Dec 2, 2025 | Style Trends
As it becomes colder, and the days get shorter, we begin to notice a transition taking place. There are fewer guys asking for ultra-short buzz cuts and high fades, making room for guys who want something a bit more substantial. It only makes sense. Just as you start wearing more heavy knits with your wardrobe, so too should your grooming.
If you’re searching for the right place for winter grooming, our Scottsdale, AZ, barber shop can help you find a look that suits the season. A new season calls for a new strategy, and winter presents its own set of problems for your hair – and it requires a strategy if you want it to look sharp.
We’ve watched men go through this transition during many a winter at First & Mane. We know that the men’s hairstyles for winter are very different to those in the heights of summer!
Climate
Prior to taking your seat and ordering your usual while waiting, there are some factors about your environment that you should be aware of. Dry air will be your greatest enemy in these months, especially when choosing men hairstyles for winter that keep your hair healthy and strong. The low temperatures outside, as well as the air conditioning on inside, are perfect for draining your hair and scalp of any amount of hydration.
Secondly, there is also an enormous consideration we encourage our clients to ponder as regards headwear. You will no doubt be wearing beanies, hats, and hoods to keep warm. Should your haircut feature perfectly proportionate volume and defy all odds with regards to gravity, then a wool hat could completely ruin it within seconds. The end result of hat hair is a nightmare, and it would be an intelligent haircut if it still looked good with your beanie removed.
If you’re aiming for winter hairstyles for men that survive hat season, a bit more length about your ears and neck will make a world of difference for insulation from a chilly wind.
Avoid These Styles
As a general rule, we would recommend not getting it too short during the depths of winter. That sharp skin fade that works so well with a summer tan can leave your scalp exposed to the elements, which not only feels uncomfortable but can start to make your skin look dry and flaky. If you find yourself getting a bit chilly, it’s a much better idea to leave a bit of length on the sides – making it easier to maintain a winter hairstyle for men that keeps you both stylish and warm.
We also recommend staying away from high maintenance hairstyles that call for heavy and stiff materials. Pompadours and slick-backs that employ strong gel and heavy pomade are not compatible with winter hats. Once it’s applied, it will be crushed once you put your hat on because it’s hard, and once it dries, you will be unable to restyle it without having to wash your hair.
Best Styles to Consider During Cold Weather
This is a great season to incorporate texture and more relaxed styling. We love seeing more texture with these winter cuts and lengths. To achieve a look that’s a bit more relaxed and meant to be piecey and messy, we recommend blow-drying it with a matte clay or a sea salt spray so that it stays a bit damp and then roughing it up with your hands.
If you’re searching for the best winter hairstyles for men, think effortless movement and flexibility. Just be warned that a gust of wind will mess it up and a hat will flatten it, but a quick ruffle with your hands, and it’s revived.
A classic side parting is also a great alternative for the businessman. It will be flexible enough for a neat and clean look at work, but tough enough to survive the daily commute. We will be happy to maintain a tapered look on the sides with scissors as opposed to clippers. A softer, more relaxed look will result that will grow out well. We recommend that you let your curly and wavy hair grow out a bit. It will weigh down your frizzy hair and look great beneath your winter hat.
Stay Sharp This Season
Winter doesn’t have to be a season during which you have to choose between staying warm and staying fashionable. It’s all about selecting a cut that goes with the season instead of fighting it. As winter draws near, all you have to do is learn about transitioning your current cut into a winter cut.
At First & Mane, we are always here to assist you with any information you may need. The next time you stop by, let’s discuss ways on how you can transition your current look into a winter look!
Read Our Other Blog: What is a Hot Towel Shave?
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Nov 29, 2025 | Men’s Haircuts
At our barbershop in Scottsdale, we’ve been asked a lot of questions about trends and styles. As part of our comprehensive barbershop services, one of the most common queries we get is: what is a layered haircut for men? This is actually a very common type of haircutting technique that a lot of guys have heard of but don’t completely understand. This type of haircut is one of the most flexible that you will come across, as it is designed to offer a lot of texture and volume. Today, we offer a closer look at a layered haircut!
What is a Layered Haircut?
A layered haircut is a process of cutting hair at varying lengths to give an impression of volume and texture. Rather than a single length of hair, we cut shorter layers over longer layers. This immediately lightens longer hair by taking its weight off. For a guy with thin hair, layering brings volume and fullness to your hair, thus giving a much fuller look. This is a basic process we undertake to tailor a look that specifically suits your type of hair as well as your face shape.
Why Choose a Layered Haircut?
Layering offers several benefits. First, it offers texture and motion. This is because a layered hairstyle will not go flat. All layers will be moving separately so that it creates a well-styled look without necessarily spending a lot of time in front of the mirror. Layered haircuts for men are a good option because they offer a well-styled look without much effort.
Another major advantage of a layered haircut is its versatility. Layered haircuts are suitable for all types of hair – whether it is straight or curly. In particular, a layered haircut will control unmanageable hair or add texture to thick locks. Additionally, it will add volume to thin hair. This highly flexible style allows us to choose a layered haircut that fits your desired fashion, whether it is messy or elegant.
