Men’s Guide To Business-Casual – The Summer Edition
Paying Attention To The Details
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Introduction
Predicting men’s hair trends for spring/summer 2013 is difficult because there doesn’t seem to be dramatic change from what we have seen over the past twelve months. We all know that new fashion trends are pushed and reported each and every season, but in the hair industry styles tend to evolve slowly over time and the turnover is not as continuous.
However, two men’s cuts are going to stand head and shoulders above the rest in the months ahead. The first is a move towards the slick side parting; with added internal length that helps to create an altogether more refined and formal look than what was prominent throughout 2012.
The alternative comes in the form of longer, textured hairstyles created with mattifying products like sea salt sprays – providing a natural finish, loads of texture and an increase in volume.
So let’s take a closer look at both of these cuts…
Looking Slick
The precise side parting is officially back – but did it ever go away?
For SS13, there is going to be much more emphasis on not only the cut but also the products utilised to style it. We will see a lot more shine, with pomades and gloss products being used instead of the matte finish clays that have become so popular of late. This classic cut will be very lean and tidy round the edges – think Don Draper in Mad Men.
The Cut
When creating this cut your stylist should maintain a decent degree of length on the top of the head whilst removing the length around the back and sides.
One major factor to take into account when taking on this style is just how high you want the hair cut at the back. The hair could be clippered into the crown to give a sharper, tighter look (making the length at the front look more exaggerated) or you could opt for a more classic take by having the hair tapered into the neck. Tapering means leaving more hair around the occipital bone (the curve on the back of the head) in order to create natural movement and more texture.
For a sharper finish, get the hair clippered on the sides – the higher it’s clippered the more dramatic the result will be. When choosing this style it’s important to decide if you want to have scalp exposure or scalp coverage through the sides and back, as this will determine what grade the stylist will use on the clippers.
For the length on top, the hair can be point cut to prevent the hair from becoming too heavy. You can also personalise the haircut with some internal texturising, which will help naturally support and push the hair back. This can be done by your stylist with scissors or a razor.
To give this haircut a modern edge, some clients choose to alter the balance of it by having the parting side cut higher. This results in exaggerated length through the front, which in turn gives the appearance of longer hair on top that looks more disconnected from the back/sides.
The Lookbook
Here are a few examples of classic and modern slick side partings:
The Products
In most cases you shouldn’t dry the hair too much before applying product – this can create volume and make it harder to define the parting.
To create a nice crisp finish, towel dry the hair and apply your choice of a wet pomade (I recommend American Crew Pomade) for medium shine and hold or a stronger grooming/styling cream (again, American Crew do a good one) for a stronger shine and hold.
Make sure you rub it in your hands well before working it into the hair as it has probably been a while since many of you have used shine products. Start off with a small amount and work it into the sides of the hair – you can always add more if required. This approach will help avoid making the hair look too greasy, which will force you to start the whole process again.
- American Crew Pomade 85gm
- American Crew Grooming Cream 85gm
- Kent Tortoiseshell Effect Fine Pocket Comb – Medium 7t
- Slick Pomade Baxter Of California
- Mop Glisten High Shine Pomade 75g
- Paste Mr Natty
- Smooth And Finish Creme Tommyguns
- Bumble & Bumble Grooming Creme 150ml
- Redken Water Wax 03 50ml
Not So Slick
As mentioned in the introduction, opting for more texture on top is the alternative to the new slick side parting. You’ve got wave in your hair? Embrace it, enhance it! We’re still seeing shorter back and sides but if you want length and volume on top then go for it.
In previous years it’s been about gents straightening their hair and creating perfectly shaped quiffs. However, with the products available today, you can achieve a great look with much more natural results.
The Cut
Keeping the edges of the haircut clean and tidy (to create a sharp edge) is the key to this look. The rest of the style is all about being as individual as you are.
For a dramatic aesthetic, get the cut clippered through the sides – leaving length on top to create a taller, ‘bed head’ look. If you don’t want the hairstyle to be as extreme, the cut could be left with length around the back and sides to create a classic look with an attitude.
To add more personality to the haircut you could consider having a bit of colour smudged through the tips towards the front – this will expose the texture and give it a shot of character and individuality, much like accessories finish a great outfit.
