The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Haircut: How to Choose the Perfect Style

Did you know that the average man will try over 50 different hairstyles in his lifetime? Yet a whopping 65% of guys admit they’ve been stuck with a haircut they hated because they didn’t know how to ask for what they wanted! I’ve definitely been there myself. Back in my twenties, I walked around with what I can only describe as a “mushroom head” for three painful weeks because I couldn’t articulate what I wanted to my barber.

Finding the perfect haircut isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident in your own skin. The right cut can enhance your best features, minimize flaws, and even make your morning routine a breeze. As someone who’s spent years helping clients find their perfect style at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop in Indianapolis, I’ve seen firsthand how the right haircut can completely transform a person’s appearance and confidence.

Whether you’re looking for a complete style overhaul or just trying to fine-tune your current look, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect men’s haircut. We’ll cover face shapes, hair textures, trending styles, and how to clearly communicate with your barber to get exactly what you want. Trust me, by the time you finish reading, you’ll never suffer through another bad haircut again!

Understanding Your Face Shape and How It Impacts Your Haircut Choice

Let’s get real for a moment—one of the biggest mistakes I see guys make is ignoring their face shape when choosing a haircut. I once had a client with a very round face who kept asking for styles that made his face look like a perfect circle. Once we switched him to a cut with more height and angles, the difference was night and day!

Your face shape is basically your starting point for finding a flattering haircut. Think of it like the foundation of a house—if that’s not right, nothing else will look quite right either. Most men fall into one of six face shapes: oval, round, square, heart, diamond, or oblong.

Figuring out your own face shape isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of observation. Grab a flexible measuring tape (or string and a ruler in a pinch) and measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, plus the length from your hairline to chin. I remember measuring my own face and being surprised to discover I wasn’t the oval shape I’d always assumed!

For oval faces, you lucky devils, almost any style works. You’ve got that naturally balanced face that barbers love to work with. I’d recommend trying classic styles like a side-parted quiff or modern pompadour that show off your balanced proportions.

If you’ve got a round face, your goal is to add structure and angles. Cuts with height on top and shorter sides create the illusion of length—think textured crops with fades or undercuts. Avoid anything too short all over or with rounded fringe, which only emphasizes roundness.

Square-faced guys have strong jawlines (think Brad Pitt or Henry Cavill). You can either emphasize this masculine feature with super short styles like buzz cuts and crew cuts, or soften it with styles that have softer edges and some length on top. I’ve worked with countless square-faced clients at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop who didn’t realize how lucky they were to have such a versatile face shape!

Heart-shaped faces (wider forehead, narrow chin) benefit from styles that add width at the jaw area, like side-swept looks or cuts with fuller sides. Avoid styles with too much height or volume on top—that just emphasizes your wider forehead.

For diamond faces (narrow forehead and jawline with wider cheekbones), opt for styles with volume on top and sides to balance your features. Textured quiffs and crops with fringe work beautifully.

Oblong or rectangular faces need cuts that don’t add more height but create the illusion of width. Side parts, fuller sides, and some fringe usually work well. I once had a client with this face shape who insisted on a super tall pompadour—it took months to convince him that it was making his face look even longer!

When you visit professional barbers like those at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop in Indianapolis, they’re trained to analyze your face shape and recommend appropriate styles. Don’t be shy about asking for their professional opinion. I’ve seen guys completely transformed just by switching to a cut that properly complements their face shape.

Remember that your haircut should work with your natural features, not against them. The goal isn’t to try to make your face look oval—it’s to enhance what makes your face uniquely yours while creating visual balance. That said, rules are made to be broken, and sometimes the most interesting looks come from going against conventional wisdom!

Hair Texture and Type: Working With What You’ve Got

I’ll never forget the time I tried to give myself a trendy textured crop when I had super fine, straight hair. Let’s just say it was a disaster that required professional intervention! Your hair’s natural texture and type are just as important as your face shape when choosing a haircut.

