How to Do a Hipster Haircut

Tired of your boring 9-5 haircut? Get trendy with a hipster ‘do that makes you look fashionable and modern. Whether it’s your first time experimenting with a new hairstyle or you change hair often, you can find a cut that looks great. By selecting a casual haircut, trying a slicked-back style, or doing hipster styles without a cut, you can sport your new look with confidence.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting a Casual Cut

1
Sport a modern quiff. Ask your stylist to cut the sides of your hair tight to .25 inches (0.64 cm), leave the top up to 7 inches (18 cm) long, and cut it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long in the back. You can style the top as you wish. A quiff is a gentler version of a more severe undercut hairstyle and might be a good option if you have a formal workplace.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Quiffs are great for round face shapes because they elongate the face.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can spike the top or sculpt your natural waves, for example.
2
Try an angular fringe. Ask your stylist to give you a skin fade on the bottom, but keep the top of your hair long up to 7 inches (18 cm) long and style it to the side. Your hairdresser can trim your bangs to make them fall in a graduated fringe to one side of your face.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Angular fringes look great on triangular, diamond, and round faces because they deemphasize a strong chin.^{[4]XResearch source}
- This would also be a good style if you had a mole or scar on your forehead you wanted to cover it up.
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3
Try an undercut on one side. Ask your stylist to buzz the hair on one side of your head while wearing it long on the other. You can pull your long hair into a ponytail or wear it loose. This cool, feminine style was popularized by Natalie Dormer.^{[5]XResearch source}
- A buzz cut can mean almost-bald or hair up to .25 inches (0.64 cm) long. You can leave your long hair as long as you like!
- This cut is good on all face shapes, as the long hair softens the harsher buzz on the other side.
4
Try a Caesar cut. Follow George Clooney’s lead and embrace the classic Caesar haircut, which is up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long on the sides and up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long on top. The short bangs are styled forward for a throwback look.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Caesar cuts look great on square, rectangular, and angular face shapes.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Trying a Slicked-Back Style

1
Try a slicked-back undercut. Ask your stylist to shave the sides of your head with barber’s clippers but leave the top up to 5 inches (13 cm) long. Rub a dime-sized amount of pomade into the top, and then slick it back using a comb.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Undercuts look great on square face shapes because they emphasize a strong jawline.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Try a pompadour for a twist on the undercut. Grow your bangs at least 5 inches (13 cm) long to have enough length for a pompadour. Ask your stylist to trim or shave the sides short, so most of your length is on top. Then, rub a dime-sized amount of pomade in your hands, and use your fingers to shape the longer top section back in the style of Elvis Presley.^{[9]XResearch source}
2
Get a skin fade. Ask your stylist to use barber’s clippers to fade your hair with clippers on the sides so the hair is no more than .125 inches (0.32 cm) long at the base. The final product will be a tight shave at the nape of your neck that gets gradually longer as it reaches the top, which you can leave up to 5 inches (13 cm) long. Slick back the longer top hair for a neat look.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Fades provide sharp detail and are great for people with square, round, and oval face shapes.^{[11]XResearch source}
3
Try a vintage taper. Ask your stylist to trim only a bit on the sides but leave the top of your hair long and soft, up to 4 inches (10 cm). Brush your hair on top back without product for a retro wave that is office appropriate. You can slick your hair on the weekends for a sleeker look.^{[12]XResearch source}
- A taper is a classic style that looks great on all face shapes.
4
Go for long, slicked-back hair. Ask your stylist to trim your hair to chin length all over, about 8 inches (20 cm) long. Run a firm-hold mousse through your wet hair and slick it back with a comb. This longer style gives off a bad boy vibe.^{[13]XResearch source}
- This versatile cut looks great on all face shapes, as it can be styled many ways.
5
Break convention with a combed mohawk. Put a twist on the traditional mohawk by slicking it back rather than molding it up. You can add buzzed in designs, such as stripes, on the side for extra flair.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Mohawk styles look good on all face shapes.
- There is no specific length a Mohawk needs to be. Choose whatever you feel looks best!
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Doing Hipster Styles Without a Cut

1
Try a man bun. Pull your hair back into a ponytail and loop it half way through the hair tie once more for an easy man bun. This style can be worn wet for a more sleek, polished look or loose and messy for a night out.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Combine a man bun with an undercut style for an unexpected twist.
- To pull your hair back into a bun, you’ll likely need your locks to be at least 12 inches (30 cm) long.
- Don't be afraid to get creative—try wearing two or more buns down the center of your scalp, for instance.^{[16]XExpert SourceJamie Bushman
  Master Hair StylistExpert Interview. 15 September 2021.}
2
Make a faux pompadour. For a feminine look, pull the sides of your hair back tightly into a ponytail without cutting them. Then, use hairspray and a round brush to style your bangs back into a high pompadour shape.
- Bobby pins can help secure your bangs.
- For this style, you’ll likely need your hair to be at least 12 inches (30 cm) long.
3
Wear your hair down and wavy. Tousle your hair for an unfussy bedhead look that seems cool without even trying. Better yet, don’t brush your hair, just run your fingers through and go.^{[17]XResearch source}
- You’ll likely need hair at least 6 inches (15 cm) long for messy waves.
- Running mousse through your hair can help your waves hold their shape all day long.
4
Try dreadlocks. Consult a professional stylist about starting and caring for dreadlocks. You can wear your ‘locks long, short, parted, or pulled back for lots of versatility. Use your imagination.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Dreadlocks can be created from hair as short as 1 inch (2.5 cm) long to waist length.
5
Embrace braids. Use braids to add interest to your hair without getting a haircut. Try French braids, side braids, lots of small braids, or one big thick braid for a normcore twist.^{[19]XExpert SourceJamie Bushman
Master Hair StylistExpert Interview. 15 September 2021.}^{[20]XResearch source}
- Your hair will likely need to be at least 4 inches (10 cm) long to hold a braid.
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