The mod cut is a modern men's haircut featuring longer, textured hair on the sides, back and top with an often heavy fringe, creating an edgy retro-inspired messy style. Short for “modernist”, the mod offers a stylish, alternative hairstyle associated with the 1960s British subculture that influenced music and fashion trends. The latest variation is trending in the United Kingdom, United States and South America, making it an easy and popular choice for guys in barbershops all over the world right now.

Popular Mod Men's Haircut Ideas

Modern Choppy Mod

A modern choppy mod is a whimsical, flirty style with a retro vibe. The cut combines the mullet – short in the front and long in the back – with short wispy bangs and long, wavy sideburns for a finish reminiscent of the 1960s. The style looks great on men with a hint of natural waves but can also work with thick, straight hair or curls. The low-maintenance, high-energy look is captivating, and a thick mustache adds to the vintage aura.

Trendy Mod with Layers

A trendy mod with layers is slightly tousled and completely enchanting, especially for guys with thick hair. A mid-length fringe sweeps off to the side, and the tapered layers are longer on the top and the sides than on the back. The result is a mix of rugged masculinity and boyish charm. Pair it with thick stubble for a mature appearance or wear a clean-shaven face for a more youthful look.

Thick Mod

A thick mod with choppy layers and a pronounced blunt fringe is essential for fashion-forward trendsetters. A mix of punk and rock-and-roll, the hair flows forward from the crown in varying directions, lending significant volume and texture. For a more daring look, wear the style with a full beard and thick sideburns that curl under and frame the eyes.

Short Mod

A short mod is a chic, timeless look suitable for various hair types, including men with fine or thinning hair. The hair falls toward the forehead from the crown, creating a short, center-parted fringe. To style, work matte pomade through the hair, creating plenty of choppy, tousled layers moving in every direction. The fanciful, eccentric cut makes a big statement.

Stylish Messy Mod

A stylish, messy mod embraces the idea of “bedhead” with its mid-length, tousled approach. The hair is long enough to allow the ends to curl out, giving a quirky, curious appearance. The simplest way to achieve the look involves applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair, flipping the head upside down, and tousling at the roots. Once dry, use the palms of the hands in a scrunching motion to remove the crunchy cast, then spray with a quality hairspray.

Long Layered Wolf Mod

A long, layered wolf mod borrows elements from the iconic shag and classic mullet, combining them in a trendy, fashionable variation of the popular wolf cut. The longest hair at the back kisses the collar, and short layers throughout add volume and movement. The long curtain bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of the style, accentuating facial features and drawing attention to the eyes.

Mod Cut with Straight Hair

A straight, layered mod cut is an androgynous hairstyle with a pixie-like fringe and sideburns accentuating delicate features. A long fringe that falls over the brows frames the face, making it the center of attention. Pomade or wax can bring out some wavy texture, and the hair at the nape curls slightly outward for visual interest.

Curly Mod

A curly mod is a structured, harmonious cut that embraces natural curls and volume without much fuss. The style features the classic long fringe, sideburns, and extra thickness along the top and at the crown. If you procrastinate visiting your barber, this style allows you to go several weeks between cuts, and styling is as simple as adding mousse to damp hair before air drying.

Flowing Mod

A flowing mod is an enchanting, dreamy style reminiscent of elfin fairy tales. Long, choppy layers at the fringe and sides fall entirely over the ears, leaving only the lobes peeking out. The back section of hair follows suit, falling over the nape, creating a magical look. The cut can add volume to fine hair, and when paired with a clean-shaven face, it accentuates sharp, angular features.

Short Textured Mod

A short, textured mod resembles a grown-out scissor cut with a classic taper. A fringe falls halfway over the forehead, mirroring the hair at the nape, which is just long enough to curl under the ear. Tousling the hair at the top adds boyish allure, while a full beard creates a mesmerizing frame for the face, adding a sense of ruggedness and charm.

Layered Mod Cut

A layered mod cut relies on medium-length waves for its feathery, confident look. The style combines messy waves on top with feathery ends at the back for captivating contrast. The hair at the sides is much shorter around the ears, but the thick sideburns add balance and elegantly frame the face. Use a strong-hold styling gel to achieve the wet look, and consider adding subtle highlights to accentuate the wavy texture on top further.

Long Mod Hairstyle

A long mod hairstyle is rock-star-worthy, exudes confidence and commands attention. The thick, long fringe covers the entire forehead while the layered sides sweep forward at the cheekbones. The hair brushes the collar in the back before sweeping outward from the neck, creating a multidirectional style. The cut is packed with attitude and aesthetic appeal when paired with a thick goatee.

Modern Mod Mullet

A modern mod mullet is a casual, handsome style that amplifies the movement and body of natural waves. The thick layered hair at the crown flows outward in all directions, blending into the short sides and back. The cut foregoes long sideburns in favor of shorter ones that stand out against a clean-shaven face. To achieve the look, apply styling wax or texturizing pomade to barely damp hair, then comb through and tousle.

Shaggy Wolf Mod

A shaggy wolf mod epitomizes the 60s vintage vibe with a short, blunt fringe and meticulous layers that perfectly complement the face. The fringe is slightly shorter in the center than at the edges, where it begins to blend into the sides. The back section curls outward somewhat so it is visible from the front and adds to the cut's structure. For trendsetters, the style is an ideal canvas for bold colors.

