Top 8 men's hairstyles: Low-maintenance, mature, clean-cut styles

2024-10-31｜Lena

For men seeking a clean, polished look without the hassle of extensive styling, this guide is a must-read. Featuring 8 of the hottest men’s hairstyles for 2023, stylist Iris from KOMM Hair shares styling tips and showcases actual works by the KOMM design team. This guide will help every guy discover easy ways to elevate their style and “level up” their look!

Catalogue

I. Men’s hairstyle 1: Clean-cut short bangs

II. Men’s hairstyle 2: Bold crew cut

III. Men’s hairstyle 3: Thick bangs with teddy curls

IV. Men’s hairstyle 4: 6:4 comma bangs

V. Men’s hairstyle 5: Korean middle-part curls

VI. Men’s hairstyle 6: Japanese wolf cut

VII. Men’s hairstyle 7: Relaxed waves

VIII. Men’s hairstyle 8: Modern slicked-back style

For men’s short hairstyles, the "clean-cut short bangs" and "bold crew cut" are popular options. Since Asian men often have oilier skin and sweat more easily, these styles are especially favored by Taiwanese men. Both styles feature short bangs, making the face more visible, and are best suited for round or oval face shapes.

The mushroom cut and classic bowl cut are popular choices among Taiwanese men, as they suit both coarse and fine hair types, though they aren’t ideal for those with naturally curly hair. Korean actor Song Joong-ki often sports a clean-cut short bang style, with the sides neatly trimmed upward and bangs naturally styled, giving a polished and fresh look. This style doesn’t require perming or heavy styling products, making it easy to maintain and effortlessly refined.

The ultra-short crew cut style exudes a sharp, rugged look, fully exposing the forehead and accentuating facial features. Korean actor Park Seo-joon sported this look in <Itaewon Class>, showcasing its clean, no-fuss appeal. Known as the ultimate low-maintenance style, the crew cut requires virtually no styling, making it perfect for men with coarse, fine, or even slightly curly hair. This cut is especially suitable for those who love sports or tend to sweat easily, as it keeps them looking fresh and polished with minimal effort.

Here are two ultra-easy, low-maintenance hairstyles for men that only require drying and smoothing to look great. For added style, use a bit of hair wax or styling spray to enhance texture and give a more defined look. If you often ride a motorbike, dislike spending time on styling, or tend to sweat easily, these short hairstyles are ideal choices, keeping you looking sharp with minimal effort.

For medium-length hairstyles, the thick bangs with teddy curls, 6:4 comma bangs, and Korean middle-part curls are highly recommended. These styles suit various face shapes, including oval, round, and inverted triangle faces. Men who enjoy Korean-inspired hairstyles and want to experiment with more texture and shape can explore these looks for added style. For further inspiration, check out the article <Men’s Perm Recommendation – Korean Texture Perm!>

The Teddy Curl hairstyle gained popularity thanks to the lead character Choi Woo-shik in the hit Korean drama <Our Beloved Summer>. This look features a mushroom cut base with added curls, creating a soft, innocent "puppy boyfriend" vibe. It’s ideal for men with thinner hair, as the curls add volume and a fuller appearance. For those with flat roots, a root perm is recommended to achieve a naturally voluminous and soft look.

The more intense comma bangs style has become a signature look for "charismatic CEO" characters in recent K-dramas, like Ahn Hyo-seop’s role in <Business Proposal>. This style slightly reveals the forehead, keeping the bangs from appearing too heavy and adding a clean, refined look. Suitable for most hair types, including medium to coarse textures, it’s best avoided by those with very strong natural curls for optimal results.

This hairstyle reduces a youthful look and adds a gentle, mature vibe, famously represented by actor Gong Yoo. The slightly longer, middle-parted bangs fall near the outer corners of the eyes, drawing attention to the eyes’ depth and expression. However, the middle-parted curls are not ideal for men with very thick hair, as they require careful styling and outfit coordination to fully enhance the look's charm.

