The faux hawk, also known as the fohawk, is a modern men's hairstyle with longer, spiky hair on top and a short taper, fade or undercut on the sides. This cut offers a stylish look, blending edgy punk allure with contemporary sophistication to achieve a versatile, charming alternative to the classic mohawk.

The latest faux hawk styles feature a timeless, playful and easy-to-maintain aesthetic, making them a popular choice for guys seeking a cool vibe that also works in professional settings. These adaptations look more like a quiff with defined, spiky styling than the retro punk-rock symbol for rebellion and non-conformity.

From short to long, a faux hawk can provide fresh inspiration for those daring individuals willing to experiment with a trendy style.

Popular Faux Hawk Haircut Ideas

Short Faux Hawk

A cool, short faux hawk is a popular style that offers a striking, masculine appearance with minimal effort. The cut, characterized by a short layered top and faded sides, delivers modern edge with dimension and structure. Ask your barber for a mid-to-high skin fade and incorporate a v-shaped back for a seamless blend. Maintain natural flow with a sea salt spray, or lock your look in place with pomade for a textured, matte finish.

Faux Hawk Fade

A faux hawk fade is a fresh, trendy haircut with impressive versatility, allowing guys to experiment with everything from a low taper to an edgy burst fade. The faded back and sides highlight the longer top while ensuring a sleek, timeless feel. Your barber should perform a clipper fade while leaving length at the front and around the crown to texturize with a styling cream. Add lift to shorter styles by blow-drying the hair upward and back before blasting it with cool air to establish an all-day hold.

Modern Faux Hawk

The modern faux hawk is an awesome hairstyle for guys involving a burst faded cut paired with a short, textured wider strip of hair across the top, creating a sharp silhouette. This iconic variation naturally works with a mid or high burst fade to emphasize contrast. Grow out the hair to achieve high-volume spikes that settle into place with a strong-hold pomade. Add a few choppy layers through the length to enhance movement and flow.

Low Fade Faux Hawk

A low fade faux hawk modernizes the classic style with classy blended sides, making it the perfect look for professional men who need to abide by a strict corporate dress code. The spiked front and voluminous crown bring visual interest to the style, but the lack of clipping and V-shaped back bring classic refinement to the cut that looks more natural than sharper fades. Keep the hair short, but feel free to scissor-cut the top and use a medium to strong-hold product for lifting your spikes.

Mid Fade Faux Hawk

A mid fade faux hawk is a versatile, contemporary style with personality, combining a voluminous, messy top with faded sides for a cool, textured appearance. This version starts higher on the head, typically tapering down from the temples. Slick the hair back for an elegant look or unleash your rebellious side by spiking damp hair upward with a firm-hold pomade or wax. Graduating the back brings structure to the style while emphasizing the seamless cut and cheekbones.

High Fade Faux Hawk

Dramatic and daring, a high fade faux hawk achieves a high-contrast feel by creating sharp sides that taper close to the skin. Removing weight from the sides draws the eye to the voluminous top, and it's worth emphasizing dense locks with purposeful, thick spikes to give this textured style more oomph. A sexy line up and a clean shave will bring striking dimension to square, angular faces for an ultra-masculine, punk aesthetic that lets your natural features shine.

Faux Hawk Taper Fade

A faux hawk taper fade is a classic haircut for guys seeking a ruggedly handsome look that blends edge and versatility, offering something suitable for any occasion. Infuse volume into the punk-inspired style using a vented brush and blow dryer before spiking the front backward with pomade or matte clay for effortless lift. Mixing clipper techniques and scissor-cutting lets the subtle taper blend beautifully into a full beard to create a masculine look that enhances a strong jawline.

Textured Fohawk Fade with Beard

A textured fohawk fade looks dashing with a grown-out stubble beard, bringing balance to your look while maintaining a modern feel. The bulk is point-cut to create a rough, slightly messy look, and the sides fade from the temples for a gradual transition into an immaculately trimmed beard. This style works on virtually any hair texture but looks best on thick, straight hair. Apply sea salt spray to damp locks and add depth around the front by blow-drying the hair for a natural finish.

