Men's undercut

Undercut is a men's haircut where the short temples and nape contrast with longer hair on top. The transition between the zones is usually visible, and the top can be styled in different ways: combed back, directed to the side, or left freer and more textured.

The main feature of an undercut is the combination of a clean shape and the ability to change the styling. The same haircut can look strict and restrained or more relaxed — it all depends on the hair length and the styling method.

Who it suits

Undercut suits those who want to emphasise the contrast between the short side zones and the elongated top. The cut looks good on straight and thick hair: it's easier to comb back or to the side while keeping the shape. On wavy hair an undercut can also look interesting — the natural texture makes the look less strict.

When choosing, it's worth considering not only your hair type but also how it grows and holds styling. If your hair is fine or doesn't hold volume well, the stylist will help pick the length and shape so the top doesn't look too flat. It's also important to decide in advance how pronounced the contrast between the top and the temples should be.

Undercut can be made more classic — with neatly combed-back hair — or more modern, with a textured top and a casual styling. If you're unsure which variation to choose, you can show the stylist a photo of the cut you like and adapt it together for your hair.

How the haircut is done at the salon

Before the cut the stylist confirms how much length to leave on top, how short to make the temples and nape, and how you usually style your hair. These details affect the final shape and how easy it will be to maintain at home.

First the short side zones and nape are shaped, then the stylist forms the top, taking into account the hair growth pattern and the desired styling. It's important that the length on top works with the short temples and doesn't interfere with everyday care. At the end the stylist cleans up the outlines and shows you how to style the hair yourself.

As the hair grows out, the contrast between the top and the sides changes. To keep an undercut in its original shape, it's usually worth refreshing the cut about every 3–5 weeks. The frequency depends on your hair growth rate, the chosen length and how crisp you want the outlines to look.

Care and styling at home

An undercut requires a bit more styling attention than short cuts. The process doesn't have to be complicated, though: it's usually enough to wash your hair, dry it with a hairdryer and direct the top in the right direction.

For styling back or to the side you can use paste, clay or hair cream. Matte products work well for natural texture, while products with stronger hold help keep a neat shape throughout the day. Start with a small amount of product and add more if needed so the hair doesn't look heavy.