The Bowl Cut: 27 Edgy, Popular Hairstyle Variations For Men

The bowl cut is a classic men's haircut where the hair in front is trimmed with a straight fringe and the hair all around is kept the same length. Also known as a mushroom, the

The bowl cut is a classic men's haircut where the hair in front is trimmed with a straight fringe and the hair all around is kept the same length. Also known as a mushroom, the bowl-cut hairstyle can be a stylish look for men who want a charming and youthful, low-maintenance style.

The traditional aesthetic was popular in the 1980s and 90s but the modern cut has been making a comeback, often featuring a taper fade or undercut for a short-sides, longer-top style. Versatile and fashionable, this short hairstyle looks great with straight, wavy and curly hair, providing a flattering and wearable option for any guy.

Bowl Cut

Popular Bowl Haircuts For Trendsetting Men

Trendy Thick Bowl with Low Skin Fade and Line Up

A trendy, thick bowl cut with a low fade is a modern men's haircut that pairs short blended sides with a textured top for a cool take on the classic style. The cut is ideal for those who want an understated approach. The longer, more textured hair on top looks chic and refined with highlights and styling pomade. Using a razor for the skin fade creates a seamless transition with precise details, perfectly complementing the blunt fringe across the forehead.

Trendy Thick Bowl with Low Skin Fade and Line Up

Short Bowl Cut with Undercut and Beard

A short bowl cut with an undercut and beard combines two distinct lengths into an expressive, casual style. The top section is longest at the front center, forming a slightly rounded fringe but somewhat shorter at the back. The buzzed undercut offers contrast and balance, connecting the beard to the style and framing the face in a rugged, masculine manner. The cut looks best with straight hair, whether fine, thick, or somewhere in between.

Short Bowl Cut with Undercut and Beard

Blunt Bowl Cut with Disconnected Undercut

A blunt bowl cut with a disconnected undercut is an intensely youthful look ideal for risk-takers and trendsetters. The bold undercut makes the blunt edges at the sides more noticeable. Tousled hair at the top of the head falls forward from the crown, breaking up the uniformity created by the flawless edges. The cut is an excellent example of how contemporary trends can completely alter the appearance of centuries-old styles.

Blunt Bowl Cut with Disconnected Undercut

Short Bowl Cut with High Skin Fade and Long Beard

A short bowl cut with a high skin fade, and a long beard exudes masculinity and confidence. Combining different lengths and clean lines achieves style equilibrium, elongating and framing squared or round faces. A blunt, short fringe along the forehead contrasts sharply with a long, angular beard, and the razor fade around the sides and back radiates calm harmony. A few subtle highlights and pomade emphasize the texture while beard care products smooth out the facial hair.

Short Bowl Cut with High Skin Fade and Long Beard

Thick Layered Bowl Cut with Short Sides

A thick layered bowl cut with short sides is a traditional approach involving a tousled fringe that brushes the brow. The hair on top features a blunt edge around the head, dipping down only slightly at the back. An undercut contrasts the length and thickness on top, and carefully sculpted sideburns add unique personality. A short, full beard and mustache create a frame for the face, accentuating sharp, angular facial features.

Thick Layered Bowl Cut with Short Sides

Long Fringe Bowl Cut with Low Drop Fade

A long fringe bowl cut with a low drop fade expertly integrates aspects of a faux hawk, creating an edgy, audacious style. Instead of a traditional straight line, the cut follows the curvature of the head. A drop fade leaves the hair at the back slightly longer, and an angular fringe that is longer at the center of the forehead mirrors the overall shape. Matte pomade is essential for creating the voluminous texture, and a short, blended beard with clean lines in front of the ears creates symmetry.

Long Fringe Bowl Cut with Low Drop Fade

Edgy Bowl Cut with Shaved Sides and Beard

An edgy bowl cut with shaved sides and a beard is a charismatic, expressive look ideal for extroverts who thrive at the center of attention. Rather than the refined and polished finish afforded by a fade, the bald sides and nape make the top stand out, creating two distinct lengths. The top section of hair falls slightly forward at the fringe and downward at the nape, leading to a slightly curved profile. The addition of a blended beard pulls the audacious style together.

