The Best Men’s Haircuts for Summer 2025 — And How to Ask for Them Without Sounding Like a Dork

There’s something about summer that makes men want to change their hair. Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe it’s the upcoming weddings. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because your overgrown winter mop has officially crossed the line from “brooding” to “bird’s nest.”

Either way, if you’re heading to the barber this season, don’t wing it. This is not the time to say, “Do whatever you think is best.” That’s how you end up looking like a background character in a regional insurance commercial.

Here are the best men’s haircuts for Summer 2025—and how to ask for them like someone who actually reads things.

1. The Textured Crop — For Guys Who Sweat (But Want to Look Like They Don’t)Imagine the Caesar cut and the modern fade had a baby. That’s the textured crop: short, messy, cool as hell. Think Paul Mescal meets streetwear. It’s low-maintenance, high-style, and doesn’t melt under the summer sun.

What to say at the barbershop:“I’m thinking a short textured crop—keep the sides tight with a mid fade, and leave some movement on top. A little choppy, not too clean.”

Bring a reference photo. Your barber is good, but they’re not a mind reader.

2. The Grown-Out Buzz — For Minimalists With Main Character EnergyThis one’s tricky. It’s not the military buzz, and it’s definitely not the “I just lost a bet” buzz. It’s a half-inch of hair, shaped to your head, cleaned up around the edges.

Yes, it takes confidence. But so does wearing linen pants—and you’re doing that too, right?

What to say at the barbershop:“Let’s go with a longer buzz—guard 4 or 5. Clean up the hairline and beard, but I want to keep it natural.”

If your barber says “That’s not really a cut,” smile and say, “Exactly.”

3. The Modern Mullet — For the Bold (and the Slightly Nostalgic)Before you scoff: this is not your uncle’s tailgate party mullet. The 2025 version is leaner, tighter on the sides, and balanced with a clean taper and texture. Think Jack Harlow, not Joe Dirt.

What to say at the barbershop:“Short taper on the sides, leave length in the back but blend it in. I want a clean mullet—modern, not ironic.”

Pro tip: Confidence sells it. Apologizing for your haircut before it happens? Instant flop.

4. The Surfer Shag — For the Long-Hair LoyalistsSome guys cut their hair for summer. Others embrace the mess. The surfer shag is for the latter—a layered cut that adds shape without sacrificing length. Less Fabio, more Timothée Chalamet after a beach weekend.

What to say at the barbershop:“Keep the length, but give it some shape—face-framing layers, especially around the sides and back. I want texture and movement without looking like I’m trying too hard.”

You’ll need product (a salt spray or matte cream), but the vibe is “I woke up like this,” not “I spent 40 minutes on this.” Get your salt spray here.

Whatever cut you choose, own it. Summer is short. Bad hair lasts longer. Go in with a plan, ask with purpose, and remember: the difference between cool and cringe is 80% delivery.

By: Chris Johnson