The undercut haircut: How to undercut hair

6 min read

A man with a full beard wearing a black shirt and dark grey waistcoat is shaving an undercut haircut in front of a mirror.

In the ever-changing world of men's hairstyles, the undercut haircut has surged in popularity, becoming a staple among those who prefer a stylish haircut that's easy to maintain. Characterized by short sides with a longer top, the undercut stands apart thanks to its striking contrast that blends classic and contemporary styles. But how can you achieve the guys’ undercut, and what are the different types of undercut?

The different types of undercut

The undercut can be adapted to suit various face shapes, hair lengths, and types, making it a super versatile cut. Here are some of the different types of undercut:

Classic undercut: Ideal for those with oval and round faces, the classic undercut involves a bold contrast between very short sides and a significantly longer top. It suits most hair types and is perfect for those looking to make a bold statement. If you're after a long undercut for men or want to try out the man bun undercut, this is the style for you.
Disconnected undercut: This version works well with thicker hair and is suited for angular or square faces, as it emphasizes sharp facial features. An example of another long undercut for men, the top is left long and disconnected from the extremely short sides without a fade.
Fade undercut: A more subtle take on the classic, this short, undercut hairstyle for men gradually shortens the hair from the top down to the skin at the sides and back. This type is versatile enough to suit all face shapes and hair types, especially those looking for a cleaner blend and something a little less bold.
Curly undercut: Specifically designed for men with curly hair, this style keeps the curls on top while the sides are cut short. This style particularly suits heart-shaped and oval faces. The best part is that you don’t have to have natural curls for the curly undercut. Male perming is a thing, too!

A versatile haircut, the undercut looks great with many different beard styles but we think the man bun undercut looks especially great with a full beard. Check out our guide for more tips on how to pick a beard for your haircut.

How to undercut hair at home

Creating an undercut at home is straightforward with the right tools and some patience. Here’s how you can achieve this look step-by-step.

What you’ll need for your undercut haircut:

A quality trimmer, like the Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000
A comb
Hair clips
A hairdryer
Scissors

With that in mind, here’s how to do an undercut:

Preparation: Wash your hair and dry it completely to ensure even cutting.
Sectioning the hair: Use a comb to part your hair where you want the undercut to begin—typically from the temple across the side of the head. Clip the top hair up to keep it separate from the sides.
Clipping the sides: Attach a suitable guard to your All-in-One Trimmer, depending on the desired length for the sides; choose from the 21 quality attachments provided. Start clipping from the bottom up, ensuring a smooth, even cut. For a fade undercut, switch between guards to gradually shorten the hair towards your ears and the nape of your neck.
Styling the top: Once the sides are done, unclip the top section and style as desired. You can use scissors to trim the top or choose to leave it for a long hair men’s undercut.
Finishing touches: Check for any uneven spots and use your Philips All-in-One Trimmer to clean up the edges around your ears and neckline. Thanks to the narrow design of the All-in-One Trimmer's precision trimmer attachment, creating sharp edges and fine details is hassle-free.

See more below ↓

What you need

All-in-One Trimmer

Series 9000

MG9510/60

21 pieces: face, head & body

Precision trimming guard

Self-sharpening steel blades

Premium stainless steel handle
4.5 (367 reviews)

Overall rating 4.5 / 5
View product

Maintaining a guys’ undercut

One of the best ways to ensure your undercut stays fresh and sharp is to stay on top of the maintenance. It might sound obvious, but this is often the difference between a haircut that looks good and one that looks really good.

So, here’s how to maintain the undercut haircut:

Regular trims are crucial to keep the sides neat. Plan to trim every 3-4 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. The undercut haircut relies on its sharp contrast between long and short hair to make an impact. It's important, then, to keep this boundary clear with regular touch-ups. With the All-in-One Trimmer, you can avoid frequent and expensive trips to the barber and make maintenance a breeze at home.
The top length of an undercut offers various styling possibilities and will need attention frequently. For a sleek look, try slicking it back with pomade. For a casual day, leave it messy and tousled.
Use products that suit your hair type. Pomades and waxes are great for control and shine, while mousses and sea salt sprays can enhance volume and texture for those with thinner hair.

FAQs:

Can I wear an undercut with a man bun? Yes! The longer top of an undercut is ideal for pulling back into a man bun. The man bun undercut is a trendy and easy style option for non-wash days.
Is the undercut suitable for thin hair? Yes, but it’s important to keep the top textured to create volume and avoid too much contrast with the short sides. Choose a style like the curly undercut. Male perming makes this a super achievable option, and it can add volume and texture to thin hair.

By using quality products and taking your time, achieving and maintaining an undercut at home is both achievable and rewarding. You'll save on those expensive barber shop visits and gain the satisfaction that comes with styling and cutting your own hair. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with different styles and lengths that best suit you.

The undercut haircut: How to undercut hair