Words by Charlie Britton
Hairstyles have and will always be very important for the modern man. It’s the crown you never take off. The part of your image and style you can’t really change up on a daily basis. With the new year in full swing, gents are searching far and wide for a new look and are turning to 2018 men’s hairstyle trends to try something new.
Here at Clothes Make The Man, we want to make sure you get the style that suits you best. From 2018 trends to hairstyles that you should and should not try, we’ve put together a guide to make sure you get a cut above the rest.
The 2018 Hairstyle Trends
There are a handful of 2018 trend forecasts for men’s hair, all suggesting slightly different styles you can put into action this year. It’s clear that some are definitely of-the-moment ‘dos, which we can’t see being very popular at all with the everyday gent. However, some styles are certain to become staples for 2018 which will fit perfectly with menswear trends set for success this year.
The Buzz Cut
In 2017, the buzz cut was brought into fashion by celebrities and everyday blokes alike. It became a pretty-boy staple for some, including Sam Smith, Zayn Malik and Brooklyn Beckham all sporting the sheared back style.
The buzz cut is sure to stay in 2018, but it’s not for the faint hearted if you’re used to luscious long locks cascading from the top. Furthermore, the buzz cut wont suit all face shapes. If you have a round or triangular face shape, a buzz cut will only work against you. If you have a more rectangular face shape where your jaw matches your forehead in width, then a buzz cut will work great and compliment that masculine head of yours.
One thing to consider with this cut is also your ears. If they stick out a fair amount, leave your hair longer on the sides. A buzz cut will only exaggerate your ears, encouraging ape-related banter from friends and colleagues.
To achieve this style, simply ask your barber for a buzz cut. A good starting point is a clipper grade #2 on top and #1 on the sides. You can also ask for a skin fade on the sides, up to either a #1 or #2 on top. This will give the cut a bit more shape and structure, however will leave the sides free from hair at the bottom, so expect quite a drastic transformation.
Zayn Malik and Sam Smtih
The Bob
A hairstyle that’s been around for years is the swept-back bob. This longer hairstyle has been made popular over the years by famous faces including Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise and more recently, Kit Harrington.
The bob is the perfect long hair, don’t care style for running your hands through your hair without the risk of upsetting anti-hipsters by sporting a man-bun. On a quick note, the man-bun is well and truly done, so chop that thing off if you’re still in denial that you borrow your girlfriends hair bands.
This style suits quite a lot of head and face shapes, as the bob can be cut and styled to suit each individual. Gents with square and more circular head shapes can pull this off perfectly as the swept back style can add structure to the overall image. However triangular and longer rectangular head shapes can work with this style well by letting the hair fall in front of the ears.
To achieve this style, you’ll either have to grow out your hair until it’s a good length, then ask your barber for a long swept back bob that tapers slightly at the neck. You can also opt for a more laid back style by letting the back fall onto your shoulders if you’re not too bothered about a groomed finish. If you have longer hair, it’s just a matter of having the style cut into shape at your favourite barbershop.
Kit Harrington, Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper
The French Crop
There are quite a number of variations for this cut forecasted for 2018, but they inevitably come down to the french crop. This hairstyle has been worn on celebrities across the globe and the average joe for quite some time, however it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
The french crop is effectively created with a tapered back and sides, usually taken rather high, with a textured and short top. The front is then either cut bluntly, leaving a contrasting line of hair across the forehead, or pushed slightly to the side. This style of course will change slightly depending on the barber you visit, but a french crop is easy to achieve with the right knowledge of what to ask for.
As a short style, this is again suited to the more masculine square face shape. Rectangular and circular face shapes can also pull this off by leaving the fringe slightly messier, creating more texture across the front of the head.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a french crop, faded down to a #0.5 or even a skin fade. Inform your barber that you want the hair to sit going towards the front of the head, with lots of texture. If you’re up for a more striking cut, ask for a blunt fringe with a little texture. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, ask for the front to be left messy, so you have the choice to leave it straight down or pushed slightly to the side.
Cillian Murphy
Classic Side Part
As much as the skin fade and very short back and sides are popular in todays society, 2018 is the year we finally see a comeback of the classic haircuts, including the scissor cut pompadour, slick back rockabilly and of course, the classic side part.
George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, David Beckham and Leonardo DiCaprio to name a few have been seen rocking this classic cut many of times both on and off the red carpet. Theres a brilliant reason as to why. It’s a timeless classic, full of elegance, style and sophistication. This cut has been the front runner for the men’s grooming industry since we can remember and it’s about time it made its sparkling come back.
Furthermore, this style can be adapted to suit every face shape and every style, so whether you’re after a well groomed cut, or something more natural and loose, the classic side part is a great go-to for 2018.
To achieve this style, decide how short you’d like to take it, then ask your barber for a classic side part haircut. Simple as. We definitely wouldn’t recommend going shorter than a #2 or #3 on the sides to maintain the classic look, and ensuring the parting is on the correct side of your head to go with the shape of the growth and crown. You can also ask for a scissor cut side part to leave the sides longer and looser if you’re not a fan on a tight back and sides.
George Clooney, Justin Timberlake and Leonardo DiCaprio
So there we have it. Our favourite forecasted men’s hairstyle trends for 2018. Whatever hairstyle you decide to try next, remember to make sure it will suit your face shape! For all the barbershop jargon you might not be aware of, we have the perfect post to bring you up to speed with the barbers, so have a read here if you’re looking for your next trim.
What other haircuts do you think will be prominent in 2018? Leave us a comment below or tweet us here at Clothes Make The Man!
