While some hairstyles were only popular at the beginning or end of the decade, others transcended throughout the time period. Today, some of these hairstyles have begun to resurge, while the rest are due for a comeback. Read further to follow us as we mentally time travel through 90s hairstyles for men.

1. 90s Blowback/Brushback

Whether for work or leisure, this casual look was one of the most agreeable hairstyles for different occasions. Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry in the iconic 90s sitcom Friends, dawns a prime example of this hairstyle at the beginning of the show’s run.

Whether slightly grown out or paired with a taper, with or without layers, the key element of this style is for hair to be casually styled back with an unnoticeable amount of product, which can be achieved by applying a bit of hairstyling cream and brushing or blow-drying hair back.

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Using a round brush and beveling the hair up and back can add some volume if desired. The result of this form of styling leaves the hair flowing back with a slight part, making it seem like a hairstyle between curtain hair and a disheveled pompadour.

2. Bleach Hair

Hair color became more commonplace for men as the 90s progressed, and with it came a set of hair coloring trends. One of the most popular colors was bleached blond hair, a hair color often worn by members of boybands.

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Since this is a harsh process on hair, going to a professional for a hair-lightening job is the safest choice. However, if you must do so yourself, you can buy your own bleach online or at a local store.

You would also need to buy a developer, with a hair coloring bowl and brush to mix and activate the ingredients in hair bleach. If you decide to go with a hair bleaching kit, keep in mind that results may vary from what’s shown on the box.

3. Bowl Cut

While this might be the epitome of DIY kids’ haircuts despised by many, there’s something simple yet eccentric, youthful yet bold about this style on adults.

Not only is there a harshness to the bold lines that the classic bowl cut creates on the head, but it also takes someone with a strong sense of confidence to unironically pull this off.

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In the 90s, it was a haircut option that also served as the structure of other hairstyles, most notably curtain hair. Essentially, bowl cuts could be styled as curtain hair, but not all curtain hair was cut like a bowl cut.

If the classic bowl cut is too blunt for your taste, a shorter, more textured version of it can help modernize it. Textured bowl cuts are also a viable option for those with wavy and curly hair.

4. Britpop Moptop

The 90s moptop was a hairstyle that countless men imitated in the 90s, especially fans of Britpop, which was a genre of music with strong British influence at the time. The Britpop movement in the 90s rose alongside 60s cultural revivals, particularly in music and fashion.

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Upon the moptop’s increasing popularity in the 90s, the aesthetic of British Invasion bands of the 60s was brought back to life, transforming the moptop into a fashion symbol associated with Britpop.

Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher of Britpop band Oasis were known for showcasing variations of this hairstyle in the 90s, and have worn it at different times in the recent decade as well, despite their differences.

5. Caesar Cut

Out of all the cropped cuts in the 90s, the Caesar cut is probably the most notable. This haircut usually consists of two to five centimeters, or one to two inches of hair on top, with variants where the sides and back are clipped shorter.

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George Clooney is a well-cited example of wearing this hairstyle during his time on the medical drama ER in the 90s. With the Caesar cut, styling is optional. Some may choose to wash and wear their hair the way it naturally lays, whereas others might choose to add texture with styling wax, or slick their hair down with gel.

6. Cornrows

Cornrows were another way to wear longer hair in the 90s and early 2000s. As a hairstyle with African roots, this was first worn by people of African descent as far back as 3000 B.C., and has evolved to represent traditional African culture and social resistance in recent centuries.

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By the 90s, it became associated with the hip-hop look, as worn by Snoop Dogg, and was also worn by ethnicities with straighter hair textures.

7. Curtain Hair

Out of all 90s hairstyles for men, curtain hair is probably one of the first that comes to mind, especially with the recent resurgence of them today among K-pop stars and e-boys.

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In the 90s, this look was largely associated with boybands and famous actors like Leonardo DiCaprio. Yet, this style was easy to recreate, as there were a variety of versions that allowed a range of lengths, making timely haircuts less of a concern.

8. Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are probably one of the oldest ways of styling hair, with records dating back to ancient Egypt. The 90s was a time when dreadlocks became a “trend” for individuals outside the traditional cultures that practiced wearing dreads, such as Rastafarian culture.

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The rise of this hairstyle in pop culture coincided with the increasingly laidback culture of the 90s, and thus helped solidify its place in the array of 90s hairstyles.

Dreadlocks are most suitable for those with natural, coily hair, as the nature of this hair texture is to coil amongst itself, making the process of maturing dreadlocks easier. This process often requires twisting and teasing the hair for it to lock in place, especially for looser hair textures, like straight and wavy hair.

9. Fades

Fades are another men’s hair trend that began to gain traction in the 80s and were widely worn into the 90s. This trend was particularly popular among black men and the rising hip-hop scene of the time.

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Fades were most commonly paired with lined-up flattops and hi-tops, while optionally accented with tramlines. Today, fades have evolved to be paired with boundless possibilities.

10. Flattop

The flattop was a hairstyle that was worn by many men in the 50s and regained traction in the 80s and 90s.

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This clean-cut hairstyle needs monthly haircuts to keep the sides and back short, and the top flat, and should be styled properly to look in shape, especially if it is a longer version. Styling requires combing the hair up and using gel and/or hairspray to keep hair in place.

11. Frosted Tips

This distinct 90s look was a combination of spiky and bleached blond hair trends. Another favorite for boybands, frosted tips were widespread among young adults and teens in the late 90s and early 2000s.

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This style could be achieved on short hair by only bleaching the ends and then spiking it up with gel. Some may even choose to pair frosted tips with highlights.

12. Hi-Top Fade

Back in the 90s, Will Smith was in a very famous TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. With the show’s time starting while the hi-top fade was at its peak popularity, Will Smith’s professional identity as both an actor and rapper at the time showcased the hairstyle’s associations with both TV sitcom culture and the hip-hop community, with hip-hop artists wearing it as early as the mid-80s.

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The hi-top is essentially a higher version of the flattop. Due to the structure of tighter hair textures, it is more easily achieved with natural, curly hair, although people with straight hair can still achieve this with dedicated use of hairspray.

