you
Short answer
The best looksmaxxing haircut is one that balances your face shape, suits your hair type and you can maintain. As a rule, round or wide faces gain from height on top and shorter sides; long faces from less height and some fullness at the sides. Trim every 3–6 weeks, bring photos to your barber and keep your beard in proportion with your hair.
Face shape: a starting point, not a rule
Face-shape guides are useful as a first filter. The idea is simple: the cut should balance what your face already has. To guess your shape, look at a straight-on photo in good light and compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw with the length of your face.
Your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, coily), density and hairline matter as much as face shape. A good barber will look at all of it.
| Face shape | What tends to work | Usually less flattering |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Most cuts; you can experiment | Heavy fringes that hide the forehead completely |
| Round | Height or texture on top, shorter sides, a defined beard | Very short all over or volume at the sides |
| Square | Short to medium cuts, side parts, textured crops | Very sharp geometric lines that add more angles |
| Long / rectangular | Less height, some fullness at the sides, a light fringe | Tall quiffs and very tight sides |
| Diamond / heart | Some length or texture at the forehead, fuller sides | Very short sides that exaggerate the cheekbones |
How often to get a haircut
If you're getting a cut before an event, go 3–5 days before: it settles and looks less “fresh from the chair”.
| Style | Trim every |
|---|---|
| Buzz cut, skin fade | 2–3 weeks |
| Short cuts with tapered sides | 3–4 weeks |
| Medium length | 4–6 weeks |
| Growing it out | 6–8 weeks, just to clean up the neckline and ends |
How to ask your barber for the right cut
- Bring 2–3 photos
Of people with a similar hair type to yours, ideally from the front and the side. One photo of what you don't want also helps.
- Say the length on the sides
Clipper number or “scissors only”, and whether you want a fade (low, mid, high) or a classic taper.
- Say how much to take off the top
In centimetres or fingers, and whether you want texture or a clean finish.
- Explain your routine
How much time you'll spend styling each morning and whether you use product. The cut should work on your laziest day.
- Ask how to style it
Which product, how much and in which direction. Then book the next appointment before you leave.
Basic hair care
- Wash as often as your scalp needs: oily scalps may need it daily; dry or curly hair often does better with fewer washes and conditioner.
- Use conditioner on the lengths if your hair is medium or long.
- Towel-dry gently and blow-dry in the direction you want it to sit; it does half the styling.
- Pick one product to start: matte paste or clay for texture, cream for a softer, natural look, a little gel or pomade for shine and hold. Use a small amount.
- Protect your scalp from the sun if your hair is very short or thinning: a cap or sunscreen.
Beard and hair together
Hair and beard read as one frame for your face. A fade that blends into a short beard looks deliberate; a sharp fade next to an untidy beard looks unfinished. A few guidelines:
- Keep the neckline about a finger or two above the Adam's apple and the cheek line clean.
- If your face is round, a beard slightly longer at the chin than on the sides adds length.
- If your face is long, keep the beard fuller on the sides and shorter at the chin.
- Ask your barber to match the fade into the beard so there's no gap at the sideburns.
Hair loss: see a professional
Thinning at the temples or crown is very common in men. Some cuts make it less noticeable (shorter lengths, textured tops, not combing hair over the thin area), but if you're worried about losing hair, see a doctor or dermatologist. They can tell you what's causing it and which options make sense for you. Avoid buying treatments online without that advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best looksmaxxing haircut?
The one that balances your face shape, suits your hair type and you can maintain. Textured crops, tapered cuts and medium-length styles work for many guys, but your barber should judge your hair.
How do I know my face shape?
Take a straight-on photo in good light and compare forehead, cheekbone and jaw width with face length. Use it as a starting point, not a strict rule.
How often should men get a haircut?
Every 2–3 weeks for very short styles, 3–4 for short cuts and 4–6 for medium length.
Can a haircut hide hair loss?
Shorter, textured cuts can make thinning less noticeable. If you're worried about hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist for advice on causes and options.
Keep reading
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