men · hair styling
How to Style Short Hair for Men: 6 Looks in5 Minutes
How to style short hair for men: messy texture, side part, quiff, slick back, forward fringe, and the natural look, with the product to use for each.
Hairover Team
To style short hair, towel-dry it, rub a pea-sized amount of product between your palms until it’s warm, work it in from the back to the front, and push the hair into shape with your fingers or a comb. Matte clay gives messy texture, pomade gives a neat, shiny finish, and a light cream keeps it natural. Most short styles take under five minutes.
Which product to use
| Product | Hold | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte clay | Medium to strong | Matte | Messy texture, crops |
| Pomade | Medium to strong | Shiny | Side part, slick back |
| Wax | Medium | Low shine | Spiky, piecey looks |
| Cream | Light | Natural | Everyday, wavy hair |
| Sea salt spray | Light | Matte, textured | Pre-styling volume |
See pomade vs. clay vs. wax for more detail.
1. Messy texture
- Towel-dry until damp.
- Optional: blow-dry the top forward and up with your fingers.
- Work in matte clay with your fingertips.
- Twist and pinch small sections.
Works with a textured crop or textured fringe.
2. Side part
- Find your natural part, usually above the outer corner of one eye.
- Comb a clean line with damp hair.
- Blow-dry the top over to the side.
- Apply pomade or cream and comb into place.
3. Short quiff
- Blow-dry the front up and back with a brush.
- Apply clay or pomade.
- Lift the front with your fingers.
See quiff haircut ideas.
4. Slick back
- Apply pomade to damp hair.
- Comb everything straight back.
- Let it set.
5. Forward fringe
- Towel-dry.
- Blow-dry everything forward.
- Use a little clay to separate the fringe.
Great with a French crop.
6. Natural
- Towel-dry.
- Rub a small amount of cream through.
- Push into place with your fingers.
The lowest-effort option for low-maintenance haircuts.
Common mistakes
- Too much product: greasy, flat hair. Start small.
- Product straight on the front: clumps. Work from the back.
- Styling soaking-wet hair with clay: it won’t hold. Towel-dry first.
Related guides
Try a new short cut
Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, so you can pick the short cut that suits your styling routine.
FAQ
How do men style short hair?
Towel-dry, apply a small amount of product to damp or dry hair depending on the product, and push the hair into shape with your fingers or a comb. Most short styles take under five minutes.
What product is best for short hair men?
Matte clay for messy, textured looks. Pomade for shine and a neat side part or slick back. Light cream for a natural finish.
How much product should I use?
About a pea-sized amount for short hair. Rub it between your palms until it's warm and invisible before you apply it. You can always add more.
Should I blow-dry short hair?
A quick blow-dry adds volume and control, especially for a quiff or side part. For messy styles, towel-drying is often enough.