13. Line-Ups/Edge-Ups

Short 90s hairstyles for men aren’t the same without line-ups, which gives them the clean lines they need to set their boundaries.

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A balanced yin-yang dynamic can be created when pairing line-ups with hair fades, another 90s trend. Today, this hybrid haircutting method has resurfaced among modern men’s hairstyles.

14. Long Hair

Most would agree that hair past shoulder-length is long on a guy. A textbook example of this hairstyle was worn by renowned actor Brad Pitt in the early 90s. Just like shoulder-length hair, longer hairstyles for men were also popular in the grunge community.

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Those with naturally wavy or curly hair can opt to apply salt spray if they seek to enhance their hair texture while wearing their hair down.

15. Low Undercut

While undercuts have made a resurgence in the 2010s for men’s hairstyles, low undercuts specifically have not been as prominent as higher undercuts, such as high fades and tapers.

While the 90s had its share of higher fades, this lower height gave 90s medium-length undercuts their signature. The closest resemblance to this style among popular undercuts today would be the drop fade, which is where the fade gets lower as it goes behind the ears.

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What differentiates low undercuts of the 90s and drop fades today is the hair length above the undercut and how it leads to it. Drop fades tend to be paired with shorter haircuts, such as pompadours, where the blend of the cut can be easily seen.

While low 90s undercuts tend to be paired with a few more centimeters, or a couple more inches of hair, such as with medium-length curtain hair, where the hair on top extends further down, taking up more space than the undercut.

16. Mullet

Love it or hate it, mullets were an 80s trend that transgressed into the early 90s. Even though this hairstyle has long had a bad reputation after its golden years, it has its positives too. With business being short in the front, mullets can serve as a way to wear long hair down without worrying about pesky pieces of hair falling in your face.

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There are also so many creative ways that a mullet can be cut, from more extreme differences in length and choppy sections, to more wearable gradual layers, to shorter versions that cause others to do a double-take, as its mullet status is debatable. Did Jerry Seinfeld have a mullet or not? – one might ask.

17. Rattail

A close relative to the mullet is the rattail, with variations known as the Padawan Braid, as seen in Star Wars. This is another hairstyle that saw its peak in the 80s, but still stuck around on die-hard fans in the early 90s. Members of boyband New Kids on the Block could be seen sporting this hairstyle at different times through the turn of the decade.

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It’s amazing how creatively the rattail can be intertwined with other hairstyles, and how such a seemingly small rebellious statement can be a long commitment that makes a big difference in how one’s hair is perceived. This is what makes the rattail so divisively diverse.

Typical variations include thickness, length, placement, texture, and style of the rattail, such as wearing it in a braid, dread, or just left undone. The previously mentioned Padawan Braid typically starts at the side of the head.

18. Shoulder-Length Hair

A step forward from neck-length hair is shoulder-length hair. This length is like the point of enlightenment during the hair growth journey, as it is finally long enough to fully tie back.

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However, in the 90s, this length of hair was often worn down, which was impossible to separate from the grunge image, credits to Nirvana lead singer, Kurt Cobain. Nonetheless, put-together actors such as Tom Cruise wore this length in the early 90s as well. To keep this look organic, wear your hair down in its natural texture.

19. Spiky Hair

This is one of the short hair trends that began to replace longer 90s hairstyles for men as the decade transitioned into the early 2000s. This style is often strongly associated with the liberal use of hair gel and sometimes hairspray to keep the spiky appearance in place.

Using a blow-dryer to blow the hair upwards after styling it can strengthen its structure by allowing products to dry faster before the hair falls out of place.

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This hairstyle also includes a range of looks, from more moderate, easier to achieve, textured styles to more extreme, defined styles that take on inspiration from the punk aesthetic, a look that foreshadowed the pop-punk era of the 2000s.

20. Tramlines

Tramlines are essentially a temporary tattoo design on your head, where hair is the medium and clippers are the tool used to sketch the lines. Thanks to hip-hop fashion, this style was brought into hairstyle stardom, and is still a fashionable hair statement today.

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Depending on your hair color, density, and texture, the area of your scalp that is used to sketch in the tramlines usually has hair clipped down to half a centimeter or less, or under a quarter-inch, which translates to a number two clipper guard or shorter.

For those trying out something subtle, part lines or parallel lines on the sides of your head are a great place to start, for those desiring something more artistic, lines with more zig-zags and other dynamic elements allow the style to deviate from classic tramlines to something bordering a graphic hair tattoo.

21. Twisted Coils

If long dreadlocks felt like too much of a commitment in the 90s, a shorter, simpler alternative was twisted coils.

For those with curly to coily hair, taking advantage of your texture and twisting your hair into individual coils was a stylish way to add definition to your hair during the time.

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This hairstyle also had its range too, with some styles being more cleanly and precisely coiled, while others were more casual and less defined.

The look usually consists of curtained hair with an emphasis on the bangs, or fringe, that create the appearance of curtains. This hairstyle is worn with a part that can range from the middle to the side of the head and is often paired with an undercut.

Whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, short, or long hair, below is an array of ways you can bring back classic versions of curtain haircuts for men or reinvent them with new elements.

1. Middle-Parted Curtain Hair

Symmetrically parting curtain hair is probably the most classic way of wearing this hairstyle. This is best for those who are pleased with their symmetrical face shape and less recommended for asymmetrical facial features, as the middle part can make the imbalance more noticeable.

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2. Off-Center-Parted Curtain Hair

This type of part is often confused with the middle part or center part since some versions of this part are only slightly off-center.

Considering nearly all faces have some degree of asymmetry, anyone can take advantage of this type of parting to offset the facial feature or side of facial features that appear larger or more dominating. This can be done by placing the part opposite to the targeted facial features to draw the attention of viewers towards the opposing side of your face, balancing its visual polarities.

Since parting off-center is more moderate than a side part, it is usually best for only subtly noticeable imbalances. Off-center-parted curtain hair is also great for those with widow’s peaks since it allows the wearer to part their hair on either side of it instead of splitting it right in the middle, which may cause pieces of hair to fall into the face more easily.

