8 Best Medium Short Haircuts for Men Over 40 to Stay Stylish and Sharp

Looking for the best medium short haircuts for men over 40? Whether you want a refined or youthful look, these styles balance maturity with a modern edge, helping you stay sharp and stylish without much hassle. Find the perfect haircut that suits your lifestyle and hair type.

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Choosing the best medium short haircuts for men over 40 is all about balancing style, maturity, and ease of maintenance. Whether you prefer classic cuts or trendy updates, the right hairstyles for men over 40 can refresh your image and boost confidence. In this guide, we showcase medium short haircuts for older men that not only look sharp but also suit various hair types and lifestyles. Get ready to discover the most stylish haircuts for mature men and find a look that works perfectly for you.

Textured Crop with Fade

The textured crop with fade is one of the most versatile medium short haircuts for men in their 40s. This modern style blends professional sophistication with enough edge to keep you looking fresh and current.

Textured Crop for a Youthful Look

A textured crop serves as a secret weapon against aging signs. Rodney Cutler, founder of New York’s Cutler Salon, says “It makes hair look fuller and can camouflage thinning a little bit”. This style works great, especially when you have natural thinning that comes with aging beyond 40.

This cut’s magic lies in creating volume illusions where needed most. Your hair stands up more easily with minimal product thanks to the added texture, giving you an effortless look. The style works with your changing hair instead of fighting against it.

Men worried about receding hairlines will find a clever solution in the textured crop. Your stylist can tailor the fringe to your hairline, making recession nowhere near as noticeable as styles that need pushed-back hair. The shorter length helps too – it doesn’t draw attention to thinning areas, unlike longer hair that tends to emphasize the problem.

This style suits men over 40 perfectly because it strikes the right balance between sophisticated and contemporary. You won’t look like you’re trying too hard to appear young or giving in to an overly conservative cut. The textured crop hits that sweet spot – professional enough for work yet modern enough for casual outings.

Fade Options for Men Over 40

A clean fade framework lifts the entire style. The right fade choice makes all the difference between trendy and timeless for men entering their fifth decade.

The textured crop works well with several fade options:

• Low Fade: A subtle transition starting lower on the head. This conservative look suits professional settings and grows out gracefully with less maintenance needed.
• Mid Fade: Starting around the temples creates a balanced look that’s neither too bold nor too subtle. You get clean lines while keeping it timeless.
• Skin Fade: A bold choice that blends hair into skin for sharp definition. This works best with thicker hair types.

John Barrett, a stylist with over twenty years’ experience, points out: “If you’re losing your hair on top, having a lot of bulk at the sides just will accentuate what you’re losing. Have your hair cut tighter so everything will just flow nicely”. A well-done fade creates balance and draws eyes to your best features rather than thinning spots.

The grown-out fade works great for men switching between professional and social settings. It keeps the fade’s shape but with slightly longer sides, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed look.

Styling Products for Textured Crops

Your choice of styling products can make or break a textured crop. Product selection becomes crucial as hair texture changes with age.

Your hair type should guide product selection. Fine or thinning hair needs lightweight products that won’t weigh it down. As hair becomes more brittle with age, moisturizing products become essential.

Start your daily styling routine with clean hair using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Add texture spray or sea salt spray to damp hair to create bulk. This builds the foundation for that distinctive textured look.

Your desired finish determines the next steps:

A natural, tousled look needs just a small amount of matte clay or paste on the textured top. Use your fingers instead of a comb to keep that casual texture.

A more defined style requires rough-drying your hair with a blow dryer, directing it slightly forward with some lift at the top. Work in a bit of styling product when almost dry.

Start with less product – you can always add more. The textured crop should look natural rather than over-styled. As the stylist at Uppercutdeluxe notes, this cut offers “a more relaxed and casual style for everyday wear”.

Men with gray or silver hair can use specialized silver hair products to boost natural tones while getting the needed texture for this style.

Modern Quiff

The quiff hairstyle has stayed popular as one of the most adaptable medium short haircuts for men since it exploded in popularity during the 1950s. This style gives you that perfect mix of sophistication and boldness many men want as they reach their 40s.

Modern Quiff for a Stylish Edge

Today’s quiff is an update to its classic version. It blends elements of the pompadour and military flat top with touches of mohawk styling. Men over 40 can rock this distinguished yet modern look in any setting.