Textured Faux Hawk with Drop Fade

A dramatic drop fade, a modern cut characterized by an arc shape that curves around the head, gives a textured faux hawk an edgy appearance. The hair gradually tapers down the back for a dynamic touch while setting it apart from a traditional mohawk's shaved sides. The lower-grade fade contrasts against the textured top, creating a unique aesthetic that exudes confidence. Ask your barber to neatly define the hair around the nape to bring light structure to this rebellious look.

Messy Faux Hawk Undercut with Beard

A messy faux hawk gets dramatic flair from an undercut and beard, creating a bold style with striking contrast and a rugged, Viking-inspired feel. Grow the top long, ask your barber to use thinning shears to remove bulk and add layers to the mix for lightweight movement. While a disconnected undercut with ultra-short sides looks edgy, a close crop offers a more seamless transition into your full beard. A medium-hold pomade or matte wax should keep your hair in place, but feel free to use a salt spray for a more relaxed, windswept finish.

Blonde Faux Hawk with High Fade

A blonde faux hawk with a high fade is an attractive look that elevates your style and commands attention. Ask your stylist for cool platinum or warmer honey-toned highlights for a natural look against dark roots. The sharp, high fade pulls focus to the textured spikes, creating the illusion of fullness on even the thinnest strands.

Low Taper Faux Hawk

A low taper faux hawk embraces class and texture to achieve a timeless style. This look combines conservative, scissor-cut sides with a rock-and-roll spiked top. The taper starts relatively low on the head and blends effortlessly into longer hair. Without a fade, the cut is wearable and the extra inches allow you to spike up or slick back your hair depending on the occasion. Leave the locks long around the fringe and keep the back shorter to emphasize the smooth transition across the head.

Messy Faux Hawk Fade

A messy faux hawk fade is a stylish hairstyle that concentrates the spikes in the middle with tousled, unkempt styling. Spiking the locks forward brings effortless height to the front and crown, while an edgy mid fade offers a bad-boy edge to the choppy layers. The disheveled finish makes this ideal for guys who prefer a relaxed grooming routine.

Short Faux Hawk with Buzzed Sides

A short faux hawk gets a fashionable vibe from striking buzzed sides, creating an ultra-masculine appearance that's comfortable and manageable. Leave a couple of inches of hair on top and roughly spike the hair with a hard gel to achieve a shiny, sophisticated style. Buzz the sides close to the skin for daring contrast against your faux hawk, and wear a full, well-groomed beard for balance. Pairing elements of the classic buzz cut and the edgier mohawk, it's the best of both worlds if you want to leave a lasting impression.

Edgy Faux Hawk with Razor Fade and Beard

An edgy faux hawk brings on-trend volume to your look while retaining the traditional feel of a mohawk with a daring razor fade and beard. Instead of a typical taper with a seamless gradient, the razor fade brings completely shaved sides to the mix to channel the punk-rock era. Style the thick top with a dollop of pomade to texturize it, and grab a beard trimmer to keep your facial hair well-groomed and squared off to elongate the face.

Low Drop Fade Fohawk

A low drop fade is a stylish addition to any fohawk, offering a precise, dipped appearance around the ear and the back of the head for a sleek and modern look. The drop fade lets guys retain more length and texture on top, creating a wider faux hawk that balances denser locks. Scrunch the hair lightly at the root for subtle texture or deliberately pull the hair into separate spikes for a more dynamic feel. Complement the stylish dropped appearance with a stubble beard expertly trimmed around the chin and jawline.

Disheveled Faux Hawk with High Taper Fade

The disheveled faux hawk brings a new level of unpredictability and chaos to the style, enhancing the precision of the high taper fade. The hair is left long enough to brush up and back like a quiff. While you might prefer a spiked appearance at the weekend, the cut's extra length allows you to slick it back or brush it into submission for formal occasions.