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3. Side-Parted Curtain Hair

This is the most dramatic way of parting curtain hairstyles. The part can range from being close to the side of the head to being completely on the side, where the part is not as visible from the front.

This works for those who would like to offset facial features that more obviously unbalance the face or for those who would like to deliberately create asymmetry.

The dynamic of this part can be influenced by where the hair is placed as well, with hair that waves away from the face creating more of an angular look to the forehead, while hair that curves inward, rounding off the side they are placed on.

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4. Short Curtain Hair

Short hair of less than five centimeters, or two inches, might be considered an awkward hair length for this hairstyle. The curtain bangs might be harder to form due to the limited length, resulting in hair that falls back toward your forehead.

However, there are also folks who deliberately choose short hair for easier maintenance and a cleaner, less in-your-face appearance. With a bit of gel or pomade, this look can still be pulled off.

The key is to style it so that the part exposes enough of your forehead, giving the appearance of short curtain bangs.

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5. Long Curtain Hair

In this case, long hair is defined as hair down to the neck or longer. This hair length is where curtain haircuts become more diverse, where one can choose to either have a more gradual blend from the curtain fringe at the forehead to the hair on the nape of the neck or have more choppy, contrasting layers, where the haircut begins to look like a hybrid of curtain hair with a mullet.

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6. Curtain Hair with Undercut

This is probably the most organic way to transition from the top-of-mind undercut pompadour of the 2010s since it has the basic haircut structure needed to achieve this hairstyle.

These undercuts tend to be a blunt contrast to the hair on top, but can also be more gradual. The gradual version of this could be either a taper or fade haircut. The taper is more traditionally used by barbers, where the hair gradually gets shorter as it approaches the hairline, but the hairline is still clearly defined.

The fade haircut also gradually shortens toward the hairline, but the hairline is blended so finely with the skin that it appears to fade into it.

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7. Blunt Curtain Haircut

The blunt curtain haircut is defined by clean-cut lines and less layering. This type of haircut can be paired with a skin fade, skull fade, or bald fade, where the skin of the scalp is visible, creating more contrast.

This is optimal for adding stronger visuals to a haircut, which can be useful for those with softer facial features and face shapes they would like to make more dynamic.

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8. Curtain Hair with Flared Bangs

In contrast to a curtain hairstyle, where the bangs go straight down or curve inward toward the face, flared bangs curve outward. Layered haircuts and wavy hair also help them look more feathered.

Flared bangs create the visual effect of a smaller forehead and more volume on the sides. This haircut is also suitable for those with a round face shape who would like their features to look more angular.

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9. Textured Curtain Hair

In contrast to the more typical, straight versions of curtain hairstyles that are associated with the 90s, having more texture is a viable option as well.

Whether natural or artificial, guys with hair types ranging from wavy to curly hair can be seen more frequently in today’s take on 90s curtain hairstyles.

Those with naturally straight hair who want a hint of wave texture can opt to apply texture-defining products to their hair while styling it or after washing it, and use a scrunching motion when towel-drying it. This is a method that has been used by those with long hair seeking to enhance their texture in a more natural, healthier way.

It is also important to know that if you have never grown your hair longer than a decimeter, or a few inches, it can be difficult to tell what your true hair type is, as looser types of wavy hair need more length to be more noticeable, so it is common for those with slightly wavy hair to mistake it for straight hair.

Noting this, along with how texture types look on your genetically related family members, can give you clues on how your hair may turn out when using this method.

This can also be used by those with noticeable natural waves or curls to further define their hair texture. Of course, one can also seek other solutions, such as setting wet hair in hair rollers, using a curling iron, or getting a perm.

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10. Blond Curtain Hair

When it comes to colored hair paired with curtain hairstyles, blond was the most popular option for the look in the 90s. Unless your hair is naturally blond, the typical process of obtaining blond hair would require hair bleach and developer, especially if the goal is light or platinum blonde.

If you naturally have light brown, light red, mostly gray, or fully gray hair, this is usually a simpler process, as the hair only needs to lift a few levels to get to the desired lightness. This usually needs one application of hair bleach mixed with 20 volume or 6% hydrogen peroxide developer.

On the other hand, those who have naturally darker hair colors would need to lighten their hair several levels, which usually requires at least two bleaching sessions with developer around the range of 30-40 volume or 9%-12% hydrogen peroxide.

Hair that has been previously colored is also recommended to be stripped of its color first before bleaching. A toner may also be applied at the end of any of these processes to balance out any leftover warm tones.

Since bleaching hair is a harsher, more complex process, it is recommended to visit a licensed hairstylist if one questions their own hair coloring abilities.

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11. Highlighted Curtain Hair

If you’d like to bring back the classic frosted 90s boyband look, you can’t go wrong with some contrasted blond highlights in curtain hair.

For something more updated or experimental, there is always going for subtle, blended highlights, or try out some bright, vivid colors to amplify your hairstyle.

Highlights can be achieved through selectively applying hair bleach or dye to sections of hair and keeping them in foils or plastic wrap to process for the required time.

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12. Curtain Hair with Artificial Colors

It is difficult to get bored when there are so many bold colors to choose from in today’s non-natural hair color palette. These can range from simple solid colors to more complex blends of multiple colors that can dramatically transform your mane into a lively piece of art.

To make colors pop, it is best for those with medium to dark hair colors to bleach their hair first before applying hair dye, as having a lighter base allows the hair color to be absorbed and show up more easily.

A subculture to take inspiration from is eboy hair fashion, where experimenting with bright hair colors is one of its many looks.

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13. Drawing from Curtain Hair History

Did you know that the first modern prototypical curtained hair was actually worn as far back as the late 19th century? If you thought curtain hair first gained popularity in the 90s, you could be redeemably right, as this was worn among other men’s haircuts in the 1890s and under a hat during appropriate occasions.

Aubrey Beardsley, an English author and graphic illustrator, is one of the notable figures who wore his hair this way at the time, a version that was closer to the aforementioned blunt curtain haircut.

