What Is A Faux Hawk?
A faux hawk haircut, or fohawk style, is a modern men’s hairstyle with short faded or tapered sides and longer hair styled upward through the center. Inspired by the classic mohawk, it mimics the bold shape without extreme shaving, making it more wearable for daily life. This men’s hairstyle with short sides and long top offers a clean, edgy look that suits casual and professional settings. It balances volume and contrast while remaining versatile, stylish, and easy to personalize.
Ready to upgrade your look? These popular faux hawk haircut styles combine structure, volume, and flair, ideal for casual, professional, or fashion-forward appearances.
Popular Faux Hawk Haircuts
Faux Hawk Fade
The Faux Hawk Fade delivers sharp attitude with structured texture and high-contrast edges. This style features bold, spiked volume at the crown, tapering into a clean skin fade that highlights the dramatic height. Use Texture Clay to create separation and hold without stiffness, and finish with a touch of Styling Cream for flexible control. Blow-dry while lifting the roots with fingers for added edge. Best suited for oval or square face shapes.
Faux Hawk Mullet
The Faux Hawk Mullet mixes rebellious energy with modern edge, blending bold spikes up top with flowing layers at the back. This cut brings high volume and sharp contrast, perfect for guys who want to stand out. Blow-dry upward for lift, shape the ends with your fingers, and lock it in using Texture Clay for grip and Molding Paste for smooth definition. Works best on oval or diamond face shapes.
Faux Hawk Taper Fade
The Faux Hawk Taper Fade delivers bold style with clean edges and high-volume texture. The sides taper gradually into a neat skin fade, while the top spikes upward with sharp definition. This look adds height and motion, making it ideal for guys who want attitude without overdoing it. Use Texturizing Clay to enhance grip and separation, and blow-dry while finger-shaping to lock in that signature spiky silhouette.
Short Faux Hawk
The Short Faux Hawk brings edgy energy with a clean, manageable length. It features a subtle peak along the center with faded sides for contrast, giving the look structure without overwhelming volume. Use Molding Paste for flexible hold and touchable finish, and shape the top using your fingers while blow-drying for lift. This cut suits square and oval faces, offering a bold vibe with minimal effort.
Low Taper Fade Faux Hawk
The Low Taper Fade Faux Hawk blends a dramatic center spike with sleek, clean sides for a modern, bold look. Hair is lifted with volume at the top and shaped back for texture and flair. Blow-dry upward using your hands, then sculpt with Texture Clay to lock in movement. This cut is perfect for square or diamond face shapes craving edges without losing structure.
Medium Fade Faux Hawk
The Medium Fade Faux Hawk offers bold volume on top with a seamless fade that tapers mid-head for a stylish, edgy contrast. Hair is pushed upward and forward, creating texture and movement with a spiky finish. Use Strong Hold Styling Gel to shape and Texture Spray for extra lift. Great for teens with oval or rectangular face shapes who want a modern, rebellious vibe.
Euro Hawk
The Euro Hawk blends sleek European polish with edgy Hawk attitude. This style features clean faded sides and a voluminous top for movement and height. Use Molding Paste to shape the waves and Texture Powder to boost hold without stiffness. Blow-dry upward while finger-styling for max control. Best suited for guys with oval or diamond face shapes aiming for a bold, stylish profile.
Low Fade Faux Hawk
The Low Fade Faux Hawk delivers clean edges with a smooth skin taper and sharp lift at the front. This style pairs short, neatly faded sides with a brushed-up center that adds bold height and texture. Shape it with Texture Powder for lift and finish with Matte Paste for separation. Best suited for diamond or triangle face shapes, and perfect for those who crave a bold daily style.
Messy Hair Faux Hawk
The Messy Faux Hawk blends bold energy with casual texture, making it a top pick for guys who love carefree volume. Choppy layers on top create tousled lift, while the faded edges add clean contrast. Style with Texturizing Cream and finger-shape as you dry for a natural, airy look. Ideal for thick or wavy hair and works great for boys with round or triangle-shaped faces.
