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. We recommend asking your barber to keep the look seamless with a neat cut around the edges.

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.

Low Drop Fade

A low drop fade is versatile and attractive, offering numerous styling options. Rounding the nape creates a professional, refined aesthetic, while a sharp V in the back is more rebellious and bolder. Men with round faces or who lack prominent jawlines often find that a low fade amplifies their masculine features. Sometimes, the technique can even create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. Using a razor instead of traditional clippers results in ultra-sharp lines with a transition as smooth as silk.

Disconnected Undercut Fade

A disconnected undercut fade is a daring, edgy choice, especially when paired with vibrant hair colors, shaved designs, or unique textures. Feathery strands that flow up and toward the face form a reverse ducktail emphasized by the white-blonde color. A sharp shaved line circling the central mass of hair indicates the beginning of the fade, which transitions from dark, contrasting stubble to the skin about an inch above the ear.

Natural Neckline

A natural neckline with an impeccable fade is a ruggedly handsome complement to any voluminous look. The shorter hair transitioning to stubble at the neckline makes the overall hairstyle appear thicker and fuller than it is. The technique draws the eye upward, putting the focus on the texture and volume on top. Like a low fade, a natural neckline can emphasize angular features, especially when worn with a short beard.

Edgy Design

Edgy designs can be as simple as a single shaved line or as complex as the stylist's artistic ability allows. Some men want to express themselves, but others find that designs like single lines, triangles, or symbols can camouflage scars, turning them into art. An interpretation of claw marks involves a thick, diagonal line shaved into the back of the head with four thinner, lighter lines below. Remember that the darker the hair, the more the designs will stand out.

Scissor Cut Sides with Faded Neckline

Scissor-cut sides with a faded neckline add a mature element to any contemporary cut, giving the impression of fuller, thicker hair. Scissored sides are slightly longer than their clipped counterparts, allowing the natural wave pattern and texture to shine through. The extremely low fade at the neck provides a sophisticated element with clean edges and neat lines. It looks incredibly handsome with full, squared sideburns and a clean-shaven face.

Simple Tapered Neckline

A simple tapered neckline complements countless men's hairstyles with its blended, fresh appearance. Straight hair produces a cleaner look, while tapered curls and waves appear more textured. The technique is straightforward to maintain, and it pairs nicely with a classic slick-back, a traditional gentleman's cut, and a wide range of layered side-parted looks. When the hair starts to grow out, the tapering can keep the nape neat.

Rounded Fade Neckline

A rounded fade neckline is a versatile haircut in the back that looks classy and timeless but with a modern touch. The tapered view from behind pairs well with a thick, textured slick back but can work with any style. The technique can serve several purposes, such as removing bulk from thick hair, making the top appear fuller and more voluminous, and emphasizing masculinity. Fading can also enhance and accentuate facial features or help a beard stand out. Men who worry about cleaning up their necklines between cuts prefer a rounded fade because it is much easier to maintain without apparent mishaps.

Angular Design

A neckline featuring an angular design is a modern and expressive option with plenty of versatility. A thick, brushed-back faux hawk ending in a sharp, off-center point at the nape looks edgy and dynamic. Adding three contrasting “streaks” at the side that appear to carry through to the beard is a clever interpretation. Textured, voluminous hair that flows upward and back before flowing down toward the nape commands attention and pulls the look together.

Buzz Cut with Low Fade in the Back

A buzz cut with a low fade in the back is simple and practical yet classically attractive. Extremely short hair gradually starts to fade just behind the ears, resulting in a clean blend that maintains its visual appeal even as the hair grows. The fade at the temple blends downward into the beard, which complements the overall look, and a clean edge-up offers a handsome and charming finish.

Tapered Back with Shaved Line

A tapered back with a shaved line complements curly and wavy cuts that may otherwise feel bulky. Brushed-back, layered waves flow effortlessly backward from the top and sides, creating an alluring texture. The taper at the back fades to the skin at the neckline, visually lifting the cut and allowing for a fuller appearance without the bulk. A single shaved line sweeps across the neck, giving a rugged element.

