Key Takeaways: This winter, barbers can expect a surge in demand for versatile, low-maintenance, and texture-forward styles. The most popular winter haircuts for men blend classic shapes with modern movement, offering options for every hair type and length. By understanding these trends — and mastering the styling techniques behind them — barbers can better guide their clients, elevate their services, and stay ahead of the seasonal shift in style preferences.
Updated: December 10, 2025
Some are a slight shift in consistently popular cuts, while others are a complete departure from the norm. Either way, there’s sure to be an influx of fellas ready to shake up their look. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving just in time for the holidays.
As a barber, staying on top of trends is key to your success. You have to have your finger on the pulse of what is growing in popularity, the latest barbering craze, and what people are bound to ask for when they visit your shop. Aside from the hands-on information you gather from clients and what you see on social media, you need a resource to help you stay ahead of the curve.
That’s why we put together this guide to the hottest winter style trends all barbers need to know. Rather than scouring the internet for potentially hours at a time, you can simply read our succinct industry insights below. You–and your clients–will be glad you read this blog.
The Top Winter Haircuts for Men Every Barber Should Know
Today’s winter hair trends are about individual expression, texture, and versatility.
Gone are the days when every client wanted the same cut; now people are asking for looks that reflect their personality — whether that’s low-maintenance texture, bold contrast, or a grown-out flow that works under winter layers.
Barbers who stay ahead of these evolving preferences will be ready to deliver what clients actually want this season
One thing is for sure – no matter what modern cuts your clients are rockin' when they come out of your shop, the biggest flex is your barber liability insurance. Sure, you can shape a mean fade – but are you protected if and when something goes wrong? If not, the reparations and repercussions could be comin' right out of your pocket.
So remember, these trends are a must to stay up on – but so is your barber liability insurance.
OK, OK – we're done. Now it's onto the men's winter haircut and styles you've gotta know!
Modern Mullet & Baby Mullet
The classic mullet continues its resurgence into 2026 and beyond — but with refined, contemporary touches. Today’s modern mullet mixes short sides with a longer back and textured top, often paired with fades or blends that make it more wearable for everyday clients.
A baby mullet variation keeps the back length softer and more subtle, appealing to clients who want an edgy statement without the commitment of a traditional long mullet.
Social Media Trends Reign Supreme
More and more people are getting style inspiration from social media. Apps like Instagram contribute to this phenomenon, but the primary driver right now is TikTok. There’s even a men’s TikTok hairstyle, known as the wet mop, that many people refer to as the TikTok haircut. It’s really that popular.
While it has a modern origin and social media nickname, this style is nothing new. It is essentially the same haircut sported by The Beatles and a number of other celebrities. In essence, it is longer on top with short to mid-length back and sides. The top is often highly textured.
The wet mop is only one example of a social media barbering trend. Expect a lot of clients to whip out their phones and show you the inspiration for their latest haircut. You may want to peruse social media barbering trends on your own to familiarize yourself with the styles people are bound to ask for this winter.
"Gone are the days when every client wants the same cut – now people are asking for looks that reflect their personality."
Burst Fade
A burst fade brings a modern, high-contrast silhouette that’s clean around the ears with a gradual taper into longer hair on top.
This style works beautifully with textured or curly hair and adds an energetic, defined finish to classic cuts. It’s especially popular among younger clients who want a bold yet refined fade
Power Beards
Sometimes known as natural beards, power beards are a go-to look this winter season. Why? Because they’re long, bushy, and warm as can be. Sounds kind of perfect for a chillier season, right? But it’s not just about the comfort–power beards are the ultimate take-home-to-the-family look. Our best advice for the power beard is to either rock it with a walrus mustache or a trimmed mustache, depending on the look your client is going for. Either way–don’t ignore the mustache!
French Crop
The French crop remains a staple going into winter 2026 — short on the sides with a defined but soft top and cropped fringe. It’s low-maintenance yet stylish, giving clients a sharp look that’s easy to style daily. This trend is versatile across face shapes and hair types.
Shoulder-Length Flow
For clients growing their hair out, shoulder-length flow is on the rise.
This relaxed, mid-length look works with straight or wavy textures and gives off a laid-back yet stylish vibe — perfect for clients who want movement without high maintenance. It pairs especially well with natural texture products and soft parting lines
Bleach and Color
Many men are making a statement with bold hairstyles that flaunt bright colors and aggressive patterns. From the classic bleached look to a purple buzz cut with polka dots, everyone from social media influencers to notable athletes is driving this trend. It is even popular among those with naturally dark hair, as seen on athletes like Dennis Rodman and David Beckham.
This hairstyle can be extremely simple (a solid color) to complex (multiple colors and ornate designs). One this is certain–it’s sure to stand out at your holiday dinner.
Curly Haired Fade
For clients with natural curls, the curly hair fade is a standout trend — soft, natural curls on top taper into crisp faded sides. The contrast highlights texture and shape, creating a dynamic, expressive style that’s tailored yet playful.
Slicked Back Style
Slicked back isn’t gone — it just evolved. Slicked-back flow keeps hair longer on top and styled back with moderate shine and movement. Using light pomades or styling creams helps create a look that’s polished yet still flexible, ideal for someone prepping for both work and winter social events.
Undercut with Long Fringe
The undercut has grown and stayed in popularity in recent years. Propelled into the mainstream by the hit show “Peaky Blinders,” the undercut became a hot commodity and began to evolve. Now, it is popular to sport a longer top with the buzzed sides and back. Many men opt for a flowing, textured look on top. Some even prefer a curly, permed appearance. Either way, we’re on board with the fact that this look is in style.
Textured Fringe
Speaking of fringe, textured fringe continues to gain momentum as clients seek movement and softness in shorter styles. Whether paired with a mid-fade or kept on slightly longer for a layered effect, the key is added texture and dimension up fron
Stubble Beard
Timeless but oh-so-timely, the stubble beard–AKA the 5 o’clock shadow beard–is back in action. Why is this beard making a winter comeback? Because it’s a fun, easy, and effortless style that look either elevated or casual–you know, perfect for the holiday office party or a day in Christmas PJs.
The men’s hairstyle trends for winter this year are rooted in classic cuts with a modern flair. Powered by social media trends and figures in the public eye–from superstar athletes to movie stars–you’re sure to see these barbering trends in quantity this holiday season.
Because most begin with a classic base that can be experimented with to add a personal touch, feel free to work with your clients to make these trendy men’s haircuts a little more unique.
For more barbering knowledge, including trends and industry updates, be sure to check out our blog. It features frequent new posts, giving you the information and inspiration you need to thrive. While you’re at it, consider subscribing to the National Barbers Insurance to be notified of new blogs, exclusive deals, and more.