Edgy Bowl Cut with Shaved Sides and Beard

Classy Long Hair Bowl Cut with Undercut

A classy long hair bowl cut with an undercut exudes sophistication and poise, incorporating extra length for added versatility. A blunt fringe falls over the eyebrows, and the rest of the hair conforms to the same length around the head. A short, tapered undercut creates a subdued transition compared to a skin fade or shaved sides, leading to a more professional, elegant look. A perfectly clean-shaven face lends an aura of youthfulness to the style, while a beard creates a more mature appearance.

Classy Long Hair Bowl Cut with Undercut

Fluffy Bowl-Cut Curls with Tapered Sides

Fluffy bowl-cut curls with tapered sides are a youthful, playful style that confidently embraces natural volume and movement. The effortless, low-maintenance look requires minimal styling aside from applying curl cream and mousse to wet hair and allowing it to dry. The top section is quite long, allowing the natural curl pattern to emerge and define the structure. Forego facial hair for a fresh, clean look or grow a short beard for a more rugged appearance.

Fluffy Bowl-Cut Curls with Tapered Sides

Mid Taper Bowl Cut with Tousled Layers

A mid taper bowl cut with tousled layers features multidirectional fringe and a chunky, spiky texture ideal for board meetings, clubs, and casual poker nights. The hair falls forward from the crown, culminating in a swirled, attention-commanding fringe. The fastidious taper at the sides and back emphasizes the volume on top, creating a polished finish. Precise layers, meticulous highlights, and a quality pomade combine to provide separation, lift, and all-day hold.

Mid Taper Bowl Cut with Tousled Layers

Classic Bowl Cut

The classic bowl cut is a retro men's hairstyle that will add some style and originality to your look. With buzzed sides and a straight-line trim across the middle of the forehead that goes all the way around the head, this classic cut can be an attractive and edgy style for some guys. To change things up, you can part your hair down the middle for a vintage 90s look.

Classic Bowl Cut

Modern Bowl Cut

The modern bowl cut is a stylish take that offers more texture than the classic look, creating a unique fringe style. This fashionable variation can be paired with a fade or undercut on the sides and back for a strong contrast. Whether you want a tapered cut or a disconnected undercut with buzzed sides, this style has become a recent hair trend that will highlight the longer hair on top. When styling, you'll want to use a light hold product with a matte finish for a textured and natural look.

Modern Bowl Cut

Bowl Cut Fade

The bowl cut fade is a popular hairstyle for men who want to combine classic and contemporary vibes to achieve a classy look. For a youthful touch, some guys will get a taper on the sides and back for a clean-cut and elegant finish. Perfect for short thick hair, the bowl fade offers a versatile and fashionable cut that will make a statement.

Bowl Cut Fade

Bowl Cut with Undercut

The undercut is a stylish haircut that will always look good with a bowl cut. Structured and effortlessly chic, the undercut bowl cut most closely resembles the classic variation, giving you a low-maintenance and cool hairstyle for men who prefer a clean look. If you want short sides cut to one length and the versatility and swagger of longer hair on top, be sure to keep your undercut fresh with frequent visits to the barber. With quality clippers, you can even cut this style at home.

Bowl Cut with Undercut

Textured Bowl Cut

Much like a French crop or other fringe hairstyles, the textured bowl cut has a natural and fuller look for a stylish touch. The textured bowl hairstyle is styled with a matte styling product to achieve a clean-cut and thicker finish, giving the style a more youthful and modern appearance. The buzzed sides offer a clean and flattering contrast to the messy and playful top. Some guys will get the hair in front cut choppy and mixed for an edgy look.

Textured Bowl Cut

Wavy Bowl Cut

Wavy hair can provide a unique and flattering texture to your bowl cut. This wavy hairstyle will have natural volume and a cool finish, giving it a fuller look. The distinction between the unruly waves and the signature blunt edges also makes for an awesome fashion statement. Although you won't need any styling products to create texture or volume, we still recommend using alight or medium-hold pomade or wax to keep your hair looking good all day.

Wavy Bowl Cut

Bowl Cut with Bangs

The bowl cut with bangs is a popular style that looks charming and fresh. While most cuts keep the hair in front the same length, this bowl haircut emphasizes a longer fringe for a unique look. Great for little boys and teenage guys, the long bangs can be styled down or parted in the middle for a retro style.

Bowl Cut with Bangs

Layered Bowl Cut

The layered bowl cut is a fuller style that adds volume and texture to your cut. A bowl hairstyle with layers can be a great way to create coverage and flow. Whether you get shaved, undercut or tapered sides, styling should be messy for a casual and fun aesthetic. Using a light to medium hold styling product provides a soft, multidimensional finish.

