Dark Horse Barber Studio
If you’re looking to update your style for the new year, there’s no better, more instantly noticeable way than a fresh new cut. But with so many styles available it may be hard to find the one that’s best for you. That’s why we’ve knocked out our top ten styles for 2023 to make finding the new you a total breeze!
1. The Textured Crop
The Textured Crop can be soft and subtle or incredibly bold and edgy depending on the length, thickness, and color. For example, a longer and more shattered fringe is generally viewed as more modern while a shorter, wispier fringe is more precise. The best part about this haircut is the versatility. You can mess it up all the way or tone it down depending on the situation. If you want a style that can change vibes and look trendy, this is the one for you.
How To Style: Again there’s no one size fits all for styling this look. Apply Uppercut Styling Powder for a casual look, or dress it up with a bit Pomade for a more professional style. It’s all about what you’re feeling at the time.
2. The Messy Style
The messy hair look exudes masculinity, gruffness, and even sexiness, which is why it has become so popular with men on a global scale. Whether you have short or long hair, the messy look is an effortlessly cool style. If you want to look like you have amazing hair, but also look like you don’t care you have amazing hair, this is the one for you.
How To Style: Add Uppercut Featherweight to towel dry hair. Hand style to finish to maintain that messy, care-free, cool style.
3. The Modern Quiff
The Modern Quiff is one of the coolest and most easily-achievable styles for those who want a modern look. This style is just the right amount of messy, but still maintains a well-kept appeal. It’s perfect for the young professional who wants to command respect in the work place, but isn’t afraid to still have some fun nights out. The most common look involves pairing the Quiff with a tapered fade on the sides and in the back, but there are many ways to wear it depending on the look you hope to achieve.
How To Style: From towel dried hair, add a few pumps of Uppercut Sea Salt Spray and emulsify into hair. Blow dry at the base of the hair in an upward direction to provide volume. When hair is completely dry add a few shakes of uppercut texture powder and work through hair. A small amount of hairspray can be added to lock in style.
4. The 90’s Curtains
Made super popular by basically every T.V. show in the early to late 90s, this one is coming back in a big way! The curtains hairstyle is flattering and youthful at its heart, but has transformed into something masculine and rugged in 2023. While this cut was birthed around the idea of a center part, we recommend you play with different partings to see what one works the best. It can be tousled into a messy and playful style, or you grab a styling aid, slick it back, and enjoy that rough-and-tumble look. For the most part, if you’re into the sexy bedhead look, curtains require very little styling to look their best.
How To Style: Apply Uppercut Sea Salt Spray to towel dry hair. Hand style and let air dry or use a blow dryer with diffuser to finish. If you desire more hold, Suavecito Hair Cream or Uppercut Texture Powder can be added after hair is dry.
5. The Modern Mullet
Find it hard to believe? Don’t! The modern mullet is a powerful statement that’s making comeback in a big way. The main accent of the cut is on the nape that features long eye-catching strands. While it may seem not for everyone, it is actually quite versatile. The modern-day mullet, accompanied by burst fades and tapers, works for any hair type, from straight to curly, and flatters almost all face shapes. Pair this bad boy with an incredible mustache (yes also making a comeback) and get ready to make a statement!
How To Style: For a dry look, start with Uppercut Sea Salt Spray, air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer, finish with texture powder and use your hands to style. For a wet look start with Suavecito Grooming Spray, air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer and finish with Uppercut Deluxe Pomade or Uppercut Featherweight and style with hands.
6. The Classic Side Part
The classic side part is a very professional look that is incredibly popular among today’s businessmen. It features a very defined part, on one side of the head above the parietal ridge and includes an undercut or short fade on the sides with longer hair on the top. The part can be made a hard part and if you opt for this it should be straight razored in to add definition. While choosing which side the part should be on keep in mind the part should be the shortest distance away from your hair’s natural whirl where it should end. If your whirl is on the left, so should be your part and vice versa. If you’re looking a super clean cut, every hair in its place type style, this is the one for you.
