Men’s haircuts are key to looking sharp and professional, but we all make the same mistakes that can ruin our looks. Whether it’s choosing the wrong hairstyle for your hair type, not taking care of your hair, or making simple grooming mistakes, all these can have a lasting effect on your haircut. Using the right hair care products for shorter and longer hair is essential for maintaining healthy, strong, and manageable hair.
In today’s article let’s go through the most common mistakes in men’s haircuts and explain how to avoid them so you always have a polished look with the perfect haircut.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Your Hair Type
One of the biggest mistakes in men’s haircuts is ignoring your hair type. Not all haircuts work for all types, and choosing an incompatible hairstyle that doesn’t suit your natural texture can lead to a frustrating styling routine.
According to YouGov, 31% of men have had a bad haircut at some point, and a large proportion blame poor communication with their barber or choosing the incorrect style for their hair type. Knowing whether you have wavy, kinky, or curly hair is key when deciding on a haircut.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is versatile but often requires a cut that improves its natural movement. A common mistake is going for a cut that’s too short, especially for those with short hair, which can make waves look unruly.
Instead, go for a style that has some length on top to show off the waves and keep the shape on the sides and back neat.
Straight Hair
Straight hair may seem easy to manage, but it has its own set of problems. One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a style that doesn’t add enough texture or volume. Straight hair lies flat against the scalp and, if not cut and styled right, can look limp and lifeless.
You need to choose a haircut that adds dimension, such as a layered cut or a textured crop, to prevent the hair from looking too flat.
Using the proper products, such as a volumizing mousse or a texturizing spray, can help lift the hair and make it look fuller.
Curly and Kinky Hair
These hairs need extra care to avoid common mistakes. A haircut that’s too short can cause curls to lose definition, and a style that’s too long can be hard to manage. For men with shorter hair, it’s crucial to avoid cuts that are too short for kinky and curly hair to maintain healthy, strong, and manageable hair.
Go for a cut that balances your curl pattern with your lifestyle so your curls stay defined and easy to maintain.
At Manhattan BarberSpa, we know how important it is to cater to different hair types of our clients. Our expert barbers are trained to cut hair to suit each individual’s texture so you walk out with a style that improves your natural hair.
Mistake 2: Washing Hair Wrong Way
Washing your hair during a shower may seem simple, but doing it incorrectly can lead to a whole host of problems, including hair dryness, loss, and an unhealthy scalp.
Proper washing techniques are important for short and long hair. One of the most overlooked parts of hair care is how you wash your hair and the products you use.
Natural Oils in Use
Your scalp produces oils that keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Regardless of whether you have shorter or longer hair, these oils are essential for maintaining healthy, strong, and manageable hair.
Washing your hair too frequently with harsh shampoos can strip away these oils and leave your hair dry and brittle. This is especially true for men with longer hair, as the natural oils need time to travel down the hair shaft to provide moisture.
Warm Water is Your Friend
Another mistake is using water that’s too hot when washing your hair. Mild-temperature water shower is enough to open up the hair cuticles and clean effectively without stripping the hair of its biological oils. This is beneficial for shorter and longer hair, ensuring it remains healthy and manageable.
After shampooing, rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles and give your hair a smoother, shinier look.
Hair Products
The products you use also play a big role in the health of your hair. Choosing the right hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and after-shower mask, is crucial for maintaining healthy hair longer. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type, whether fine, thick, oily, or dry.
At Manhattan BarberSpa, we have hair care products for all types so your hair stays healthy between cuts.
Mistake 3: Cutting Wet Hair
Cutting hair while it’s soaked is a common practice in many salons, but it can lead to inaccuracies in the final result. Cutting wet hair can be particularly challenging for shorter hair, as it may result in an uneven cut.
When it’s wet, it stretches, so the length you cut may look longer than it will once the hair is dry. This can result in a shorter haircut, frustration, and a longer waiting period for your hair to grow back to the desired length.
Hair Shrinkage
This mistake is especially true for men with kinky or curly hair, as these hair types shrink a lot when dry. Shorter hair can also experience shrinkage, making it important to cut hair when it’s dry or slightly damp so the barber can see the natural curl pattern and the hair’s true length.
Sharp Scissors Matter
Another important part of cutting hair is the tools used. Sharp scissors are crucial for achieving a precise cut. Dull scissors can cause split ends and uneven cuts, damage the hair, and give an unpolished look.
At Manhattan BarberSpa salon, our barbers use only the sharpest, highest-quality tools to give you careful and precise cuts.
Mistake 4: Using the Same Style for Years
Using a misguided hair-do for years can make you look outdated and not suitable for your current lifestyle or age. While getting comfortable with a familiar look is easy, it’s essential to evolve your hairstyle to look fresh and modern.
Assess Your Lifestyle and Preferences
Your hairstyle should evolve with you. Choosing a misguided hair-do that doesn’t suit your current needs can result in an unfavorable appearance. What worked for you in your 20s may not be as flattering in your 40s.
Regular haircuts need to match your current lifestyle, face shape, and personal hairstyles preference is key to looking your best.
Whether you like a classic fade, modern pompadour, or textured crop, our barbers at Manhattan BarberSpa salon can suggest and create styles that suit you now, not the past.
Don’t Fall into the ‘Same Haircut’ Trap
Also, don’t fall into the trap of asking for the ‘same cut’ every time you visit the barber. Sticking to the same type can sometimes lead to an incompatible hairstyle that doesn’t suit your evolving look. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
Communicate with your barber about any changes you want to make or new styles you want to try. A good barber can put your needs first place to adapt and create a current or new look for you. And with our Unlimited Membership program, you can have regular haircuts and change your hair shape and look anytime you want.