This can be done as subtly or as pronounced as you are comfortable with, and isn’t too expensive. The great thing about guys getting colour done in this way is that you don’t see the roots growing out, so it should last a good few haircuts.
The Lookbook
The Products
To get the most out of this cut, preparation is vital; applying product into the hair before drying is the best thing to do.
Try Kevin Murphy Hair Resort for a look that defies gravity or American Crew Ultramatte for a gutsier hold with a matte finish that will help support the hair into place. For longer hairstyles, a salt spray like the Bangstyle Sea Salt Mist Spray would be perfect.
Once you have applied your chosen product, ensure you blow dry the hair until it dries completely. Use your fingers or a vent brush and push the hair into the direction you are going to wear the style.
We have recently been using a lot of the L’Oreal Texture Dust with the longer hairstyles. The dust is incredible – you sprinkle it in towards the root area and it instantly clogs the hair, creating a strong durable hold and a great base before applying your styling product.
As the hair gets longer you should consider utilising a hairspray to hold the style in place.
- Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray Beach Look Texture Spray 150ml
- American Crew Ultramatte 100ml
- Light Sea Salt Mist 150 Ml
- Bumble And Bumble Surf Spray 125ml
- Loreal Tna Texture Dust 22g
- Denman Vent Brush D200t
Final Word
There you have it, two of the key men’s hairstyles for spring/summer 2013 and how to get them. So whether you prefer refined and formal or messy and edgy, both of the cuts showcased today are able to adapt to your personality and personal style effortlessly.
If you have any questions or comments about either of the styles featured, let me know in the comments section.
Dealing With Men’s Thick, Wavy Or Unruly Hair
Picking A New Men’s Hairstyle
Hairstyle Trend: Men’s Long Hair
Men’s Hairstyle Trend – The 2012 Indie Cut
Back To Top
Great article Dion, thanks. I’ve got a very similar cut to the guy on the second row, far right of the second lookbook. It’s good to get some tips on how to style the hair, particularly seeing as I hadn’t heard of the L’Oreal dust, I might check that out. Do you use the dust as well as the sea salt spray or instead of?
I always recommend my clients to layer their products. Once you have applied the salt spray make sure you blowdry the hair until it’s completely dry, I would then lightly apply the Texture Dust, you will really feel the difference. It’s there to create support at the root area and I find the hair is more controllable with the dust. You can always apply a styling product afterwards too if you like especially as the hairstyle gets longer.
Great hair Dion, but would cut would you suggest for someone like me with a receding hair line and dry hair like me?
Also what is the difference between Loreals texture dust and this super dust? http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Ybo&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=super+dust+loreal&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42080656,d.d2k&biw=1608&bih=863&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=2844879635115627459&sa=X&ei=5vEUUZ_jK4Sp0QXNw4HACw&ved=0CFkQ8wIwAQ
Hi, many guys have problems with receding hairlines. The key is to try and maintain some length around those areas to “fill” the hairline You can still grow some length around the front and top and wear it swept to the sides or pushed back. Just ask your stylist to take the sides shorter but to leave the top section longer to hang over the lowest point of your receding hairline/temple.
There is only a slight difference between the two products, the Super Dust in the red packaging has now been re-packaged and has a strong hold which creates loads of texture, this is ideal for thicker heavier hair ( hold factor 3/5 ) The Texture Dust has been designed for finer hair which isn’t as strong but will still create some support ( hold factor 1/5 ).
I’ve been trying to grow my hair out into a classic side slick parting for over a year now, but every barber I have been to has been absolutely clueless about how to cut it. I’m hoping that with it coming into trend, more customers will ask for the same and I won’t come out with a shaved crown and uneven sides.
I’ve been attempting a quiff style for a few months now using Hairbond Moulder. I’ve also put in the product after drying my hair. I noticed that you didn’t mention this product and you encouraged us to put product in while the hair is still damp. Am I needing to change my routine and product or should I be able to achieve a fashionable quiff with the moulder?
Nice, but frankly who on earth has time for all of that malarky?
Considering this website bangs out articles on how to dress well and be well groomed more a less every other day.. are you lost sir?
Great article, shame there doesn’t seem to be anything around for my hair type. If I don’t straighten it it’s an unmanageable mess. With a bit of length the ends curl to a kind of backwards (or forwards) “C” shape.
