As with most style trends, the hottest looks for men this season are inspired from the past, with modern elements added to make them fresh and relevant.
Here are the three most requested looks right now from barbers and clients (as shown on my own clients), plus the tools and techniques I use to pull them off.
THE FADED MULLET
As you know, mullets have overtaken the industry over the past couple of years. You have seen them worn on young kids, teenagers, and adults. The mullet has always been one of my favorite styles because it comes in so many varieties, from football/ soccer player to punk rock.
Pro Tips
• One of the best tips I can recommend for the mini mullet is to pay attention to the hair's natural texture. That will determine whether the hair wants to lie forward naturally for a more modern look, or if the hair wants to lie back naturally for a more classic style.
• Another tip is determine where to place the fade. If you want more of that football/ soccer player mullet you can bring the "burst fade" slightly behind the ear. When going for the punk style, I tend to keep the fade in front of the ear.
Technique & Tools
Some of the tools I like using to create my mullets are the Wahl Senior, for all my debulking and for creating my shape. After I go through and debulk, I switch to my Wahl Magic Clip (staggered-tooth blade) for my fading — these clippers allow two different cutting paths at once making the fade seamless.
I use my Wahl Hi-Viz when "lining up" my mullets especially, because the narrow neck allows more vision when creating the design line around the ear. I will then style it up; with some sea salt on damp hair using my Wahl Vanquish to blow dry my structure into place. I finish it off with some texture powder for a natural result.
THE CLEAN ALPALCA
The "alpaca" cut has shot to the top of the list for my most requested haircuts amongst teenage boys! As someone who’s been in the industry for 10+ years, I can say it’s important to continue to evolve with the trends and always stay on top of what’s new. It's especially important being able to please the younger crowd, as they will be lifetime clients from teenager and on.
Pro Tips
• The main tip to keep in mind when creating this style is to start with the top of the hair first before doing the fade work. I like to build my shape off the fringe.
Once you create the desired length of the fringe, you can carry that guideline around to side of the head, leaving you a connection point for your fade to meet your shape up top.
Technique & Tools
Tools used for this look are the Wahl Senior for debulking the weight on the sides. Typically, when doing a fade, I’ll start with a number 3 guard and work my way down to about a 1.5 guard.
I will then set my "0 line" or "bald line" using my Wahl Detailer Li as well as using it to create my edge work.
Next, I’ll use my Wahl Legend (extended throw/ lever) to blend up using no guard and a 1 guard. This allows you to create a condensed fade, leaving the top your focal point of the result.
I will typically blow-dry this style using my Wahl Vanquish with the diffuser attached. I like to apply a curl cream when the hair is damp, and I use the blow dryer on a low speed setting and medium heat setting to reduce any frizz and keep the curls controlled.
After it’s dry, I typically apply a small amount of curl cream on my hands and scrunch the hair to lock the finished result into place.
THE TRAVIS KELCE HANDLEBAR
This mustache style dates back to ancient times, but it's back with a vengeance today thanks in part to the Kansas City Chiefs' most visible tight end. Travis Kelce has sported various facial hair looks for the past few years, but his go-to is the classic handlebar.
Pro Tips
• When creating the Travis Kelce Handlebar mustache — which I believe pairs very well with mullets, middle parts, and buzz cuts — it’s important to place it just right.
Technique & Tools
I tend to use the corner of the client’s lip for my point of reference. The tool of choice for this mustache’s grooming is the Wahl Align — this trimmer has a more narrow and shorter blade allowing you to get in those hard-to-reach places allowing precise detail.
I will take one corner of my blade and place it diagonally from the corner of the mouth, creating a sharper tail where the mustache ends, making it stand out like a fashion statement.
Once I create the perfect length, I will then line it up right above the lip, because let’s be honest: no one wants hair in their mouth. I like to keep the top side of the mustache natural, as it keeps it looking full.
After I’ve cleaned off all the facial hair around it using my Align, I will go back over with the Wahl Vanish (foil shaver) to create a smooth, razor-like shave.
Trevor Moots is an Orlando, FL-based barber educator for Wahl Professional and Hattori Hanzo Shears; a platform artist; and one of the top barbers working in the U.S. today.