Think of your hair texture as the raw material your barber has to work with. No matter how skilled they are, they can’t make fine, straight hair hold a super textured style without tons of product—and who wants to spend 30 minutes styling their hair every morning? I sure don’t!

Let’s break down the main hair types and what works best for each:

Straight hair tends to be sleek and shiny but can look flat without the right cut. If you’ve got straight hair, consider styles with layers to add dimension and movement. Classic cuts like side parts, pompadours, and crew cuts typically work well. At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, we often recommend adding texture through cutting techniques rather than just relying on products.

For wavy hair, you’ve hit the genetic jackpot! Your natural texture gives you versatility that straight and curly-haired guys can only dream of. Styles like textured crops, longer quiffs, and medium-length cuts with layers can enhance your natural waves. I’ve got slightly wavy hair myself, and I found that going too short actually makes it harder to manage—a medium length lets those waves do their thing!

Curly hair requires special consideration. Too short, and you’ll get that poofy look as curls spring up. Too long, and you might deal with frizz and tangling. The sweet spot is usually keeping enough length to let the curls form (usually at least 1-2 inches) while maintaining a shape that complements your face. Remember that curly hair shrinks when dry, so what looks like 3 inches when wet might look like 1 inch when styled!

Coarse hair is thicker and sometimes more resistant to styling. The good news is that it usually holds styles well once shaped. Fade cuts, textured tops, and structured styles work nicely with coarse hair. Just be prepared for more frequent maintenance cuts to keep the shape looking sharp.

Fine hair can be tricky because it tends to lie flat and can look thin if cut improperly. Shorter styles with textured tops often work best, as they create the illusion of more hair. Avoid cuts that require lots of volume unless you’re willing to use products and blow-dry regularly. When I had a phase of thinning hair in my thirties, I found that a textured crop with a fade on the sides made my hair look twice as thick!

For thinning hair—which lots of guys deal with at some point—certain cuts can make a huge difference. Consider a buzz cut if your thinning is widespread, or styles with textured tops if you’re just thinning on top. Forward-brushed styles can cover receding hairlines, and certain cutting techniques can create the appearance of more density.

Product selection is crucial for different hair types too. Fine hair usually benefits from lightweight texturizing sprays and powders rather than heavy pomades. Curly hair often needs moisturizing products to fight frizz. The barbers at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop in Indianapolis are experts at recommending products specific to your hair type—something I wish I’d known before spending hundreds on products that were all wrong for my hair!

The most important thing to remember is that fighting your natural hair texture is usually a losing battle. I spent years trying to make my somewhat wavy hair stick straight before I finally embraced what I was working with. Find a style that works with your natural texture, not against it, and your morning routine will be so much easier.

Popular Men’s Haircut Styles and Who They Work For

When a new client walks into Basil Beauty and Barber Shop asking for “whatever’s popular,” I always cringe a little. Just because a style is trending doesn’t mean it’s right for YOU! I learned this lesson the hard way when I jumped on the super-short sides, long top trend a few years back, only to realize my narrow face looked even skinnier with that style.

Let’s dive into some popular men’s haircut styles and figure out who they actually work for:

The classic crew cut has been around forever for good reason—it’s versatile, low-maintenance, and works for most guys. With short sides and slightly longer hair on top, it’s particularly flattering for guys with round or heart-shaped faces. If you’ve got a professional job or just hate spending time on your hair, this might be your go-to. The military version (the buzz cut) is even shorter and works best if you’ve got a nicely shaped head and strong facial features.

The pompadour has made a huge comeback in recent years. With its swept-back height on top and shorter sides, it creates a bold, confident look. This style works beautifully for guys with square or oval faces but requires some styling effort each morning. I’ve got clients at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop who’ve been rocking pompadours for years—it’s become their signature look!

