The Most Popular Men’s Hairstyles in Utah

Utah has its own unique style culture. From the professional downtown crowd in Salt Lake City to the laid-back, outdoorsy vibe in Provo, men’s hairstyles here often balance clean-cut professionalism with a touch of personality. If you’re looking for the most popular men’s hairstyles in Utah right now—and how to actually ask for them—this guide will help you walk into the barbershop with confidence.

1. The Low Taper Fade

The low taper fade is hands-down one of the most requested cuts in Utah. It’s clean, subtle, and works for just about any occasion—whether you’re heading to class at BYU, working in tech, or going out on the weekend.

What to say to your barber:

• “I’d like a low taper fade, keep the fade low around the ears and neckline.”

• “Blend it into the top, but don’t take it too high.”

• Then specify what you want on top: curls, textured crop, slick back, or just left longer.

Pro tip: Bring a picture of a low taper fade with your hair type. Barbers love visuals because “low” can mean slightly different things to different people.

2. The Textured Crop

The textured crop is big among younger guys in Utah—especially college students. It’s short, messy, and low-maintenance, perfect for a casual lifestyle. Think slightly shorter sides with a choppy, natural look on top.

What to say to your barber:

• “Can you give me a textured crop? Keep the top short but choppy with texture, and fade the sides down.”

• If you want something cleaner: “Do a mid fade on the sides, but keep the texture on top.”

Pro tip: Use a matte clay or paste to style it. Shine products can make it look greasy instead of natural.

3. The Classic Side Part

In Utah’s business and professional circles, the classic side part is still huge. It’s timeless, sharp, and works great for men who want to look put-together without overthinking it.

What to say to your barber:

• “I’d like a classic side part. Keep the sides short (around a #2 or #3), leave length on top to comb over.”

• If you want it modern: “Give me a low fade into the side part.”

Pro tip: Always tell your barber how much length you want left on top. Saying “short” isn’t enough—be specific (e.g., “leave 3 inches on top so I can comb it over”).

4. The Buzz Cut with a Fade

Utah’s outdoors and fitness culture makes the buzz cut with a fade a go-to. It’s simple, low-maintenance, and looks sharp. Adding a fade makes it more stylish than a plain buzz.

What to say to your barber:

• “Buzz cut with a skin fade (or taper fade). Keep it tight on the sides, same length on top.”

• Example: “Buzz the top to a #2, and fade the sides to skin.”

Pro tip: A skin fade with a buzz grows out cleaner and keeps the cut looking fresh longer.

5. The Curly Top with Taper

Utah has a big mix of hair types, and guys with curls are leaning into it more than ever. The curly top with a taper fadelets you keep your natural curls while keeping the sides neat.

What to say to your barber:

• “Low taper fade, but keep the top natural for curls.”

• “Don’t cut too much off the top—just clean it up.”

Pro tip: Use a curl cream or mousse to bring out natural curl definition. Without product, curls can look frizzy instead of styled.

Final Tips for Talking to Your Barber

No matter which style you go for, the biggest mistake men make in the barber chair is being too vague. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Be specific about the fade: Say low, mid, or high fade.

• Mention guard numbers: Example: “#2 on the sides, leave 3 inches on top.”

• Bring a photo: Seriously, it clears up all confusion.

• Explain your lifestyle: If you don’t style your hair daily, tell your barber so they can give you a cut that works naturally.