Have you ever considered getting your hair chemically straightened to smooth out the curl or you could even get your hair permed to make more of a feature of the wave.
Like Michael, my hair also curls into the same shape. Believe me I have seen guys who straightened over and over and how that damaged the hair. I think this site can do with a bit more diversification especially when it comes to ethnic hair.
I feel a bit of a bugger with a quiff slicked back as it seems so ageing on me. I’d like to know about how straight (mine is DEAD straight) hair can have that lovely thick bed head texture. Mine is just flat. Please help!
Try using Kevin Murphy Hair Resort lotion by working it into the hair before drying. Try bending your hair with some mini GHD stylers by picking up random sections of hair and turn the stylers as you pull from roots to tip. Do this throughout and then mess it up a bit with a dry, matt styling product as this will create the bed head texture you wanted.
Make sure to ask your stylist to point cut the hair, this will help you get loads more movement out of the style.
Apply a leave in conditioner when hair is slightly damp and blow dry into place with your fingers or round brush.
I find a conditioner that you leave in makes your hair seem greasy…
Great article! It’s always interesting to see the preparation that goes into these types of styles and where the trend is moving toward. I would love to see a similar article for African/Black hair-type styling, as our hair does not really lend to the above styles.
You should look into Bumble & Bumble Straight Blow Dry for slicked back hair, it’s the product I have found to be fantastic, with the right amount it slicks hair back perfectly, without it being sticky to the touch.
Love the article. I have naturally thick and wavy hair and love the modern slick side parten but with my hair being the way it is its a struggle to pull this off, any tips or ideas to help?
I’m assuming your hair gets too big when you try and style it? The best thing to do is to create a slight undercut on the sides, this will allow the hair to collapse and stay closer to your head. Another option is use a hairdryer on a low speed and blowdry a smoothing product into your hair to smooth out the hair cuticles. The reason for the low speed is to make sure the hairdryer doesn’t create any unwanted volume.
With your haircut always ask to get the hair texturised as much as possible too to make it manageable.
Enjoyed reading this Dior, was wondering what advise you’d give to someone like me with thick curly hair? I was planning on growing it long as Rob Baker’s article suggested, but curly hair seems to lend itself more to an uncontrolled, unkempt look than a smart one. As I have a beard as well, there’s a fine line between looking good and hobo! Would appreciate your thoughts, thanks.
You are right it is difficult to get it right with curly hair. I find with a few of my clients it’s best to take the sides pretty short and then allow a bit more length on the top and leave curly. You could always take the haircut quite short into the crown and simply maintain some length at the front.
When it’s cut right it can look really good, sometimes getting it cut with a razor is great as it removes weight and allows the hair to naturally find it’s own curl, scissors can sometimes leave the hair looking too solid.
It’s important to get the right products to style the hair. Try Kevin Murphy Easy Rider. It’s great to define the curl without it looking greasy.
Thanks, great article. Videos would be a great addition to this site to help explain some of the styling techniques.
Great guide, like all the styles in the 2nd look. I previously hadn’t known of using product before drying the hair, must have been living under a rock!
I presume the style on the 2nd lookbook, 2nd row, far right would be achieved using the american crew ultramatte then slicked back with the vent brush?
Would you still recommend using the kevin murphy spray underneath, or use the texture dust?
Hi Matt,
You can use either the Ultramatte or the Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray they will both create loads of texture and prevent the hair from being soft and unmanageable. Try layering the products, firstly towel dry the hair apply either Ultramatte or Hair Resort, blowdry the hair and then you could apply some texture dust and then if you wanted you could apply a styling product too.
The great thing is these products won’t make your hair greasy.
Anyone got any tips to stop loosing the shape from the wind? Using hairspray seems to make my hair loose it’s thickness and goes into sticky clumps.
You can do several thnigs to help hair growth. The best is to take some vitamin E or increase vitamin E in your diet. Also scalp massage, getting regular trims, and some people swear by using horse shampoo and conditioner (gives you silky and shiny hair).
Been doing this for quite a few years in Denmark now, glad to see other countries to follow up!