The undercut involves short or shaved sides with significantly longer hair on top. The contrast can be as dramatic or subtle as you want. This style works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, and can be adapted for most hair types. Just be aware that growing it out is awkward, so you’re committing to maintaining it or facing a few months of hat-wearing!

Fades are technically a cutting technique rather than a style, but they’ve become so popular they deserve their own mention. A fade involves gradually transitioning from longer hair to shorter hair down the sides and back. They can be high (starting near the crown), mid (around the temples), or low (just above the ears). I love recommending fades because they work with almost any style on top—from crops to quiffs to curls—and they give haircuts a clean, fresh look.

The textured crop is my personal favorite for guys with straight to slightly wavy hair. With a slightly longer fringe and textured top, it offers stylish looks with minimal effort. It works especially well for guys with fine hair as it creates the illusion of thickness. The French crop variation, with its blunt fringe, is particularly good for elongating round faces.

For guys embracing longer styles, the modern shag or curtain cut (think 90s Leonardo DiCaprio) has made a comeback. These styles frame the face and work well with wavy or straight hair that has some natural movement. They’re lower maintenance than short cuts but require the right type of hair to look intentional rather than just messy.

The mullet has even made a surprising comeback, though the modern version is more subtle than the 80s classic! This “business in the front, party in the back” style works best for guys with some natural texture who want a style with personality. I never thought I’d be cutting mullets again, but here we are!

When choosing between these styles, consideration of maintenance is crucial. That perfectly styled Instagram haircut might look amazing, but are you willing to spend 15 minutes styling it every morning? Be honest with yourself! I’ve seen countless clients request high-maintenance styles, only to return two weeks later frustrated because they don’t have the time or patience for daily styling.

At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop in Indianapolis, we always discuss lifestyle factors before recommending a style. A busy dad or someone who works out daily might need something different than a fashion-forward guy who enjoys spending time on his appearance. Remember that the perfect haircut isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it fits into your life.

Communicating Effectively With Your Barber

Here’s a confession: barbers aren’t mind readers! I can’t count how many times I’ve had clients tell me they want “just a trim” or “the usual, but different,” leaving me to guess exactly what they want. The result? They end up with something they didn’t envision, and we both feel frustrated.

Learning to communicate effectively with your barber is possibly the most important skill for getting great haircuts. I remember my first visit to a high-end barbershop in my twenties—I was so intimidated that I just mumbled “make it look good” and ended up with a style that didn’t suit me at all. Don’t make my mistake!

First, learn some basic barbering terminology. Knowing the difference between a taper and a fade, or understanding what clipper guard numbers mean (a #2 is 1/4 inch, a #4 is 1/2 inch, etc.) will immediately improve your ability to describe what you want. You don’t need to become an expert, but knowing a few key terms goes a long way.

Bringing reference photos is GOLD for barbers. I love when clients show me pictures, but with one important caveat: make sure the person in the photo has similar hair type and texture to yours! If you show me a photo of a guy with thick, wavy hair when you have fine, straight hair, I can give you a similar shape, but it won’t look identical. I once had a client bring in photos of three completely different styles, which was confusing until we talked through what elements he liked about each.

The consultation before your cut is crucial. At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, we always take time to discuss what you’re looking for before starting. This is your chance to mention any cowlicks, growth patterns, or past haircut disasters. Tell your barber how much time you spend styling your hair, what products you use, and how you want the haircut to grow out. These details help us choose the right techniques for your specific needs.

Be specific about length! “Short” means different things to different people. Instead of just saying “short on the sides,” try “a #2 guard on the sides, fading to slightly longer on top” or “about an inch on top, tapered down to the skin on the sides.” I’ve seen many a shocked face when a client’s version of “short” was very different from what the barber understood!

Don’t be afraid to speak up during the cut if something doesn’t look right. Most barbers would much rather make adjustments during the process than have you leave unhappy. I always appreciate when clients give feedback as we go—it helps me understand their preferences better for future visits.

