A new haircut is a simple and affordable way to create a cool and stylish look without changing your wardrobe. Classic men’s haircuts are timeless, masculine and handsome styles that exude class and charm while allowing you to explore your stylistic vision. From the short buzz cut to the embellished pompadour, these attractive traditional hairstyles have stood the test of time while trends have fallen by the wayside.

An old-school cut can also be relevant, elegant and flattering without being boring, allowing you to infuse some personality and modern edge for a balanced finish. Your barber will know all these iconic styles, ensuring a clean haircut, so all you need is some vintage inspiration to transform your hair.

We’ve rounded up the most timeless traditional haircuts for classically dapper men who want to look smart, successful and effortlessly sharp.

Timeless and Stylish Classic Men’s Hairstyles

Classic Quiff

The classic quiff is an attractive hairstyle that combines a fuller top with trimmed sides for a dapper appearance. A small amount of matte paste and heat will add flow to the hair, while a slick of pomade offers texture for a timeless vibe.

Classic Pompadour

The traditional pompadour can be a captivating and awesome hairstyle for any modern man wanting a retro look that will always look stylish and polished. The sleek pompadour features a voluminous top with short and slicked sides to complement the “bump” in the front. A striking taper fade adds a cool edge and supports the shaped top. The result is an edgy but polished look that easily transitions from the office to the bar.

Classic Comb Over

The classic comb over is a handsome and flattering style for fashionable men who appreciate a preppy look with styling versatility. The high-volume hairstyle pairs perfectly with scissor-cut or tapered sides for a charming aesthetic. Your style can be coiffed for formal events or tousled at the weekend with a light pomade for a casual appearance.

Traditional Afro

An afro is a flattering look for black men who want to embrace their natural texture with a retro twist. A high top and faded sides give this iconic style a modern vibe that pulls focus to kinks in the bulk of your hair. Ask your barber to add a structured line up for a sleek finish.

Classic Ivy League with Tapered Sides

An elegant Ivy League hairstyle features a crew cut with a longer fringe that can be parted or swept to the side for a refined look. The sophisticated high taper removes the weight from the sides and blends the beard into the sideburns for added structure. Use a wax or styling clay for extra texture and a natural finish.

Slick Back Undercut

Bold and rebellious, a slick back undercut is a smooth style for guys with longer locks who appreciate a sleek and sexy look. The high undercut provides a cropped cut for contrast, while the thick hair on top must be brushed straight back using a strong pomade.

Vintage Ducktail

The ducktail is a classic 1950s men’s hairstyle characterized by slicked back sides and a defined part down the back of the head. This unique style exudes a vintage vibe and offers a groomed look pulled into place with a strong pomade and a wide-tooth comb.

Timeless Crew Cut

The traditional crew cut is a low-maintenance masculine hairstyle for those who want to rock short hair for a cool, functional aesthetic. Most crew cuts come with tapered or faded sides and thicker, textured hair on top. The cut can be a great choice in the summer and will keep you fresh. For a playful approach, leave the hair slightly longer and tousled to achieve a carefree aesthetic.

Prohibition Gangster Style

Exuding Peaky Blinders vibes, a prohibition gangster hairstyle pairs sharp tapered sides with a smart slick back to create a confident and badass look. For a more intense look, get shaved sides or a striking undercut that will play against the volume on top.

Thick Side Swept Fringe with Cropped Sides

A thick side swept fringe with cropped sides is a stylish, timeless look that exudes confidence. Lightly tapered sides can be blended into sideburns for a smooth and connected appearance that pulls focus to the volume at the front. Ask your barber for choppy layers and work styling clay through your hair for a more textured look.

Classic Comb Over Side Part

A classic comb over side part is a gentlemanly style that will enhance your facial features with clean and precise lines. The sharp side part creates visual interest, while the comb over and tapered sides give the illusion of volume that boosts thin hair.

Brush Up with Classy Taper and Long Beard

A masculine brush up with a classy taper can look ruggedly handsome and awesome with a longer beard. Fuller and brimming with texture, the short tousled top is clean with smart short sides to give the style weight and dimension. The full beard balances the look and allows you to express your manliness confidently.

Vintage High Top

The retro high top is a striking and trendy hairstyle for black men who want to show off an old-school look that complements their natural afro-textured hair. A short skin fade on the back and sides will contrast and complement the impressive height. A low fade blends effortlessly into the high top for a clean-cut, fresh finish.

Greaser Hairstyle

A greaser hairstyle is a rebellious vintage look that combines shorter sides with a retro medium-length style on top such as a pompadour or slick back. Use a high-shine pomade to achieve the traditional slick or wet finish that defines the style. For a modern touch, ask your barber to taper the sides or add an undercut for a playful twist.

