7 Best Faux Hawk Hairstyles for Men

Fake it 'til you make it with a faux hawk haircut.

7 Best Faux Hawk Hairstyles for Men

If you are one of the few guys who still don’t know what a faux hawk haircut is, allow us to explain. Do you know the Mohawk? Yes, the dramatic hairstyle that was (and still is) popular among punk rockers. Well, the faux hawk (also called fohawk) is its simple and laid-back cousin.

While the mohawk has shaved sides and a long hair strip (usually coloured) at the centre that runs from the front to the back of the head, the faux hawk borrows some of the same rules but employs them in a sleek, more sophisticated way. Namely, the sides aren’t shaved as short, although a faux hawk with a fade can look the business.

The name “faux hawk” basically means fake mohawk because while it has the trendy and edgy aspects of the mohawk, it’s still clean and acceptable in a formal setting, so you can rock it in the office without raising eyebrows. With a faux hawk hairstyle, you can play up the punk look on the weekend but still, look professional during the week.

However, the faux hawk can be cut and styled in various ways, so you’ll want to find some pictorial inspiration before you head to the barber. Fortunately, you’ll be in good company, as the fohawk has become very popular for men, with celebrities including David Beckham and Brad Pitt both including it in their ever-rotating selection of hairstyles.

What To Ask Your Barber When Getting A Faux Hawk?

Before rushing to the barber to get the fohawk haircut, you need to consider several things such as your face shape and profession.

Unless you have a perfect oval face shape (guys with this face shape can wear pretty much any hairstyle), you will need to know which variation of the haircut will compliment you. You want a haircut that balances out your features.

For example, if you have a rectangular or triangular face shape, you would want a fohawk that is not too long at the top, and the sides are not too tight, as this will make your face look even longer. On the other hand, if your face is round or square, you’ll need more length at the top and shorter sides to create a balance.

If you have a particular style in mind, but you’re in doubt as to whether you can pull it off, take some pictures with you and ask your barber if it will work for your face shape. It’s always best to trust the experts.

If you want to get a faux hawk with a fade, for example, you’ll want to consider whether you want a low fade, mid-fade, high fade or even a taper fade. The shape of your face will once again determine which fade style is best for you. If you’ve not had a fade before, then a low fade or taper fade are the best entry points into the world of fades.

You’ll also want to consider your profession and lifestyle when getting the faux hawk haircut, since some styles may not work in an office setting. We know, it’s 2022, and this shouldn’t be an issue, but it can still be a factor to consider.

How To Style A Faux Hawk

How easy and effectively your hairstyle works for you will predominantly depend on how you maintain it. Unmaintained hair looks untidy and unkempt, which, unless you want the ‘just got out of bed’ look, is a big no-no.

To successfully maintain your faux hawk hairstyle, you need to keep your hair clean and use the right products for your hair type. Always apply hair products when your hair is a little damp. For this hairstyle, a strong-hold wax will help keep the hair at the top in place. Apply a small amount onto your hands, tousle it through your hair and spike the edges with your fingers. The goal is to make it look a little messy and spiky.

To keep your fohawk tidy and neat, you will need to have a regular trim, depending on how fast your hair grows – usually between 2 – 4 weeks.

The best thing about the fohawk hairstyle is that it’s versatile, meaning it can look good on anyone. You only need to tweak it a bit so it matches your taste and style. Here is some inspiration to get you started.

Short Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - Short faux hawk

Clean and sharp, the short faux hawk is perfect for men who wants a punk look for the weekend but still have to look professional while in the office. However, since you are working with short hair, you will need a lot of patience to get the style right.

You can fix this by using styling products that are firm and hold well. Use a surf spray to add texture at the top and some clay for a matte finish. A fade on the sides will create a sharp look.

Buzz Cut Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - Buzz cut faux hawk

What does a buzzcut have to do with a fohawk? You ask. Individually, the two haircuts are cool, but when combined, they are exquisite. While the faux hawk brings in its edgy and stylish aspects, the buzz cut adds a clean, sophisticated look, so you get to enjoy the best of both hairstyles without a lot of stress in styling.

Messy Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - Messy faux hawk

If you like the edgy, bad boy look, the messy faux hawk is perfect for you. As the name suggests, this hairstyle is unkempt and shaggy but with a bit of swagger. To style, lift the front to create a messy quiff with your fingers, and then use hair cream, wax, or clay for low shine. You can add a low fade on the side to emphasize the length on top. This look is suitable for the outgoing and adventurous man.

Undercut Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - Undercut faux hawk

The undercut fohawk is for the creative guys who are not shy to explore and experiment with new designs. While the top hair remains intact (medium length is ideal), the focus is mostly on the undercut.

From zigzags to multiple lines, your options are endless, although a high fade would be the safest option. Just let your creativity run wild (not too wild, though). But, make sure that your barber has the skills to pull off the design you have in mind.

Long Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - long faux hawk

For a long faux hawk, your barber will need to cut the top hair proportionally and give a clipper fade (not too short) at the sides and back. This dramatic and high-maintenance hairstyle is ideal for men who have an oval face shape and a lot of time to spare. If you decide to go for this hairstyle, make sure that you use a decent amount of firm hair products to hold it together for the entire day.

Military Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - Military faux hawk

If you are the type of guy who is always on the move and doesn’t want any hair distracting you, then the tight military fohawk will work well. Clean and low-maintenance, this hairstyle allows you to shave the back and sides, leaving just a thick, short patch of hair on the top of the head. Apply some styling gel for a bit of texture.

Curly Faux Hawk

Men's faux hawk hairstyles - curly faux hawk

If you are one of those guys blessed with naturally curly hair, the curly fohawk can look excellent on you. The trick here is to ensure that your curls are always on point. A lightweight mousse or pomade will help you style the curls accordingly, and a blow dryer will give them a long-lasting hold. Add a taper fade to the mix, and you get a more distinct and stylish look.

Men’s Faux Hawk FAQ

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