Classy Faded Back

A classy, faded back gives many men's looks a refined, well-groomed appearance without much effort or fuss. It beautifully complements the short, blunt fringe commonly associated with a crew or Caesar cut, creating depth and lending the illusion of structure. A razor offers an impeccable blend, and when paired with sharp edges around the ears and temple, the sharp contrast provides a polished finish.

Smooth Blended Nape

A smooth, blended nape requires a stylist skilled with a razor, which is the only way to achieve a flawless blend. Slicked-back, textured layers on top shine with the help of a quality styling gel, and they stand out against the much shorter sides. The razor drop fade begins high on the sides but gradually falls lower toward the nape, making the lower jaw stand out. Adding a shapely beard or goatee can change the shape of the face even further, allowing for plenty of personalization.

Blocked Neckline

A blocked neckline, also known as a squared neckline, features a hard shaved line that hugs the natural hairline at the nape. Depending on the aggressiveness of the blocking, there are several reasons to choose this option, such as widening the appearance of a thin neck or slimming the appearance of a wider one. It offers a professional and refined look and amplifies voluminous hairstyles on top. New growth stands out, so more frequent stylist or barber visits may be in order.

Bald Faded Neckline

A bald, faded neckline suits fashion-forward and sartorially savvy trendsetters who gravitate toward more significant, bolder looks. The bald fade can create the structure for a side-parted faux hawk, for example, but it can also amplify a buzz or crew cut. A shaved line that starts at the back of the head and flows through to the jawline and beard can make the haircut appear more interesting, but it can also turn an existing scar into a work of art.

V-Shaped Back

A V-shaped back is commonly associated with beachy surfer styles but suits several cuts. The hairstyle is a bleached-blonde brush back that consists of layers that are longer in the front and along the top but short and stacked along the sides and back. Sculpting the back involves using a V-shaped shaved line placed a couple of inches above the neckline to accentuate the transition to the skin just below. The result is a more voluminous and audacious style perfect for salt lifers.

Natural Undercut Back

A natural undercut back is an excellent choice for asymmetrical or shaggy cuts designed to elongate a round or squared face shape. In this case, a massive quiff at the hairline curls backward and meets choppy forward-flowing layers. The buzzed undercut lifts the hair on top, accentuating the height of the fringe. The short sides and back draw the eye to the angular hair at the temple and complement the patchy short beard, making an enthusiastically bold statement.

Tapered Block

A tapered block neckline takes a dapper and charismatic approach to men's hairstyles by blending the blocked neckline with a classic taper. The clean lines behind the ears gradually fade to the skin at the nape, resulting in a more natural appearance. This technique can make the classic side-parted slick back look more polished but also complements a blowout or flow with added structure. Wear it with a fade, edge-up at the temple, and a thin, well-groomed mustache for a handsome and distinguished vibe.

Seamlessly Blended Back of the Head

A seamlessly blended back of the head can accentuate the hair's natural texture, make a short neck appear longer, and emphasize masculine facial features. Pairing this technique with brushed-up fringe and plenty of textured layers results in a modern look that elongates a round or square face, especially when accompanied by a goatee. The versatile cut suits any occasion or event, including a day on the golf course or a spot at a wedding party.

Shaved Back

A shaved back takes a youthful approach to almost any classic short style, adding visual interest and comfort during the hot summer. Much like an undercut, there is no fade to mark the transition from one length to the next. A thin shaved line just before the transition creates an outline effect, which makes the rounded V-shape stand out even more. The longest section of hair – a bold fringe that curls slightly under at the end – is more pronounced thanks to the shorter hair all over and the baldness at the sides and back.

Artistic Design

Artistic designs offer a fun and edgy addition to any modern men's haircut, creating a unique look that stands out. These custom cuts are limited only by your barber's skill and creativity. V-shaped designs are popular with younger guys who want to tailor their style in the back. A shaved outline around the V adds shading and three-dimensional impact, and two additional shaved lines, even with the tops of the ears, provide a wing-like effect.