Less intense than a traditional mohawk yet just as stylish, a faux hawk makes an excellent hairstyle choice for men. Youthful and eye-catching, the look draws attention without appearing over-the-top. So, if you’re after a style that will allow you to play up the punk on the weekend and keep things professional during the week, a faux hawk is for you. But, don’t head to the barber just yet. As there are many versions of this hairstyle, you’ll need to find the perfect one for you before receiving your new cut. Thankfully, we can help you make your decision. Here’s our selection of sexy faux hawk haircuts to inspire your next look.
RELATED: 30 Unique Mohawk Hairstyles for Men
Mohawk vs Faux Hawk
The Mohawk has shaved sides with a dramatic strip of hair that runs from the front of the head to the back. A faux hawk is a less dramatic take on a Mohawk; the sides are clipped shorter than the strip of hair on your head, but there is not a great distinction between them.
Fohawk Haircuts
1. Short Faux Hawk
A short faux hawk is tamer than the longer versions of this hairstyle and will allow you to add some texture to your hair. The trick when cutting a shorter faux hawk is to ensure that you style it with precision. You won’t be working with longer proportions (making your styling less forgivable), so it is up to the product you’re using to ensure it sits right. We recommend a matte hair product (pomades work nicely) and a lot of patience. You can use a comb, but your fingers are best for added precision.
2. Long Faux Hawk
A longer faux hawk is different from a regular Mohawk, because of the blended proportions. As such, it is integral for your barber to confirm that he/she will not take too much off the sides. Hair product is paramount for a longer faux hawk, so use a decent amount to ensure your locks stay in place all day. There is still a lot of hair to work with, but it is all about trial and error – use your fingers to adjust your hair as you see fit.
3. Faux Hawk Taper Fade
The taper fade faux hawk blends the hair nicely on the side of the face. The trick to maximizing the proportions of this cut is knowing what length will suit your individual features. This will better allow you to decipher whether more volume and length up top will work for your face shape. A fail-safe option is to work with medium length hair for this hairstyle.
4. Faux Hawk Mid Fade
With a mid fade faux hawk, it is important that your hair registers polished and well put together. As you’re working with significantly shorter proportions at the bottom of your hair, a bit of gloss will go a long way and complement a mid fade. Opt for a gel or mousse and style accordingly.
5. Curly Faux Hawk
For those blessed with curls, a curly faux hawk is a different way to lend dimension to your natural hair texture, particularly if you are struggling with a thick and unmanageable mane. Keep in mind that this cut typically works best for gents with wavier curls. Use a lightweight mousse or pomade that works well with your curls and style accordingly. For a refined take, blow dry your curls for a long-lasting hold but ensure you don’t entirely lose the curly shape.
6. Faux Hawk Undercut
The closest version to a Mohawk, the faux hawk undercut relies on a pretty big distinction between the sides and the center part of your faux hawk. Your overall aim should be to play down the severity of an undercut, making the center part of your hair register not as severe.
7. David Beckham Faux Hawk
David Beckham shows us how to do the faux hawk justice, and his take on this cut has developed over the years. From his early years in soccer to his more modern interpretations of this hairstyle, Beckham keeps his hairstyling proportionate to his face shape. Beckham’s modern cut still preserves faux hawk-inspired elements but is more toned down in terms of balance.
8. Brushed Back Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is edgy and cool but more subdued than the traditional mohawk. There is a lot to like about this style, including how adaptable it is, letting you style it to best suit your preference and complement your hair texture and type. A brushed-back faux hawk is a great option for someone who wants to achieve volume and creates a neater, more polished version of this cut. The brushed-back hairstyle is achieved by brushing the hair backward, away from the hairline, to create volume. It looks fantastic when paired with a fade or disconnected undercut, giving it that mohawk feel. The style can be worn with all hair textures but is particularly flattering on those with naturally wavy or curly hair.
9. Faux Hawk Braids
Man braids are expressive, cool, and often very practical. For a Viking hairstyle, you can focus the braids on the side of the head, keeping the top of the hair longer and creating an interesting contrast while still retaining length. This is a modern approach to the faux hawk. It does not require you to clip the hair short on the sides while still producing the same effect. The top of the hair will look voluminous and full and can be brushed back or styled upward, depending on your preference and chosen length. If you want a hairstyle that lets you get creative while also looking edgy and modern, this is the choice!
10. Faux Hawk High Fade
The high fade starts around the temples and has a more noticeable appearance than many faded styles. Adding this fade to your faux hawk will complement the style and give it more structure, creating a neat and polished appearance. Pairing a faux hawk with a fade also helps to create contrast. It will draw attention to the hair on the top of the head, making it look thicker and fuller. The faux hawk can be adapted to suit all hair textures, and you can experiment with varying lengths on the top of the head, depending on how much of a statement you wish to make.
11. Faux Hawk Drop Fade
The mohawk is defined by the hair on the sides being completely shaved off and a strip of longer hair in the middle of the head. It is edgy and rebellious but can be challenging to pull off and does not lend itself well to all settings. The faux hawk is a welcome alternative, the more wearable and modern approach. The faux hawk is a versatile haircut and can be paired with the fade of your choice. The drop fade haircut is one of the more noticeable fades, defined by its arc-shaped appearance; it drops low behind the ear. This is a fantastic option for someone who wants to draw attention to the hair on the top of their head and create a contrast.
