The Coolest Japanese Men’s Haircuts: Modern & Historic Styles

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Plus our recs for the best Japanese hair styling products

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: March 18, 2026 Fact Checked

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Long Hairstyles

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Short Hairstyles

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Ancient Hairstyles

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Best Styling Products

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FAQs

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Trying to level up your hair game and look as cool as Japanese men? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing a list of 25+ men’s hairstyles that are trending in Japan, including long, short, and ancient options. We’ll also provide insights on how to ask your barber for the look, plus the best Japanese styling products and tips for choosing a haircut that flatters your face shape. Here’s everything you need to know to get the haircut of your dreams!

Great Japanese Hairstyles for Men

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Illustration of multiple Japanese men’s hairstyles.

For long Japanese styles, try a long wolf cut, wavy perm, or half-up man bun.
For short Japanese styles, go for a two-block cut, an undercut, a French crop.
For ancient Japanese styles, wear a chonmage (samurai topknot) or oicho (ginkgo leaf topknot).

Section 1 of 5:

Long Japanese Hairstyles

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Long Wolf Cut Often worn by rockstars and artists, the wolf cut combines the feathery layers of the shag with the short-to-long length of a mullet. It creates a voluminous and bouncy look that’s sleek, edgy, or effortless (depending on how you style it), making it a fearless choice in the world of Japanese haircuts.
- What to ask for: Bring a reference photo to your barber, and get specific about the length, texture, and fringe of your cut. Decide whether you want choppy or wispy layers, wavy or relaxed texture, and short or long bangs.
- Best face shape: Round, oval, and heart-shaped
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Center-Parted Flow Hair Classic and timeless, center-parted flow hair is frequently seen on J-drama actors and idol groups. It’s a medium-length, layered style that’s parted in the middle, creating a natural, swept-back look.
- What to ask for: Show your barber a reference photo, or ask for a scissor-cut with 4 to 6 inches of hair on top and layered, blended sides for volume.
- Best face shape: Oval, diamond, and heart-shaped
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Wavy Perm Compared to a traditional perm, a wavy perm produces natural-looking waves that will have everyone swooning over you. It’s typically achieved using a chemical solution and heat to alter the structure of the hair, making it perfect for men with naturally fine or flat hair.
- What to ask for: Talk to your barber to find the right perm for your hair type. If your hair sticks out on the sides, for example, you could ask for a “down” perm to flatten it. Then, ask for a “volume” perm on top.
- Best face shapes: All face shapes
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Sleek Straight Hair The ultimate Japanese hairstyle is all about showcasing long, glossy locks. Just grow out your hair and maintain its shine by applying a nourishing hair oil every day. If your hair is wavy or textured, consider going to the salon for a straightening perm.
- What to ask for: Ask your barber about a Japanese straightening perm, which is a 3 to 4 hour chemical treatment that restructures hair bonds for soft, shiny, straight hair.
- Best face shapes: All face shapes
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Textured Long Mullet This is an updated version of the bold and daring style that’s been loved for decades. Long textured mullets feature shorter hair on the front and sides of the head, with longer hair in the back. Ask for feathered layers in the back for a bold and stylish touch.
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, and ask your barber to maintain the length through the back and create layers for extra texture. To be safe, show your barber reference photos of mullets that have the graduation and styling you like.
- Best face shape: Oval and heart-shaped
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Side-Swept Long Bangs Often seen on J-pop and K-pop idols, this majestic style features long fringe that’s swept to one side to frame the face. It’s a versatile look that’s often paired with a fade or undercut to balance volume.
- What to ask for: Ask for textured, side-swept fringe with significant length in the front for endless styling possibilities. You can also request layers for extra movement and flow, blending the front into shorter, tapered sides.
- Best face shape: Heart, diamond, and oval
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Half-Up Man Bun Practical, stylish, and rooted in Japanese culture, a half-up man bun is one of the best looks to keep your hair out of your face, especially if you’re in the process of growing it out. Whether you’re going for a classic, messy, or polished look, all you have to do is grow out your locks and grab a trusty ponytail holder!
- How to tie a half-up man bun: Brush your hair to remove any tangles, then gather the top half of your hair from the temples to the crown. Tie that into a ponytail, leaving the bottom layer down, then wrap your hair tie around it a second time. Pull your hair halfway through to create a small bun.
- Styling tip: Grow out your hair until it’s at least 6 inches long for the ideal length.
- Best face shape: Oval and heart-shaped