Classy Faux Hawk with Low Fade

A classy faux hawk with a low fade is a refined and sophisticated style that minimizes contrast and choppiness for a balanced and harmonious look. Ask your barber to keep the top relatively uniform and lightly push the fringe backward with pomade or matte wax for subtle lift. The low fade tapers toward the neckline from ear level, creating a polished feel with natural flow that doesn't sacrifice excessive length on the back or sides.

Trendy Faux Hawk with Skin Fade

A badass faux hawk with a skin fade is an inspiring cut that shows off your edgy personality while making a fashion-forward stylistic statement. The high skin fade offers a clean, refreshing canvas that lets the faux hawk shine. Inject personality into this sharp, defined style with silver highlights or a dapper, tapered beard.

Spiky Faux Hawk High Fade

A spiky faux hawk with a high fade isn't for the fainthearted, but this dramatic style brings incredible texture to shorter, thick locks. The sides are buzzed close to the skin on a short guard and faded high on the head to create a distinctive separation against the spiked top. Boost volume with heat to embrace a grungy aesthetic and lock your rigid spikes in place with a hard, high-shine gel.

Brushed-Up Faux Hawk with Disconnected Undercut Fade

A brushed-up faux hawk will make a striking impression for guys with naturally thick locks who want to pair the style with a disconnected undercut fade. Enhance your hair's natural volume by working mousse through the top and brushing it directly upward with a vented round brush. Keep the sides closely cropped and faded high to achieve clear contrast between the severe undercut and the swooping hawk.

Long Faux Hawk Fade

A smooth fade complements a long faux hawk hairstyle by emphasizing the length and definition while adding sharp contrast to the look. Longer hair requires time and patience but the striking profile will be worth the wait. A strong hair product will be essential to maintaining the style throughout the day. Ask your barber for a high or mid skin fade for a visually-attractive touch.

Curly Faux Hawk

The curly faux hawk is a flattering, stylish men's hairstyle that will showcase your curls with a fresh fade on the sides, embracing the volume and texture to enhance the look. This cut features a low drop fade that blends into the skin and keeps the thicker curls cropped for easy maintenance and styling. A good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will keep your hair healthy while minimizing dryness and frizz.

Frohawk Fade

A frohawk fade is a stylish, modern haircut for athletic black men who prefer edgy styles that promise functionality and sleekness. The tousled afro is thicker and longer in the front but shorter and thinner in the back, creating lofty volume. A shaved line starts at the hairline on either side and ends at the center of the beautifully faded sides. Healthy, medium-length hair is the foundation of the kinky, defined texture that makes the style unique.

Short Textured Fohawk Fade with Design

A short textured fohawk fade offers a handsome style for guys with naturally curly or wavy hair, making styling easy and suitable for any occasion. The look starts with a traditional gentleman's cut featuring a curly fringe, and the razor fade at the sides creates the iconic fohawk shape. The clean edge at the nape adds refined sophistication, while the two shaved lines are expressive and bold.

Thick Faux Hawk with Drop Fade

A thick faux hawk with a drop fade artfully balances the voluminous body on top with an abrupt skin fade at the sides. The hair is thickest and fullest along the crown and shortest at the sides and nape, while a swooped fringe creates an attractive profile that can elongate a round or square face. The drop fade forms a sleek, polished V at the back that pulls the look together.

Curly Faux Hawk Fade

A curly faux hawk fade is an artistic, youthful style adaptable to suit any face shape. The cut features a wide strip of thick, layered curls that flow from a medium-length fringe to the center of the back of the head. The fade starts high and transitions slowly for a more relaxed, easygoing vibe. Add a curl cream to damp hair, allowing it to dry to achieve incredible definition and separation.

Long Faux Hawk with Burst Fade

A long faux hawk with a burst fade combines a mullet's iconic shape with a mohawk's unique features. Numerous thick layers pile on top to enhance volume and texture. A shaved line separates the razor fade from the cropped hair just above, and the clean, sharp edges contrast nicely with the curly hair texture. Styling mousse applied to towel-dried hair lifts the layers at the roots, defines texture, and holds hair in place throughout the day.

