The return of retro hair styles with a modern twist is the ‘in thing’ for men in 2025
If you thought the days of Elvis Presley’s slick pompadour, Mick Jagger’s rockstar shag, and the unapologetic mullet were long gone — think again. 2025 is bringing back vintage men’s haircuts with a fresh, modern spin. Gone are the stiff, over-gelled looks of the past; today’s styles are softer, more textured, and effortlessly cool. It’s nostalgia meets innovation, and men everywhere are embracing the best of both worlds.
According to Vipul Chudasama, Chief Education Officer at Vurve Salon, the key to today’s hair trends is “natural, versatile styling with a personalized touch.” The days of forcing hair into unnatural shapes are over. Instead, we’re seeing lived-in textures, layered volume, and seamless fades take center stage. In other words, think of these vintage styles as their cooler, more laid-back grandsons.
The Pompadour
Elvis may have left the building, but his signature pompadour certainly hasn’t. The towering, slicked-back style that once ruled the 50s is making a strong comeback—only this time, it’s softer, more textured, and less about looking like you bathed in hair gel. Instead of the rock-hard, perfectly sculpted look, today’s pompadour embraces a more relaxed, tousled effect.
How do you get it right? Chuda-sama suggests using texturizing sprays or lightweight pomades to add volume without stiffness. The modern pompadour should move naturally, not stand like a frozen wave on your forehead. It works best with oval and square face shapes, but with the right fade or taper, almost anyone can pull it off.
The Mullet
Business in the Front, Party in 2025! Yes, you read that right — the mullet is back. But don’t worry, it’s not the awkward, hockey-player haircut from the 80s. The 2025 mullet is all about balance — shorter in the front, longer in the back, but blended seamlessly so it looks intentional, not like you fell asleep halfway through a haircut.
“The modern mullet is structured but not extreme. It’s about keeping the shape edgy yet wearable,” explains Chuda-sama. This style works best for guys with wavy or curly hair, giving it a natural movement that doesn’t require a ton of styling. The trick? Keeping the length at the back controlled, so you look stylish and not like a guy clinging to his high school glory days.
The Shag
If the pompadour is for the polished guy and the mullet is for the rebel, the shag is for the effortlessly cool dude who rolls out of bed looking like a rockstar. Inspired by legends like Mick Jagger and David Bowie, the shag is all about choppy
layers, curtain bangs, and a carefree
attitude.
This cut is perfect for guys with thick, wavy, or curly hair, as it enhances volume without looking bulky. “Men are gravitating towards layered volume and movement, making the shag a go-to choice for a laid-back yet fashionable look,” says Chudasama. Just pair it with a bit of sea salt spray, and you’re good to go — no over-styling required.
The Fade
Fades are like black t-shirts — they go with everything. Whether it’s paired with a pompadour, a side part, or even a buzz cut, the fade is the foundation of most modern hairstyles. But this year, fades are evolving too. Instead of ultra-sharp, high-contrast fades, 2025 is all about seamless blending and natural transitions. “Fades today are less about stark contrast and more about smooth transitions, creating a refined yet effortless look,” says Harsh Patil, a hairstylist. Whether you go for a low, mid, or high fade, the key is keeping it clean but not overly harsh, so it looks polished yet natural. “Hair is such an important aspect for men. It’s like how make-up is for women. Some-times it’s really a hit and miss if you don’t do it right,” says Brenden Matthew, a UI/UX Designer.
Classic Never Fails
Buzz cuts are forever a low-maintenance king, but in 2025, they’re getting a bit of an upgrade. No longer just a one-length shave, today’s buzz cuts feature subtle fades, slightly longer tops, and even a bit of layering for extra dimension.
“Textured buzz cuts are a fresh take on the traditional military cut, offering more personality,” says Patil. This makes them perfect for guys who want zero styling effort but still want to look good. The side part has been around forever, and for a good reason — it just works. Popularized by old-school Hollywood icons like James Dean and Cary Grant, this style is timeless. But instead of the rigid, gelled-down look of the past, 2025’s version is more relaxed and textured. “Matte pomades and lightweight creams give the side part a flexible hold that keeps it structured yet natural,” Chudasama advises. Whether you wear it slicked back or slightly tousled, the side part is a go-to for guys who want a classic, no-fuss style that still looks fresh.
Cool & Confident
Confidence is the ‘Best Hair Product. The best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel like a million bucks. Whether you’re rocking a textured pompadour, a refined mullet, or a shag that screams “I’m in a band” (even if you’re not), owning your style is what really makes it work. 2025 is proof that classic styles never die — they just get better. So, whether you’re channeling Elvis, Jagger, or a modern twist on both, your hair is about to have its best year yet.
