The hard part is a modern men’s haircut characterized by a shaved line on the side of your head, creating separation and contrast between different lengths. This defined cut is achieved using a razor blade or trimmer and can be a stylish addition to any hairstyle, classic or contemporary, offering a cool, sophisticated dimension.

A clean-cut parting needs to be maintained regularly, but the sharp, dapper aesthetic stands out and elevates your style, so we recommend asking your barber to keep shaving in the line for an edgy yet refined touch.

Discover some of the most popular men’s hard part haircuts to inspire your next trip to the barbershop.

Popular Men’s Hard Part Haircut Ideas

Hard Part Fade

The hard part fade is a versatile haircut featuring a precisely shaved line that emphasizes the transition from the short, faded sides into the longer hair on top. Modern fades pair naturally well with parted hairstyles like the comb over, quiff, faux hawk and slick back, offering a fresh take on the classic looks. A low fade can provide the perfect foundation for a classy corporate style, but ask your barber for a mid to high cut with a thicker shaved line if you want an edgy, higher-contrast finish.

Short Hard Part

A short hard part is a simple haircut that can be easy to maintain and effortlessly handsome, making it a popular choice for any guy. A smooth skin fade on the sides and back can highlight the shorter style on top, with the contrast amplified by the shaved part. The groomed full beard and brushed-up fringe infuse fresh dimensions in this example.

High Fade Hard Part

A high fade hard part creates an edgy aesthetic and features a very short, blended look around the back and the sides with intense visual interest, while the shaved line draws attention to the voluminous, thicker hairstyle. A higher fade can make the part appear slightly less severe, balancing between definition and understated separation.

Low Fade Hard Part

A low fade hard part starts just above the ear and requires minimal upkeep to look sleek, sexy and stylish. This parted haircut stands out for its low skin faded sides and longer, textured top, which combine to showcase the crisp, thick line. Getting an edge up enhances the polished style. Keep the shaved line slim and run a matte pomade through lightly damp hair to define your locks.

Mid Fade Hard Part

A mid fade hard part dares to be different and is expertly blended to offer an attractive, harmonious cut, creating the perfect canvas for professional men. In this style, the meticulous medium fade seamlessly transitions from a classy comb over to a shaved part to short, faded sides. The parting brings structure and detail to the style.

Skin Fade with Hard Part

Pairing a skin fade with a hard part creates a sleek, trendy look with an assertive feel, shifting focus to the voluminous, spiky faux hawk. This variation is ideal for men with thicker hair since fading the sides down removes excess weight while enhancing natural texture. Ask your barber to blend the cut into a manicured beard, incorporating structure to the jaw for a modern look with charisma.

Taper Fade with Part

A taper fade with a part creates balanced definition across the head, letting longer styles like the pompadour and textured quiff take center stage. This version uses a graduated guard to remove weight around the ears and temples without slashing excessive length around the back. Use a wide-toothed comb and pomade to rake the hair to the side and create textured lines across the top for a modern but polished aesthetic.

Modern Side Part

A modern side part pairs a precise shaved line with a dapper fade to achieve a clean-cut but trendy appearance. The hair on top is point-cut for natural dimension but can be slicked across to one side with a hard gel for a refined feel to suit special occasions. Choose a clean shave around the jawline for a youthful look and pair it with a high or mid fade to give your style a daring feel.

Slick Back Fade with Part

A slick back fade with a part can be an excellent approach for men wanting to add dimension and charm to a traditional, timeless cut. The edgy hard part and high fade neatly separate the sleek sides from the lifted, slicked-back top. Dial your look back with a low fade and a rugged beard to avoid an extreme style, or go old-school with hard gel for a Greaser aesthetic.

Textured Crew Cut Fade with Hard Part

A textured crew cut is a low-maintenance men’s hairstyle that can be paired with a sharp fade and shaved hard part for an alluring finish. We recommend asking your barber to trim a line into the sides while aligning the cut with a blunt fringe in the front. This masculine military-inspired aesthetic can be perfect for guys with thick, coarse hair. Use matte hair products to provide texture and create additional fullness.

Classy Comb Over Fade with Hard Part

The comb over fade with a hard part is a classy, seductive haircut that gets a modern profile from sleek, skin-faded sides. In this example, the extreme high fade offers sharp, attractive contrast against the longer, high-shine style on top. A subtle, thin part separates the sections and keeps focus, while a tufted goatee or jawline beard should be all you need to balance the face.