Layered Bowl Cut

Curly Bowl Cut

The curly bowl cut is an amazing hairstyle that will let your curls shine for a flattering look. The bowl haircut offers a simple cut for men with curly hair, especially when combined with a taper fade or undercut. Whether you have short or longer hair on top, you'll want to keep your curls moisturized and healthy for extra volume. When styling trendy curly hairstyles, make sure to apply a light hold pomade or sea salt spray for a balance of control, shine and hydration.

Curly Bowl Cut

Bowl Cut For Boys

The bowl cut has been a classic haircut for boys that always looks stylish and devilishly handsome. With a taper fade or undercut all around, it looks perfect when textured and offers a low-maintenance, short style ideal for little kids and teenage guys. Apply a light pomade or sea salt spray and brush the hair down for a cool look.

Bowl Cut For Boys

Short Bowl Cut

The short bowl cut is a trendy variation perfect for guys who want an easy look that blends the functional and chic. Ask your barber for a high bald fade on the sides and back to complement the shorter hair on top. This high and tight hairstyle will look masculine show off your dapper faded sides.

Short Bowl Cut

Long Bowl Cut

The long bowl cut is a men's style that was popularized by celebrity icons of the past. This longer version offers a messy, shag-like style for a carefree finish. Get your barber to cut around the eyebrows in front and shape the fringe to fall naturally across the head while the low taper accentuates the style.

Long Bowl Cut

Blonde Bowl Cut

A blonde bowl cut naturally shows off your fun and sexy hair color, mixing the carefree with trendy elements. A thick taper on the sides and back will highlight the messy styling while maintaining a cool, classy look. Invest in a good hair care routine to maintain your platinum locks.

Blonde Bowl Cut

Bowl Cut with Low Fade

The low fade bowl cut offers a timeless look for any guy wanting to blend class and contemporary edge. Low faded sides add a soft and subtle transition to your bowl haircut without sacrificing the iconic blunt edges on top. The gradual tapering can stylishly complement a beard by providing a seamless transition for a sleek touch.

Bowl Cut with Low Fade

Bowl Cut with Mid Fade

The bowl cut with a mid fade is a cool hairstyle that allows guys to show off their rebellious side. The mid fade will raise the hairline all around the head, creating a high-contrast look that emphasizes the disconnect between the charming longer hair on top and your striking sides.

Bowl Cut with Mid Fade

Bowl Cut with High Fade

The bowl cut with a high fade is a very short men's haircut that combines these bold styles for a fresh look. Choose from a high skin or taper fade to determine how short the sides should be cut. Sharp and edgy, the high bowl cut will highlight the thicker, long hair on top. Like the military-inspired high and tight, growing a beard can add a masculine vibe and will also serve to offset the generally youthful appearance.

Bowl Cut with High Fade

Bowl Cut with Straight Hair

Straight hair can help you get a bowl cut with the right texture, allowing you to pull off the iconic look with ease. Like the fringe or crop top hairstyle, a straight bowl cut will make styling the signature uniform edges easy. Your hair will fall evenly and lightly in all directions, making the style manageable and low-maintenance. Great for guys with angular features, the natural softness of the style adds balance and dimension to your facial structure. Use a light-hold product like a cream to maximize volume and flow while preventing stray hairs and frizz.

Bowl Cut with Straight Hair

Bowl Cut with Shaved Sides

For a bold and daring bowl cut, shave the sides rather than simply buzzing them short. A bowl cut with razor-faded or shaved sides pairs strong, sharp features with an otherwise simple hairstyle, blending the masculine and trendy.

Bowl Cut with Shaved Sides

What Is A Bowl Cut?

The bowl cut is a unique and recognizable men's hairstyle that gets its name from the traditional method of placing a bowl on the head and cutting the hair around it. The bowl haircut features a uniform length all around the head, with straight-across bangs and thick hair on the sides and back.

Bowl Cut Haircut

How To Style A Bowl Cut

The bowl cut is easy to style and just requires the right haircut and a quality styling product. To give your bowl cut style a clean look, you'll want to apply a light-hold hair product, spread it evenly throughout, and use a comb to brush it all forward. For a messy shaggy look, run your fingers through your hair and leave the top tousled. Curly hair looks great with some height and volume so consider using a sea salt spray to keep your curls hydrated and frizz-free.

How To Style A Bowl Cut