The quiff’s appeal comes from its adaptability. A stylist puts it well: “The beauty of the quiff is that, depending on the shape or how tight the sides are taken, it can look quite different on whoever is wearing it, so you can make the style your own”. You can customize the look based on your face shape and personal style.

A modern quiff typically has shorter sides and back with longer locks on top. This style stands out from other professional medium short haircuts because of its styling – volume sits at the front of the head and creates a distinctive silhouette that makes your face look longer.

Your face shape plays a big role in choosing the right quiff style. Higher hair makes your face look more angular and elongated. A taller quiff works great for round faces by making them look longer, while guys with thinner faces should go for a more moderate height.

How to Style a Quiff with Medium Short Hair

Getting that perfect quiff needs the right technique and products. Here’s a simple way to style your modern quiff:

1. Start with clean hair using a volumizing shampoo
2. Towel-dry your hair until slightly damp
3. Apply a volumizing spray or mousse to the roots for added lift
4. Blow-dry the hair upward and backward, using a brush to create height at the front
5. Once dry, apply a styling product—the choice depends on your desired finish

Pick products that match your hair type and desired look. Guys with thick hair should use lighter pomades to keep the quiff from looking too heavy. If you have fine hair, volume-building products like sprays or mousses will give you the lift and body you need.

The quiff offers different texture options for simple men’s hairstyles. A textured quiff shows off your hair’s natural character instead of smoothing it into one shape. This creates a relaxed, modern look that’s perfect for casual settings.

Quiff for Mature Men with Volume

Hair thinning and graying become more common as men hit their 40s. The quiff handles both these issues well, making it one of the best medium short haircuts for men in this age group.

This style creates an illusion of fuller hair. “As our hair starts to go gray, it becomes a bit more wiry,” notes one expert, recommending the quiff as an ideal style that allows you to “show off your hair with a moisturizing hair product to keep it swept back”.

The quiff works great for guys with receding hairlines. By brushing the front hair upward, you can magnify the volume of your locks to make them look thicker and fuller. This technique makes the most of what you have rather than trying to hide thin spots.

Silver or gray hair looks sophisticated in a quiff. Clay products work really well with silver hair. They keep it relaxed while spreading the strands evenly. Your quiff looks thicker and shows more texture this way.

Guys with very curly, super frizzy, or very fine hair might find the quiff hard to manage. Wavy hair can actually help create a more textured, messier look—though you can always use straighteners for a classic style if you prefer.

Short Mullet (Subtle Version)

The short mullet has made a comeback over the last several years. Men over 40 can now rock this sophisticated twist on what was once a controversial style. People call it the “grown-up mullet” or “guppy mullet” – a refined version that keeps the classic look fresh and modern.

Short Mullet for a Trendy Yet Mature Look

The short mullet stands out among medium short haircuts for men in their forties. Today’s version looks nothing like its wild 80s cousin, with much less contrast between front and back lengths.

Mature men love this style because it’s subtle. The short mullet (or Guppy mullet) keeps hair relatively short with a slight extension at the back. Your hair naturally flicks up at the sides, adding dimension without extra length.

Men over 40 often worry about age-appropriate styles. This cut hits the sweet spot between modern and classic. The mullet section barely shows, with a discreet flick behind the ears. You’ll look professional while showing off your personality.

The short mullet works best with oval and oblong faces. These face shapes balance nicely with the extended back – something to think over as facial features become more defined with age.

How to Keep the Mullet Subtle and Stylish

A refined mullet needs the right cutting techniques to stay professional. Here are some effective approaches:

The tapered mullet might be your best bet for the office. This style flows smoothly from shorter sides to slightly longer back hair. The taper looks clean and intentional, never messy.

Want something more current? The classic mullet with tapered sides mixes traditional styling with modern trends. It works great for both casual and formal settings – perfect for balancing work and social life.

The soft mullet keeps things natural with minimal contrast. The style transitions smoothly between top, sides, and back. Subtle fades replace dramatic undercuts, making it ideal for understated looks.

Barbers now suggest keeping overall length shorter for men in their forties. This creates a “first-haircut mullet” that hints at the shape without going all-in on the dramatic look.

