Men’s Hair Trends 2024: Professional Mullets & Rockstar Texture

Rockstar Vibe

In 2023, guys favored for more structured hairstyles but Taylor Hooker, Marketing Manager and Grooming Expert at Jack Black, sees that changing in 2024. “I think we’re going to see a lot more experimentation with length,” she says. “We’ll continue to see the mullet and euro-mullet dominate, but the length on top may be more emphasized with a 70s/80s rockstar vibe. We’ll also see hair that’s tight on the sides but longer on top and permed.” He even sees a possible return to the man bun.

Tina Sapia, Booksy Ambassador and Owner of Sapia’s Barbershop in Clearwater, FL., agrees that longer hair will reign supreme. “We can anticipate longer looks, namely hairstyles that require an artist’s hand or someone who has experience cutting longer hair and crafting cuts specifically for each customer,” she says. “Gone are the days of the standard shag or ‘wolf cut’ — clients are coming into the shop with an ideal image in mind, and then as experts, we work to create the look that’s best suited for them.”

Natural Texture

“We are seeing the evolution of classic hairstyles with a modern twist,” says J-Travis Walters, National Corporate Education Manager for Schwarzkopf Professional. “Haircuts like the quiff and pompadour are still popular but men are focusing more on embracing their natural texture and not looking for the ‘perfect’ style. This is great because a stylist/barber can work with clients to create the best look for their facial structure and natural hair texture so the style can be recreated at home and not just the day of the haircut. Different lengths will give men more flexibility and believe it or not, the man bun is set to make a comeback as well.” You heard it here first.

Buzzcut

When the hair starts getting too long, guys are going to buzz off their stands in the summer, Sapia says. Or, if you’re Harry Styles, even before that. It’s a style Matrix Brand Ambassador, Castillo Bataille, loves. “It’s our all-time favorite classic and it’s coming back but this time in color,” he says. “A great way to make your buzz cut modern is by adding some bleach and color. Mix some Matrix Light Master Pre Bonded with 20 vol developer and lift that color. Don’t forget to tone using the Tonal Control line in 9vv for that very cool blonde. Or pop on some color for a unique touch.”

Professional Mullets

Mini mullet, long mullet, curly 4C hair or straight — it’s all hot for 2024. “I’ve seen a lot of textured mullets, to textured mohawks, along with textured combovers and fades,” says Jaime Castañeda, Owner of Jaimeecutz Barber Studio in Sola Salons. “The keyword is TEXTURE! Everyone wants volume and movement looks using matte products and I’m here for it. I feel it brings a newer trendy challenge to a barber’s creativity. It allows us to test our shear work and elevate our already sharp skills. And, adding texture to finer hair types, allows us to explore additional service offerings.”

Reid Ryan, Founder and CEO of men’s grooming brand Hardworking Gentlemen, sees mullets becoming more low key — even good for a professional setting. “We are seeing a lot of mid-length styles with some extra length in the back, not quite a mullet but more professional,” he says. “This look works great with both straight and curly hair, think early 2000s styles with more of a middle part. I like this look as it is both professional and casual, looks very natural and can help cover any hairline concerns.”

Bleached Buzz Cut

“It’s our all-time favorite classic and it’s coming back but this time in color. A great way to make your buzz cut modern is by adding some bleach and color,” said Matrix Brand Ambassador Castillo Bataille, whose clients include Yungblud and Meghan Trainor. He recommends mixing Matrix Light Master Pre-Bonded with 20 volume developer to lift the color and Matrix’s Tonal control line in 9vv for that very cool blonde. “Or pop on some color for a unique touch. I see violets, lavenders, and purples being a hit this fall,” he added.

And when your natural hair color starts growing through the bleach, well, you’re rocking another trend for fall, said James Taylor, International Master Educator for Balmain Hair.

“Stand out from the crowd and elevate the faded look that is dominating men’s hair at the minute with bleach,” he said. “This looks great when it’s first done but will look ultra hip once growing out, as this will add dimension and contrast as your natural hair comes through.”

Keep the blonde hue fresh and hydrated at home with Balmain Hair Couture’s Illuminating White Pearl Shampoo ($51 at Saks Fifth Avenue) and Mask ($80 at Saks Fifth Avenue) once a week.