Section 2 of 5:

Short Japanese Hairstyles

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Two-Block Cut The two-block haircut is a cross between the mushroom cut and undercut. The name “two block” refers to how the hair is cut into 2 distinct sections: the sides and back are trimmed short, while the hair on top is left long. The contrast in length is effortlessly cool and versatile, since the longer hair can be styled in lots of different ways.
- What to ask for: Request a side shave with a #2 or #3 clipper guard and “ice pick” sideburns. Ask your barber to taper or fade the back lightly. For the top, keep the hair the same length as your eyebrows, while adding layers and texture to soften up the crown.
- Best face shape: Oval, round, and square
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Undercut Sported by stars like actor Ryusei Yokohama and volleyball player Yuki Ishikawa, the undercut is a popular hairstyle among Japanese men. It features shaved sides and medium-to-long hair on top, emphasizing your face shape and facial features. It’s sleek, fashionable, and surprisingly low maintenance, making it the perfect ‘do year-round.
- What to ask for: Request a short back and sides with some length on top, tapered with a #2 clipper guard. Leave about 2 inches on top for styling, or 4 inches on top for a modern, side-swept look.
- Best face shape: Oval, round, and square
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Caesar Cut Also called the army cut, the Caesar cut is a short, textured crop style with a short, straight fringe. It’s usually paired with a fade or tapered sides, and the hair is usually layered 1 to 2 inches all around, with horizontally cut bangs.
- What to ask for: This style has several names, so ask for a textured crop with short, straight bangs. Bring in a reference photo, and explain to your barber how you want the back, sides, and fringe cut.
- Best face shape: Oval, square, and diamond
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Buzz Cut with Textured Top This version of the buzz cut is bold, clean, and requires little upkeep. It combines short, faded sides with slightly longer, choppy hair on top. Your barber will probably use scissors or detail clippers to break up the top to add volume and movement.
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, or get specific with the guard number. Traditionally, barbers use a #3 or #4 guard on top, paired with a #1 or #2 guard on the sides.
- Best face shape: Oval or square
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Spiky Hair For a fresh and youthful look, turn to spiky hair with volumizing wax. You can leave your hair as short or long as you like and use wax to style it upwards. It works well on thick or straight hair and isn’t too difficult to maintain!
- What to ask for: Request a haircut that’s short on the sides with enough texture to hold the spikes. For example, you could ask for short layers on top with tapered or faded sides.
- Best face shape: Oval, square, and round
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French Crop Looking for a hairstyle that’s simple and clean? The French crop is the cut of your dreams! The hair is cut short on the back and sides and left slightly longer on top—either combed over the forehead or pushed to the side. For added elegance and Japanese flair, consider fading the sides.
- What to ask for: Request the sides and back shaved with a #1 clipper guard, and keep the top longer than the sides. Ask your barber to cut the fringe high and short, adding some texture so you can style it however you like.
- Best face shape: Oval, square, and round
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Ivy League Also known as the Harvard Clip or Princeton cut, the Ivy League is a type of crew cut that leaves enough hair in front so it can be parted to the side. It features short, tapered sides and a back, creating a clean, classic look. Think of it as a longer crew cut that requires little to no styling!
- What to ask for: Request this style by name. Ask your barber to leave 1.5 to 2 inches of hair in the front, gradually shortening it toward the crown. Add some texture throughout your hair, and have them trim the sides between a #2 and #5.
- Best face shape: Oval
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Mini Pompadour with Skin Fade A modern twist on a retro classic, the mini pompadour with skin fade combines a short, structured, volumized top with extremely short, faded sides that blend down to bare skin. It adds just enough height without looking overdone!