Styling Tips for the Short Mullet

The short mullet needs less work than other professional medium short haircuts for men. Here’s how to get the best results:

Daily styling is simple:

1. Use volumizing shampoo on clean hair
2. Dry with towel until damp
3. Add a small amount of product
4. Style to your liking

Pick products based on your hair and desired look:

• For textured finish: Sea salt spray adds texture without weight – great for the longer back
• For volume: Volumizing spray or mousse at the roots before blow-drying adds body
• For definition: Hair clay or wax gives strong hold with a matte finish

The messy mullet works great for natural waves or texture. This relaxed weekend style needs just texturizing spray and finger-tousling.

Curly hair brings extra benefits to this style. Natural texture adds volume to the longer back, creating what barbers call a “textured mullet”. You’ll need minimal product – just enough to enhance curls without stiffness.

The short mullet gives mature men a versatile simple hair style men can wear anywhere. Good cutting and basic styling show how classic looks can evolve with their wearers.

Faux Hawk with Tapered Sides

The faux hawk with tapered sides strikes a perfect balance between edgy styling and professional polish for men over 40. This modern take on the classic mohawk is a sophisticated way to make a statement without fully committing to its punk-rock roots.

Faux Hawk for a Bold Yet Age-Appropriate Style

Men in their 40s looking for medium short haircuts for men with character will find the faux hawk amazingly versatile. The style blends the structure of a mohawk with the practicality of a regular cut. Style icons like David Beckham show how the faux hawk adds just enough edge while keeping things refined.

This style stands out from other professional medium short haircuts for men because you can adapt it easily. You can style it bold for casual days or tone it down for work. As one stylist notes, “It’s perfect for the office or any other professional setting… just the right amount of edgy and cool, while still looking appropriate.”

The style becomes age-appropriate through its execution. Men over 40 look best with a subtle version – well-structured rather than spiked, with clean lines instead of dramatic height. This approach balances bold self-expression with mature sophistication perfectly.

Tapered Sides for a Balanced Look

Tapered sides create the framework that makes this style remarkable. Unlike a traditional mohawk with shaved sides, the faux hawk uses a taper fade that shortens the hair gradually toward the neckline. This creates a smooth flow between the longer top and shorter sides.

These taper variations work really well:

• Classic Taper: Makes a gradual transition that keeps some length throughout
• Fade Taper: Starts with longer hair near the top and gets shorter toward the neckline
• Skin Taper: Creates the most dramatic contrast by fading to the skin at the lowest point

Tapered sides do more than just look good. They create a clean silhouette that matches your head and face’s natural contours. One barber describes it as “tight in appearance and overflowing with clean vibes… a sharp look that’s truly yours and yours alone.”

The taper fade works especially well for men with natural thinning. It creates balance between the sides and top, highlighting your best features instead of problem areas.

Best Hair Types for Faux Hawk

Different hair types work differently with this style. Straight or wavy hair usually gives the best results with a faux hawk. These textures give you the structure you need while staying flexible enough to style.

Men with curly hair can rock a unique faux hawk. Natural curls add amazing texture and dimension, creating what barbers call a “textured faux hawk.” This version needs minimal product—just enough to boost the natural curl pattern without making it stiff.

The faux hawk suits most face shapes with some tweaks:

• Round Faces: Height at the top makes the face look longer
• Square Faces: Softens strong jawlines but keeps the structure
• Oval Faces: Works with almost any version since oval faces have natural balance

Some hair types might struggle with this style. Men with very fine or thinning hair might find it hard to get enough volume, but the right styling products can help fix this.

To style your faux hawk, start with blow-dried hair. Warm a small amount of product between your palms and work it through with your fingers. Clay-based products give you great hold without the stiff look of regular gels. As one stylist advises: “The key to getting it right lies in preparation as well as product.”

The faux hawk with tapered sides gives you that perfect mix of boldness and professionalism that many men want as they rock their 40s with confidence and style.

Silver Pompadour with Taper Fade

The silver pompadour and taper fade combo has become a bold style statement for medium short haircuts for men over 40. This modern take on a classic look turns gray hair into a fashion advantage that makes heads turn.

Silver Pompadour for Embracing Gray Hair

The silver pompadour shines as a refined choice for men who want to rock their natural gray color. This classic style gives you volume on top with sleek sides that add height and dimension. Your gray hair becomes a standout feature. Many men now choose the pompadour as their go-to style that shows confidence and class.

Gray hair works great with this style because it turns a perceived flaw into your signature look. Your gray hair’s natural texture and volume create the perfect foundation for a pompadour. Salt and pepper coloring adds visual interest as dark and light strands blend together.

