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Undercut vs. Fade: Which Men’s Haircut is Dominating 2025 in NYC?

Undercut vs. Fade: Which Men’s Haircut is Dominating 2025 in NYC?

When it comes to men’s haircuts, two styles have stood the test of time—the undercut vs. fade. These classic yet versatile haircuts have been favourites among professionals, trendsetters, and style-conscious men for years. But as we step into 2025, which haircut is dominating the streets of New York City?

From the corporate boardrooms of Manhattan to the stylish streets of Brooklyn, men in NYC are embracing grooming trends that balance sharpness, style, and individuality. In this blog, we break down the differences between the undercut and the fade, discuss their popularity in 2025, and help you choose the best haircut for your lifestyle and professional image.

What is an Undercut Haircut?

The undercut haircut is a bold and striking hairstyle that features longer hair on top with short or shaved sides and back. The contrast between the top and the sides creates a sharp, defined look that is both edgy and sophisticated. The undercut has been a staple among Wall Street professionals, creatives, and influencers who want to stand out with a statement-making style.

Classic Undercut Haircut (Copyright Free Image)

Types of Undercuts Popular in 2025

Classic Undercut Haircut – The Timeless Power Look

The classic undercut is a vintage-inspired hairstyle that never goes out of fashion. It features longer hair on top that is neatly combed back, while the sides and back are completely shaved or closely cropped for a sharp contrast. This haircut was originally popularized in the early 20th century and continues to be a staple among men who want a structured, confident, and powerful look. Undercut vs. Fade

Why Choose a Classic Undercut?
✔ Best suited for thick, straight, or slightly wavy hair
✔ Pairs perfectly with formal attire and business suits
✔ Works well for finance professionals, executives, and lawyers
✔ Easy to style with pomades or strong-hold gels

🛒 Recommended Product: Pall Mall Barbers Strong Hold Pomade – Ensures a sleek, structured finish without making hair look greasy.

How to Style It:

  • Apply a small amount of pomade to damp hair.
  • Use a comb or brush to slick the top backwards for a refined look.
  • For added shine and hold, finish with a light hairspray.
Disconnected Undercut Haircut (Copyright Free Image)

Disconnected Undercut Haircut – The Bold Statement Look

The disconnected undercut is all about contrast and edge. This style features a dramatic difference between the top and the sides, with no blending or gradual transition between them. The result? A bold, high-impact look that makes a statement. Undercut vs. Fade

Unlike the classic undercut, the disconnected undercut often incorporates extra volume on top, giving it a more fashion-forward and rebellious vibe. It’s a popular choice among entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and influencers who want their hairstyle to reflect their bold personality.

Why Choose a Disconnected Undercut?
✔ Perfect for men who want a modern, fashion-forward look
✔ Works well with thick hair and voluminous styles
✔ Pairs best with textured or slicked-back hairstyles
✔ A great fit for fashion creatives, artists, and trendsetters

🛒 Recommended Product: Pall Mall Barbers Texturizing Paste – Helps create volume and structure for a fuller, defined top.

How to Style It:

  • Use a blow dryer and round brush to add volume to the top.
  • Apply a matte or texturizing paste for a natural, tousled effect.
  • If you prefer a sleek version, use pomade to slick back the hair while keeping the contrast bold.

Textured Undercut Haircut – The Relaxed, Natural Look

The textured undercut is a modern evolution of the traditional undercut, focusing on messy, effortless volume while keeping the sides neatly trimmed. It’s the perfect option for men who prefer a casual, low-maintenance style while still looking polished.

This variation works exceptionally well for men with wavy or curly hair, as the texture adds depth and movement to the look. It’s also a go-to for professionals in creative industries who want something stylish yet easy to manage.

Why Choose a Textured Undercut?
✔ Ideal for men with wavy, thick, or curly hair
✔ Offers a relaxed, stylish, yet professional look
✔ Requires minimal styling effort compared to classic undercuts
✔ Works great for young professionals, designers, and casual business settings

🛒 Recommended Product: Pall Mall Barbers Sea Salt Spray – Enhances natural texture and volume for a relaxed yet professional look.

How to Style It:

  • Apply sea salt spray to damp hair and blow dry using fingers for a natural, tousled effect.
  • If you need extra hold, use a lightweight styling cream to keep things structured but not stiff.
  • Finish with a touch of texturizing paste to define the layers.

Side-Parted Undercut Haircut – The Business-Ready Hybrid

For professionals who love the structure of an undercut but want a business-friendly finish, the side-parted undercut is the perfect blend of modern and classic. This style incorporates a defined side part, allowing for a seamless transition from the office to after-hours engagements.

Unlike more extreme undercuts, the side-parted variation offers a softer, blended look, making it an excellent choice for corporate settings. It’s ideal for men who want to maintain professionalism while still showcasing their personal style.

Why Choose a Side-Parted Undercut Haircut?
✔ A polished, corporate-friendly style that fits formal settings
✔ Works well for straight or slightly wavy hair
✔ Perfect for finance professionals, consultants, and executives
✔ Blends the classic side part with the boldness of an undercut

🛒 Recommended Product: Pall Mall Barbers Matte Pomade – Provides a soft yet structured hold for a refined side part.