This hairstyle and its variations served as one of the common hairstyles that men would wear up through the 1920s. While it was not always worn with the two sides of hair coming into the face the way we recognize curtain hairstyles today, it always had a defined part, placing itself as one of the earlier predecessors in curtain hair history.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, middle parts were back in style, this time updated with flared bangs and feathered hair. Later in the 1980s, undercuts experienced a revival, making it no surprise that these hairstyles would gradually combine and transition into the 1990s curtain hairstyles that we reference today.

As a resurging hair trend, curtain hair has dominated the K-pop scene and become one of the top guys’ hairstyles for the eboy look, so much so that the terms “curtain hair” and “eboy hair” have become nearly synonymous.

Curtain hairstyle from the 1910s. Editorial credit: Oleg Golovnev / Shutterstock.com

Curtain hairstyle from the 1980s. Editorial credit: Roman Nerud / Shutterstock.com

Channing Tatum’s curtain hairstyle in 2010. Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Among different braided hairstyles, men’s braided buns are most commonly seen in the form of single braids and crown braids, and often paired with an undercut, but there are many more variations that can be viewed throughout this article.

1. Cornrowed/Dutch Braided Bun

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Cornrows and Dutch braids are forms of underhand braids where typically three strands of hair are wound together by first going under the adjacent strand of hair, then over the following strand, picking up hair each time it is wound past the scalp until this process is repeated across the intended area of the scalp.

In contrast, the overhanded braid would bring the strand over the adjacent strand, then under the following strand. The underhanded motion is what creates braids with a tighter appearance than overhand braids, which are most commonly known as French braids, or French plaits.

Most bun braids are typically done with underhanded cornrows or Dutch braids. What differentiates cornrows and Dutch braids is that cornrows tend to be done tighter against the scalp and are often worn as multiple braids, while Dutch braids can be looser and fewer in quantity.

Cornrows tend to hold best with curly hair or natural, afro-textured hair, as these hair types lock the style in more easily than straight hair. It is recommended to use braiding gel or cream to help keep braids intact longer. This braid style is also the most commonly used in various styles of braided buns.

2. Bun Braids with Extensions

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As mentioned earlier, hair extensions are an effective way to add length and size to your braids. If you have a short haircut that is not long enough for the braided style you are going for, this creates the illusion of long hair that will make the style easier to attain. This can either be done by adding hair extensions from the beginning of braiding each braid, or starting out the braid with your own hair, then gradually adding pieces of hair while braiding.

The difference between the appearance of these two methods is that adding hair from the beginning of the braid will give the appearance of a looped knob at the front and can allow the color of the added hair to show up from the beginning if it is different from the color of the attached hair. While adding hair gradually allows for a more seamless look. The two methods can be used together as well.

3. Stitch Braided Bun

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This type of braided bun adds an additional element to the aforementioned methods of styling braids, where each section of hair to be braided is tied tightly with hair elastics in the intended braid pattern before braiding.This creates tight braids that have defined sections and neater lines running perpendicularly under each braid, which is what brings out the appearances of stiches. This braid style is also helpful to those who would like an easier time maintaining sections when braiding the hair.

However, it is important to be aware of how tolerant your scalp is with tight braids, as this style can increase the risk of traction alopecia or hair loss resulting from tight pulling and styling of hair for a long period of time. To minimize risks, make sure the braids are firm but not uncomfortably tight.

4. Full Bun Braids

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An option of lower maintenance is the full braided bun, which includes all your hair in the braid hairstyle. This allows you to work with your natural hairline and dawn a style with more hair.

What makes this lower maintenance is that there are no parts of the hair that need frequent haircuts for the bun braid hairstyle to look in place.

5. Bun Braids with Undercut

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Pairing an undercut with bun braids may mean more haircuts, however, less hair also means less time spent braiding the hair. This combination allows the style to be cleaner cut, but also versatile, as there are many undercut hairstyles to choose from that can influence the height of the braided bun and the amount of hair incorporated into it, from various tapers and fades to more extreme bald undercut haircuts.

Even without long hair, this is more doable as it uses hair from a smaller area of the scalp than full bun braids, and thus, doesn’t need as much length to be styled across the scalp.

6. Braided Topknot

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This bun braid hairstyle can be considered a type of high braided bun, but specifically consists of a bun that is placed on top of the head, with its body created by the braids as well.

When viewed from the front, the topknot is the most noticeable compared to other types of high braided buns, and looks especially stylish with long hair.

7. Low Bun Braids

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A low placement of a braided bun most commonly includes the whole head of hair, but can be paired with smaller, more subtle undercut haircuts as well. This braided hairstyle appears tamer, more mature, and more suitable for serious occasions than the high braided bun.

8. Tiny Braided Bun

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During the early stages of growing long hair, sometimes a tiny bun is the closest thing you can achieve to any type of updo.

However, this shouldn’t stop anyone from going for braided bun styles, as it can still be pulled off quite well, with an understated bun allowing various patterns of braids to take on more attention.

9. Messy Braided Bun

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Those who have lived with long hair know that messy buns are a timesaver, and in this case, that extra time could surely be used for the braids. Opting for this bun hairstyle brings braids into a more laidback, effortless look.

10. Crown Braided Bun

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Out of all the specific ways to integrate braids into a bun, the crown braided bun is probably the most popular way of doing so. This typically requires the hair to be divided into two sections, with each being cornrowed to the back of the head, and finally tied into a bun.

The shape the braids created around the head is what resembles a crown. Complexity can be added to this braid hairstyle by combining it with other techniques and patterns of braiding, such as box braids and cornrow designs.

11. Bun Braids with Accented Design

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Adding braided accents that break free from the typical patterns of braids is where braided buns start to get interesting. This adds more artistic detail to the style without too loud of a statement.

This can be done by sectioning off parts of the hair dedicated to these braided accents, either before starting to braid, or by doing it freestyle and improvising the accents while braiding across the head.

12. Irregularly-Parted Bun Braids

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Getting creative with parts is another way to add interest to a braid pattern. These can be done with simple braided hairstyles like crown braids to more detailed graphic braid patterns.

Their size can also vary from small accents to larger, dominant elements of the style. Using braiding gel or cream on natural, coily, or curly hair can help keep hair lying flat, so that parts can be more easily seen.