Frohawk Fade
The Frohawk Fade brings sharp structure to natural curls with a high taper that blends into tight, defined coils. This style keeps volume focused at the crown while the sides are sculpted for contrast. Use Curl Defining Cream to enhance shape and Moisturizing Cream to keep texture soft and healthy. Best suited for thick or coily hair, especially on teens with heart or square-shaped faces.
Faux Hawk Black Male
The Faux Hawk for Black Male features tight coils shaped into a lifted center ridge with faded sides for bold contrast and clean edges. This cut enhances natural texture while giving sharp definition and youthful attitude. Apply Curl Defining Cream to separate the strands and Moisturizing Cream to keep curls soft. It’s a powerful choice for guys with thick coily hair and works great on heart or round face shapes.
Burst Fade Faux Hawk
The Burst Fade Faux Hawk blends clean edges with a bold center strip that gradually extends toward the nape. The faded arc around the ear adds sharp contrast to the feathered top, styled using a touch of Molding Paste for structure and flow. Air-shaping the crown with your fingers enhances natural movement. Best suited for teens with straight to wavy hair and works especially well on round or oval faces.
Faux Hawk Curly Hair
The Faux Hawk Curly Hair puts natural texture on full display, featuring tight curls up top with a high contrast skin taper along the sides. The curls rise with airy volume, shaped by hand while blow-drying for extra bounce. Use the Styling Cream to enhance definition without stiffness. Perfect for teens with thick or wavy strands, this look balances fun texture with sharp detail and works well on diamond or triangle faces.
Long Hair Faux Hawk
The Long Hair Faux Hawk takes height and flair to the next level with lifted strands swept upward and back into a sleek peak. This look uses a layered top, controlled with Molding Paste for hold and definition while keeping movement. Air-style with fingers to build shape and separate ends. Ideal for guys with straight or wavy hair, it suits those with oval or heart-shaped faces craving dramatic length.
High Fade Faux Hawk
The High Fade Faux Hawk features a bold contrast between the sharply faded sides and a lifted, brushed-up center. Perfect for those who want strong definition and height, this style works best with thick hair and a tapered silhouette. Shape using lift with a dryer and apply Matte Paste to enhance separation and hold. Best suited for square or round faces, it delivers confident structure with a clean, youthful attitude.
Faux Hawk Braids
The Faux Hawk Braids offer a fierce, structured look with tight rows braided down the center and faded sides for contrast. This edgy cut blends cultural roots with modern flair, giving your profile lift, detail, and movement. Use Strong Hold Gel to keep the braids sharp and clean. Ideal for boys with medium to long strands who want a high-impact style that turns heads with zero fluff.
Asian Faux Hawk
The Asian Faux Hawk gives thick, straight strands a bold shape by keeping the sides tight while lifting the center with a controlled edge. Style the top upward using heat and fingers to create movement and height. Apply Molding Paste to hold the texture without shine. This style is perfect for guys who want a stylish upgrade that flatters diamond and triangle face shapes with clean, high-energy structure.
Modern Faux Hawk
The Modern Faux Hawk is all about clean edges and controlled texture. This style features short, faded sides that flow into a slightly longer, choppy top styled upward for structured height. Use Matte Clay to add grip and shape without shine. Dry while styling with fingers for natural lift. It’s a fast, simple upkeep look that suits guys with straight or slightly thick hair and triangle or oblong face shapes.
Faux Hawk Cut
The Faux Hawk Cut blends sleek movement with edgy shape, The top is left medium-length with light layering, styled upward and slightly forward for natural flow. The sides feature a soft taper that creates contrast without harsh lines. Use Texture Clay for control and definition. Best for thick hair and suits oval or diamond face shapes seeking youthful, structured appeal.
Faux Hawk Buzz Cut
The Faux Hawk Buzz Cut delivers clean edges with subtle height through the center, It features a tight taper on the sides with a softly raised crown line that follows a faux hawk shape. Quick to shape and super low-maintenance just apply a touch of Strong Hold Gel to keep the center defined. Ideal for straight hair and triangle or square face shapes. Perfect for guys who want edge without high styling.