Lookbook 1, 3rd row, 1st picture, does anybody have more pictures of that style for me to show the barber? Dont want them to totally cock it up so I’d rather be safe
cheers
I have tried to have a look to see if I can find another similar picture for you but I can’t find one of the back. If you go and show this image, I am sure they will have an idea what you would like. You would have several options as to what to do with the back. Some clients have the back and sides clippered really short allowing the top length to hang over which looks like an undercut, other clients prefer to keep more length between the crown and the occipital bone. It all depends on how dramatic you would like the style to be.
Nice article Dion..can you recommend a hairstyle for wavy and receeding hair? I have an undercut style now and is not much into products.
Thanks
Many of the styles guys are wearing have length around the face which is great to disguise a receeding hairline. Make sure your stylist allows length to sweep around the temples. An undercut is great on wavy hair, it allows the haircut to look more dramatic and prevent the hair from getting too big!
If you want to enhance the wave dry your hair using a high heat setting on your hairdryer with a low speed, this will prevent the hair from getting out of control. I’d recommend using a product with a little bit of moisture as wavy/curly hair is naturally dryer in texture, something like Kevin Murphy Night Rider or Easy Rider.
My cut is similar to the guy at the top of the page and who also appears right centre of the second lookbook. Can you suggest a product that you would use for his style after the spray, blow dry and dust? I have a decent matte hairspray so would you put that on straight after the dust? Cheers
I would use a paste to create definition and to reduce volume. Try using American Crew Defining Paste or Kevin Murphy Night Rider then finishing off with a hairspray.
Really good article…I love the L’Oreal Texture Dust…If you have really stubborn hair that doesn’t hold well with clays and wax’s alone, if you work that in first it really gives the hair a strong base which can then support other products over it. I mainly use the dust on its own which looks really natural and lasts for ever!
Great article! Just wondering, how do you call these hairstyles though? Is there an actual name? Thanks!
I would call them modern classics but it’s very difficult to give them a name as they really are different for every guy. You are a lot more likely to get what you want by taking a few images with you to the salon and speaking to your stylists about what you would like. Most salons offer free consultations so you could always go in before hand to see if you are happy with what’s been discussesd before getting yourself booked in.
hi, just wondering where you got the photos for the second lookbook from, i’d like to print one off for a future cut
Which one did you want? Let me know and I will try to locate it.
I have an undercut at the minute, and the top of my hair is thick, and straight with a slight wave and a few kinks.
No matter what I try it seems to fall flat pretty quickly – I’ve tried having it thinned, textured multiple times, and I’m clueless with products.
What would you recommend to add volume at the front of the hair whilst still being able to have it slightly forward as opposed to in a quiff or slicked back?
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you, It sounds like you need to try a texture powder which needs to be applied on completely dry hair. Work into the root area and this will help control the hair and create volume.
I have several short questions regarding hair styling.
I currently have fine, fairly straight, short-medium length hair (Jake Gyllenhaal-ish) and am having trouble finding products that hold up my hair. I have tried several generic matte waxes, but none create the lift and hold that I want.
My first question is regarding powders. I read that powders create a denser hair mass that is capable of creating a hold. However, from my understanding you apply hair powder to dry hair, correct? If so, should I then apply something like hairbond moulder after the powder to create texture?
Secondly, what is the difference between a regular hair spray and a salt spray? Do you think hairspray can work well for people with shorter hair? The reason is I was thinking of applying a products like hairbond moulder for lift and texture, and then spraying it to hold it in place for the day.
Your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Keep up the great articles!
Hi apologies for not getting back to you, i have busy writing my next article! You should only use texture powder to dry hair as the product would totally loose it’s strength on damp hair. I would recommend using a styling product afterwards too which will help smooth out the hair and allow the hair to become more styled.
A salt spray is totally different to hairspray. A salt spray is used before drying the hair to create texture within the hair. A hairspray is used once the hair has been dried and styled, it will hold and support the style.
Great article Dion really loved some of the hairstyles you showed us here. I was just wondering if I could style my hair like the one on the right on the second lookbook’s second row, or maybe like the one in the middle of the second lookbook’s first row given that I have very dry, wavy hair.
Yes of course you can, apply a moisturising cream like Kevin Murphy Bodyguard or MotionLotion depending on how wavy and dry your hair is. Ask a stylist to recommend the right one for you. You will need to use a hairdryer but these two styles are very easy to create if you have the right products.