Types of Layered Hairstyles for Men
Layered haircuts designed for men have varied designs. One of our favorites is known as the Short Layered Cut. This is a great option if you’re after a clean, easy-to-manage haircut. We generally keep everything short, aside from a bit of length on top to add texture.
For those that prefer a slightly longer look, the Medium Layered Cut is a good option when it comes to stylistic versatility. This type of haircut allows for a greater degree of motion and can either be slicked back, side parted, or sport a quiff look. This is a nice compromise that is at once timeless and fresh.
Finally, the Long Layered Cut is best suited for men with long hair, as it will add shape to it while reducing bulk. We can make a flowing and textured hairstyle by layering it. This will prevent it from looking heavy because of its long length.
How to Ask for a Layered Cut
When you go to your barber, it’s crucial that you communicate well. Rather than saying you want ‘layers’, it’s helpful to be more descriptive. We ask that you bring a picture of a hair cut that you would like to see. Let us know how much of your hair you would like to keep, as well as your desired finish. You can use descriptions such as ‘textured’, ‘choppy’, or ‘soft layers to explain a hairstyle that you would like. Asking specifically for layers in a haircut for men ensures your barber understands the look you’re going for.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Style
Layered haircuts are an excellent means of adding texture and personality to your haircut. This is a timeless means of styling your hair that is limitless in its capabilities. Perhaps you have been thinking of making a positive change in your appearance, and you desire a fresh new haircut that is fashionable and easy to maintain. In that case, we have just the thing for you at our salon in Scottsdale!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Nov 24, 2025 | Men’s Haircuts
Military cuts have always been a means of expressing military standards of discipline and masculinity. This type of haircut was originally intended for use in military institutions as a means of ensuring military hygiene standards. In Scottsdale, we get a lot of guys coming in for military cuts because of their clean and easy-to-maintain look. If you’re looking for a sharp Scottsdale men’s haircut, the military cut is still a striking option. Below are a number of military cuts that you could try at First & Mane!
The High and Tight
The High & Tight is perhaps one of the most famous men’s military haircut styles ever. It consists of a very short or shaved section of hair around and at the back of the head, with a slightly longer section of hair on top that is still quite short. This particular aspect of a High & Tight is all about how high up the fade of hair is cut. This particular cut is one of the most convenient ones, as it is well-suited for a physically active individual because it will keep your hair off your neck and out of your ears.
The Buzz Cut
When it comes to low-maintenance haircut options, it is hard to beat the Buzz Cut. This cut entails cutting all of your hair uniformly short all over your head, using just one length of a guard. This is one haircut that needs no styling whatsoever. It is just a matter of washing your hair, and you are ready to go. This type of haircut is suitable for most types of hair, as well as those with striking facial features who want classic military haircut styles for men.
The Crew Cut
This is a classic cut that is a bit longer than a buzz cut. This is because it is cut so that it is tapered close all over, with longer hair on top that is long enough to be styled. In most cases, this hair is longest at the front and gets progressively shorter as it reaches up to the crown of the head. This can either be combed back, brushed to one side, or a messy look that is textured by using a bit of product. This is a good cut that fits all types of heads.
The Regulation Cut
The Regulation Cut is a more conservative and traditional military cut. This type of cut has a longer top that is neatly parted and combed to one side, while keeping the sides and back clean and short. Essentially, this is a classic side part haircut with a military cut’s structured look. This haircut radiates a clean and professionally put-together look, making it an awesome cut to wear to work.
In order to maintain such a haircut, one will need a good-quality comb and a light-hold styling cream or gel. For those who appreciate timeless military style haircuts for men, the Regulation Cut never goes out of style.
Choosing Your Style
Each of these military-inspired cuts offers a unique look, ranging from the dramatic look of a High and Tight haircut to a traditional Regulation Cut. In selecting a cut that is well-suited to your needs, you will need to take a number of factors into consideration. At First & Mane, we are always happy to assist you in selecting a cut that will meet your needs!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Nov 17, 2025 | Fade Haircuts
In need of a new-cut trend that is at once timeless and fresh? Our barbershop in Scottsdale has seen a spate of clients clamoring for a popular new trend in cuts – and it happens to be that fade cuts are at the forefront. Looking for inspiration for fade haircut styles? We have plenty to show you.
Whether you’re a novice at fades or just looking to mix it up from your current look, we’re here at First & Mane to take you through everything you need to know about this popular haircut, including how to choose the different type of fade haircuts that will suit you best.
What is a Fade Haircut?
A fade cut is a type of haircut that progressively changes from longer hair to shorter hair from top to sides and back. Note that a fade is a progression or a transition in this context. Unlike a normal taper cut, a fade cut uses a smooth transition that begins at different points around your head.
Common Variants of Fade Haircuts
Low Fade
This is a low fade that starts above the ear region and goes around back. This is a subtle, professional cut that is specifically designed for those guys that want a clean look without making too bold of a statement.