13. Bun Braids with Pattern Design

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This braided hairstyle incorporates most, if not all of the hair into a more unique, but consistent pattern of braids. It allows the style to be more cohesive yet intriguing at the same time.

Since the braid style is more complex, this is probably where most professional braiders wouldn’t be able to braid this on themselves, and might need someone else’s help for braiding this style properly.

14. Slim Thick Bun Braids

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This particular type of patterned braid style features a hybrid of small and large braids next to each other. They are typically braided in the pattern of classic cornrows, but with size variations.

Nevertheless, there is the option of switching up the pattern a bit while still sticking to the theme of braiding every other braid big and small.

15. Graphic Bun Braids

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Some of the most sophisticated braid designs are close to looking like pictures, where most of them need to be preplanned with sectioning before braiding.

The amount of detail requires a lot of practice in order to reach a certain level of proficiency, so having someone do them for you is your best choice to attain the best quality.

16. Fishbone Bun Braids

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Most often this is achieved by sectioning off smaller areas of hair for the smaller braids that are to lead to the larger braids. The appearance of the small braids that taper out in thickness from the larger ones is what gives the impression of a fishbone.

This intricate way of braiding is a step up from more common, simple braided buns, and may attract a few more lingering gazes.

17. Bun Braids with Hair Accessories

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Hair accessories are another way to add bling to your style. These include various beads and jewelry, with most of them as clip-ins, since these are the most versatile and can be done as a finishing touch after braiding the whole hairstyle.

18. Bun Braids with Color

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Color is another dimension to play around with when it comes to braided bun styles. Braids allow the freedom to choose whether to color hair before braiding, or intertwining hair extensions or other materials into the hair while braiding.

As stated previously, this can be done by either combining the hair extensions with the originally attached hair from the beginning of the braid, or by gradually adding locks of hair further down the braid for a more blended look. Weaving in hair extensions is also a healthier, less damaging, lower-commitment option for adding color to your braided bun.

Those looking for the lite version of this braid hairstyle can go for colors that are not too different from their natural hair color, while those seeking more contrast and dynamism in their style can try brighter, artificial-looking colors.

19. Hybrid Bun Braids

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Most of the elements displayed in this article can also be combined together in a fusion of creative ways to style braids.

From different techniques, such as cornrows and box braids, to various sizes, patterns, accessories, and colors, there are countless styles to add to the history of men’s hairstyles.

This cool beard style can extend from a circle beard, but most often incorporates a full beard.

Aside from its ducktail resemblance, its key feature is that the facial hair tapers from the cheeks to the chin, with the chin hair being the longest, qualifying it as a type of pointed beard. The chin hair can be styled to curl up a bit as well.

1. Short Ducktail Beard

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The simplest and easiest to achieve version of this beard style is the short ducktail beard. This can be done by trimming a couple months of beard hair growth to create a gradient of length from the outer edges of the cheeks to the chin.

Facial hair on the cheeks can also transition from a stubble into the longer parts of the ducktail beard as well. The transition in length is essential to identifying this short beard style with ducktail beards.

This type of short beard style is best for those with rounder facial features they would like to balance with a more angular illusion.

2. Medium-Length Ducktail Beard

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The mid-length ducktail beard is the most classic and common option of the ducktail beard look. It is just long enough to give a full transition of lengths from short sides to a longer center.

It also is a length to show off the true fullness of your facial hair without being too hard to maintain or having the extra length get scraggly.

The most recommended type of product to maintain this length is beard oil, as its nutritious and healing properties can be beneficial to keeping your ducktail beard healthy, yet not overwhelm this length of facial hair either.

3. Long Ducktail Beard

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For those that want to go the extra distance of a long beard, longer versions of ducktail beards can be opted for as well. However, it is recommended for the longest beard hairs to stay within 12 inches to prevent the hair from deviating too much from its shape.

Dense, thick hair, and hair with more texture, such as curly or afro-textured hair can get away with having more length, since these types of hair hold more structure. Beard balm is the best type of product to maintain long beard hair.

Not only does it have an adhesive effect that controls longer unkempt hairs, but it still helps condition the ends of the hair that may start to show damage after having it grown out for some time.

4. Pointed Ducktail Beard

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While a classic ducktail beard has a rounded end at the chin, a pointed ducktail beard brings up the pointer game with an even pointier end. This can be achieved with a combination of trimming your facial hair to a pointed beard shape where the chin is and using beard balm or beard oil to further refine the shape.

Beard oil is best used to condition and control frizzy, unkempt hairs to stay within the trimmed beard shape, and beard balm is best for bringing hairs further towards the center of the chin to really sharpen the beard shape.

Those with wider, rounder face shapes can go for this style to add length to their face and further emphasize their chin to make their jawline more angular.

5. Full Ducktail Beard

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This classic ducktail beard style includes facial hair from the cheeks to the chin, worn in the form of a full facial hairstyle that increases in length as it reaches the chin.

To achieve a fuller ducktail beard, not only does adequate beard growth need to be reached, but consistent trimming is also necessary to keep the hairs at a regulated length.

This combination of length and proper maintenance will help your beard achieve its maximum volume, since this prevents uneven hair lengths that could look scraggly and thinner.

Beard balm is also highly recommended for both conditioning and keeping stray hairs in place. In other words, a groomed full beard gives the impression that it is more robust, yet still presentable and civilized.

8. Mustache Ducktail Beard

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Even though ducktail beards tend to focus on the chin, emphasis can be brought onto the mustache as well by growing it longer. This can either be left unstyled or refined with a beard balm.

One of the most common styles is the handlebar mustache, which consists of bringing the hairs of the mustache from the center to the sides and styling it into a curled-up shape, each side resembling a door’s handlebar.

Beard wax or beard balm that contains wax is strongly suggested for keeping this facial hairstyle in place, as wax has the most hold in it compared to other beard styling products.

9. Sideburns with Ducktail Beards

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Another area of facial hair that can be emphasized with the ducktail beard is sideburns. This can be done by carefully trimming and grooming the sideburns so they are more shaped up.

