Every man knows that a good haircut can make a massive improvement on your appearance.
But what if you're shorter in stature?
Are there any hairstyles for short men that can help you appear taller?
Yes, there are quite a few believe it or not.
In today's article, I'm actually going to give you the 10 best hairstyles that will have you looking taller in an instant.
But first, I'll explain how hairstyles can have this effect and why you should utilize them if you're looking for a few extra inches.
How A Hairstyle Can Make You Appear Taller
There are a few different ways that this works. The easiest way to explain it is by thinking of the concept of illusions.
Illusions are things that appear like one thing when they are really just another.
So in terms of these hairstyles for short men, they can appear to add inches to your appearance when you're actual height didn't change.
You didn't physically grow, but the way your hair is styled, you're giving off the illusion that you are taller than you actually are. This is very important for shorter guys who are striving for this goal.
Why Should A Short Guy Try One Of These Hairstyles?
The obvious answer is to appear taller than you actually are.
But it's also more than that at the same time. Having a good hairstyle that rounds out your appearance can increase your confidence. If you look good, you typically feel good.
That's why it's important for any man to have a hairstyle that is made specifically for their height, face shape, and body type. If even one of these factors is overlooked, you can end up looking a little off.
Especially if you are of a smaller stature, these next hairstyles for short men can help you add inches where it's needed most.
What Are The Top 10 Hairstyles For Short Guys?
Let's not waste any more time and get into the bread and butter of why you're here.
Here are the 10 best hairstyles for short men that I have found give the illusion of added height.
1. Short Pompadour: Classic Elegance for Extra Height
The short pompadour is a timeless and stylish choice for guys of a shorter stature.
This style is characterized by shorter sides and back, while the hair at the front is styled upwards usually with a pomade or high-hold men's hair care product.
This creates the illusion of height at the front of your head, making you appear taller. The added volume and vertical-ness of it gives you.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The height created at the front of the head elongates your appearance
- It's a classic, polished hairstyle that's highly recognizable
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance to keep the style
- It may not be suitable for all hair types such as curly or wavy hair
2. Quiff: A Modern Twist for a Taller Look
Similar to the modern pompadour, the quiff adds volume at the front.
This helps in giving the illusion of height yet again but in a slightly less polished way.
The quiff's top-heavy structure draws the eye upward, making you appear taller. The best part about a quiff is that it is versatile enough to work well for various occasions.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The volume at the front creates the perception of added height
- It's trendy and adaptable and it suits different situations
Cons:
- Requires some styling effort
- Not ideal for very short hair lengths
3. Undercut: Shaved Sides, Length on Top
The undercut is a bold choice that involves shaving the sides and back while leaving the hair on top longer.
The hair on top can be slicked back, or styled upward.
The biggest pro of this style is that the stark contrast in hair length on the sides and top creates a visual impact that draws attention upward to the longer hair on top.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The contrast between shaved sides and long top creates a perception of added height
- It's a fashionable, bold choice with a modern look
Cons:
- Growing out your hair for this look can be quite awkward
- The sharp contrast may not suit everyone's style
4. Messy Textured Crop: Airy and Vertical
The messy textured crop is a fantastic option for a more relaxed and youthful look.
This style involves short, textured layers that create an airy and vertical appearance.
This playful, tousled look adds volume, making you appear taller to other people.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The textured layers create an illusion of added height on top
- It's a low-maintenance, carefree style
Cons:
- May not be suitable for formal occasions
- Requires regular maintenance to keep the messy look
5. High and Tight: Military Inspired Height
Inspired by military cuts throughout the years, the high and tight features very short sides and back with slightly longer hair on top.
The high top contrasts with the short sides, making you appear taller and more structured.
This is a no-nonsense style that radiates discipline and confidence.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The stark contrast and high top add height to your appearance
- It's a clean and disciplined look
Cons:
- Has limited versatility in terms of styling
- Not a great choice for those who prefer longer hair
6. Faux Hawk: Edgy Vertical Lines
If you want to stand out and look taller, consider the faux hawk. This is one of the edgiest hairstyles for short men on this list.
It's a stylish choice that adds vertical lines to your hairstyle.
This creates the illusion of height and the dramatic, edgy look helps you appear confident and unique.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The vertical lines draw attention upward
- It's an attention-grabbing style that is quite unique
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance to maintain its shape
- May not be suitable for formal occasions
7. Spiked Hair: A Sharp and Tall Appearance
Spiking your hair upward can add (literal) inches to your height.
This style works especially well if you have naturally straight hair. The sharp spikes draw attention upward, making you look taller.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The spiky look adds visual and actual height
- It's a youthful and energetic style
Cons:
- Will require a lot of hair products to maintain the spikes
- Mostly suited for younger guys and may come off as too youthful otherwise
8. Buzz Cut: Clean and Minimalistic Elevation
A buzz cut can make you appear taller due to its clean, minimalist aesthetic.
This style provides the impression of a longer neck and a sleek, confident look. It's low maintenance and promotes an aura of no-nonsense charm.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The clean, minimalist look creates the illusion of a longer neck which visually can add height
- It is extremely low-maintenance
Cons:
- Very limited in terms of styling options (as you only have one)
- May not be the best choice for those with rounder faces
9. Crew Cut: Timeless and Top-Heavy
The crew cut is a timeless hairstyle that keeps the top hair slightly longer while maintaining very short sides and back.
This top-heavy look creates a sense of height and structure, making you appear taller.
It is a very popular and recognizable option for guys of any age or height, so it won't seem out of place.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The top-heavy style adds visual height
- It's a classic and timeless choice for any occasion
Cons:
- Will require product for a more polished appearance
- May not suit those looking for a bold, edgy style
10. Short Slicked Back: Clean and Streamlined Elegance
Slicking your hair back can create a clean and streamlined look that can add height to your appearance.
This classic style helps you appear taller and more polished.
The sleek lines and tidy appearance promote a look of sophistication.
Why it's good for short guys:
- The slicked-back style adds vertical lines that aid in the illusion of added height
- It's an elegant and polished choice
Cons:
- Requires a few different hair products to maintain the slicked-back look
- Not a great choice for those who prefer a messy or casual appearance
As you can see, you have quite a few options to look and feel awesome with a shorter stature.
These are just a few of the hairstyles for short men that are designed to enhance your appearance and create the illusion of height. They also can be a massive confidence booster.
So choose the one that best suits your personal style, and you won't regret it.
If you're looking for more style tips for shorter guys, check out this article I wrote about what looks good on short guys.