Mistake 5: Too Much Product
Using too much hair product can turn a great shave into a greasy, weighed-down mess. A bunch of gel, waxes, or pomade can weigh down your hair and make it look oiled and unnatural.
This is especially true if you have fine or thin hair, where even a small amount of heavy product can flatten the hair and make it look oily.
Too much product can build up on the scalp and cause clogged pores and hair loss over time. Also, overusing hair products can cause head irritation and lead to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
The key to using hair care products is balance. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Products for Your Type of Hair
Different hair types require different products. Choosing the right products is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. For example, if you have fine hair, opt for lighter products like a volumizing mousse or a lightweight gel.
For thicker types, a strong-hold pomade or wax may be more suitable. At Manhattan BarberSpa, we carry a range of top-quality hair products that improve hair look of our clients without weighing it down.
Product Build-Up
Regular washing is key to preventing product build-up, which can dull hair’s natural shine and cause a flaky scalp. Product build-up can be particularly noticeable on shorter hair, making regular washing essential.
Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any residue from styling products and keep your hair looking fresh and clean.
Achieve Your Best Look with Expert Hair Care
Investing in a quality haircut can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for frequent corrections. At Manhattan BarberSpa, we’re committed to helping our clients avoid these pitfalls and always leave the salon looking polished and stylish.
Whether you need a new haircut, advice, or just to maintain your current hair and beard appearance, sit and our experienced barbers will do rest.
We offer Unlimited hair and body services so you can always look and feel your best. Don’t be afraid to try new styles and products – your hair deserves the best.
Mistakes in Men’s Haircut: Alternative
| Mistake | Description | Cause | Effect | Tips to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uneven Fade | The fade isn’t consistent, with patches of hair being longer or shorter than intended. | Inconsistent clipper pressure or incorrect guard usage. | Patchy, unbalanced appearance. | Use consistent pressure, double-check work under good lighting, and ask for adjustments during the cut. |
| Overly High Fade | The fade starts too high, which can distort the natural head shape. | Miscommunication with the barber or improper technique. | It has an unnatural look that doesn’t suit the head shape. | Communicate the desired fade level and start the fade lower, adjusting upward if needed. |
| Uneven Sideburns | Sideburns are not symmetrical in length or shape. | You are neglecting to measure or check both sides evenly. | Asymmetry that draws attention to facial imbalances. | Check sideburn length and shape on both sides with a mirror, and use a level guide if needed. |
| Too Much Weight Left on Top | Excess bulk on top can make the haircut unbalanced, especially if the sides are trimmed short. | Failure to blend the top with the sides. | A bulky, top-heavy appearance. | Request proper blending and thinning where necessary, and consider the overall proportion of the haircut. |
| Over-Thinned Hair | Excessive thinning can lead to a loss of volume and structure, especially in fine hair. | Overuse of thinning shears or razors. | Hair appears limp and lifeless. | Be clear about the desired amount of thinning; if unsure, start conservatively and adjust as needed. |
| Improper Neckline | The neckline is either cut too high, too low, or unevenly, which can affect the overall look of the haircut. | Lack of attention to detail when finishing the cut. | A neckline that doesn’t complement the haircut or facial shape. | Ask for a neckline that suits your natural hair growth, and monitor the shaping process in the mirror. |
| Ignoring Hair Texture | It does not consider the hair’s natural texture, leading to styles that are difficult to maintain. | I am attempting a style unsuited to hair type. | Hair becomes unmanageable, and the style doesn’t hold. | Choose styles that match your hair texture (curly, straight, wavy), and ask for product recommendations. |
| Poorly Blended Layers | Layers are not blended smoothly, causing harsh lines or steps in the haircut. | Inexperience or rushing through the layering process. | It’s a choppy, unprofessional look. | Ensure the barber blends layers thoroughly; ask for a check during the cut. |
| Inconsistent Hairline | The hairline is cut unevenly or far back, making regrowth look awkward. | Overuse of clippers or lack of precision. | An unnatural or uneven hairline. | Request a natural hairline, and be cautious with sharp or high cuts that can affect future growth. |
| Wrong Cut for Face Shape | Choosing a haircut that doesn’t complement the individual’s face shape leads to a less flattering appearance. | Lack of consultation or understanding of face shapes. | A haircut that accentuates unfavorable features. | Consult with your barber about the best styles for your face shape; bring reference photos if needed. |
| Ignoring Maintenance Needs | Choosing a style that requires more upkeep than one is willing to commit to leads to a sloppy or overgrown appearance over time. | I am not considering lifestyle or maintenance habits. | A haircut that quickly loses its shape or looks unkempt. | Opt for styles that match your grooming routine; ask the barber about maintenance requirements. |
| Overcutting the Fringe | The front hair (fringe) is cut too short, which can throw off the balance of the haircut. | Misjudgment of desired length or poor technique. | A fringe that doesn’t suit the face or desired look. | Be specific about fringe length; err on caution with initial cuts and adjust if necessary. |
| Skipping Consultation | You are not discussing or being specific about what you want with the barber, leading to a result that doesn’t meet expectations. | Poor communication between client and barber. | A haircut that doesn’t align with the client’s vision. | Consult with your barber, use photos for clarity, and ensure mutual understanding. |