With Labor Day, summer has unofficially turned to fall. Though the weather may not have turned yet, you may already be pulling out your denim jackets, sweaters, and work boots from storage. So, while you’re swapping out your summer wardrobe for cool-climate essentials, perhaps it’s a good time to rethink what’s happening on top of your head. Between sweltering temperatures foiling attempts at any semblance of a style, and plunging mercury forcing you to don a beanie, you have a short window of opportunity to show off a pretty sweet cut. We asked AXE Master Barber Pedro Rosario to recommend a quartet of fall haircuts to request the next time you’re at the barbershop.
Effortless Side Part
“This excellent skin fade with precision bending that never goes out of style,” says Rosario
What to ask for:
“Instead of the slick side part, you want the front bang to hang loosely on the side but not too long so ask for a high skin fade and tight trim on top.”
Styling advice:
Take a dime-sized amount of matte paste (Rosario recommends Axe Messy Look Paste) and run your fingers to work it though hair, letting “the front fall naturally with it’s own weight.”
Textured Fro
“Afro styles are trending more natural, so it is curls on top and is tapered on the sides,” says Rosario.
What to ask for: Trim the top so it’s short to medium length depending on your preference, and then an even fade on the sides.
Styling advice: Rub a dime-size amount of softening cream (SheaMoisture for Men Three Butters Styling Smoothie) between your palms, and then massage it into hair until it fades in. Finish it with a curling sponge to help shape curls.
Textured Buzzcut
Think of this as the cool weather version of a favorite summer style. “It’s choppy and textured on top but still finger length short, and tight on the sides not showing any skin,” says Rosario.
What to ask for: Ask the barber for a longer buzz look with scissors on top and a longer clipper guard on the side so there’s no skin showing.
Styling advice: Work a dab of texturizing paste or clay (V76 by Vaughn Texture Clay) into hair with fingers until you have created a decent amount of texture.
Mid-length Bedhead
“Medium length hair is really popular, but this season’s style is less sculpted and more get-up-and-go,” says Rosario.
What to ask for:
“For a haircut that looks like you didn’t get a haircut (i.e. natural sideburns and neckline),” says Rosario. “If they don’t understand, politely leave.”
Styling advice:
Rub a fingertip amount of shine pomade (try Rudy’s Shine Pomade) into hands, and then rake them through hair to achieve desired messiness level.
Short Hair with Color
“Color is a big thing!” says Rosario. He sees soft highlights and extreme dye jobs (i.e. platinum and deep blonde) paired with short styles being popular this season.
What to ask for:
See a barber who does color so they can guide your through the process. And bring photos as reference so the professional can give you realistic expectations
Styling advice:
Because colored hair tends to be drier, be sure to choose a hydrating styling cream (try Bumble & bumble Grooming Creme). Brush or comb it through to perfect the style.
