The disconnected undercut haircut is when you have long hair on top and short hair on the sides. Instead of blending the sides with the hair on top, a sharp contrast or transition between the two creates a disconnection, hence the name “disconnected undercut.” In this way, the two sides are separated, making this an edgy look.
Further Defining the Disconnect and Undercut:
This disconnection is usually called a hard part line or surgical line. Longer hair is usually styled by either having it slicked back or back and to the side, which is called a modern quiff. The length of the undercut is best when your hair touches anywhere between your eyebrows and the bottom of your chin.
These short haircuts and styles will surely be a hit with young boys, hipsters, and men in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. You’ll see a mix of pompadours, side parts, messy, quiffs, casual, and formal styles. You’ll find a cool haircut if your hair is thick, thin, thinning, wavy, curly, or fine.
Types of Fades for a Disconnected Undercut
Typically, there will be a slight fade on the sides and back leading up to the line separating it from the top. Lately, the fade has been getting shorter.
Some men prefer a bald fade at the bottom, and some prefer a more gradual fade up to a size one guard near the top. If you’re a guy who’s not comfortable with a disconnected bald fade, then ask your barber for the clipper to be set between #1 and #3.
A more modern look is to have a taper fade at the bottom to give your undercut a more natural and clean style.
How To Ask a Barber for a Disconnected Undercut
- Ask about your current hair length and if you should have longer hair on top.
- Let them know what kind of fade you want, if at all. If they use clippers, ask for anywhere between a 0 and 3.
- Ask for a taper fade around the very edges of the neckline for that clean and modern haircut.
- Ask for extra space around your ears. As men’s short hair on the side grows, it won’t grow over your ears as quickly.
- Ask them to texturize your hair for a messier disconnected hairstyle; if you have thicker hair, this will naturally thin it out.
- Take advantage of their expertise and ask them how to style based on your hair length, type, face shape, time, and product budget.
- Save some images of your favorite disconnected hairstyles on your phone and show your barber.
How to Style a Disconnected Undercut Hairstyle:
- Start with wet hair and add a control and volumizing product, a pre-styler that sets the foundation.
- Take a brush or comb and blowdry from front to back or side until your hair is dry.
- Use a quarter-size clay wax with a matte finish, texture clay, or pomade and rub it all through your hair.
- Either use a comb to comb it back for a clean look or use your fingers for a more casual, messy look.
- Finish with a holding spray if you plan to be more active that day.
Before your next haircut, check out these photos of the most popular disconnected undercut men’s hairstyles:
#1: Combed Forward Undercut
This combed forward disconnected undercut can be compared to an old-school bowl cut. I love the contrast between the harsh, structured lines and the soft, airy, and messy texture on top. The round shape of this cut could add too much emphasis to the round face shape. If you’re looking for a way to spice up a short hair cut, this is a fun option.
#2: Faux Hawk Undercut
A faux hawk undercut always provides an edgy appearance. It looks very masculine when paired with a beard.
#3: Modern Curly Disconnected Undercut
Undercuts have been popular for years, with modern takes appearing like this curly disconnected undercut. The curls will need some work to style them to carry off this finished look, and there are many ways to do so. One of the best ways I recommend is to dampen your hair and then put some curling cream or mousse into it. You can dry it gently, but I would leave it to dry naturally for the best effects. The back and sides can then be cut to the desired length, and the design in this cut finishes it off nicely.
#4: Sharp Disconnected Cut with Platinum Tips
Precision cuts can leave a sharp finish, as seen on this disconnected cut with platinum tips. When a color grows out, it leaves dark roots, making it hard to create a seamless fade. This style has disconnected, and the top left is heavy. You can always ask for this between color jobs. If you’re confused about what to ask for, show your barber a picture.
#5: Icy Blonde Long Spiky Hair
Icy blonde long spiky hair is one of the best styles you should try if you want to grow your hair. You can avoid frequent salon visits to have your hair colored with this look. Grab an in-shower toner or purple shampoo while you’re at the salon to keep your lengths extra icy at home.
#6: Disconnected with a Beard Fade
A classic tidy cut can be adapted in many ways to make it stand out. This style has been disconnected with a line design and faded out into the beard. The line will have been cut in first to create the guideline. Then, that is where it’s faded up to. This has created a natural flow that compliments the pomp style on top. To wear your hair this way, blow dry it with a sea salt spray and then use a good styling powder for a matte finish.
#7: Long and Casual Disconnected Undercut Hairstyle
What’s great about a long and casual disconnected undercut hairstyle is it can either be sleek or textured, depending on your mood.
#8: Layered Disconnected Undercut Style
The layered disconnected undercut style is an edgy variation of the traditional undercut. A tapered fade on the side that isn’t too high comes highly recommended with this cut. To get this cut correctly, ask your stylist to avoid using scissors for the top. A precise razor cut on top would give the hair the right texture that this style needs.