Defining them allows them to be more distinguishable and draws the eye more to the sides of your face, which can balance the attention given to your chin from the point of the ducktail beard.

This can also help them blend more with your hairstyle, just short of a grown-out full beard.

Where Does the Ducktail Beard Come From?

The closest ancestor to this beard style is the Van Dyke beard. Though the Van Dyke beard has been recently revived, its identity dates back to Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck.

It is known for its different beard styles that incorporate the mustache and goatee, most notably its 17^th century appearance with the mustache slightly curled upwards, resembling the 2010s’ resurgence of the handlebar mustache.

Its goatee styled to taper to a point and curl upwards as well, which quite relevantly points back to the featured facial hairstyle of this article, the ducktail beard.

Looking for beard care guides? Check out these top beard tips.

How To Maintain A Beard The Proper Way

15 Beard Growing Tips

How To Soften A Beard

This hairstyle originated in various parts of Africa over 5,000 years ago but resurfaced in popularity as a fashion trend during the 90s, particularly for black women. This is largely credited to Poetic Justice, a 1993 movie where Janet Jackson’s character sports this now iconic style.

The box braids hairstyle consists of dividing the hair into multiple sections and braiding hair in each section into a single plait starting from the scalp. These braids are often parted into squared, box-like sections, which explains the name.

With its recent revival in the 2010s, both women and men can be seen wearing this hairstyle. Today, it’s considered an upcoming look in men’s hairstyles.

Read further to learn more about this awesome braided hairstyle and how you can achieve amazing box braids.

1. Box Braids on Natural Hair

Since box braids have been traditionally a practice in African cultures, they are best suited for coily, tightly curled, natural hair textures.

These textures of hair tend to hold braided hairstyles better than looser textures of hair since natural hair tends to coil and lock into itself. This is also beneficial if human or synthetic hair is added into the braid in either classic or feed-in box braids.

Braided hairstyles like box braids are also beneficial for natural hair, as it allows the hair to remain in a style for a longer period of time so that less tension is placed on it through brushing, casual tugging, and getting caught in the environment.

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2. Box Braids on Curly Hair

Curly hair is slightly looser than natural hair, but still has some of the benefits of holding in braids. To make sure braids are secured, use styling gel. This can help control stray curly hair to stay in place while braiding the hair.

Controlling the bulkier shape of curly hair can give the appearance of a much sleeker braided hairstyle, especially when artificial or natural human hair is added when braiding the hair. Curly hair on the hairline can be either shaved off or controlled with gel as well.

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3. Box Braids on Straight to Wavy Hair

Smoother textures like straight and wavy hair may not be the most common hair type to wear box braids, but they are still achievable nonetheless. Both braiding the hair by itself or adding hair extension as it’s braided are viable options.

Since these hair textures tend to be looser, it is crucial to take steps to secure the braided hairstyle so it can last longer. Aside from applying gel when braiding, using small hair elastics at the end of each braid is a straightforward way of securing the braids as well. There is also the option of braiding the hair as far down to the ends as possible.

Long hair that tapers off at the ends tends to last longer since smaller, more intricate braids take longer to unravel. This can be finished off by thoroughly saturating the ends of the braids with hairspray to seal everything together.

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4. Short Box Braids

One may be concerned that they cannot achieve box braids if they have short hair, but that isn’t always true! If you have hair that is at least three to four inches long, depending on hair texture, it is possible to make short and small box braids to achieve this style.

Anything that is under six inches after being braided is considered short. With extra short hair, smaller sections of box braids are easier to attain, as the hair is pulled across a narrower area of the scalp for the braid.

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5. Long Box Braids

Length can add a more dramatic effect when wearing box braids. This is not only limited to those with long hair but also achievable to those with short hair, where human or synthetic hair can be incorporated into the person’s hair and braided down in a way that it stays attached, which is a common practice for those seeking to add more volume and create the illusion of long braids. In contrast, long hair presents both the possibilities of braiding the hair alone or adding hair extension while braiding.

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6. Box Braids With Hair Extensions

Hair extensions in box braids are not only an effective way to add length and bulk to your braids but are also an opportunity to integrate different colors and materials into the hairstyle. This can be done by using both natural and artificial colors of hair extensions or even combining colored yarn into the mix.

Rather than various damaging color processes, hair can easily be made to appear colored when braiding in colors different than your natural hair color, furthering the protectiveness of the hairstyle. This can be done by using an installment of hair starting at the beginning of the box braid or feeding in hair at intervals earlier in the braiding process to make added hair look more blended with the person’s actual hair.

Feed-in box braids are also a healthier option since classic box braids produce a knot where the braids start at the scalp, which aggravates tension and can result in hair loss.

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7. Large/Wide-Sectioned Box Braid

Not only thickness but sections of box braids can be broadened by parting the hair into wider sections. This draws more attention to the scalp with a more dramatic approach to sectioning, providing more leeway to show off intricate and varying shapes with each hair section.

This also makes the braiding process go a lot faster, as there are fewer braids to do when sections are larger. This is most compatible with long hair since hair needs to be snatched from a larger area of the head.

A popular alternative to box-shaped sections are triangular-shaped sections for this braided hairstyle. As the name suggests, each braid is grasped from an area of the scalp in the shape of a triangle, creating a more dynamic effect. This is also helpful when sectioning hair on more angular parts of the scalp, such as hair between the temples and ears.

If one is going for a symmetrical braided hairstyle, it is important to plan out the sectioning first. A helpful tip is to first divide the hair with horizontal lines across the head before dividing these sections into smaller, alternating, triangular sections.

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8. Box Braids with Fade Undercut

Fade haircuts also feature shaved sides and back but are slightly more dramatic than taper cuts, as they fade directly into the skin and blur the hairlines. There are also varying types of fade undercuts to choose from, from low to high fades, temple fades, burst fades, and drop fades.

The shorter length of a fade also leaves more room for customized cut designs. Higher precision also means that they are higher maintenance, as the shortest hair of the fade begins to grow over the skin within a couple of weeks.

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9. Box Braid Ponytail

To style box braids, a ponytail is a simple choice that can get the hair out of your face but also still display your braids and undercut if you have one.