Skin Fade Faux Hawk
The Skin Fade Faux Hawk delivers sharp contrast with zero-blend sides and a jagged top that shoots upward into defined peaks. Styled using Volumizing Powder and finished with Texture Clay, the look holds steady while adding movement and attitude. Air-shape the top with your fingers for controlled lift. This edgy cut suits straight or slightly wavy hair and pairs best with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces.
Faux Hawk Undercut
The Faux Hawk Undercut makes a bold statement with its shaved sides and sharply styled spikes along the center. The defined top creates vertical lift that’s sculpted using Strong Hold Gel, giving it a firm, all-day structure. Shape the front upward while drying for clean lines and added height. Ideal for teens with thick hair who want a rebellious, attention-grabbing look that suits angular and rounder face shapes.
Wavy Faux Hawk
The Wavy Faux Hawk blends soft curls with sharp sides, creating a smooth contrast that feels both natural and bold. The waves on top add motion and texture, shaped easily by hand using Light Hold Styling Cream for definition without stiffness. Dry the curls while scrunching to maintain volume and movement. This laid-back yet edgy style works great for boys with wavy hair and oval or diamond face shapes.
Textured Faux Hawk
The Textured Faux Hawk delivers explosive height with messy layers that create movement and attitude. This style features a burst of tousled strands through the center, balanced by a clean skin taper that enhances contrast. Use Molding Paste to shape while drying and finish with a touch of Texture Powder to add lift. It’s ideal for teens wanting a bold, edgy style with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Faux Hawk with Beard
The Faux Hawk with Beard combines bold height with a sharp fade and a sculpted beard for a confident, well-balanced look. Hair on top is shaped upward with texture and natural flow, using Matte Paste during heat-styling for controlled volume. A precise taper enhances contrast while the beard adds structure to the jawline. This style suits guys who want a strong profile and easy daily styling.
Faux Hawk Quiff
The Faux Hawk Quiff blends a tall, brushed-back front with edgy sides for a clean yet bold look. This style builds strong vertical lift in front, shaped using a round brush and blow-dryer for natural height. A tight taper on the sides keeps it sharp. Work in the Molding Paste while styling to add structure and lasting hold. Great for guys who want confident shape with modern movement.
Spiky Faux Hawk
The Spiky Faux Hawk amps up the edge and personality with sharp, defined peaks lifted vertically for a fierce, youthful vibe. This cut features shorter, tapered sides with longer, choppy strands on top that create texture and movement. Blow-dry while finger-shaping, then finish with Strong Hold Gel to structure and boost each spike. A bold pick for guys chasing statement style with no-fuss styling.
Drop Fade Faux Hawk
The Drop Fade Faux Hawk blends soft curves with bold attitude, featuring a low-arched fade that dips behind the ears and textured length up top. The shape builds height and motion through blow-drying and finger-scuffed styling. Use Texture Clay to lock in definition while keeping a matte, touchable finish. This cut stands out with a natural flow and clean contrast, perfect for guys who want a subtle edge with modern flair.
Faux Hawk Straight Hair
The Faux Hawk Straight Hair delivers sleek structure with edgy energy. Hair is kept longer through the center with short, faded sides to highlight the bold contrast. heat-style upward and shape with fingers for natural lift, then work in Molding Paste to hold the spikes while allowing flexible movement. The straight strands give this style sharp definition, perfect for guys who want a clean yet daring modern look.
Faux Hawk Dreads
The Faux Hawk Dreads adds bold movement and personality by combining tapered sides with twisted texture up top. The dreads are styled upward and slightly forward, giving the look height and attitude. Use Texture Clay to control frizz and help define each lock. Blow-dry gently for shape and volume. This look works best for guys who want an edgy yet low-maintenance vibe that turns heads.