Tons of Texture

“Men are embracing their natural curls and in salons [and even] asking for perming services to create movement in their hair,” Taylor said. “Whether it’s long, short, or medium length, ask for the shape to be cut flatter or square to keep it masculine. Keep the style soft with movement by retailing the length or adding a contrast of textures by carving out the edges.”

To get TikTok star Noah Beck’s look, “brush it back or wear it forwards by scrunching the hair (not brushing) and allow it to dry naturally or defuse on a low speed alternating between a hot and cool setting,” he added. Balmain Hair Couture’s Texturizing Salt Spray ($52 at Saks Fifth Avenue) and Curl Cream ($55 at Saks Fifth Avenue) will give you that beachy hold while refining the curl.

Men’s celebrity stylist Melissa DeZarate agrees. Her clients include Christopher Briney and Simu Liu. ” Natural hair textures, soft waviness, tight curls are really being showcased everywhere,” she said. “With all of my curly-haired clients no matter how tight or soft the wave, I always dry wet product into hair with my Dyson Supersonic dryer and the diffuser attachment.”

’90s Boy Band Hair

Call it “boy band” hair or “The Leo” for ’90s Leonardo DiCaprio, but young guys these days are heading back decades with their looks. “This look can be teamed with disconnected short sides building up weight through the back to create a head-hugging silhouette or long through the back and sides allowing the hair to tuck behind the ears,” Taylor said. “The ’90s heartthrob look is back and distinguishes the men from the boys.”

To get William Gao’s look at home, use a cocktail of Balmain Hair Couture Moisturizing Styling Cream and Argan Moisturizing Elixir ($62 at Saks Fifth Avenue) to hydrate the hair and keep it smooth. “Blow dry back with subtle volume or leave it to dry naturally embracing the natural texture in the hair,” Taylor said. Finish with Balmain Hair Couture Shine Wax ($57 at Saks Fifth Avenue) to refine and give the hair a natural hold or the Homme Sculpting Wax ($55 at Neiman Marcus) for stronger definition.

Cropped Shag

Harry Styles demonstrates a haircut Leland Olson, Kevin.Murphy style/color master, loves for fall. “The Cropped Shag is the perfect hair ut for any guy who’s looking to achieve versatility in their hair,” he said. “By keeping the top longer, this gives you options on how you can wear your hair: pushed back, side part, slicked back, wet look, forward and messy…the list goes on.”

He explained that it’s the sides and back where you tailor your haircut based on your face shape, hair texture, and hair density. “Whether it’s a skin fade or scissor-over comb technique to maintain softness on the sides and back,” he added.

To style the look, Olson uses Kevin.Murphy Free.Hold, a medium-hold styling paste. “[It’s my] go-to product for anyone who’s looking at adding pliability and medium hold that lasts all day long. Free.Hold can be applied to both wet or dry hair with natural shine and flexible hold, ideal for the guy who likes to play around with their hair all day long.”

Kevin.Murphy Bedroom.Hair is also great to use as a finishing spray. “Just like the name, it creates a really nice texture into the hair, shine, and all-day hold,” he said. “Spray Bedroom.Hair as a finishing product, or wet set the hair for the guy on the go. Once the hair is dry, you can dishevel and mess the hair up with your hands to create that lived-in look with incredible hold and shine.”

Mid-Length Hair

“Mid-length hair is coming back and whether you’re pushing it forward or sticking it back, keep it clean and short on the side,” Bataille said. “I’ll still be keeping length on top as it will always be the safe move.” Keep the look “dapper” with a pomade or paste throughout the hair, such as Matrix Over Achiever 3-in-1 Cream Paste Wax ($22 at Amazon ). “This gives a lived-in style with smooth hold,” he added.

Olsen likes his mid-length styles to have a “surfer grunge” look. “The best way to style this type of haircut starts with not overly washing your hair too much,” he said. “You want to maintain some sort of grit or texture in your hair that clumps and brings your curl or wave pattern together, for that ‘out of the ocean’ look.” To fake it, reach for Kevin.Murphy Hair.Resort Beach Texturiser And Curl Enhancer. “It’s the ultimate surfer dude’s product to create a natural finish, shine, and texture to enhance a beach tousled look,” he said.