How to Style It:

  • Find your natural part and use a fine-tooth comb to define it.
  • Apply a small amount of matte pomade and comb the top neatly to the side.
  • Use a blow dryer on low heat to set the shape for an all-day hold.

Who Should Get an Undercut?

✔ Ideal for men with thick, straight, or wavy hair
✔ Works well for those who want a bold, structured look
✔ Great for business professionals, creatives, and trendsetters
✔ Requires frequent maintenance to keep the contrast sharp

🛒 Recommended Product: Pall Mall Barbers Pliable Clay – Provides a strong yet natural hold for styling an undercut.

Men Fade Haircut (Copyright Free Image)

What is a Fade Haircut?

The fade haircut is one of the most popular and versatile haircuts for men, especially in the corporate and finance sectors of NYC. Unlike the undercut, the fade features a seamless transition from short to long hair, creating a clean, polished look.

Types of Fades Trending in 2025

🔹 Low Fade – A subtle fade that starts just above the ear, perfect for business professionals.
🔹 Mid Fade – A balanced fade that provides a modern, structured look, great for men in creative and tech industries.
🔹 High Fade – A bold, high-contrast fade that is sharp and stylish, often worn by fashion-forward individuals.
🔹 Skin Fade – The shortest fade, blending into the skin for an ultra-clean, modern appearance.

Who Should Get a Fade?

✔ Suitable for all hair types – works on straight, curly, or coiled hair
✔ Great for corporate professionals, athletes, and businessmen
✔ Requires less maintenance than an undercut, making it perfect for busy professionals
✔ Ideal for men who prefer a sleek, structured appearance

🛒 Recommended Product: Pall Mall Barbers Light Dressing Cream – Keeps a fade looking polished without heavy residue.

Undercut vs. Fade: Which One is More Popular in NYC in 2025?

1. Popularity in Business & Finance Hubs (Wall Street, Midtown Manhattan)

🏆 Winner: Fade

In the high-pressure world of finance, image and professionalism are everything. A low or mid fade paired with a classic side part or comb-over is the go-to haircut for bankers, consultants, and executives in NYC. The fade’s clean, precise appearance makes it perfect for formal business settings and corporate environments.

2. Dominance in the Fashion & Creative Industry (SoHo, Brooklyn, Williamsburg)

🏆 Winner: Undercut

NYC’s creative professionals, fashion designers, and influencers are known for their bold and expressive styles. The undercut’s dramatic contrast and edgy appeal make it the favorite among men who want to stand out with a unique, stylish look. The textured undercut and disconnected undercut are particularly popular in these areas.

3. Trend Among Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (Lower East Side, Tribeca, Chelsea)

🏆 Winner: Fade (Slight Edge Over Undercut)

Young professionals and startup entrepreneurs often need a balance between modern style and professionalism. The mid-fade with a textured top is a leading trend among men in their 20s and 30s, giving them a fresh, polished look while still maintaining a fashionable edge.

4. Low Maintenance & Practicality (Busy NYC Lifestyle)

🏆 Winner: Fade

With NYC’s fast-paced lifestyle, many professionals opt for haircuts that require minimal styling and upkeep. The fade, particularly the low or mid fade, grows out more naturally than an undercut, making it easier to maintain between barber visits.

Which Haircut is Dominating 2025 in NYC?

Both the undercut and the fade have their place in New York City’s diverse fashion and professional scenes, but if we had to declare a winner, the fade would take the top spot in 2025. Undercut vs. Fade

Why the Fade is Winning NYC in 2025:
More versatile – Suitable for corporate, casual, and trendy looks.
Low maintenance – Requires fewer touch-ups compared to an undercut.
Professional appeal – Accepted in all industries, from finance to tech to fashion.
Easier transition – Grows out naturally, reducing the need for frequent barber visits.

However, if you’re someone who loves bold, high-contrast styles, the undercut is still a powerful choice, particularly in creative and fashion-forward circles.

Find the Right NYC Barbershop for Your Perfect Look

No matter which haircut you choose, the barbershop experience defines the quality of your style. In a city where precision and professionalism matter, you deserve more than just a quick trim—you need a refined grooming experience that leaves you looking sharp and confident.

At Pall Mall Barbers NYC, we go beyond just cutting hair. We deliver a luxury barbershop experience, blending traditional barbering techniques with modern styling expertise. From precision fades to expertly crafted undercuts, every service is designed to meet the high standards of NYC’s business professionals, entrepreneurs, and trendsetters.

✔ Relaxing, Sophisticated Atmosphere – Enjoy a break from the fast pace of NYC in an upscale, comfortable setting designed for the modern gentleman.
✔ Quality You Can Trust – With a rich heritage in barbering, Pall Mall Barbers is renowned for its excellence in men’s grooming.

💈 Step into Pall Mall Barbers NYC and discover a world-class grooming experience tailored for professionals who demand the best. Book your appointment today and redefine your style!


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