Long Top with Short Sides and Hard Part

Pairing a long top with short sides and an intricate part offers a timeless style that you can fashion into a textured comb over or leave to flop over the forehead for a cool, dynamic look. Taper the sides to enhance the jawline, and tousle the side-parted hair with a medium-hold product for extended hold. This should prevent the cut from looking rigid outside business professional settings, allowing it to transition effortlessly from the boardroom to the bar.

Afro Hard Part

An afro hard part brings a modern aesthetic to a classic hairstyle for black men by pairing thick textured coils with neatly tapered sides for easier styling. This look features light structure with a sleek, shaved line. Fluff the afro to achieve light lift or chop your curls short to reduce tangles. Visit the barber regularly to prevent your shaved line from growing out and to keep the fade cropped close to the scalp.

Buzz Cut Fade with Part

Adding a shaved part to a buzz cut fade brings a playful edge to a masculine, low-maintenance style. The textured top creates a striking contrast against the shorter sides to make a powerful stylistic statement, while the thick line around the temple flatters and follows the natural contours of the scalp. A skin fade blends into the skin for a sleek feel and a low fade keeps the style conservative but modern.

Spiky Mohawk Fade with Long Part

A spiky mohawk fade with a long part is reserved for fashion-forward individuals who want to experiment with sharp, clean lines and a short, textured top. The tapered sides are easy to maintain with frequent clipper trims, while the long, shaved line creates angularity and visual interest. Ask for a v-shape in the back to draw attention to the rebellious spikes.

Modern Pompadour Fade with Shaved Part

In this haircut, a modern pompadour fade is masterfully complemented by a defined hard part and distinguished fade, infusing a fashion-forward vibe. To style, blow dry the hair backward and secure the hair with pomade to create all-day lift. A high fade draws focus to the voluminous top, while a low fade offers a classy and masculine look that more closely matches a traditional gentleman’s cut.

Hard Side Part Fade

A hard side part fade delivers a stylish look with sharp edges and precise lines. The mid fade transitions into the skin and a longer side-swept fringe pulls focus to the modern side-parted styling. A sleek line up and sexy stubble beard add structure for a charming look.

Side Swept Undercut Fade with Part

The side swept undercut fade looks striking with a hard part, featuring a uniform fade around the back and sides for a clean-cut but daring aesthetic. A long side swept top softens the style and looks effortlessly cool with a disconnected beard and skin-faded sides. A rugged Viking beard with a well-groomed mustache creates lines around the jawline, preventing the style from looking unbalanced or top-heavy.

French Crop Fade with Short Part

A French crop fade pairs well with a short part to create a fresh style with a striking, tapered look. This parted haircut works with a high, mid or low fade, but the short crop looks better textured and brushed-forward. Extend your hard part into your brow with a shaved line for trendy, dramatic flair.

Textured French Crop with Part and Taper Fade

A textured French crop with a part and taper fade blends layering and mixed lengths to create a rugged and playful look. To look handsome, the messy top requires little styling, but you can run medium-hold wax through your strands for a rugged finish. The sharp hard part brings structure to the choppy layers, creating a distinct separation against the sleek fade.

The back of the head is an often-overlooked but balancing element in a men’s haircut that generally features a masterful blend into the neckline for a smooth, classy finish. A short back seamlessly transitioning into the neck can add dimension and visual interest to your look, framing the style’s view from behind.

With modern appeal, the most popular haircuts in the back are timeless choices like the elegant taper, stylish fade or traditional rounded neckline, which complement the sides and highlight the longer hair on top.

The edgy way to personalize the back of your head is to ask your barber for a cool design, such as a shaved line or v-shaped cut, symbolizing your rebellious and fashion-forward spirit.

From simple to creative, an attractive men’s back-of-the-head haircut embraces artistry and precision to achieve a fresh look that will stand out.

Popular Men’s Haircuts From The Back of the Head

Classic Taper

A classic taper offers a clean and polished appearance at the back of the head, creating an understated, blended style that flatters textured hair. The timeless taper works with several classy and modern men’s hairstyles, including the stylish quiff, comb over or voluminous brush-back with its refined, well-groomed flair. You’ll need regular trims to maintain the shape, but the gradual tapered cut avoids highlighting any noticeable, harsh lines as it grows out.