All three of these styles use bangs to frame and enhance facial features, with the recommended length falling just below the eyebrows. Since medium-length hair can weigh down roots, it’s best to use a styling mousse to add lift at the roots. After drying, apply a bit of hair oil or a light mist of setting spray to enhance shine and definition, giving the curls added texture and depth.

Long hairstyles for men include the Japanese wolf cut, relaxed waves, and a fresh take on the modern slicked-back style. Men drawn to these styles often seek a distinct look or want to experiment with different aesthetics.

The bold wolf cut, with its distinctive short-front and long-back style, is a favorite of singer Hua Chenyu. This look features a dramatic, layered "wolf tail" at the back, while the sides are trimmed to enhance the front’s visual impact. It’s suitable for all hair densities, as the side length can be adjusted based on volume. However, it may not be ideal for men with shorter necks, as the extended back can cover the neck area, impacting balance and proportion.

The relaxed and romantic relaxed waves hairstyle softens sharp facial features, adding a mysterious, refined appeal to strong, angular faces. Popular among Asian celebrities like Lee Dong-wook and Kim Woo-bin, long hair with relaxed waves suits men with longer face shapes and pronounced features, though it may not be ideal for shorter or rounder face shapes. For any face shape, however, it’s recommended to keep the bangs longer than the eyes. Whether parted to the side, slicked back, or styled with outward curls on both sides, this look adds elegance and depth.

Both of these styles use bangs to enhance face shape. For men with a prominent hairline, stylist Iris recommends opting for shorter bangs. Those with pronounced cheekbones or jawlines can go for a deep side part or medium-length bangs to highlight their features. To style, apply mousse on damp hair to add texture and definition, enhancing the overall shape. Once dry, a bit of hair oil will add shine and emphasize the curl. For men who prefer minimal styling products, Iris advises that hair oil is a must to keep the hair looking polished and healthy.

Unlike the traditional high-fade pompadour, which leaves only the top section long, the modern slicked-back style retains more length on the sides. Popularized by Asian celebrity Taec yeon Ok, who frequently sports this look, it adds a fresh twist to the classic pompadour. Iris notes that the sleek styling of the modern slicked-back look is best suited for round or oval face shapes, as it creates a balanced and polished appearance.

In addition to differences in cut, traditional and modern slicked-back styles use distinct styling products. The traditional style typically relies on gel products for a sleek, firm hold, while the modern version often uses hair wax to add volume and a natural finish. For fine hair, a drier wax helps achieve volume and a matte look. For men with thick, coarse, or dark hair, a slightly more hydrating product, such as hair clay or pomade, works well to provide a softer texture and manageable hold.

After exploring these 8 men’s hairstyle options, if you’re still unsure about the best fit for you, feel free to visit KOMM Salon and consult with stylist Iris for a personalized transformation!

Stylist Information

Salon: KOMM Hair Salon – Iris

Instagram: @iris__komm

LINE (Booking): @gqi9215t

Address: No. 8, Lane 158, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City

For styled men’s sleek haircuts, a touch of hair oil can be used to add a natural shine and enhance the overall look. 

Further Reading:

• "Bad Boy Perm" for High Foreheads and Thin Hair – 4 Styling Tips from a Stylist

• "Why Is Your Hair Getting Greasier with Every Wash? 4 Main Causes of Oily Scalp and Hair Loss!"

• Latest Korean "Gael Perm" for Taming Frizzy Hair

• Top 8 Must-Try Men’s Hairstyles: Low-Maintenance, Mature, and Sleek Styles

• Korean Texture Perm – How Long Should Your Hair Be for the Best Results?

• Asian Men’s Perm Recommendation: The "Press Perm" for Smooth, Tamed Hair

• Top 7 Bleached Hair Colors: Milk Tea Gray, Iron Gray – Get the Idol Look with Chris in Taichung

▼ Scalp care is essential for men with short hair to prevent breakouts and hair loss – Here are 2 recommended daily scalp shampoos ▼