Your face shape plays a big role in how this style works. The pompadour’s height helps balance round faces, and you can adjust both the top volume and side length to suit any facial structure.

Taper Fade for a Clean Finish

A taper fade takes this haircut to the next level with clean lines that frame your statement-making top. The modern taper fade keeps this classic pompadour fresh and current for 2025.

The taper fade smoothly blends the sides and back from short to shorter. You have several great options:

• Low Taper Fade: Subtle transition that starts lower
• Mid Taper Fade: Balanced look starting at the temples
• High Taper Fade: Bold contrast between top and sides

The taper fade differs from a skin fade because it leaves some hair at the bottom. This subtle transition works well in professional settings.

Styling Products for Silver Hair

Gray hair needs special products because it tends to be drier and more porous. The right products will help you nail that perfect silver pompadour.

Here’s how to style it:

1. Wash with silver-enhancing shampoo to make those gray tones pop
2. Put volumizing spray on damp hair for extra lift
3. Blow dry up and back with a vent brush to create height
4. Finish with gray hair-specific styling product

You’ll want products that give both hold and moisture. Wax or pomade creates structure and healthy shine without looking greasy. Clay also works great with gray hair. It spreads easily and makes your hair look thicker with better texture.

Style icon Nick Wooster shows how amazing this cut can look at 61+. His silver pompadour proves that gray hair can be your best feature rather than something to hide.

Short Undercut with Side Sweep

The short undercut with side sweep stands out among classic barber styles that are making a comeback. This style blends old-school precision with a modern touch – perfect for men in their 40s who want to look sharp.

Undercut with Side Sweep for a Modern Twist

The side-swept undercut catches everyone’s eye with its closely cropped sides and back. The longer hair on top creates an eye-catching contrast that draws attention upward. This medium short haircut for men works great with straight, wavy, or curly hair. You can adapt it to match your personal style.

The style’s signature feature lies in how you sweep the longer top section to one side instead of pushing it back or up. The swept direction looks sophisticated and flatters most face shapes, especially oval and square faces. It creates an asymmetrical look that helps hide thinning spots for men dealing with natural hair changes.

This professional medium short haircut for men fits right in at work and social events. You won’t spend time restyling it throughout the day.

How to Style the Side Sweep for Volume

You’ll get the best volume by following these steps:

1. Start with freshly washed hair
2. Add volumizing spray to damp hair
3. Blow-dry with maximum heat while directing hair to your preferred side
4. Use a brush or comb during drying to lift the roots
5. Add your chosen styling product for the finish you want

Pick the right product for your desired look:

• Pomade: Gives you a sleek, polished look with medium shine
• Matte clay: Creates natural-looking hold with texture
• Molding wax: Offers flexible hold that lasts all day

Want more volume? Focus on your blow-drying technique. Tousle your hair in different directions before setting the final side-swept position. This creates a strong foundation that holds the style.

Undercut Maintenance Tips

A sharp undercut needs regular upkeep. Book appointments every 2-4 weeks to keep the contrast between your short sides and longer top looking fresh.

Quality clippers with the right guards help maintain the style between barber visits. The line between your undercut and longer top hair needs extra care. Use clippers without a guard to keep that edge clean.

Your daily styling routine will become second nature. This simple hair style men love takes minimal effort each morning. Just blow-dry, add some product, and you’re good to go.

Messy French Crop

Men over 40 looking for a stylish yet laid-back look should check out the messy French crop. This textured take on a barbershop classic brings together sophistication and easy style.

Messy French Crop for a Relaxed Look

The messy French crop puts a casual spin on its traditional version by adding texture that creates a lived-in look. This style works great for mature men because it’s more relaxed than the classic version. You’ll get short sides with longer hair on top – usually 2-4 inches – which lets you add texture and style forward.

This cut works amazingly well for men over 40 because it adapts to any hair type. Your hair might be straight, wavy, or curly – the messy French crop will work with your natural texture. The style also makes hair look fuller, which helps as hair starts to thin with age.

This medium short haircut for men stands out because it’s so adaptable. Men dealing with receding hairlines or thinning spots can use the textured top to add volume where they need it most. As Rodney Cutler notes, “It makes hair look fuller and can camouflage thinning a little bit.” The texture helps hair stand up more easily and needs minimal product.

