Expert Insights on Men’s Hair Trends

Hello! I’m excited to share my professional insights on men’s hair trends, drawing from my 20 years of experience as a hairdresser in Southern California and now also in Nashville, Tennessee. Here’s a deep dive into the current landscape of men’s hairstyles, facial hair trends, and popular styling products.

Popular Hairstyles by Age Demographics

Ages 18-25:

• Longer, Messier Styles: This group gravitates towards longer, flowier, and messier hairstyles with a natural texture. Perms are making a comeback, adding wave and curl to straight hair.
• 1990s Influence: Think middle part skater kid haircuts, reminiscent of shows like “Boy Meets World,” but with a disheveled twist.
• Barber Shop Influence: They still prefer clean sideburns or tidy tapers, even if it conflicts with the overall messy look.

Ages 25-35:

• Lived-In Hair: This age group prefers haircuts that look naturally grown out, avoiding the fresh-cut look. They want their hair to seem effortlessly stylish.
• Short and Messy: Even buzzcuts are requested to look messy yet styled, taking inspiration from celebrities like Ryan Reynolds.

Ages 35+:

• 1980s Businessman Look: The classic American Psycho style remains popular, characterized by slick, side-parted hair.
• Long Layered Hair: Long layers are gaining traction, providing movement and avoiding the triangular shape of unlayered hair. Think of a sophisticated version of the 1980s and 1990s Hollywood hunk hair.

Out-of-Favor Hairstyles

• Comb Lines and Heavy Pomades: Clients are moving away from hairstyles that look heavily styled and polished.
• Designs and Side Parts: Hair designs and very classic 1940s-1950s side parts are falling out of favor, replaced by more organic and natural looks.
• Broccoli Head and Edgar Cuts: These styles, often seen as memes, are less popular due to their high maintenance and internet reputation.

Facial Hair Trends

• Natural and Organic: Just like with haircuts, clients prefer their beards to look more natural without hard lines. Faded beards are in demand for their low maintenance and gradual regrowth.
• Patchy Beards: Surprisingly, scraggly and patchy beards are becoming acceptable, embraced for their casual and unpolished appearance.

Future Trends in Men’s Hair

• Fuller Sides and Layered Hair: Fuller hair on the sides with a flowing back and long layered haircuts are gaining popularity. This trend leans towards a more voluminous and less structured look.
• Embracing Natural Texture: More men are embracing their natural hair texture, whether wavy or curly, and looking for styles that complement their unique hair type.
• Effortless Styles: The overarching trend is towards hairstyles that require minimal effort to style and maintain, looking naturally disheveled and unkempt.

Popular Styling Products

• Sea Salt Sprays: Ideal for longer hair, sea salt sprays add a slight stickiness, helping hair hold its shape without feeling heavy.
• Dry Shampoo: This product has surged in popularity for its ability to refresh hair and add texture without the need for frequent washing.

These insights provide a comprehensive view of the evolving trends in men’s hair. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut or advice on maintaining your style, understanding these trends can help you achieve a look that’s both current and effortless. If you’re near Tustin, CA, or Nashville, TN, I’d love to work with you personally to find the perfect style.