If you’re wondering how to style short hair, take it from someone who’s had varying degrees of “short” hair for most of his life. From a mod cut to a buzz to a wispy ‘60s style, I’ve had it all. I’ve learned that styling products for shorter hair are a different game than for longer cuts. Some lengths call for the grit and structure of a mattifying putty, for example, while slightly longer hair adheres better with a texturizing powder. Even subtle variations in short haircut length influence how styling products shape, form, and define your aesthetic.
“Finessing a short haircut requires a little time and the right product for the job,” says Chrissie Schwalje, owner of Parlor Hair Studio. “Too much product can flatten and weigh down the hair, while not enough can leave the cut undefined.”
Everyone’s hair texture is different, but the below will serve as a general guide on how to style shorter cuts and which products work best—whether you’re going for a bedhead look or something more structured. Warmer weather is around the corner, after all, and the tips below will teach you how to style short hair with ease.
The Best Hair Products for Styling Short Hair, According to GQ
- Best Styling Product for Buzz Cuts: Aveda Pure-Formance Grooming Clay, $23
- Best Styling Product for Crew Cuts: Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax, $20
- Best Styling Product for Messy Textured Crop: Church Volcanic Clay Pomade, $30
- Best Styling Product for Side Parts: Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade, $28
- Best Styling Product for Caesar Cuts: Jack Henry Hair Clay Styling Product, $28
- Best Styling Product for Quiffs: Davines Energizing Thickening Tonic, $47
- Best Styling Product for Short Natural Cuts: Brickell Argan Hair Oil, $35
- Best Styling Product for Short & Tousled: Malin+Goetz Sage Styling Cream, $26
Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is clipped close to the scalp and follows the natural head shape. “It’s very popular to buzz the hair down to about a quarter inch and let it grow out slightly for a softer look,” Schwalje says. “Freshly buzzed cuts can sometimes appear fuzzy, so I recommend using a grooming clay—it adds texture, eliminates excess fluffiness, and provides stronger control without looking greasy.”
Get the look:
Pure-Formance Grooming Clay – Aveda ($23)
Hair Styling Clay – Pete & Pedro ($22)
Crew Cut
This cut features short, tapered sides with slightly longer hair on top. “I prefer using a wax here, utilizing the extra length for styling,” Schwalje notes. Apply the product to dry hair, grooming it down for a clean-cut look or styling in various directions for a more unintentional finish. “Wax is perfect because it offers a workable hold with lightweight texture without being sticky or greasy.”
Get the look:
60 Proof Hair Wax – Blind Barber ($20)
Stylist Series Creative Cream Wax – Kiehl’s ($25)
Messy Textured Crop
This cut keeps about two inches of length on top, with the sides and back slightly shorter. “I usually cut this style with my fingers instead of clippers to keep the shape soft and use texturizing shears or a razor to break up any thick or clunky areas,” says Schwalje. For styling, a matte pomade works best. “Rub a dime-sized amount into your palms to warm it up, then scrunch and pinch it into dry hair to create shape.”
Get the look:
Volcanic Clay Pomade – Church ($30)
Claymation Styling Clay – Hanz de Fuko ($25)
Side Part / Ivy League
Also known as a collegiate cut, the Ivy League is a more polished cut defined by its smooth shape and pronounced side part. “The sides are typically short, faded, and tapered, while the top blends into longer lengths for combed styling,” Schwalje explains. For a sharp, structured look, apply gel to damp hair, set the part with a comb, and use an up-and-back motion to shape the style as it dries.
Get the look:
Glacial Hair Clay Pomade – Highland ($28)
Sumogel Hi-Hold Styling Hair Gel – Bumble and Bumble ($36)
Caesar Cut
The Caesar is defined by its high-and-tight taper fade and structured fringe that’s combed forward and cut straight across. Schwalje recommends using a matte product like clay to smooth down flyaways.
Get the look:
Hair Clay Styling Product – Jack Henry ($28)
Rough Rider Moldable Styling Clay – Kevin Murphy ($32)
Short Quiff / Pomp
This high-contrast cut features short, tight sides with a voluminous top. “I love these cuts for my edgier, punkier clientele,” Schwalje says. To style, use a tonic while the hair is damp to boost volume at the roots, then blow-dry it back using your fingers. Once dry, apply wax to define the look and keep everything in place.
Get the look:
Energizing Thickening Tonic – Davines ($47)
Dry Shampoo Powder – Jack Henry ($30)
Short Natural
A tight fade on the sides with a slightly longer top works well for natural textures, keeping the style shorter while maintaining its shape. “For styling, a soft moisturizing oil and brushing the hair forward will give shine.”
Get the look:
Argan Hair Oil – Brickell ($35)
Rosemary Hair Oil – Wonder Valley ($48)
Short & Tousled
A tousled style features sides about an inch long, with more length at the crown and toward the front. This look is ideal for a laid-back, bedhead vibe.
Get the look:
Sage Styling Cream – Malin+Goetz ($26)
Short haircuts can be both versatile and low-maintenance, as long as you have the right tools and techniques at your disposal!