Shorter lengths of braids and higher ponytails allow for a more playful look with more bounce, while lower and longer ponytails look more laidback and relaxed. For a tighter braided ponytail, using a classic hair elastic is best, but for giving your hair a break, spiral “phone cord” hair ties are the top recommendation, as they sit loosely on the hair and don’t leave strong dents that elastic ties do. Minimizing tension on the scalp is especially important when wearing tight braids.

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10. Box Braids with Hair Jewelry

A popular way of spicing up box braids is by accessorizing them with hair jewelry. Among the most common forms of hair jewelry are beads. The clip-on versions of these are easiest to acquire and apply.

They are essentially a loop with a latched opening on its side that can be pulled open and clicked back together on the desired location of a braid. There is a lot of freedom with placements, where it can be kept minimal with just a few on the front box braids, worn on every other braid, placing several on a single braid, or other placements.

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11. Box Braids with Color

Color is always a dimension to be considered when adding to a box braids hairstyle. This can include more subtle styles, such as coloring the ends of your braids a few shades lighter than your natural hair color, or more dramatic, non-natural colors that may take over your whole head.

This can be achieved by coloring your hair before braiding it into box braids or by using colorful hair extensions. These can be incorporated by starting right at the scalp, or in the form of feed-in braids, where it is styled by slowly adding pieces of colored hair while braiding, creating an ombre effect in your box braids.

As mentioned earlier in this article, other materials can also be braided into the hair. Colorful yarn is a popular choice when it comes to non-hair material that is integrated into box braids.

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Box Braids vs. Dreadlocks and Cornrows

To someone who is not as familiar with box braids, they can often be confused with dreadlocks or cornrows.

Dreads use the method of teasing, tangling, and coiling the hair into locks that become more defined as they are worn. On the other hand, cornrows are created by braiding hair in rows or patterns tightly against the scalp instead of single braids.

However, some hairstyles combine cornrows with box braids. The name should also not be confused with “boxer braids,” a term that became prevalent in the mid-2010s, when wearing two underhand braids became a trendy braid style and rebranded with this term, even though they are simply two cornrows or Dutch braids.

Since its essential location is at the temples, this leaves room for a wide range of hairstyles on the rest of the head. This article will explore the variety of temp fade placements and the diverse hair textures, lengths, and styles it can be paired with.

1. Low Temple Fade

This is the most subtle version of the temple fade hairstyle. It is placed low enough that the highest point of the sideburns is just slightly visible as the hair blends into the skin. With facial hair, the head hair just briefly becomes short enough to clearly see skin before transitioning to the jaw and chin. This makes the temple fade less apparent when viewed from afar.

This placement of the fade is appropriate for those who would like to try this style without grabbing too much attention. Another benefit of this type of low fade haircut is that it allows more hair on the sides for those who want to add more width to their faces.

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2. Mid Temple Fade

This is the most commonly thought of version of the temple fade haircut. The midpoint of its transition sits right above the height of the ear, allowing it to be noticeable but not dominating over the head.

This also provides more space for the gradient of hair length to transition, allowing the fade to be more blended. The fading can optionally be brought back to the nape of the neck as well. This mid fade haircut variant is a fitting style for those who want to blur their temple and neck hairlines while adding interest to their hairstyle overall.

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3. High Temple Fade

This placement of the temp fade begins to blur the definitions between itself and other haircuts. The essential component of this placement is for the fade to blend up close to the top hairline.

While some versions may only blend the temple area, others may bring the blend further back behind the ear, almost resembling a burst fade. Some may even take this a step further and bring the fade to the back of the head, looking close to a drop fade.

Overall, the high fade version of the temp fade has a debatable definition, giving room for different interpretations and presentations of this haircut.

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4. Taper Temple Fade

Speaking of blurred definitions, the taper temple fade hairstyle is essentially a longer version of the temp fade, where the hair is not blended down to the skin.

This still provides a gradient of length while allowing for more coverage from the hair, which is also helpful for those who would like to add more width to their face. While the taper fade and temple fade may be different haircuts, the taper temple fade is a style that includes elements of both.

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5. Bald Temple Fade

Counter to a taper temple fade, the bald temple fade leaves a significant amount of skin hairless, which makes the hairline appear higher than it naturally is. This gives a more striking appearance to the look, with more contrast between the skin and hair.

The bald temp fade haircut is ideal for someone who wants to take some width off their face shape and make it appear longer. To maintain the baldness of this temp fade haircut, it is necessary to touch up the edges of the fade every week.

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6. Line Up Temple Fade

For those looking for more contrast in the form of lines, the temple fade haircut can be combined with lineups on other areas of the head, such as the forehead and neck hairlines.

This lets the wearer take advantage of the gradualness of the temp fade style while still having enough definition to the frame of their face. This is especially beneficial to those with rounder features who desire more edges to provide contrast. The squared lineup is an example that can help bring about this contrast.

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7. Temple Fade with Straight Hair

With straight hair, sleeker styles are often paired with the temple fade haircut. These include an array of options such as slicking hair back in a pompadour, putting hair forward with various lengths of bangs, keeping it short like a crew cut, or even adding in razor lines to spice up the hairstyle.

Additionally, the transition of hair length down the temple fade tends to be smoother, as the hair appears to grow in a more unified direction. Specific hairstyles for straight hair will be covered in more detail later in this article.

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8. Temple Fade with Curly Hair

Whether natural or artificial, curly hair can look even more stylish with a temple fade haircut. Curly hair offers more bounce and body to the hairstyle, allowing it to appear livelier.

The temple fade allows the volume of the hairstyle to gradually transition into the width of the face. This combination is recommended for a person with a small forehead who would like it to appear larger. Haircuts and styles that suit curly hair include blowouts, bangs, and different types of undercut hairstyles.

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9. Temple Fade with Coily Hair

Many outstanding hairstyles can also be achieved with coily hair paired with the temp fade haircut. Short hair can provide a more conservative, easier-to-maintain style that still shows off texture, while longer hairstyles can construct more bulk and give more power and personality to your hairstyle.