How To Style: Apply Uppercut Sea Salt Spray to towel dried hair. Using a comb, define your part. Blow dry to add volume and/or organize the style. Add Uppercut Deluxe Pomade or Featherweight for a wet look. Uppercut matte pomade, clay or nothing at all for a more natural look. Then use a wide tooth comb, rake or your fingers to style.
7. The Slicked Back
The super popular cut once made famous the bad asses of the 70s and 80s is back, thankfully without the reputation it once had. The most popular look involves an undercut or fades on the sides paired with longer hair on the top; the hair on top can vary in length from over an inch to just a few inches. This cut requires some maintenance and a commitment to strong styling products, but most men find it simple enough to style on the go. If you want a timeless look with a bit of a bad boy edge, this is definitely the one for you.
How To Style: For a cleaner look, apply Uppercut Sea Salt Spray to towel dry hair. Using a comb slick your hair back. Blow dry for additional volume or to remove unwanted wave. Then apply Uppercut Deluxe Pomade or Uppercut Matte Pomade for a smooth look. For a messy look, use Uppercut Clay or Texture Powder and hand style to finish. If you have curly hair this style is best worn off to the side as the volume with curls can often be too much to wear this style straight back.
8. The Buzz Cut
The classic buzz cut is a time-tested favorite amongst men who like the clean, no-nonsense look and masculine vibe. Men with strong features are often surprised by how well this hairstyle accentuates their cheekbones and jawlines. When faded to bald on the sides and in the back, this simple cut is surprisingly versatile. It requires almost zero maintenance aside from the regular trim. If you want a low maintenance style that still allows you to look incredible, this is the one for you. This style also works incredible with hair color so don’t be afraid to have some fun with it.
How To Style: Wash your hair or use water to relax the hair, towel dry and enjoy looking effortlessly awesome. If you do find yourself needing a little help to make this style lay flat, an oval military hair brush is your best friend!
9. The Fade
The is a classic, low maintenance style that provides a cool, effortless look. It features short hair on the sides, back, and front with the hair in the front and on top of the head remaining just slightly longer than the rest. Whether you’re an athlete, boardroom superstar or a crowd surfing rockstar, this style looks great on everyone with very little maintenance or effort.
How To Style: Styling here very much depends on the amount of length you leave up top. For shorter styles add Uppercut Texture Powder, Suavicito Grooming Spray or waving foam/gel to thicken and hold. For longer styles you’ll want to use something with a bit more hold like Clay or Pomade but Texture Powder can still be used for a more natural look. For waves, add waving foam/gel and brush your hair in the direction or your wave pattern. For Twists, add a leave-in conditioner wrap a towel around your hair or curl sponge twist hair in a unison direction.
10. Long Hair
Long hair is an excellent hairstyle option for men who want a longer style that has a carefree and relaxed vibe. It may look like a bit of a commitment, but don’t be scared off by the length. Growing your hair out isn’t has hard as it seems. All it takes is a knowledgeable barber who knows what needs to be cut and what doesn't along with minimal styling and care products at home. Simply let your hair grow to your desired length, maintaining your routine barbershop appointments of course to avoid any awkward phase, then brush or pick it and allow it to fall where it may.
How To Style: This style is much more about maintenance than styling. Apply Suavecito Grooming Spray or argon oil to towel dried hair to reduce frizz. If you want more of a beachy-wave style, finish with Uppercut Sea Salt Spray for added volume and texture. For a Fro, add Argan Oil and pick through until hair is pulled out to desired shape.
So, there you go! Our top ten men’s hairstyles for 2023. Hopefully after checking out our list, you’ve found the one that’s going to be perfect for you. Each and every one of our incredible barbers at our Buffalo NY, East Aurora NY or East Amherst NY (coming soon) barber shops are ready to give you an incredible new look, so book now and let them know which one is right for you. All products mentioned are also available in our shops so don’t forget to ask for everything you need to stay looking barbershop fresh long after your visit!