So you want a new haircut but you have absolutely no idea what to ask for.
We get it. You walk into the shop, sit down in the chair, and when your barber asks what you’re after you just go “uhh… shorter on the sides?” Classic.
Look, there’s no shame in it. There are about a million different haircut styles out there and unless you went to barber school (or spend way too much time on TikTok) you probably don’t know the difference between half of them. That’s what we’re here for.
Let’s break it down.
THE FADE
This is the big one. If you’ve walked past any barbershop in the last ten years you’ve seen a fade. It’s basically where the hair gradually goes from longer on top to shorter on the sides and back, blending down to skin or close to it. There are a few types:
A skin fade goes all the way down to nothing. Clean, sharp, looks unreal when it’s fresh. A low fade starts the blend just above the ears. A mid fade hits around the temples. And a high fade? That starts way up near the top so you’ve got a lot of skin showing on the sides. The higher the fade the more dramatic the look.
THE TAPER
People mix this up with a fade all the time and honestly we don’t blame you. A taper is similar but it’s more condensed and usually doesn’t go above the ears. Think of it as the subtle cousin of the fade. It’s clean, it’s professional, and it works whether you’re in a boardroom or at the pub. If you want something sharp but not too out there, this is your go to.
THE BUZZ CUT
As simple as it gets. One guard length all over. It’s low maintenance, it looks tough, and let’s be honest if you’re thinning on top this is your best mate. No product needed, dries in about three seconds, and you can go weeks between cuts.
THE CREW CUT
Similar to a buzz but with a bit more length on top. It’s the “I look put together but I didn’t try too hard” haircut. You can style it with a tiny bit of product or just let it do its thing. Works on pretty much every face shape which is why it’s been around since your grandad was getting cuts.
THE CROP
Short on top, textured, usually with a fringe. This one blew up in the last few years and for good reason. It’s clean, it’s modern, and it works especially well if your hair is on the thicker side. Pair it with a fade on the sides and you’ve got yourself a look.
THE MULLET
Yeah it’s back. And honestly? We’re not mad about it. The modern mullet isn’t the full Billy Ray Cyrus situation your dad rocked in the 80s. It’s shorter on top, tapered on the sides, with length at the back that actually looks intentional. We do heaps of these at Buddy’s and when it’s done right it genuinely looks sick.
THE BURST FADE
Think a mohawk, but you look like you might shower more than once a week (unlike your dad in his “punk era”). length on the top and the back, a tight fade that drops fron in front to behind the ears, mullet mets mohawk but way less S%*T.
THE SLICK BACK
Exactly what it sounds like. Everything goes back. It’s sharp, it’s confident, and it says “I definitely own a nice watch.” Works best with medium to long hair on top. You’ll want a strong hold product and a comb. Not for the lazy but definitely for the stylish.
THE TEXTURED QUIFF
A quiff with some messy texture through it. It’s like the pompadour’s younger, more relaxed brother. Push the front up and forward, mess it around a bit with your fingers, and you’re done. Looks good whether you’re going out or just grabbing a coffee.
STILL NOT SURE?
That’s literally what we’re here for. Bring in a photo, describe what you’re after, or just sit down and tell us what you like and don’t like about your current hair. We’ve seen thousands of heads walk through the door at Buddy’s and we’ll sort you out.
We’re at, right near Melbourne Uni. Walk ins welcome or you can book online. Come say g’day.