Similar to curly hair, more voluminous hairstyles can be gradually blended to the head shape with a temple fade. Examples of what can be paired with the temple fade are closely cropped styles, waves, cornrows, dreadlocks, various sizes of afros, and afro puffs.

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10. Waves with Temple Fade

Waves are a hairstyle that is achieved when curly or coily hair is trained to stay in a tight pattern against the head through routine brushing and applying hair products, such as wave cream.

Adding a temple fade to this hairstyle gives it a smooth transition to the skin, allowing the waves to subtly fade. This hairstyle is most often known as 360 waves since it typically consists of waves that go all around the head. However, this can be optional.

A more minimal version of this is to have waves only on the top of the head and have them slowly blend with the shorter hair on the sides and back.

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11. Buzz Cut Temple Fade

While the buzz cut is a simple hairstyle, it can be made more interesting by adding some gradation in the form of a temple fade haircut. This transition of hair length can be made even more apparent with slightly longer versions of buzz cuts.

Pairing this up with a lineup can also add more interest, making a basic hairstyle look more modern and put together while still easy to maintain. Another positive aspect of the buzz cut is that it can easily work for any hair type.

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12. Cropped Temple Fade

Cropped hairstyles have a range of lengths that can be paired with temple fades. This can include forehead hair that barely passes the hairline to hair that covers a big half of the forehead as bangs.

The hair length on the sides can also provide different effects on the temple fade. Short hair on the sides allows more room for the hair to transition into the temple fade, while longer hair creates the effect of an undercut or blunt transition before the gradual transition of the temple fade.

This offers more variability to how the temple fade appears. Cropped hairstyles are also suitable for those who like to make their wide forehead appear narrower.

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13. Spiky/Textured Hair with Temple Fade

A temple fade haircut helps add a smooth contrast to the jagged edges of spiky or textured hair. This style looks best on straight to wavy hair and brings more volume to the top of the head, making it an effective way to add more perceived width to those who like to make their narrow foreheads appear wider.

This type of hairstyle also permits more room to decide how the hair can appear. For those looking for a more hardened look that references the late 90s and 2000s, spiking the hair up with gel and stiffening it with some strong hold hairspray works.

For those looking for a softer texture, applying hair wax or pomade and scrunching the hair up can help hold in some texture.

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14. Blowout Temple Fade

The blowout hairstyle, or the Brooklyn fade, is styled in a way that looks like the hair has been windswept, which is achieved by using a blow-dryer and an assortment of hair products.

Similar to spiky or textured hair, gel and hairspray work best to keep it looking frozen in mid-air, while wax and pomade offer a softer look. This is a style that has been classically associated with the temple fade haircut, where the combination creates an even larger extreme of more volume on top that is faded into the temples and back.

That said, this is another hairstyle that is suitable for those with a triangular face shape, where one might want to add more width to a narrow forehead.

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15. Pompadour Temple Fade

The pompadour has been one of the most sought after men’s hairstyles of the 2010s and in other decades as well. Adding a temple fade is a way to update the hairstyle while adding visual interest.

This style is most often achieved by adding volume to straight or wavy hair, which can be done by training the hair to come forward slightly, then styling it back with pomade. This can be held in place with a bit of hairspray as a finishing touch.

16. Afro Temple Fade

Afros come in various sizes, but a temple fade haircut can be incorporated into any of them by adding some subtlety to their transition to the hairline. For easier maintenance, small afros or TWAs, which stand for “Teeny Weeny Afros,” are a great way to start a natural hair journey.

These can be kept short or grown to achieve a larger size, with the growing stages serving as a transition to gradually becoming more acquainted with taking care of longer natural hair.

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17. Cornrows with Temple Fade

Cornrows are not only an African-originated protective style that can minimize hair damage but also look stylish and can be braided in an array of creative ways. Temple fades can add some flavor to them by providing a gradient to the hairline while still allowing them to take center stage.

Cornrows can be done at braid bars or salons, but can also be achieved at home if one desires to learn and practice the art of cornrowing.

They can be kept in for as short as a few days to as long as a few months, depending on how well they are cared for and personal tolerances with having hair kept in the style.

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Source: @braidsbyjackie via Instagram

18. Dreadlocks/Twists with Temple Fade

Dreadlocks and twists can vary greatly in length and are most suitable for those with coily hair. The edges are often tidied up and kept short to keep the style looking neat.

One way to cut the edges is in the form of a temple fade haircut, giving a more gradual change in length as the hair fadesinto the skin. Dreads and twists should be washed at least once a week with residue-free shampoo to keep them clean and healthy.

Depending on their condition, it is also important to moisturize them with water and water-based moisturizers as needed.

Source: @steellegbarber via Instagram

19. Undercut Ponytail/Bun with Temple Fade

For those with long hair, pairing it with a short temple fade haircut gives a striking contrast in lengths that can make your style appear more dynamic. Tying it up in a ponytail or bun allows you to show off your temple fade, creating a hybrid style.

This works for any hair type as well, where those with straight hair can create updos with more visual simplicity, while those with coily hair can create updos with more volume and visual interest.

Hair that is curly to coily can puff out more when tied in a ponytail and can also be coiled into the aforementioned dreadlocks and twists, which can be secured into an updo.

Source: @farzinz23 via Instagram

Temple Fade vs. Taper Fade

The key difference between a “temple fade” and a “taper fade” is the way the hairline is blended between the hair and skin.

The temple fade haircut focuses on blending the hairline at the temples so that there is a gradient where the hair seems to disappear or “fade” into the skin as it gets shorter. It is recommended for those interested in experimenting with the fade hairstyle, but not looking to commit to it all around their head.

The taper fade haircut also has a gradient of length but does not blend into the skin as gradually as the temple fade haircut, allowing the hairline to be more visible. This considered, some sources may categorize the taper fade cut as technically not a fade, but more of a general taper haircut since the hair does not blend into the skin. However, in this article, it is classified as a fade.

The taper fade haircut is best for those who prefer a more traditional haircut but also want the look of the times. Even though it is not one of the top-of-mind types of fades, the classic taper fade haircut is a more timeless option.