Faux Hawk with Short Sides

A contemporary faux hawk with short sides epitomizes the mid-90s alternative music scene with its punk-rock spikes and nonconformist attitude. Tousled, messy spikes flow from the hairline over the crown, contrasting with the cropped sides. A brushed-up fringe adds some quirky flair, while a patchy beard and thin mustache lend the style some rugged masculinity.

Black Faux Hawk Fade

A black faux hawk fade embraces natural hair's texture, movement, thickness, and depth. Long, twisted curls stand up from the top of the head, creating a fun and attractive profile. The abrupt fade at the sides contrasts sharply with the rest of the cut, visually enhancing the height on top. An immaculate edge up along the hairline adds sleek sophistication and pulls the look together.

Short Faux Hawk with Mid Skin Fade

A short faux hawk with a mid skin fade is a confident and refined cut suitable for any occasion. The quiff at the hairline blends beautifully into the layered ripples across the top, mimicking ocean waves. The razor fade at the sides offers a subdued transition to the skin above the ear and then blends into a full beard for symmetry and polish. Texturizing pomade and hair wax are essential to recreating the look at home.

Layered Faux Hawk Fade

A layered faux hawk fade is a high-contrast, edgy men's haircut for those rebellious types who like to stand out. A wide strip of long, layered locks stands straight up all along the crown but falls forward at the front, forming a messy fringe. Platinum tips stand out against golden blonde hair, and the undercut fade allows a subtle glimpse of deep, dark roots. Use plenty of hair spray to lock the style before leaving for the day.

Brushed Back Faux Hawk Fade

A brushed-back faux hawk fade is a low-key version of a classic mohawk suitable for work, play, and formal events. The cut features thick, chunky “spikes” that flow upward and back along the crown, with a flawless razor fade that slightly drops at the back. Apply styling gel to towel-dry hair, then wrap sections around a round brush and blow dry. For texture, separate the front sections slightly with your fingers and use a wide comb at the back and sides.

Burst Fade Mohawk

A burst fade mohawk appears refined and polished from the front but edgy and daring from the sides and back. A strip of hair that is wider and longer along the hairline but shorter and narrower at the nape blends seamlessly into the high fade. Clean edges along the hairline, temples, and cheek contrast sharply with the curvature of the style, and a full, sculpted beard serves as a finishing touch.

Trendy Faux Hawk with Shaved Sides

A trendy faux hawk with shaved sides embodies confidence and individuality with its contrasting lengths and shine. A strip of hair treated with ample styling gel falls upward and forward from the back, gradually culminating in a brushed-up quiff at the hairline. An abrupt taper transitions to the skin high on the head, forming the distinct shape, while a short, full beard rounds out the rugged appearance.

Spiked Faux Hawk Fade with Design

A spiked faux hawk fade with a design is a contemporary classic featuring a voluminous quiff-like style and a burst fade at the back. The skin fade is relatively subdued, easing the transition from the top to the sides for an almost-preppy finish. Adding a few shaved lines at the sides allows for expressive personalization.

Cool Faux Hawk with Tapered Sides

A cool faux hawk with tapered sides is a sophisticated, sexy hairstyle that exudes mature confidence and charm, making it popular with stylish celebrities like David Beckham. The cropped taper emphasizes the length on top, while a full beard adds masculinity and sex appeal. The cut is great for guys with fine hair or receding hairlines and requires very little styling know-how. Apply matte pomade to damp hair, use a brush to lift sections along the top, and blow dry against the natural direction of growth, paying particular attention to the root. Finish with hairspray to lock it in place all day.

Undercut Faux Hawk

An undercut faux hawk is a bold but cultured choice for busy professionals who prefer an edgy style that meets business norms. Longer hair in the front stands straight up and back, while the shorter hair along the top falls forward from the crown in chunky layers. An undercut taper starts high on the head, softening the transition to stubble at the side. The resulting look is unpretentious and elegant, and it is versatile enough for meetings, date nights, or formal events.