Hello :D
I have some question i hope if you can help !
i’ve curls hair , and im always i use to do Hair moisturizer ( dark and lovely)
after than when i do some haircut and wnt to go out i use a gel for fixing hair
but that doesnt work all time cuz feww hours my hair fixt with curls :s:s and look horrible , i want some advice from u plz , and i want u to show mee some product i can use it to my hair for it can still look like WET all time and dnt dry :)
thank uu soo much greethings
Hi, American Crew have Curl Control and Curl Construct which are great on curly hair, I also love scrunching Bangstyle mousse into the hair. The important thing to do is to either allow the hair to dry naturally or with a hairdryer at the lowest speed but the hottest heat. ALWAYS apply plenty of product before drying. You could use Kevin Murphy Easy Rider product afterwards for a more natural finish or scrunch American Crew Superglue which is slightly wetter and more like a firm hold gel.
Hi.
I couldn’t use any fancy cut beacuse my hair is falling out after using strong gels and hairsprays. What modeling cosmetic would you recommend?
I think you would find that styling products wouldn’t cause you to loose your hair. You may be either naturally loosing your hair or your hair is very weak. Try using a strengthening shampoo which would help or if you are concerned about hairless. Revita shampoo is one of the best on the market and isn’t that expensive.
Hi,
Great article and it prompted me to have a change of style (2nd style, 2 row, far right). I also took your advice and invested in both the American Crew Ultramatte and L’Oreal Texture Dust. I’ve just styled my hair with those products for the first time and I’m a little concerned I’m not using the Texture Dust as I should. Any advice?
Also, I use a small bit of hair spray to hopefully hold my styles but nothing seems to work. I note you don’t recommend a specific hair spray but would welcome any views.
Thanks
Hi, separate your hair and sprinkle the texture dust onto the root area around the top section then massage it into your scalp in circular movements. This will stiffen the hair for you. i would suggest using a styling product afterwards too, dont be afraid of it going greasy as the powder absorbs the moisture from other styling products leaving the hair looking natural.
Try using an aerosol hairspray, salon ones are better. I love the Bangstyle hairspray at the moment!
Brilliantly helpful article! Where can you actually get any of the products from for the second look as I cant find them in shops?
Amazon do them all! Just ordered mine
Thanks for the great article, really useful and inspiring!
Regarding the second style (mid-long size), which generic kind of product would you recommend applying on the hair before drying them?
I’m asking because I live in a city (in China) where it’s impossible to find the exact same brands you are mentioning.
Hi, I would either use Kevin Murphy Hair Resort, American Crew Ultramatte or Try using a Volumizing Mousse like Kevin Murphy Body Builder or Bangstyle Volumizing mousse.
Hi, great article. I am going for the for the slick side parting look at the start of your article but my hair is really, really thick so i cant blow dry and straighten as it adds too much volume and looks like a wig. It also falls out of place at the front a lot. What would you say the best product is for me to use and how to manage my hair?
You would need to apply a smoothing product into the hair, I understand a hairdryer creates volume in your hair, have you tried using a high heat and low speed to avoid this? Also, you could try asking to get the thickness thinned out towards the root area to create the hair to collapse, this would need to be done in the first 1/2″ from the root, anything from there would create more volume in the hair. As it grows out your hair will be longer and heavier so it would allow the ahir to stay flatter. I would suggest using a product like Pomade to reduce the volume too.
Dion,
Thanks many times for an article which allows for variance in styling, yet reduces the issue to sane and simple suggestions which allow us to present a description of precisely what we want to our stylists…….seems like the first time in forever that it’s possible! I’m starting to thin at the crown and recede in front (typical, though not severe). Apparently I should be in the “tapered – leaving more hair around the occipital bone” more classic grouping. My difficulty is that my hair is now grey, and the sharp detailing ’round my ears and neck is lost to a lack of color (be it nicely silver). As such, would you recommend the deriguer sharply shaved detailing or a fade/taper directly from bald and quickly transitioned into the length around the occipital bone? I do not want to color my hair and I prefer quite slick “business pomp” appearance.
I’d be very appreciative to learn your thoughts on this.
Thanks very much,
W. Lee Eastwood