The short and spiky hairstyle has been a popular choice for men for many years. It’s sharp, edgy, and works well for a wide variety of hair types. Whether you’re cutting hair for a client or looking to do your own at-home trim, knowing the right technique for cutting short and spiky hair can help you achieve a fresh, bold look. In this article, we will go over the steps to properly cut short and spiky hair, the tools you’ll need, and tips for styling to make sure the final result looks sharp and clean.
How to Cut Men’s Hair Short and Spiky
What Makes Short and Spiky Hair Special?
The key to a great short and spiky hairstyle is texture. This haircut creates volume and movement by cutting the hair in layers and adding a bit of product for styling. Unlike other short cuts that are more uniform or neatly combed, spiky hair requires texture and volume to stand out. It works well with a variety of hair types, including straight, wavy, and slightly curly hair. The spikes give it a fun, youthful look, and with the right cut and products, the style can be made to look both casual and professional.
The Basic Principles of Cutting Spiky Hair
Before diving into the cutting process, it’s important to understand the basic principles. A good short and spiky haircut typically features the following characteristics:
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Short on the Sides: The sides are usually clipped short with a gradual fade or taper to give a sharp contrast to the longer hair on top.
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Longer on Top: The top is left longer than the sides to allow enough length for spikes. This hair is usually cut in layers to give texture and volume.
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Textured Layers: The hair on top is layered to create texture. This layering helps the hair stand up when styled.
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Use of Product: Styling products like pomade, wax, or gel are essential to making the spikes stand out and last throughout the day.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cut Men’s Hair Short and Spiky
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
Before you start cutting, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need. Here’s a list of essential tools:
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Clippers: Used for cutting the sides and back short.
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Scissors: Used for cutting the top and creating texture.
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Comb: Helps to section and part the hair.
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Spray Bottle: To dampen the hair and make it easier to cut.
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Blow Dryer: Helps style the hair after cutting.
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Texturizing Shears: These are optional, but they’re great for adding texture and softening the cut on the top.
Step 2: Start with Clean, Damp Hair
The first step in cutting short and spiky hair is to ensure the hair is clean and damp. Wet hair is easier to manage and allows you to make cleaner cuts. Use a spray bottle to lightly dampen the hair if necessary. Comb the hair to remove any tangles. This is especially important if the hair is thick or curly.
Step 3: Section the Hair
Before cutting, you’ll need to section the hair. Start by parting the hair down the middle or on the side, depending on the client’s preference. Use clips to hold the sections in place. Typically, you’ll want to divide the hair into three parts:
- Top Section: The longer part of the hair that will be spiked.
- Sides Section: The shorter parts on the sides and back.
- Crown Section: The area around the crown that connects the top and sides.
Step 4: Cutting the Sides and Back
Use your clippers to cut the sides and back of the hair. For a short and spiky look, you’ll want to use a clipper guard between #2 and #4 (depending on the client’s preference for length). Here’s how to do it:
- Start at the Bottom: Begin by cutting from the nape of the neck and work your way up. Keep the clippers flat against the scalp for an even cut.
- Taper the Sides: As you work your way up, start tilting the clippers to create a gradual fade. This means the hair will get longer as you move toward the top of the head.
- Blend the Fade: To avoid any harsh lines, use the clipper guard to blend the fade and make it smooth. Make sure the fade transitions naturally into the top section.
Step 5: Cutting the Top Section
The top section is where the magic happens. For a spiky look, you’ll want to leave the top longer than the sides. Depending on the style, the hair on top should be between 2 to 3 inches long.
- Start with the Length: Take small sections of hair from the top and trim them to the desired length. Use scissors to snip the hair straight across at the length you want.
- Cut in Layers: Once you’ve set the length, it’s time to add texture. To do this, cut the hair in layers. Start at the back of the top section and work your way forward. Hold each section of hair at a 90-degree angle from the scalp and snip the ends to create layers.
- Point Cutting: To create a textured look, use a technique called point cutting. This involves cutting into the ends of the hair at an angle to give it a choppy, spiky texture. This step is crucial for getting the spiky look you want.
- Check for Evenness: After cutting, check the hair from different angles to ensure the layers are even. Make small adjustments if needed.
Step 6: Texturize and Shape the Hair
To achieve a spiky look, it’s important to create texture throughout the top. You can use texturizing shears or point cutting to create more movement in the hair.
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Texturizing Shears: If you have texturizing shears, use them to cut into the ends of the hair. This will remove some of the weight and make the hair easier to spike.
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Point Cutting: If you don’t have texturizing shears, you can achieve a similar effect by using your regular scissors and point cutting into the ends of the layers.
Step 7: Styling the Hair
Once the cut is complete, it’s time to style the hair. Start by blow-drying the hair with your head upside down to create volume. Use a small amount of styling gel, pomade, or wax to give the hair its spiky texture.
- Blow Dry the Hair: Use a blow dryer to lift the hair at the roots and create volume. If you want extra lift, use a round brush while drying.
- Add Product: Apply a small amount of product to your hands and rub them together. Then, work the product into the hair, focusing on the top layers to create definition.
- Shape the Spikes: Use your fingers to separate the hair into individual spikes. You can make the spikes as defined or messy as you like. Be sure to apply a little more product as needed to hold the spikes in place.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once the spikes are in place, step back and assess the overall look. If necessary, trim any stray hairs to make the style neat and clean. You can also add a small amount of hairspray to hold the style in place for longer-lasting spikes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Cutting Too Much Off: Don’t cut too much off at once, especially on the top section. Always start with a little and work your way up.
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Uneven Layers: Be sure to check for evenness between layers. Uneven layers can lead to an unbalanced look.
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Using Too Much Product: Less is more when it comes to styling products. Too much can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
Conclusion
Cutting men’s hair short and spiky is all about creating texture, volume, and movement. With the right techniques, you can achieve a sharp, stylish look that’s easy to maintain and works for a variety of occasions. Remember to use the right tools, take your time during the cutting process, and focus on adding layers and texture to the top. With the right product, you can make the spikes stand out and keep them in place all day. Whether you’re a professional hairstylist or cutting your own hair at home, these steps will guide you to a perfect short and spiky haircut every time.