How to Add Texture to the French Crop

Getting that perfect messy texture takes a few key steps:

1. Start with clean hair using quality shampoo suited to your hair type
2. Apply a small amount of sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to damp hair
3. Use your fingers rather than a comb to style and create natural texture
4. Twist small sections between your fingers while scrunching to add volume
5. Blow dry on low heat while lifting at the roots for extra dimension

The right products make a big difference. Sea salt spray creates beachy waves, while styling clay gives definition without stiffness. Matte products work best here – they give natural-looking texture without unwanted shine.

Best Face Shapes for Messy Crops

The messy French crop looks good on many face shapes, but some features really shine with this style. Oval faces can rock almost any variation of the crop. Square-faced men find that the textured top softens their angular features while keeping a masculine edge.

Heart-shaped faces benefit from added width around the jawline, and the style helps balance a wider forehead. Diamond-shaped faces get more balanced proportions with volume added at the forehead.

This simple hair style men love brings together easy styling and professional looks. It’s perfect for guys over 40 who want to look good without spending too much time in front of the mirror.

High & Tight Brush-Up

The high and tight brush-up is a standout medium short haircut for men who want definition without spending hours on maintenance. This eye-catching style blends closely cropped sides with longer top hair that’s brushed upward to create a bold look.

High & Tight Brush-Up for a Defined Look

The high and tight brush-up has come a long way from its military roots to become a sophisticated everyday style. You’ll find shaved or closely cropped sides and back, with enough length on top to create textured elevation. This architectural design creates a defined silhouette that highlights your facial features and adds height.

Men over 40 will appreciate how this cut handles thinning hair. The shorter length cleverly minimizes the appearance of hair loss. Your attention stays on the styled top section instead of any density issues. This style works with your natural hair changes, making it perfect for receding hairlines.

Styling the Brush-Up for Mature Men

You can create the perfect brush-up with these simple steps:

1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair
2. Apply a small amount of volumizing product to the roots
3. Use a blow dryer to direct hair upward from the roots
4. Finish with a texturizing product for definition and hold

A light pomade or styling cream adds definition without making your hair stiff. Your fingers can create directional texture by pushing the hair upward and slightly forward at the front. A slicked-back version works better for professional settings.

Best Products for Volume and Hold

The right styling products make this style soar. Volumizing mousses with hair-coating polymers build the foundation for height. Non-aerosol, ultra-light foams give you weightless hold without crunchiness.

Hair spray proves surprisingly effective for keeping the volume. Modern formulas strike the perfect balance between hold and weightlessness—exactly what you need to maintain height all day. Gray hair needs products with moisturizing ingredients since silver strands tend to be drier.

Conclusion

Men over 40 can rock stylish medium short haircuts without sacrificing their professional image. These eight cuts show how mature men can accept new ideas in style while looking polished and put-together. Your hair’s natural changes in texture and density become assets rather than obstacles with these cuts that enhance your features and boost confidence.

Each style comes with unique benefits for different hair types and concerns. A textured crop adds natural volume to your hair. Your gray strands become an elegant statement with a silver pompadour. The short mullet gives you an edgy look without going overboard. A faux hawk brings bold style that still works in professional settings.

The right styling approach and products will make these cuts work for you. Regular trims help keep the sharp lines and texture that make these styles pop. A skilled barber will help you pick the perfect variation to match your face shape and daily routine.

Looking sharp doesn’t need complex styling or constant maintenance. These cuts blend modern style with everyday practicality. You can focus on what really counts – feeling great about how you look at any age.

FAQs

Q1: What are the best medium short haircuts for men over 40?
The best medium short haircuts for men over 40 include the classic crew cut, textured quiff, and side-part styles that combine style with easy upkeep.

Q2: How do I choose a flattering haircut for men over 40?
Choose hairstyles for men over 40 that suit your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Low-maintenance yet stylish cuts work best to maintain a youthful look.

Q3: Are medium short haircuts for older men easy to maintain?
Yes, medium short haircuts for older men are generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal styling products while still looking polished and sophisticated.

Q4: Can stylish haircuts for mature men help me look younger?
Absolutely! Stylish haircuts for mature men like layered cuts or textured styles can instantly rejuvenate your appearance and give a modern, energetic vibe.

Q5: What haircuts work best for thinning hair in men over 40?
For thinning hair, the best medium short haircuts for men over 40 include layered cuts, subtle fades, and textured crops that add volume and dimension.