When you visit Basil Beauty and Barber Shop in Indianapolis, you can expect a thorough consultation before your cut begins. Our barbers are trained to ask the right questions, but it helps if you come prepared to express what you want. Remember that a great relationship with your barber builds over time—the more you communicate, the better your results will be.

One last tip: if you love your haircut, take a selfie! Having photos of yourself with a haircut you like is the absolute best reference for future visits. I have clients who show me pictures of their own previous cuts, which makes it super easy to recreate or make minor adjustments to styles they already know they like.

Maintaining Your Haircut at Home

There’s nothing more disappointing than loving your haircut when you leave the barbershop, only to have it look completely different the next day. I still remember the frustration of trying to recreate that perfect style my barber gave me, only to end up with a flat, lifeless version. The secret? It’s all about proper maintenance and having the right tools and products.

Let’s start with a basic hair care routine. Contrary to what many guys think, washing your hair daily isn’t always the best approach. For most men, shampooing 2-3 times a week is plenty—overwashing can strip your hair of natural oils and leave it looking dull. I made this mistake for years before a stylist at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop set me straight!

Conditioner isn’t just for women! Using a good conditioner helps keep your hair manageable and healthy. If you have coarse or curly hair, conditioning is absolutely essential for preventing frizz and dryness. Even guys with fine hair can benefit from a lightweight conditioner—just apply it mainly to the ends rather than the roots.

Now let’s talk products—this is where many guys get overwhelmed. The walls of options at the store can be paralyzing! Here’s a simplified guide: pomades offer shine and hold (water-based ones wash out easily, oil-based ones give more shine but are harder to wash out). Matte products like clay and fiber give texture without shine, making them great for natural-looking styles. Gels provide strong hold but can look wet and crunchy—generally better for specific styles rather than everyday use.

At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, we always recommend products based on your specific hair type and desired style. As a general rule, start with a small amount (about the size of a dime) and add more if needed—you can always add product, but it’s hard to remove too much!

The right tools make a huge difference too. A quality hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle is worth every penny if you style your hair at all. I resisted buying one for years, thinking it was unnecessary, and now I can’t imagine styling without it! The key is using medium heat (not the highest setting) and finishing with a blast of cool air to set your style.

For most styles, you’ll also need a good brush or comb. Round brushes create volume, paddle brushes smooth hair, and wide-tooth combs are perfect for curly or thick hair. Again, match your tools to your hair type and style goals.

Knowing when it’s time for a trim is crucial for maintaining your style. As a general rule, shorter cuts (like fades and crops) need maintenance every 2-4 weeks, medium styles can go 4-6 weeks, and longer cuts can last 6-8 weeks between trims. Pay attention to when your cut starts losing its shape—that’s your signal it’s time to head back to the barber.

Between visits to Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, there are a few DIY maintenance tricks you can employ. For fades, you can carefully clean up your neckline with trimmers (though I don’t recommend attempting to fade your own hair unless you’ve got serious skills!). For longer styles, learning to use thinning shears to manage bulk can extend the life of your cut.

Product application technique matters more than most guys realize. For most styling products, it’s best to warm them between your palms first, then work from back to front through slightly damp hair. Start with a small amount and focus on the roots if you want volume, or the ends if you want texture and definition.

I’ve found that taking just 5 minutes each morning to properly style my hair makes a massive difference in how put-together I look throughout the day. It’s worth the minor time investment! Plus, once you develop a routine, it becomes second nature.

Finding the Right Barber in Indianapolis

Finding a great barber is like finding a great doctor—once you’ve got one, you don’t want to let them go! I learned this lesson the hard way after moving to a new city and bouncing between mediocre barbershops for months before finding someone who really understood my hair.

In Indianapolis, Basil Beauty and Barber Shop at 4911 West 38th Street has built a reputation for exceptional men’s haircuts and personalized service. What sets them apart is their commitment to understanding each client’s individual needs and preferences. Unlike chain salons where you might see a different stylist each visit, Basil focuses on building long-term relationships with clients.