#9: The Popular and Original Skin High Fade Disconnected Undercut
This disconnected undercut matches a high skin fade for a neat, easy-to-style look. Men with a beard can rock an edgy style like this disconnected skin fade pompadour.
#10: Combed Back Casual Disconnection
Achieve this combed-back disconnected style by using your best hair gel or pomade. Feel free to use the finger combing technique for a more natural effect.
#11: Mid-Fade with High Volume Undercut
Gentlemen with any hair type and texture will enjoy wearing this mid-fade cut with a high-volume undercut. The faded sides give thick hair a neater finish, while the volume at the top makes thin hair seem fuller.
#12 Low & Disconnected Cut with Very Short Sides
If you’re looking for a haircut that’s easy to style and maintain, go for a low and disconnected one with very short sides. Match it with a beard for a balanced, stylish effect.
#13: Disconnected Short Comb Over Haircut
A disconnected short comb-over haircut is perfect for guys who love sleek hairstyles!
#14: Undercut with Long Surgical Disconnected Line
Opt for an undercut with a long surgical disconnected line for an up-to-date style that will benefit men with thicker locks.
#15: Disconnected Undercut with Tall Quiff on Top
This disconnected undercut with quiff flatters men with thick hair and would look great on casual occasions.
#16: Low Fade Pompadour Undercut
A disconnected low fade pompadour undercut will look great on men with a natural straight hair texture.
#17: Brushed Back Undercut
This brushed-back undercut has a piece-y texture, which makes it unique and in style. Recreate the look by pinching strands with some hair product on the fingers.
#18: Long Hair with Disconnected Undercut Bald Sides
Undercut sides are a great and stylish option for gentlemen with long hair who want a fresh chop without losing a lot of length.
#19: Combover Disconnected Pompadour with Line-Up
Isn’t this combover disconnected pompadour unique? The line-up is what makes it stand out, for sure.
#20: The Perfect Short Piece-y Low Faded Undercut
For guys with thicker hair, try this piece-y low faded undercut. It looks appealing, with or without the beard.
#21: Medium Undercut & Messy Hair
This medium undercut, paired with a messy style, screams extreme edginess! Achieved a textured finish like in this medium-length hair using a good clay product.
#22: Swept-Up with Disconnected Short Tapered Sides
Here’s a swept-up hairstyle with disconnected short tapered sides for men who want a textured yet neat finish.
#23: Side-Swept Disconnected Undercut with a Deep Hard Part
A good pomade is sure to be your best friend when wanting to achieve a sleek side-swept disconnected undercut with a hard part style like this.
#24: California Thick Wavy Undercut
A California thick wavy undercut gives men’s hair movement and soft texture. It can flatter men with a square face shape or with a strong jawline.
#25: Disconnected Undercut Slicked Back Style
Of course, slicked back and a disconnected undercut can result in a fashionable trend! This will sweep ladies off their feet.
#26: Disconnected Undercut for Thin Hair
This is an ideal men’s disconnected undercut for thin hair that’s easy to style. Short-length cuts like this will make it appear fuller and thicker.
#27: Disconnected Undercut for Thick Hair
If brushed up, a disconnected undercut for thick hair offers a voluminous effect that boosts its texture. It works on both straight and wavy hair texture.
#28: Disconnected Undercut with Man Bun
Give your man bun a disconnected undercut for a clean and fresher style.
#29: Textured with a Mid-Fade Undercut
This textured hair with a mid-fade undercut features a swooping effect to flatter gentlemen with a heart or square face shape.
#30: Undercut with Side Part and Beard
This disconnected undercut with a side part blended well into the beard, creating a suave appearance.
#31: Medium-Length Undercut Wavy Hair
Use a salon-grade salt spray or styling cream to provide your undercut wavy hair the maximum texture it needs.
#32: Disconnected Low Razor Part With Long Fringe
This disconnected haircut features sharp lines for a smart, trendy look that’s easy to mimic.
#33: Disconnected Forward Facing Long Wavy Hair
Pairing long wavy hair with a disconnected undercut helps to show off the volume even better.
#34: Disconnected Undercut for Curly Hair
Disconnected curls offer a clean and tight look, for sure. When styling, choose a salt spray to boost its texture.
#35: Cool Textured Waves & Disconnected Shaved Sides
Textured waves and disconnected shaved sides go well together, creating a nice balanced look. Feel free to pair it with a beard for added appeal.
#36: Natural Twists with Line Designs
Get a tight disconnected cut that is surprisingly easy to pull off! A long surgical line paired with a neat line-up makes a cool hair design if you want to feel confident and fresh!
#37: Disconnected Long Straight Hair Pomp
Add disconnect to a long, straight pompadour with a shaved line for a sharp finish.