Fresh Fade

A fresh fade is geared towards modern men who appreciate sharp styles with solid contrast and a smooth, sleek appearance. Like this example, maintaining a few inches on top allows you to slick the hair back with pomade for a classy, high shine that blends into the neckline. A skin fade with a slight drop will provide an angled silhouette that flatters more masculine features.

Taper Fade

A versatile taper fade can be a low-maintenance cut that pairs well with short and medium-length hairstyles, offering a sophisticated, handsome look with youthful energy. A short, tapered neckline blends down the back and sides, working to accentuate the longer, layered hair on top.

Rounded Neckline

A rounded neckline is a classic haircut in the back that removes sharp edges and forms a softer aesthetic. The sophisticated shape mimics the natural curvature of the back of the head and neck, creating a balanced and harmonious look that blends perfectly into longer, brushed-back layers.

Drop Fade

A drop fade is a modern haircut on the sides and back that curves around the head, blending into the neckline for a sleek appearance. A drop taper fade can provide effortless drama that enhances simple styles with minimal effort. A mid fade can balance a longer, voluminous top, while a high skin fade provides an edgy framework.

Burst Fade

The bold burst fade, characterized by a precise haircut that curves around the head and into the back, provides a standout look with contemporary appeal. This variation of the classic fade drops behind the ear, making it a popular style to highlight a longer top. Lightly taper the back for a subtle edge or fade the cut down to the skin for a more dramatic take. Lightly muss the hair with pomade or wax to let your playful side shine without spending hours in front of the mirror.

Undercut Fade

An undercut fade makes a stylish statement by pairing the gradual tapering of a fade with the sleekness of a closely cropped or buzzed back and sides. Comb the hair to one side with a strong-hold gel for a retro style or add a sharp, shaved line for a daring element. Style a slick back, pompadour or faux hawk to draw attention to the disconnect between the longer top and tapered back and sides.

Traditional Neck Taper

A traditional neck taper is a contemporary take on a timeless and flattering haircut, allowing the buzzed neckline to emphasize the textured longer top. In this example, the smooth transition at the neckline gradually eliminates weight at the back of the head. It maintains a clean appearance that avoids abrupt length changes to keep the vibe professional.

Cool Haircut Design in the Back

A cool haircut design in the back involves intricate patterns, shaved lines or stylish shapes, adding a unique touch to your style. Shaved lines at the base of the nape give a stylish dimension while breathing life into classic, layered haircuts. Experiment with zig-zags, lightning bolts, tribal patterns or initials to showcase your creative edge. A sexy line up at the forehead brings subtle angularity and balances more daring designs.

Mid Fade

The mid fade is a balanced, stylish cut with a low-maintenance back and pairs effortlessly with any man’s hairstyle, straight, wavy or curly hair. This versatile fade typically starts at the middle of the head and combines a short back and sides with a longer top for an attractive look. Maintain youthful flow with a tousled quiff or sport a stylish crew or functional buzz cut for a masculine finish.

Low Fade

The low fade offers an elegant, universal look perfect for the business professional man who appreciates light structure in their haircut. The low fade tapers down from the ears, drawing attention to a textured top or classic quiff without pulling focus or looking overly edgy. Go for a taper fade if you want a seamless skin blend, or rock a fresh blowout for an eye-catching look with volume.

High Fade

A high fade is a bold haircut on the sides and back that quickly buzzes down and transitions into the skin. Starting the fade higher on the head creates instant contrast against even the shortest men’s styles. While flowing brush backs and retro pomps can look trendy with this fade, a buzz cut removes the need for heat and styling products.

Skin Fade

The skin fade combines sharpness and precision for a naturally smooth, blended cut, giving your neckline a fresh look. With this haircut, your barber gradually blends the hair in the back of the head, using a shaver at the end for a smooth, clean trim. The top can be mussed and layered for texture. Maintain clean-cut lines to avoid an unkempt, grown-out style.

Burst Skin Fade

The burst skin fade is a rebellious cut for guys who want an easygoing, neat look with a hint of visual interest. The sides are closely buzzed to the skin and can be styled with a sharp military top or stylish faux hawk to bring more structure and volume to the forehead. Ask your barber to keep the look seamless with a neat trim around the fade’s border.

Simple Shaved Line Back Taper Design

A classic taper design always stays in style, but adding a simple shaved line at the back lets you showcase your personality while bringing dimension to your look. A few razor-cut lines on one side bring texture, drama and contrast, allowing you to experiment with a choppy top for a youthful feel.