Brush Back with Tapered Sides

A sexy brush back with perfect tapered sides is a dashing approach for teenage guys who want a versatile style with volume and depth. Lightly layering your locks adds dimension to the top, seamlessly transitioning to the tapered sides for an effortlessly elegant and handsome look.

Classy Bro Flow

A classy bro flow is a low-maintenance, longer style that requires patience, a proper hair care routine and a light styling product for beautiful flow. This beautiful men’s hairstyle can be worn natural and loose, slicked back or pulled into a trendy man bun for running errands.

Gentleman’s Side Swept Style with High Taper

This gentleman’s side-swept style pairs a slicked front with a trendy high taper for a contemporary look. The longer top creates balanced contrast with the shorter sides, offering a well-defined style that frames the face. When you want a casual appearance, lightly tousle the top with pomade.

Clean and Classic Buzz Cut

A clean buzz cut is a timeless style for classically masculine guys who want short hair and have the proper head shape. This military-inspired cut can be achieved by buzzing the hair all over with clippers. Incorporate a mid to high skin fade and a masculine beard to make the cut more flattering.

French Crop with Taper

The classy French crop is a fresh style that has been popular in barbershops for the last several years and can be sharpened up with a fade to highlight the texture and playful fringe. The short haircut often features a naturally brushed forward top for effortless movement and easy styling. Much like a crew cut, add a shaved design and a line up for a twist.

Classic Long Curly Hair

A long, curly men’s hairstyle is an alluring, unique look that will showcase your natural texture and individuality with flair. Let your curls fall freely or have your barber infuse some layers for an interesting beach-ready look. Hair mousse or sea salt spray can give your coils extra definition and bounce. Skip the styling products for a relaxed and bohemian vibe. The hardest part is growing your hair out, so brush it back and create a man bun as you wait it out.

Traditional Quiff

Slick and clean-cut, a traditional quiff is a versatile style with timeless appeal and a polished aesthetic. The lifted front creates a refined look that enhances your facial features. For a more structured style, ask for tight sides and use pre-styling products and heat to pull stray hairs into place.

Gentleman’s Comb Over Fade

The comb over fade is a striking gentleman’s cut that blends a classic style with modern sides. The deep side part and sleek faded sides look dynamic and breathe life into an otherwise traditional haircut. The sharp look can be maintained with regular trims and kept neat with water-based pomade for a lightweight feel. You can’t get more timeless than that.

Gangster Slick Back

The gangster slick back is an awesome hairstyle for men with straight hair who want a enduring look with a subtle edge. The style is combed straight back to create a streamlined appearance and held in place with strong pomade or gel for extra shine. Versatile, the masculine look will bring your facial hair and features into focus. Pair your slick back with tapered sides or a badass undercut for a modern aesthetic.

Full Slick Back with Short Sides

Clean and attractive, a full slick back looks incredible with short sides to keep your hair out of your face. The crop is practical and keeps the style uniform and balanced. A slick of high-shine pomade or gel is all you need to tame curly or wavy locks. The slick back will make the issue more prominent if you have an uneven or receding hairline.

Long Afro Taper

A long afro lets natural coils run wild, but adding a classic taper gives a polished and defined shape. The retained length offers styling versatility for formal and casual events. Add a sleek line up and connected beard to the mix to pull your look together.

Buzz Cut with Tapered Sides

The enduring buzz cut with short tapered sides is a practical aesthetic that will suit any young and active guy wanting a cool, sharp style. It’s buzzed to a uniform length on top and tapered down the sides for a defined transition that blends effortlessly into the sideburns. The cut is ideal for those blessed with strong, masculine features like a square jaw and proportionate head.

Classic Military Cut

A classic military haircut can be a masculine and stylish choice for guys who want a low-maintenance approach. With no styling required, the look consists of a buzz cut, sometimes with a slight fade on the sides and back. Pair it with a short, rugged beard for a masculine look.

Quiff with Short Sides

A timeless quiff with short sides features a long, voluminous section of hair on top of the head and a classic taper. It is a modern, versatile look perfect for casual or formal events.

Elegant Tapered Neckline

A cut with an elegant tapered neckline features long hair on top and a gradual taper to shorter hair in the back. Gel or pomade holds the slicked-back top section in place for a professional, sophisticated finish.

Messy Crop with Short Sides and Groomed Beard

A messy crop with short sides and a groomed beard is a fresh, youthful style. The cut combines a playful spirit with refined professionalism. The tousled section of hair on top is neat and clean, and the precise edges along the beard pull the look together.

Middle Part

A slick middle part is an excellent hairstyle for formal events or everyday wear. The center part adds a hint of personality to a classic and well-loved style. The versatile cut is also a fantastic foundation for a traditional side part or slick back.

Messy Curls

Loose and messy curls are boyishly handsome and borderline irresistible when tousled. The voluminous curls balance the short, tapered sides and the brawny beard. Allow a few tendrils to hang over the forehead for a face-framing effect.