Mid Fade
This type of fade starts an inch above the ear, creating a higher contrast than a low fade, though it is quite flexible. This is our most popular cut because it is a balance of both traditional and modern designs.
High Fade
A high fade is a haircut that begins at the top of your head with a significant contrast between your top and sides, as your top is longer than your sides. This is one of the best styles for those with thick hair or those looking to make a statement.
Skin Fade
This is also known as a bald fade. In a bald fade, hair is cut all the way down to the skin at its shortest part. A striking effect is created because of a transition from skin to long hair and is one of the different types of fades you might try.
Choosing the Right Fade for Your Hairstyle
When our clients come to our chair, we take a few important points in consideration before performing a fade cut. Your face shape is an important factor. For instance, round-faced guys will look great in a higher fade, while longer guys will easily rock a lower fade.
Your lifestyle is also a factor. When you have a conservative job setting, a low or mid fade is perhaps your best option. Others with more freedom in their work environment could go for a high fade or a skin fade.
Texture of hair also impacts which fade will work well. Curly or coarse hair is naturally full of volume and works well with a high fade, while straight hair allows a harmonious mix of a fade of any type.
Maintaining Your Fade
This is how it is with fades, though: you have to maintain them. Most fades will look grown out after a couple of weeks. That’s why we usually see our clients with a fade about every two weeks.
In between your visits, you need to keep your hair clean and well-moisturized. You will use a good shampoo and conditioner based on your type of hair. If you have a skin fade, you will apply a light lotion to your faded spots to prevent irritation.
Ready for Your Next Cut?
Fade haircuts are popular because they offer a mix of traditional barber-cutting skills and current fashion trends. Whether it is a low and tidy fade or a radical skin fade, you will get a well-crafted haircut that has been developed through years of barbering experience.
Come visit our shop in Scottsdale, and we will work together to identify a fade that suits you based on your look, facial features, and lifestyle. If you have more questions, feel free to contact our barbers at First & Mane – you’re welcome to come with some inspiration in terms of pictures!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Nov 10, 2025 | Hairstyles by Face Shape, Men’s Haircuts
Get a good haircut, and you’ll see an overall improvement in your appearance, but this is only possible if you know your face type. We have been helping a lot of guys with heart-shaped faces at our barber shop in Scottsdale, AZ.
All in all, hearts are a pretty prevalent face shape, and if you have the right cut, you can highlight your defined jawline and also accent a broad forehead. There are different types of haircuts for heart shaped face men that are designed to create balance and enhance your look.
Your natural face shape is an inherent part of your beauty. Therefore, when choosing a hairstyle, you should take your face shape into consideration so that your features do not work against your beauty, but in harmony!
What Constitutes a Heart-Shaped Face?
We commonly observe haircuts for guys with a heart shaped face in our chair, and it is easy to spot one. In a heart-shaped face, we have a broad forehead and temples, high cheekbones, and a slim, pointed chin. Just observe guys such as Ryan Gosling or Leo DiCaprio.
In terms of haircuts, it is a matter of balance in all of your cuts because in your particular shape, you need volume around your jawline and to prevent your forehead from being too broad in width.
Hairstyle Choices for a Heart-Shaped Face
Side Part Hairstyles
We often advise our heart-shaped clients to go for side part hairstyles because they are excellent at hiding a broad forehead. A side part hairstyle with a slightly longer top is also a good option because it creates an asymmetric effect that diverts one’s attention from a broad forehead.
Textured Crops
A short, texturized crop is also an excellent option when you have a heart-shaped face. We usually leave it a bit longer in front and keep it shorter at the sides so that it appears more modish and doesn’t engulf your face. If you’re considering a haircut for a heart shaped face as a male, a textured crop could be a perfect fit.
Medium-Length Layered Cuts
For clients who are open to a slightly longer style, we also recommend cuts that accent around the ear area. This type of cut will accentuate width around your sides to balance your narrower chin.
Beard-Friendly
When it comes to cutting hair for people with a heart-shaped face, we always take facial hair into consideration. A groomed beard will make your jawline appear broader, so we prefer shorter hairstyles that do not compete with beards. Choosing the right men’s haircut for a heart shaped face along with a well-groomed beard brings everything together.
Styles We Don’t Recommend
Buzz Cuts and Very Short Hairstyles
Generally, we deter our clients with heart-shaped face types from buzz cuts or cuts that are too short. This is because buzz cuts accentuate your forehead width without adding anything to your narrow chin.
Slicked Back
Also, pompadour or slicked back hairstyles make your brow appear even wider. We prefer such hairstyles for people with oval or square-shaped faces because balance is not an issue in such cases.
Center Parts
Center hair parts accentuate the symmetry of a heart-shaped face in a not-so-flattering manner. We find off-center hair partings that form more attractive lines desirable.
Making Your Cut Work
Regular trimming at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks will maintain your hairstyle fresh and keep your proportions well-balanced as your hair grows.
You will always get your best look by working with your face shape, as opposed to against it. By wearing styles that work well with your inherent features, you will look more confident and put together!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
