The undercut is one of the most popular hairstyles for men today. From pompadours to quiffs, to slick backs, I want to let you in on everything I know about the trending undercut haircut.

What is an Undercut?

The classic undercut is both the cool and extremely versatile hairstyle for men. An undercut refers generally to any men’s haircut that leaves some length on the top while, in contrast, the back and sides are cut closely, faded or even totally buzzed from a buzz cut.

From the booming popularity of the show Peaky Blinders, the hairstyle is becoming extremely more popular. Getting the perfect undercut is all about precision, skill, and focus. And since the skin fade versions are becoming more and more popular, it is vital to choose a good hairdresser for this cut.

Should I go for the Undercut?

If you are wondering whether an undercut is for you. You aren’t alone, but there are some things you have to consider before you call in your hairdresser. The undercut you chose depends on the shape of your face.

For a longer face shape, a slicked back or a short haircut is appropriate. On the contrary, an undercut pompadour or quiff compliments a rounder face better. The undercut however will work with all kinds of hair types – from curly to coarse, thick to thin.

As you might have probably guessed, the haircut can cost you to maintain, unless of course you have the confidence to do it yourself, as the sides must be freshened up at least every couple of weeks.

The 3 Most Popular Undercuts

The Undercut Quiff

This iconic hairstyle has many different variations. Depending on your hair type and length, the undercut quick can look sharp, slick or more relaxed, or even a bit beachy.

Slick Back Undercut

As you might have guessed, the slick back undercut is characterized by a visual difference between the length on top and the short sides. The sides are often times intended to be a complete disconnect.

If you’ve got hair like that of a lion, you shouldn’t go high on the back and sides when using the clipper. Ensure you can keep as much as length as possible to create a thicker look on top.

Pompadour Undercut

There are two sharp characteristics with the pompadour undercut that differentiates it from other types of undercuts. For the hair to be swept back in a pomp, the haircut has to be almost skin fade around the back and sides and much longer on the top of the head.

How to Style an Undercut

Step 1: Like always, begin with a newly-washed hair. It is vital to remove excess oil, dirt, and product residue from the hair. Before you begin styling, use a quality shampoo. I’ve most recently been using the Hairbond Revitaliser Shampoo followed by their Rejuvinator Conditioner. Lush citrusy fragrances and a super clean finish.

Step 2: Get a pre-styling spray and spray 3-6 pumps into the hair to protect the blow-dryer heat and add volume, texture, and hold. Distribute the spray evenly with a comb or a round brush. Keeping with the Hairbond United Kingdom brand, they have the Texturiser sea salt spray which comes in probably the best packaging I’ve ever seen, which is spot on for more of a matte beachy dry finish, but they also have the Wonder Primer which I like to use when looking for a softer, shinier effect and finish.

Step 3: This is when you should consider using your blow-dryer. Keep it on maximum heat and comb or brush to create maximum volume. Dry forward and backward and try using your hands once in a while tousling your hair for more volume and texture. Finish by setting the foundations of your new style with a blast of cooler air.

Step 4: Prepared to style? Depending on the look you want, grab a top end wax, clay or pomade. If you want a perfect slick and smooth finish then go for a pomade, again Hairbond comes highly recommended, they offer their Gripper Pomade, deliciously fruity, medium to strong hold.

For a more natural look, go for their Moulder, award winning, famously offering the effect of wax but without the greasy look and it’s great for volumising thinner hair so you don’t need any added powder.