Cool Retro Mod

A cool retro mod with feathered sides and tousled tresses at the back adds lift and volume to fine hair. The placement of the layers creates thickness that wraps around the head from one temple to the other. A side-swept fringe at the front blends into the sides, which splay backward over the ears. The hair brushes the nape at the back but curls slightly forward under the ear, creating a balanced side profile.

Short Blonde Mod

A short blonde mod is a sensational, flashy look that stands out from the crowd with its eccentric shape and color. A cropped fringe blends into the sides of the hair seamlessly, while the hair at the back flows forward. A generous amount of styling gel gives the hair its iconic shine and keeps it close to the head, and platinum blonde highlights emphasize the texture even further.

Spiky Mod

A spiky mod features straight, layered locks that fall in a curtain in front of and behind the ear, creating the classic mod shape. The short, spiky fringe stands straight up and blends into the hair along the crown. Though the sides and back are subdued, they provide ample contrast, making the volume on top stand out. Pair the look with chunky glasses and statement plugs for a bold, edgy look.

Thick Curled Mod

A thick, curled mod is an endearing and artful cut that embraces big, bouncy curls, making them more manageable. The hair at the nape is significantly shorter than the rest, including the thick fringe, which drapes casually over the forehead. The cut-out ears create the illusion of thick sideburns, and the clean-shaven face adds an air of youthfulness to the look. Keep the style simple by adding curl cream to damp hair and allowing it to air dry.

Short Mod with Blunt Fringe

A short mod with blunt fringe features an interesting profile with its forward-combed sides and thick, blunt fringe. Thick, tousled waves on top add visual contrast, and the pointed sideburns add an angular element that makes a rounded face appear more masculine. Apply pomade to the top and sides for texture and hold, reserving the ultra-hold styling gel for the sides.

Fluffy Mod

A fluffy mod tames and enhances thick, frizzy locks by giving them structure and style. The combination of expert layers and feathery ends looks effortless and casual, and the meticulous texture leads to a softer finish. With the help of styling products, the relaxed look can transform into a more polished and formal style suitable for even black-tie events.

Long Messy Mod

A long, messy mod is a favorite among hipsters and surfers with its casual layers and windblown texture. A thick center-parted fringe emulates curtain bangs. The top, sides, and back are long enough to allow the wave pattern to come through. The dense hair in front of the ears and long hair just behind forges a stunning frame for the face, accentuating angular features.

Shorter Mod with Texture

A shorter mod with texture takes a wispy and feathery approach to the vintage look, making it suitable for men with fine or thinning hair. The ends of a thick fringe land just above the brows, and the sides lay perfectly in front of the ears. The back is significantly shorter, putting the focus on the front of the head. Wear the cut with bold shades and stubble for a laid-back and informal look.

Choppy Mod with Long Back

A choppy mod with a long back features ample texture and shape, making squared faces appear rounder. A short, blunt fringe and forward-curled sides amplify the structure of the cheekbones, and the fluffy, slightly curled ends add contrast. Many styling products tend to upset a soft, natural finish, but a sea salt spray can add texture and grit without shine or crunchy cast.

Short Textured Mod Cut with Beard

A short, textured mod cut with a beard is a subdued style that takes a classic crop to the next level. The hair is closely cropped along the sides and back, but the fringe and sideburns are longer. The fringe sweeps upward and off to the side, while the sides curl inward at the same angle as the cheekbone to accentuate the features. Add even more aesthetic appeal with platinum frosted tips and a full beard.

Modern Glam Mod

The modern glam mod is flirty and fun, combining elements of the traditional mod culture with those of a mullet, shag, and wolf cut. A thick fringe with feathered, upturned ends takes center stage and blends seamlessly into the messy sides and long back. A full, thick beard with crisp edges adds stunning visual contrast and draws the eyes directly to the face.

Wavy Mod

A wavy mod is a uniquely quirky, full-bodied style that creates an attractive side profile with its height and volume. The cut features a thin fringe almost kissing the browbone and thick, wavy tresses along the top and back. The sides almost wholly hide the ears, creating cohesion. The style strikes the perfect balance between tousled and refined.

Short Mod with Choppy Bangs

A short mod with choppy bangs is rebellious and sophisticated, mimicking a pixie cut but boasting masculine flair. The cut is easy to style and maintain thanks to the short layers, but the longer and more angular sideburns lend visual appeal. Use a medium-shine, medium-hold wax to separate the layers, create texture, and hold the hair in place throughout the day.

Hippie Mod

A hippie mod embraces peace and love with its exuberant yet free-spirited nature. The style resembles a classic shag but features short layers stemming from the crown, a short, wispy fringe, and long locks at the sides and back. The cut certainly makes a bold statement, especially when paired with 70s-style shades and clothing with bold colors and patterns.

What Is The Mod Cut Hairstyle?

The mod cut is a bold men's hairstyle that involves using scissors to achieve inverted layers and round angles for a feathered style that flows around the ears on the sides and in the back of the head, framing the face for a striking, almost-hippy aesthetic. This trendy, longer haircut generally requires a matte styling product such as light pomade or sea salt spray for a texturizing finish, showing off your natural volume and dimension.