Long Brushed-Back Style

A long brushed-back style suits men of all ages who want a professional and glamorous appearance. It features longer hair on the top and shorter hair at the sides and back. Personalize the cut with a subtle side part or an undercut.

Long Pompadour with Short Sides

A long pompadour with short sides makes a big statement, so it is perfect for men who like to be the center of attention. Caramel highlights against dark brown locks draw the eye upward, and a rugged beard pulls the look together.

Loose Comb Over with Low Taper Fade

A loose comb over with a low taper fade is a clean-cut style that suits most hair types and face shapes. The long, relaxed section of hair on top falls forward and to the side from a deep side part. A small section just above the forehead stands tall to add volume and height.

Old-School Wet Look

The old-school wet-look hairstyle suits men who prefer a more rugged, masculine style. Add some high-shine gel to the longer hair at the top and sides of the head and let it fall into its natural shape. Sport the style with a clean-shaven face, or pair it with a sexy five o’clock shadow.

Trendy Classic Comb Over

The trendy and classic comb over takes a fresh approach to a well-known style. The style features long hair on top that falls to the side from a deep side part. The cut is perfect for experimenting with various styles and bold colors like highlights.

Old-Fashioned Angular Fringe

An old-fashioned angular fringe can be an endearing natural style that will breathe new life into your look. The long hair on top falls forward from the crown and lies across the forehead. Allowing the hair to cover one brow partially creates a moody and asymmetrical angular look. Try a clean taper at the sides and back for maximum impact.

Retro Side Part with Low Tapered Sides

A cut featuring a retro side part with low tapered sides pays homage to the 40s and 50s with its sharp, clean look. The angular part flows from the temple back toward the crown. A styling pomade and comb are the only tools required to create the signature texture. Regular trims keep the cut neat and clean.

Tousled French Crop with Undercut

A tousled French crop with an undercut relies on careful layering for texture. Gentle tousling gives the short hair on top volume, interest, and height. The undercut is the source of the cut’s signature contrast.

Slick Back with Mid Taper Fade

An impressive slick back with a mid taper fade is perfect for the boardroom, date night, or a wedding. Strong styling products keep each hair in its place, and a simple comb is all you need to create eye-catching texture.

Textured Brush Back with Low Taper

A textured brush back with a low taper is an excellent cut for guys with thinning hair. The elaborate layering creates the foundation of the sophisticated cut. To style it, add some styling mousse to damp hair, then use a blow dryer and a paddle brush to direct the hair into place.

Thick Retro Afro with Beard

A thick retro afro with a beard highlights the natural texture of black hair. The vintage longer top contrasts with the shorter sides, while careful styling lends its signature shape and volume. Anyone with a round face may find that an afro visually elongates the head for a dimensionally-balanced look.

Thick Tousled Curls

Thick, tousled curls are sexy looks for young heartthrobs. The handsome taper at the sides and back lends to a polished finish. Quality styling cream defines curls, enhances their texture, and adds shine. Allowing the coils to drape across the forehead creates an impactful fringe.

Timeless Slick Back with Mid Drop Fade

A timeless slick back with a mid drop fade looks great on all men. The center section is much longer than the rest, which adds volume and interest to the style. The mid drop fade enhances the shape and creates a finished look.

Crew Cut Fade

The ever-lasting crew cut fade is a versatile and sharp style that can be easily personalized. A playful swoop at the hairline gives the cut a tailored finish. The textured hair falls forward from the crown and sweeps off to one side above the forehead. The result is a flirty and youthful effect.

Textured Pompadour with Low Skin Fade

A textured pompadour with a low skin fade makes a loud statement. The sharp skin fade at the sides of the head contrasts beautifully with the voluminous height at the top. A large round brush and a blow dryer are the only tools needed to create the lift and texture.

Thick Textured Fringe with Mid Fade

Thick textured fringe with a mid fade is an edgy and youthful style that is easy to maintain at home. A classic fade serves as the cut’s foundation, but a long fringe at the front adds a modern element. While the style suits most hair types, thicker hair lends to a more noticeable texture.

Traditional Taper

The traditional taper is a gradual transition from longer hair at the top of the head to shorter hair at the sides and back. Styling is as simple as brushing the hair on top straight back toward the crown. A comb and styling pomade give the cut texture and all-day hold.

Popular Traditional Haircuts For Men

The most popular traditional men’s haircut styles are the classic comb over, side part, quiff, pompadour, slick back, buzz cut, high top, afro and Ivy League. These iconic old-school short hairstyles are ruggedly handsome, sophisticated and easy to achieve, providing guys with timeless ideas at the barbershop that will elevate their look. While some trends come and go, these vintage and versatile barber cuts will work with various hair types and never seem to go out of style.