5 Classic Men’s Haircuts & How to Style | Wolf’s Head

Top 5 Classic Men’s Haircuts That Stand the Test of Time (and How to Style Them at Home)

Five proven haircuts, five simple routines. Learn how to style each look at home with Wolf’s Head water-based pomades—from matte texture to high-shine polish.

Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade in Use with T-Shirt – Strong Hold, High Shine Premium Water Based Hair Product

Why classic haircuts always work

They’re versatile, timeless, and easy to maintain with the right products. Choose your finish—matte for natural texture or shine for clean polish—then follow the quick routine for your cut.

1) Slick Back — Polished & Timeless

  1. Prep: Towel-dry to slightly damp.
  2. Apply: Emulsify a nickel-size amount; work mid-lengths first, then roots and surface.
  3. Define: Comb straight back in clean passes; let it set. For extra gloss, skim a light top-coat.

Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade used on slick haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold high shine water based hair product

2) Side Part / Comb Over — Clean & Office-Ready

  1. Prep: Slightly damp hair.
  2. Apply: Work product root-to-tip.
  3. Part: Comb a clean line from crown forward; refine the surface and hairline.

Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade used on side part hairstyle at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold high shine water based hair product made in U.S.A.

3) Scissor Cut — Laid-Back Movement, Barber-Grade Shape

  • Best for: Straight or wavy hair, medium length, easy grow-out.
  • You’ll need: Cream Pomade (medium hold, soft matte) for natural flow; a pinch of Clay Pomade at roots for lift if needed; Kent brush/comb.
  1. Prep: Towel-dry to slightly damp for easy spread (fully dry for more texture).
  2. Foundation: Emulsify Cream; rake through mid-lengths to ends, then lightly over the surface.
  3. Direction & part: Set a loose side part with a Kent comb; brush sides back/down.
  4. Lift (optional): Low-heat blow-dry at roots, then tap in a fingertip of Clay at the base.
  5. Finish: (Optional) Skim a pea of Water-Soluble over the top for a touch of classic shine.

4) Ivy League / Crew with Part — Smart & Versatile

  1. Prep: Towel-dry or fully dry.
  2. Apply: Cream for natural control; comb a subtle part or finger-style forward with lift.
  3. Detail: Pinch fringe and temples for definition.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade used on classic side part haircut at Wolf’s Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold with matte no shine finish

5) Textured Crop — Modern Classic with Matte Separation

  • Best for: Thick/straight hair, cowlicks, anyone wanting low-maintenance edge.
  • You’ll need: Clay Pomade (strong hold, matte) or Cream Pomade (medium hold, soft matte) for a looser feel.
  1. Prep: Style on dry hair for maximum texture.
  2. Apply: Emulsify a pea-to-nickel size; push through mid-lengths first, then detail the top.
  3. Define: Use fingertips to twist micro-sections; skim the surface to tame fuzz.

Wolf’s Head Cream Pomade used on mid length hairstyle at a barbershop – medium hold, natural matte finish hair product

Quick fixes

  • Falls flat by noon: Add a tiny amount of Clay Pomade at the roots and rework with a Kent comb.
  • Looks greasy: Use less product; switch to Cream Pomade for a softer matte.
  • Edges look fuzzy: Press in Styling Gel Pomade along the hairline and part, then comb.

Explore the Wolf’s Head Line

Choose a clean, water-based pomade that matches your cut and finish goals. All formulas are designed for performance and easy rinse.

  • Clay Pomade — strong hold, matte finish.
    How to use: Apply to dry hair for maximum texture and separation.
  • Cream Pomade — medium hold, soft matte.
    How to use: Work through towel-dried hair for natural movement.
  • Styling Gel Pomade — strong hold, high shine.
    How to use: Apply to damp hair, comb clean lines, and let it set.
  • Water-Soluble Pomade — strong hold, classic shine.
    How to use: Distribute through damp hair and comb into place.

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    Wolf’s Head Pomades and vintage Motor Oil displayed on wood retail shelf – strong hold, shine and matte finish hair products made in California Wolf’s Head Pomades and vintage Motor Oil displayed on retail shelf – strong hold, matte and shine finish hair products made in California

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