Faux Hawk Punk
The Faux Hawk Punk cranks up rebellion with razor-sharp texture and tight skin-shaved sides. Spikes rise upward in wild formation, creating bold volume and chaotic movement. heat-style while shaping with fingers, then freeze the structure in place with Matte Paste or Strong Hold Gel. Full of fearless attitude, this style suits guys who lean into loud, anti-trend looks. Best for diamond or rectangular face shapes.
Shaggy Faux Hawk
The Shaggy Faux Hawk features messy layers up top with flipped-out tips that add a playful, wind-blown feel. The sides stay shorter, letting the textured crown grab attention. Blow-dry the front for lift and shape the strands loosely using Styling Cream to boost flow and softness. This carefree look moves with you and works best for those who want bold shapes without too much structure.
Faux Hawk Pompadour
The Faux Hawk Pompadour blends bold height with clean sides for a sleek, modern look. The top is styled high and smooth, creating a curved front that flows back with soft movement. Use a blow dryer and round brush to lift the roots, then shape with Styling Cream for a natural finish that holds all day. Ideal for guys who want volume, control, and a stylish twist.
Faux Hawk Shaved Sides
This Faux Hawk brings major energy with messy texture and a bold contrast. The sides are shaved tight for a clean base, while the top is left long and choppy to create spiked movement in every direction. Use a blow dryer and Molding Paste to shape the strands into place without stiffness. This hairstyle stands out with attitude and works great for teens who want extra volume with zero bulk.
Layered Faux Hawk
This Faux Hawk stands out with soft choppy layers that add natural lift and flow. The top has feathered length styled upward using a blow dryer, while the fade on the sides keeps the look tight and fresh. Run a small amount of Texture Clay through damp hair using your fingers to boost shape and definition. This haircut is fuss-free yet full of modern, playful texture for everyday styling.
Faux Hawk vs Mohawk: Key Differences
The Faux Hawk and Mohawk both highlight a central strip of hair, but they differ in intensity and styling. A Mohawk features shaved sides and a tall, bold strip, made famous by punk icons and stars like Travis Barker. The Faux Hawk, worn by Zac Efron and Justin Timberlake, has shorter faded sides for a cleaner, casual look. It’s easier to style and wear daily. Choose Mohawk for impact; Faux Hawk for modern edge.
How To Choose the Right Faux Hawk
Choosing the best faux hawk depends on your hair type and face shape. Use this guide to find the style that suits you best.
By Hair Type
Choosing the right Faux Hawk starts with understanding your hair texture:
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Straight hair works best with styles that add height and definition, such as spiky or brushed-up faux hawks. These create sharper edges and a lifted profile.
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Curly or coily hair thrives in faux hawks that enhance natural volume. Look for cropped sides and a defined center to spotlight the texture without frizz.
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Wavy hair offers natural flow, try layered or messy faux hawks that highlight your waves without needing too much product.
By Face Shape
Your face shape can shape which faux hawk variation looks best on you:
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Round faces need added height and angular structure. Try a high faux hawk with tapered sides to elongate your features.
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Square faces benefit from slightly softer peaks and blended fades to balance a strong jawline.
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Oval faces are the most versatile; nearly every faux hawk style will complement this face shape.
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Long faces look better with lower-profile faux hawks and a bit of width at the sides to avoid exaggerating vertical length.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Faux Hawk
Getting the perfect faux hawk starts with clear communication. Use these tips to guide your consultation and avoid common mistakes at the barbershop.
Show a Reference Photo
Always bring a clear faux hawk reference photo to your barber. Pictures help them understand your exact vision like fringe length, fade style, or hair texture so they can deliver a cut that suits your face shape and personal style perfectly.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid vague requests like “just a faux hawk.” Be specific about fade type, top length, and texture. Bringing reference photos and discussing your hair type ensures clear communication and helps your barber understand the exact look you want.
How to Style a Faux Hawk
Styling a faux hawk is all about prep, volume, and control. Follow these easy steps to shape and lock in your signature look.
Prep Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a light shampoo, then towel-dry until damp. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Clean, damp hair helps products absorb better and gives you more control when shaping your faux hawk.