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, or ask your barber for a short, textured pompadour on top with a tight skin fade on the sides and back.
- Best face shape: Oval, square, and diamond
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Asymmetrical Fringe Cut This edgy style works well with medium-to-long hair that’s straight or textured. One side is longer than the other, creating a cool aesthetic and extra movement. Just let your fringe grow out so it hangs slightly forward into your face, then create a side part to give your hair a side-swept and sophisticated look.
- What to ask for: Ask for a diagonal, angled, or side-swept fringe that’s shorter on one side and longer on the other. Bring reference photos and specify which side you want to part your hair.
- Best face shapes: Square or oblong
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Short Wolf Cut Short wolf cuts are layered on top with neatly trimmed sides, perfect for those who are hesitant about trying a full-on wolf cut. It looks less choppy than longer wolf cuts, and it requires less maintenance and styling. It’s bold without being too wild!
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, or ask for a choppy, heavily layered style that combines a short, voluminous shag on top with a tapered, mullet-like nape.
- Best face shapes: Oval, round, and heart-shaped
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Bro Flow The bro flow features longer layers, pushed away from the forehead. Think of it as a cool, effortless, and slightly grungy hairstyle that requires minimal upkeep. The hair is longer on top, cut in medium to long-length layers to add movement and flow. The sides and back are cut shorter, creating a messy yet refined look.
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, and show them a reference photo. For a traditional bro flow, ask your barber to cut your hair so it’s 3 inches, keeping the sides slightly shorter than the top. Ask them to channel cut your hair, trim it, and thin it out for more texture.
- Best face shape: Square, diamond, and oval
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Mushroom Cut The mushroom cut is an ‘80s-inspired style that features a rounded, thick top layer with straight-cut edges, reminiscent of a mushroom cap. The hair on top is usually longer while the sides and back are tapered, faded, or undercut to create a distinct contrast.
- What to ask for: Ask for this style by name and show your barber a reference photo that has the exact look you want. For example, you could say, “I want a mushroom cut with a blunt fringe that’s long enough to cover the top of my ears.”
- Best face shape: Oval, heart, and diamond
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Messy Textured Fringe If you’re searching for a style that’s sexy and low-maintenance, this messy haircut is just for you! The longer layers on top contrast with the shorter sides and back, creating a unique and distinct structure. Keep the sides extra short for a fresh and modern look, or leave them slightly longer for a '70s-inspired feel.
- What to ask for: Ask your barber to leave 3 to 5 inches of length on top with heavy point-cutting for texture, paired with a low-to-mid taper or fade on the sides.
- Best face shape: Round, diamond, and oval
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Curtain Cut Made famous by boy bands and movie stars in the 90s, the curtain cut features a center part with face-framing fringe. The hair is cut to a medium length and parted in the middle, with a fringe that falls to either side of the face. Many people add light layers to add more texture and movement.
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, or ask your barber for low-maintenance bangs that frame your face when your hair is parted in the middle. Specify how long you want your hair to be and leave it longest at the top.
- Best face shape: Round, oval, and heart-shaped
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Taper Fade A taper fade means the back and sides of your hair will slowly blend into the longer hair on top, and as a result, you get more contrast in your cut for a clean and sophisticated look. Feel free to pair it with a voluminous pompadour or any other style you like!
- What to ask for: Request this style by name, and specify the height (low, mid, or high) and the level of skin exposure you want.
- Best face shape: Round, oval, and square

Section 3 of 5:

Ancient Japanese Hairstyles

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Chonmage (Samurai Topknot) This traditional Japanese hairstyle was worn by samurai during the Edo period (1603-1868). It became a symbol of honor and social status, representing the samurai’s dedication to their role. In fact, losing the chonmage in battle was considered a disgrace! It features a shaved pate with the remaining hair oiled and tied into a topknot, perfect for keeping heads cool under heavy armor and securing helmets.^{[1]
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- How to get the look: Grow your hair out, then shave the top crown of your head while leaving the sides and back. For a more wearable version, consider a samurai bun. Stylist Frankie Sanderson says to have at least 6 to 8 inches of growth on top, pulling it toward the back of the crown, then twisting the hair into a tight knot and securing it with a hair band.^{[2]
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Sohatsu Often worn by men in the late Edo period, the sohatsu hairstyle features combed back hair, oiled with tsubaki (camellia) oil, and then tied at the back of the head. Unlike the chonmage, there is no shaving involved and the crown is full of hair. Also, the sohatsu was associated with civilians, priests, scholars, and occasionally, samurai in professional or non-combat roles.
- How to get the look: Grow your hair long, then use a feather razor to shave off the outer layers and create wispy, tapered ends. Then, shave the inner layers to achieve an undercut look, removing bulk and helping the top hair lie flat. Blow-dry the hair to add volume and apply a matte hair wax to define sections.
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Oicho (Ginkgo Leaf Topknot) One of the most recognizable hairstyles among sumo wrestlers, the oicho (or oichomage) is a fan-shaped topknot that resembles a ginkgo leaf. It’s reserved for wrestlers ranked Juryo or higher, signifying their status as professional sekitori. The hair is oiled and styled into a topknot with the end splayed out in a semicircle.^{[3]
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- How to get the look: Grow your hair to at least mid-back length, then comb the hair back tightly into a high ponytail near the crown. Instead of securing the ends into a simple knot, spread the ends out into a semicircular shape that resembles a ginkgo leaf. Secure it in place with waxed paper ties.
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Mizura A popular style among Japanese men during the Kofun period (c. 300-538 AD), mizura involved parting the hair in the middle and forming 2 loops or bunches on the sides, either at ear-length or shoulder-length.^{[4]
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Research source} Nobles and dancers usually wore longer mizura, while peasants and commoners wore shorter styles. Later on, it became a common style for young boys, famously seen on haniwa clay figures.
- How to get the look: Grow your hair out and part it down the center. Gather hefty chunks of hair on each side just above your ears and then pull them into small buns or loops. Secure it in place with hair ties and let any remaining hair fall naturally in the back.

Section 4 of 5:

Best Japanese Styling Products

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Styling plays a huge role in maintaining the texture and overall look of your haircut. In general, look for lightweight formulas with scalp-friendly ingredients and long-lasting hold. Popular Japanese men’s haircare brands include Gatsby, Nakano, and Cool Grease, and here are some of our favorite product recommendations:
- Gel: Arimino Hair Jelly and Sukesha Styling Gel
- Wax: Gatsby Hair Wax, Nakano Hair Wax, and Cool Grease Hair Pomade
- Texturizing spray: Shu Uemura Dry Texturizing Hair Spray, NatureLab Perfect Volume Texture Mist, and Kami Sea Shield Salt Hair Spray
  - Texturizing hair sprays add volume without making the hair crunchy and stiff, notes licensed cosmetologist Kani Ishii. “I spray them on the roots, then tease the hair with [a fine-toothed] comb.”^{[5]
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Section 5 of 5:

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is the chonmage still worn today? Yes, the chonmage is still worn today, primarily by sumo wrestlers and kabuki (theater) actors. That said, most Japanese people wear it without the shaved crown, giving it a modern twist.^{[6]
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How do you find a hairstyle that suits your face shape? Work with your barber to determine your face shape and see what type of hairstyles suit you. They can also offer advice on what works well with your hair texture and length, plus give you tips on styling and maintenance. If you’re set on a specific style, they can always modify it to complement your face shape, too!
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What is the 3-2-1 rule for haircuts? This is a common technique that barbers use to create a clean, tapered fade. They use a #3 guard on top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to clean up the edges. This creates a smooth transition from the longer to shorter hair.^{[7]
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