There are few ways to show the world you care about your appearance as easy as getting your hair in order. After all, it’s just a matter of selecting a style and checking in for a chop, right?

True, but it remains down to you to nail the all-important first steps if you are to be left with locks that stand head and shoulders above the rest. For this reason (and many more), it’s worth exploring all the short haircuts for men available.

Fond as we are of the recent move towards longer, shaggy men’s haircuts (think early-nineties Kurt Cobain or new-wave mullet haircut), a sharper-than-sharp short cut is the perfect time-saving tool when getting ready in the morning.

“Cuts on the longer side take more time to style and maintain, while shorter cuts need little, if any, work at all,” says Steve Robinson from multi-award-winning salon chain Electric. “That said, they don’t always have the flexibility to suit different looks, so ensure you’re happy with a ‘one does for all’ approach.”

It’s not as simple as barking “short back and sides” at a barber, either. Doing so will likely result in an unremarkable snip rather than something that will turn heads. Instead, take time to understand the different hairstyles available to you, and have a conversation with a stylist about which might suit your face shape and overall look.

Best Short Haircuts for Men

It’s also possible to ‘accessorize’ short cuts with details such as a fade (often incorporated into the Edgar haircut) — take your pick from tapered, high, skin or scissored techniques — or texture on slightly longer styles, perfect for unruly hair or those with cow’s licks.

As for maintenance, you need less of everything except time in the barbers. You can get away with shampooing less frequently (once every three to four days with suffice) and you’ll require less product than medium-length hairstyles like the quiff. However, the style will visibly grow out faster, so aim to rebook every few weeks — and browse some of the best short haircuts for men to take with you, below.

1. High and Tight

One of the most universally flattering short haircuts for men, the high and tight, is clean and smart. This classic cut is popular within the military and combines skin-shaved sides with a length on top and is an excellent option for men with thinner hair. For celebrity inspiration, look no further than everyone’s man crush, David Beckham.

2. Ivy League