Medium length haircuts for men sit between a short crop and a full flow. They have enough hair to style and not so much that it takes over the morning. Here are 14 styles, who they suit and what to tell your barber.
Medium length haircuts for men: what counts as medium
Medium means about two to six inches on top, with the sides tapered or kept shorter. That is long enough to comb, push forward, sweep up or pull back. A little product goes a long way at this length: pea-sized for a natural look, a bit more for a strong hold.
Forward and textured
1. Textured fringe
A choppy top pushed forward over the forehead.
- Who it suits: Tall foreheads and receding hairlines.
- How to ask: Ask for choppy layers on top and a taper at the sides.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
2. Fluffy hair
Loose, airy volume with a soft fringe.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for layers on top and a salt spray finish.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
3. Mod cut
A full fringe brushed forward with layers.
- Who it suits: Straight and slightly wavy hair.
- How to ask: Show a photo and ask for hair that covers the ears.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Two block haircut
Sides and back short, with a longer top that falls over them.
- Who it suits: Straight, thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a short back and sides.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 5 weeks.
5. Korean perm
A soft perm that adds waves to straight hair.
- Who it suits: Straight, medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask a stylist who does perms regularly.
- Upkeep: Lasts 2 to 4 months.
6. Faux hawk
Shorter sides with a strip of longer hair in the middle.
- Who it suits: Round and oval faces.
- How to ask: Ask for a blended taper.
- Upkeep: Trim every 2 to 3 weeks.
Swept up and back
7. Quiff
The front is brushed up and slightly back.
- Who it suits: Round and oval faces.
- How to ask: Ask for length on top and a blended taper.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
8. Pompadour
Hair swept upward and back with the most height at the front.
- Who it suits: Thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for four inches on top.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
9. Slick back
Combed straight back with a bit of product.
- Who it suits: Oval and square faces.
- How to ask: Ask for even length on top.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
10. Blowout taper
A taper with a top blow-dried for volume.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a taper and styling advice.
- Upkeep: Trim every 2 to 3 weeks.
11. Undercut
Short sides with a disconnected longer top.
- Who it suits: Thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a clean disconnect.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
Parted and classic
12. Side part haircut
A neat part with tapered sides.
- Who it suits: Nearly every face shape.
- How to ask: Part where your hair naturally falls.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 5 weeks.
13. Middle part haircut
A center part with hair falling to both sides.
- Who it suits: Oval, heart and square faces.
- How to ask: Ask for hair at least to the eyebrows.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
14. Old money haircut
A classic scissor cut with natural layers.
- Who it suits: Straight and wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for scissors over clippers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
15. Modern mullet
Shorter at the front and sides with extra length behind.
- Who it suits: Wavy and textured hair.
- How to ask: Say how long the back should stay.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
How to style medium hair
Towel dry, then add a small amount of sea salt spray or matte clay and work it through with your fingers. Blow dry the front upward for height or forward for a fringe. Finish with a quick pass of the product. Avoid heavy gels on fine hair: they flatten it by lunchtime.
Try a length before you grow it
Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and compare up to four medium length cuts on your own face before you commit.
Related reading: short haircuts for men, long hairstyles for men and men's haircuts.
FAQ
What is the best medium length haircut for men?
A textured fringe or a side part with a taper is easy to style and works for most face shapes.
How do I style medium length hair for men?
Use a pea-sized amount of clay or sea salt spray on towel-dried hair, then shape it with your fingers or a quick blow dry.
What medium length haircuts work for thin hair?
A textured crop with a little length, or a side part. Blunt, matte styling products give thin hair body.
How often should I trim a medium length haircut?
Every 4 to 6 weeks for a tidy shape, or 3 to 4 weeks if the sides are tapered.