12. Faux Hawk with Fringe
The faux hawk is the perfect opportunity to style out a fringe haircut. The shape of the faux hawk naturally complements a fringe and will give your haircut a youthful finish. Fringes are incredibly flattering on most men, drawing attention to the face and often highlighting your best features. It can also help achieve volume and make the hair at the crown look thicker and fuller. Pairing the fringe with a short back and sides makes it even more noticeable and will create a contrast. You can opt for a short, messy fringe for a playful finish or try a long, swooping fringe for a more dramatic appearance.
13. Faux Hawk Skin Fade
The faux hawk can be styled in different ways, which is why this is such a popular haircut. It gives you the freedom to experiment and adapt the style to suit your preference and complement your hair texture and type. For a look that creates more contrast and draws attention to the hair on the top of the head, you can pair it with a skin fade. The skin fade is a more dramatic fade, cutting right down to the skin at the back of the neck. This creates more contrast. Depending on how dramatic you want your appearance to be, you can experiment with different lengths on top. Longer hair will make more of a statement and is voluminous, whereas short hair creates a more blended appearance that is ideal for every day.
14. Faux Hawk with Volume
Look no further than a faux hawk with volume for those who want a hairstyle that makes a big impact. The faux hawk is the modern approach to the mohawk and is youthful and eye-catching without being over-the-top. Instead of shaving the hair on the sides, there is less contrast, with only a slight difference in length between the hair on top and the back and sides. However, with this voluminous approach, you want to create height on the top of the head by leaving the hair longer than a traditional faux hawk. Style it to look messy for a laid-back finish that oozes sex appeal.
15. Messy Faux Hawk
A messy faux hawk is an excellent way to achieve a textured look and can boost volume. This is a perfect option for someone who wants to show off their hair texture and have fun with their faux hawk. You can experiment with different lengths, depending on how dramatic you want the finish to be; longer hair makes more of a statement. Messy hair can also look very sexy. Keeping the hair on the sides and back short also helps achieve contrast and makes the hair on the top feel fuller.
16. Mullet Faux Hawk
The mullet hairstyle is one of the edgiest hairstyles, ideal for those who want a haircut that is all party in the back and business in the front. The cut is defined as short on the top and sides, with length in the back. While it is true that this is a controversial style and has been the topic of many jokes, it is also an incredibly versatile haircut. The mullet is flattering on most face shapes and can be adapted to suit your preference, including hair texture and length. Pairing it with a faux hawk creates a hairstyle that will make a statement. It is ideal for a man who wants to stand out from the crowd. The shorter you keep your hair, the less dramatic it will be, while longer styles demand attention and have more contrast.
17. Neat Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a modern version of the mohawk and far more wearable. It can be styled in various ways, depending on your preference, including opting for a neat appearance. This is great for the man who wants to experiment with his style and has a look that is neat and polished, lending itself well to a variety of settings. For a neat faux hawk, it is best to keep the hair shorter, creating less volume. You can also pair it with a fade or undercut to give your haircut a modern update and edge. It will also contrast the hair on the top with the shorter back and sides.
18. Spiky Faux Hawk
The spiky faux hawk is great if you want an unstructured appearance that channels the traditional mohawk; this features long, rigid spikes, creating a punk aesthetic. Spiky hair is excellent for achieving a messy finish and boosts texture and volume. It can be made on most hair lengths and hair types but works best with naturally textured hair. You can put pomade or wax through your hair to achieve this look, giving it a messy but natural-looking appearance. Avoid strong-hold products or gel unless you want to channel your inner punk or opt for a 90s grunge appearance.
If you liked this article, check out the best men’s haircuts that are trending!
Faux Hawk Haircut FAQs
How do you pronounce faux hawk?
It’s pronounced foe-hork.
Is faux hawk still in style?
The faux hawk is definitely still in style. It’s a great haircut that you can have fun with on the weekend but still tone it down in the office. Plus, it’s both edgy and stylish at the same time.
How do you ask for a faux hawk haircut?
When you head to the barber for a faux hawk, ask them for a fade on the sides, but don’t go too short. Then, keep an inch or two on top, and ask them to keep the front a little longer and bulkier than the back. Doing so will make styling easier. However, if you’ve seen a particular style you like, make sure to take along reference images so you can show your barber exactly what you have in mind. That way, nothing will get lost in translation, and everyone will be on the same page.
Is faux hawk a professional haircut?
The faux hawk is not considered a traditionally professional haircut; however, the right approach could give you a neat and polished appearance. The key is to keep the hair short and minimize the volume; long or rigid spikes will not work. You can also pair it with a fade or undercut to give the hairstyle more structure.
How do you ask for a faux hawk?
When asking your barber for a faux hawk, you can ask them to keep the hair on the back and sides short. The top of your hair should be left longer and styled into a fringe. It is recommended to bring a photo of the style you wish to replicate to ensure that you are not disappointed by the results. Faux hawk haircuts are also incredibly versatile; there are many versions, so showing your barber exactly what you want will eliminate any confusion.
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
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