men · fade
Faux Hawk Haircut: How to Get It and Style It in2 Minutes
A faux hawk styles the center of the hair upward while keeping the sides short but not shaved. Here is who it suits, how to ask for it, and how to style it quickly.
Hairover Team
A faux hawk is a men’s hairstyle where the hair in the center of the head is longer and styled upward into a soft ridge, while the sides are short but not shaved. It borrows the shape of a mohawk without the shaved sides, so you can wear it textured on the weekend and comb it down for work.
That flexibility is its main appeal: one cut, two looks.
Faux hawk vs. mohawk
| Faux hawk | Mohawk | |
|---|---|---|
| Sides | Short, tapered or faded, not bald | Shaved or clipped very close |
| Center | Styled up, blends into the sides | A distinct strip |
| Can be worn down | Yes | Not really |
| Workplace-friendly | Usually | Depends |
Who a faux hawk suits
Hair type: straight or wavy hair with medium thickness is easiest to push up. Thick hair holds height without much product. Curly hair makes a soft, textured faux hawk with almost no styling.
Face shape: the height at the center lengthens the face, so it suits round, square, and oval faces. On long faces, keep the ridge low and wide.
Hairline: the hair is pushed toward the center, not straight back, which can make a slightly receding hairline less noticeable at the temples.
How to ask for a faux hawk
“Faux hawk: sides at a [2 / 3] or a low fade, don’t shave them. Leave two to three inches on top, longest down the center from the front to the crown, textured so I can push it up.”
Ask your barber to blend the sides into the top. A faux hawk looks best when there’s no hard line.
How to style a faux hawk in about 2 minutes
- Start with towel-dried hair. For extra height, blow-dry the top upward.
- Rub a pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste between your palms until warm.
- Work it through the top, from the roots up.
- Push the hair on both sides of the top toward the center with your fingers.
- Pinch and lift the center to create the ridge. Keep it messy for a casual look, or tighter for a sharper one.
Our pomade vs. clay vs. wax guide explains which product gives which finish.
Upkeep
Trim every four to six weeks. The sides can grow a little without ruining the look, which makes a faux hawk more forgiving than a fade-heavy cut.
Related guides
See it before you style it
Hairover’s Style Studio lets you try men’s haircuts on your own photo first, so you can compare a faux hawk with a crop or quiff. See how hairstyle try-on works.
FAQ
What is a faux hawk?
A men's hairstyle where the hair in the center of the head is longer and styled upward into a ridge, while the sides are short but not shaved. It hints at a mohawk without the commitment.
Is a faux hawk professional?
Usually, yes, especially a short, textured version with a low taper. You can also comb it flat or to the side for formal settings, which a true mohawk does not allow.
How long does hair need to be for a faux hawk?
About two to four inches in the center strip, with the sides shorter, often a 2 to 4 guard or a fade.
What product is best for a faux hawk?
A matte clay or paste for a textured, natural finish, or a strong wax or gel for a taller, sharper ridge.