Faded Short Spiky Fohawk with Line Up

A short, spiky fohawk pairs beautifully with high faded sides and a line up, offering artfully tousled tresses that blend into an angular, multi-layered cut at the sides and back. The chunky hair on top stands straight up and elongates the face, and the two distinct transition points at the side add flattering visual interest. To style it, work texturizing pomade into the top section of damp hair, then brush it backward against the direction of growth to create definition and lift.

Skin Faded Faux Hawk with Layered Spikes

A skin-faded faux hawk with layered spikes commands attention with its gravity-defying height and bespoke profile. The long hair at the front stands straight up at the hairline to serve as the focal point. Numerous disheveled layers along the top move in all directions and gradually taper to the skin above the ear. Add broad streaks of blonde, bold-colored chunks or frosted tips to add a personal element.

Curly Faux Hawk with Burst Fade

A curly faux hawk is a fresh, trendy style that celebrates the spontaneity and texture of tight curls. The long hair forms a thick strip of ringlets flowing from the hairline to the nape, and an undercut fade creates beautifully defined edges. Honey blonde tips contrast sharply with the naturally dark hair, and a hint of fringe falling over one side of the forehead adds a touch of boyish charm. A styling mousse or curl cream is key for achieving and maintaining beautiful definition.

Buzz Cut Faux Hawk

A buzz cut faux hawk is a short, simple haircut that combines the allure of the modern mohawk with the easy styling and functionality of very short hair. The hair is longest – no more than half an inch – in the middle, stretching from the forehead to the nape. It gradually gets shorter at the sides until it transitions to the skin around the ears. A clean, curved edge at the nape forms a subtle V that can emphasize a tattoo or provide the perfect canvas for a shaved design.

Sophisticated Faux Hawk Quiff with Taper Fade

A sophisticated faux hawk quiff with a taper fade is timeless, casual, and versatile enough for any occasion. The relatively short quiff lifts upward and curls backward from the forehead, and longer hair along the top leans forward from the crown to create a chunky, spiky look. A subtle fade creates a fluid transition, and the addition of a stubbly beard adds a touch of rugged masculinity.

Long Faux Hawk Fade with Full Beard

A long faux hawk fade with a full beard combines impressive volume with impeccable razor skills, resulting in a modern, trendy, and professional finish. The chunky, piecey layers are longer at the front and shorter toward the crown, and they stand straight up to form blunt spikes. The fade features two transitions – one high on the head and another at the temple – to create a stunning two-toned effect. Short, well-groomed facial hair balances the length on top and frames the face.

Modern Mohawk Fade

A modern mohawk fade is the ultimate expression of individuality with its blown-out texture, two-toned color, and geometric lines. The thick, long strip of hair on top stands straight up, forming thin, feathery, bleach-blonde spikes that contrast sharply with the dark roots and sides. The fade starts high on the head, and a single shaved line signifies the transition to stubble around the ear. The amped-up look is perfect for nonconformists, musicians, and those who embrace the anti-authoritarian punk spirit.

Faux Hawk with Spiked Front and Shape Up

A faux hawk with a spiked front is an awesome men's hairstyle that blends punk and preppy sophistication for an attractive appearance. The hair along the crown and sides flows towards the face, transforming into a thick mass of blunt spikes at the front. A drop razor fade leads to a seamless transition to the skin, and the polished shape-up adds an element of freshness. The height on top visually elongates the face, so the cut is best for guys with round or squared face shapes.

Euro Hawk

A Euro hawk combines the refined and relaxed nature of European charm with the rebellious edge of the traditional mohawk. The layered hair flows forward from the crown and lifts slightly upward in the front, and a high taper transitions abruptly to the skin. Two shaved geometric lines and a beard that sits low on the face complement the look. This cut is an excellent choice for men with fine or thinning hair since the feathered texture can hide perceived imperfections.

Hawk Fade with Part

A hawk fade with a part is an adventurous, dramatic, and striking look that lends well to dynamic colors and fun designs. The hair is relatively short at the crown but gradually gets longer as it flows toward the brushed-up spikes at the front. A shaved line along the side of the head gives the illusion of an undercut, and the intense blue-gray color turns every head in the room.