Want a haircut that looks bold but is easy to wear every day? The faux hawk is one of the best choices out there. It gives you the wild look of a mohawk, but without going all the way. You can wear it to work, to a party, or even on a casual day out.
In this guide, we will show you 40 popular faux hawk haircuts for men. You will find short styles, long styles, curly styles, and even bold colored looks. By the end, you will know exactly which faux hawk suits your face and your lifestyle.
Let’s understand this step by step.
What Is a Faux Hawk Haircut?
A faux hawk is a “fake” mohawk. The sides are cut short or shaved, and the hair on top stays longer. But unlike a real mohawk, the sides are not fully bald. This makes the faux hawk more wearable for daily life, school, or office.
Think of it as the mohawk’s cooler, calmer cousin.
Why Men Love the Faux Hawk Haircut
Here is why this style stays popular year after year:
- It works with almost every hair type (straight, wavy, curly, or coily)
- It suits round, square, oval, and diamond face shapes
- It is easy to style at home in just a few minutes
- It looks sharp for both casual and formal settings
- It gives an instant confidence boost
Now, let’s look at all 40 styles.
Classic Faux Hawk Styles
1. Traditional Faux Hawk Short sides, longer top, styled straight up in the middle. Simple and timeless.
2. Soft Faux Hawk A gentler version. The top hair is not spiked too high, so it looks more natural.
3. Textured Faux Hawk Some matte paste is used to create a rough, messy texture on top. Great for a laid-back look.
4. Slicked Faux Hawk Hair is combed back and slightly raised in the center. This works well for office days.
5. Spiky Faux Hawk The top hair is styled into small spikes. This is a youthful, energetic look.
Faux Hawk with Fade
6. Low Fade Faux Hawk The fade starts just above the ears. It gives a clean, subtle transition.
7. Mid Fade Faux Hawk The fade starts around the temple area. This is one of the most requested versions at barbershops.
8. High Fade Faux Hawk A sharp, dramatic fade that starts high on the head. It makes the top hair stand out more.
9. Skin Fade Faux Hawk The sides are faded down to bare skin. This creates a bold contrast with the top.
10. Burst Fade Faux Hawk The fade curves around the ear like a half-circle. It looks unique and modern.
11. Drop Fade Faux Hawk The fade line drops lower behind the ear. If you like this style, you may also enjoy checking out our guide on 35 Top Pompadour Haircuts for Men for another fade-friendly option.
12. Taper Fade Faux Hawk A gradual fade that is less dramatic. Good for a subtle, professional look.
Curly and Textured Faux Hawk
13. Curly Faux Hawk Natural curls are left longer on top and shorter on the sides. It looks effortless.
14. Wavy Faux Hawk Waves add movement on top. This style works well for medium-length hair.
15. Messy Curly Faux Hawk Curls are left loose and undone for a relaxed vibe.
16. Twisted Faux Hawk Small twists are added on top before styling upward. Popular among men with coily hair.
17. Frizzy Faux Hawk A natural, no-fuss curly look. No heavy products needed.
Faux Hawk for Short Hair
18. Buzz Cut Faux Hawk Very short all over, but the center strip is slightly longer.
19. Crop Faux Hawk A short, textured crop on top with faded sides.
20. Mini Faux Hawk A subtle version for men who want just a hint of the style.
21. Short Spiky Faux Hawk Short hair styled into tiny spikes on top.
22. Cropped Fringe Faux Hawk Short fringe at the front, blended into a faux hawk shape.
Long Faux Hawk
23. Long Top Faux Hawk The top hair is left several inches long, giving more styling options.
24. Long Slicked Faux Hawk Long hair combed back and up for a sleek, dramatic look.
25. Long Curly Faux Hawk Long curls styled upward. A great choice for thick, curly hair.
26. Long Textured Faux Hawk Longer hair with a messy, textured finish. Low maintenance but stylish.
27. Ponytail Faux Hawk Long top hair tied back into a small ponytail. If you enjoy longer styles, our article on 35 Trendy Wolf Cut Haircuts Styles for Men shares more long-hair inspiration.
Faux Hawk with Beard
28. Faux Hawk with Full Beard A thick beard pairs well with a bold faux hawk for a rugged, mature look.
29. Faux Hawk with Stubble Light stubble gives a casual, easygoing feel.
30. Faux Hawk with Goatee A goatee adds definition to the jawline while keeping the top hair as the main focus.
31. Faux Hawk with Circle Beard A neat, round beard style that balances well with a soft faux hawk.
Faux Hawk with Undercut
32. Disconnected Undercut Faux Hawk The sides are cut much shorter than the top, with a clear, sharp line between them.
33. Connected Undercut Faux Hawk A smoother blend between the sides and the top hair.
34. Shaved Sides Faux Hawk Sides are shaved very close, almost bald, for maximum contrast.
35. Line Up Faux Hawk A sharp hairline edge is added at the front for a crisp, clean finish.
Bold and Colored Faux Hawk
36. Blonde Faux Hawk Bleached or dyed blonde on top for a striking contrast against the sides.
37. Two-Tone Faux Hawk Two different colors are used, one for the top and one for the sides.
38. Faded Color Faux Hawk The color fades from dark to light, matching the fade of the haircut itself.
39. Platinum Faux Hawk A very light, almost white shade. This look demands attention.
40. Neon Faux Hawk Bright colors like blue, green, or pink for men who love to stand out.
How to Style a Faux Hawk at Home
You don’t need to be a professional to style this cut. Just follow these simple steps:
- Wash your hair and towel dry it until slightly damp
- Apply a small amount of matte paste or wax to your palms
- Rub your hands together, then work the product through the top section
- Push the hair upward and toward the center
- Use your fingers (not a comb) for a more natural, textured finish
Tip: Less product is often better. Start small, then add more if needed.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Faux Hawk
Not sure how to explain what you want? Try saying this:
“I want short sides with a fade, and I want to keep the top longer so I can style it upward, like a faux hawk.”
You can also show a photo. Barbers love visual references, and it helps avoid confusion.
Final Thoughts
The faux hawk is more than just a trend. It is a flexible, confident, and easy-to-manage haircut that fits almost any man. Whether you like it short, long, curly, faded, or colored, there is a faux hawk style on this list for you.
Pick the one that matches your personality, show it to your barber, and enjoy your new look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the faux hawk good for thin hair?
Yes. In fact, a faux hawk can make thin hair look fuller. The shorter sides create contrast, which makes the top appear thicker.
How often should I get a faux hawk trimmed?
Most men get a trim every 3 to 4 weeks to keep the fade sharp and the top hair in good shape.
Does the faux hawk suit all face shapes?
Yes, with small adjustments. Round faces can add more height on top, while square faces may prefer a softer, textured style.
Can I do a faux hawk with curly hair?
Absolutely. Curly hair actually adds natural volume, which works great with this style.
What products do I need for a faux hawk?
A matte paste or strong-hold wax is usually enough. A small amount of hairspray can help lock the style in place for the whole day.