Apply Pre-Styler
Spray sea salt spray or work in a volumizing mousse evenly from roots to tips. These pre-stylers add grip, boost volume, and prep your hair for easy shaping and longer-lasting texture.
Blow-Dry for Shape
Use a blow dryer on low to medium heat with a round brush or your fingers. Push hair upward through the center while keeping the sides tight. This adds height and sets the signature faux hawk shape.
Finish with Product
Rub a small amount of texture clay, pomade, or matte styling cream between your palms. Style the top upward and forward, then lock the look with a light mist of hairspray for hold without stiffness.
How to Maintain a Faux Hawk
Maintaining a faux hawk takes more than just styling. These tips cover regular trims and daily care to keep your cut sharp, structured, and frizz-free.
Regular Trims
To maintain your faux hawk’s shape, visit your barber every 2-4 weeks. Regular trims help keep the taper, neckline, and fringe sharp so your cut never looks overgrown or uneven.
Daily Hair Routine
Start with a shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and full of volume. On damp hair, use sea salt spray for texture and a styling cream or texture clay for hold and control. Style with a round brush and blow dryer to lift the front and shape the sides. A simple faux hawk routine like this helps fight frizz, maintain structure, and keep your look fresh every day.
Recommended Hair Products for Faux Hawk
The right products make styling a faux hawk easier. Use these essentials to boost volume, define texture, and keep your cut looking sharp all day.
Texture Clay
Texture clay adds strong hold and a matte finish to faux hawk styles. It lifts fine hair and defines messy, spiked texture easily.
Molding Paste
Molding paste gives flexible hold and soft texture, perfect for shaping layered faux hawks without stiffness. It keeps volume natural and easy to control.
Pomade
Pomade offers slick shine and strong hold for sleek faux hawk styles. It smooths the top while controlling flyaways and sculpting precise shapes.
Styling Cream
Styling cream provides light hold and soft flow for faux hawks. It tames frizz, defines texture, and works great for wavy or thick hair.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray boosts volume and creates a lived-in texture for faux hawks. It works especially well for loose, tousled styles with a casual edge.
Texture Powder
Texture powder adds instant lift and grit to faux hawk Haircuts. Perfect for flat hair, it boosts volume at the roots without weighing strands down.
Hydrating Argan Oil
Hydrating argan oil softens hair and reduces frizz in faux hawk hairstyles. Use it after styling to add shine and keep dry hair healthy.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo removes product buildup from faux hawks, keeping the scalp fresh and hair lightweight for better volume, texture, and styling results.
Hydrating Conditioner
Hydrating conditioner restores moisture to styled faux hawks. It improves softness, prevents breakage, and keeps the hair smooth between washes and product use.
FAQs
What is a faux hawk haircut?
A faux hawk haircut features short sides and a raised strip of hair in the center, mimicking a mohawk without shaving completely.
Is the faux hawk still in style in 2025?
Yes, the faux hawk remains popular in 2025 as a trendy, versatile haircut that suits casual and bold looks for modern men.
What is the difference between a mohawk and a faux hawk?
A mohawk has fully shaved sides, while a faux hawk keeps short faded sides for a softer, more wearable look with similar shape.
What face shape suits a faux hawk?
Faux hawks flatter oval, square, and round faces by adding height and structure. They balance wide foreheads and define cheekbones nicely.
Will a faux hawk look good on me?
If you have a strong jawline or want volume up top, a faux hawk can highlight your features and give you a sharp look.
How to ask for a faux hawk haircut?
Ask your barber for short faded sides with longer hair in the middle. Bring a photo and explain how dramatic you want the top.
Can I get a faux hawk with short hair?
Yes, you can style a faux hawk with short hair by lifting the center section using clay or wax for a spiked, edgy finish.
How long does it take to style a faux hawk?
It usually takes 5-10 minutes to style a faux hawk with a blow dryer and product, depending on your hair length and texture.
How can I make my faux hawk last all day?
Use a pre-styler for volume, blow-dry into shape, and finish with matte clay or strong-hold pomade to keep your faux hawk intact.