When looking for the right barber, there are several questions worth asking. First, do they specialize in men’s hair? While many stylists can cut men’s hair, barbers specifically trained in men’s cuts often have more experience with classic techniques, fades, and beard services. At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, all barbers are specifically trained in modern men’s styling techniques while respecting traditional barbering craftsmanship.

Don’t underestimate the value of online reviews, but know how to read them critically. Look for specific comments about the types of cuts you’re interested in. Generic five-star reviews aren’t as helpful as detailed reviews mentioning specific styles or services. I always check for recent reviews too—staff changes can significantly impact service quality.

Building a relationship with your barber pays dividends over time. I’ve been seeing the same barber for years, and he now knows exactly how my cowlick behaves and which styles work with my face shape. At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, they keep detailed notes on each client’s preferences, making every visit consistently excellent.

For your first visit to a new barber, it’s worth booking a slightly longer appointment and being open about what you’re looking for. Mention past haircut experiences (both good and bad), and don’t be shy about sharing your hair struggles. A good barber will take time to understand not just the style you want today, but your overall hair goals.

At Basil Beauty and Barber Shop in Indianapolis, first-time clients can expect a thorough consultation to discuss face shape, hair texture, personal style, and maintenance preferences. They pride themselves on creating cuts that not only look good walking out the door but continue to look good as they grow out.

Location matters too! Finding a great barber who’s convenient to your home or workplace means you’re more likely to maintain regular appointments. Basil’s West 38th Street location is easily accessible from multiple Indianapolis neighborhoods, making it convenient for regular maintenance cuts.

Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. I used to seek out bargain cuts until I realized I was getting them redone more frequently because they grew out poorly. Investing in a quality cut from an experienced barber at a place like Basil Beauty and Barber Shop might cost a bit more upfront but often saves money in the long run through better grow-out and less frequent necessary visits.

The relationship with your barber should feel comfortable and collaborative. You should feel free to give feedback, ask questions, and express concerns. The best barbers want you to love your hair and will work with you to make that happen!

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect men’s haircut is part science, part art, and—let’s be honest—part courage! It took me years of trial and error (and some truly regrettable styles) before I found haircuts that really worked for my face shape and hair type. The journey is worth it though, because the right haircut can be transformative for your appearance and confidence.

Remember that your face shape provides the foundation for finding flattering styles. Whether you’re rocking an oval, square, round, heart, diamond, or oblong face, there are cuts that will enhance your natural features. Just as important is working with your hair’s natural texture and type rather than fighting against it—a lesson I wish I’d learned much earlier!

While trends come and go, classic styles like the crew cut, textured crop, and modern pompadour have staying power for good reason—they’re adaptable and flattering for many men. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own signature style! Some of my favorite clients at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop are the ones who’ve developed a customized look that perfectly expresses their personality.

Clear communication with your barber is absolutely essential for getting the cut you want. Learning some basic terminology, bringing reference photos, and being specific about length and style will dramatically improve your results. And once you’ve found a great barber, stick with them! The relationship you build over time leads to consistently better haircuts.

Remember that proper maintenance and the right products make a huge difference in how your haircut looks day-to-day. Invest in quality tools and products appropriate for your hair type, and develop a simple styling routine that works for your lifestyle.

For Indianapolis residents looking for expert men’s haircuts, Basil Beauty and Barber Shop at 4911 West 38th Street offers the perfect combination of technical skill, personalized service, and style expertise. Their barbers take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, ensuring you’ll walk out with a cut that not only looks good but feels right for you.

What’s your hair journey been like? Have you found your perfect style, or are you still experimenting? Remember that finding the right haircut is a process, and even “bad” haircuts teach us something about what works for us. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone occasionally—you might discover a whole new look that becomes your signature style!

Ready to transform your appearance with the perfect haircut? The expert barbers at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop are ready to help you find the style that brings out your best features and fits your lifestyle.