Are Undercuts Still Popular? Who Still Asks for Them and Which Versions Last
Are undercuts still popular? Yes, though not in the form they were a few years ago. The extreme, high contrast version has quieted down, while the softer, blended kind has settled in as a regular choice at barbershops across Queens.
The direct answer: popularity is steady, not booming. What changed is the shape. Short sides with some length on top, a neat blend and a clean line up have outlasted the harder looks. This post is about who still asks for the cut and which versions hold up.
Are undercuts still popular in Queens?
They are. You will not see every head on Merrick Blvd with one, but a steady share of the cuts we do in a day have short sides and a longer top. The names change, so people ask for it as a fade, a taper with length or a high top, and the clipper work underneath is the same idea.
Popularity here means staying power. A haircut that is still requested after the hype is gone is a haircut that works. Undercuts qualify because they are practical: they keep the hair off the ears and neck, give the top room to be styled and look sharp with a line up.
If you want the fashion angle, our post on whether undercuts are out of style weighs trend against staying power. This one stays on who is still asking and why.
Who still asks for an undercut?
The ask crosses ages, but the reasons differ. Here is how it breaks down in our shop.
- Teens and young men: they like the contrast, a shaped top and a bold line. Many ask for a fade underneath.
- Men in their late twenties and thirties: they want a sharp, work ready look with a blended side and a top they can leave natural.
- Dads and older clients: they pick short sides and a modest top because it is neat and easy to keep.
- Boys: parents ask for short sides and a little length on top for school.
Natural hair wearers are a big part of the picture. Coily and 4C hair holds a high top, twists or a short afro, and an undercut frames it. Curly hair gets the same treatment with a bit more taper.
Why have undercuts stuck around?
Undercuts stuck around because they solve real problems. They cool you down in summer, keep sides tidy and give you a top you can change without changing the whole cut.
Here are the practical reasons men give us:
- The sides stay neat, so the cut looks fresh for longer.
- The top can be worn natural, twisted, brushed or combed.
- It frames the face and the beard.
- It grows out into a taper without looking odd, if it was blended.
That last point is why we recommend the soft version first. Our guide to the blended undercut shows how the blend works and how far up it should go.
Which versions are popular now?
The blended and semi blended versions are the ones we see most. The hard, disconnected look is still around, but it takes more upkeep and more nerve.
| Version | Who picks it | Upkeep | How to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blended undercut | Most men and teens | Every 3 to 4 weeks | Number 2 on the sides, blend up, keep length on top |
| Disconnected undercut | Bold, confident looks | Every 2 to 3 weeks | One short guard or skin, no blend |
| Fade with a long top | Young men, teens | Every 2 to 3 weeks | Skin fade, top left long |
| Taper with a natural top | Work and everyday wear | Every 3 to 4 weeks | Taper, top untouched |
Our write up on disconnected undercut versus a regular one goes through the difference line by line.
How do undercuts sit next to fades and mullets?
Undercuts share the same toolbox as fades, tapers and mullets. The difference is how much of the sides you clip and where the length stays.
A fade is smooth from short to long, and an undercut is a step. A mullet keeps length at the back, and some versions have shorter sides, so the two overlap. We cover that in our post on the taper fade mullet.
If you are picking between heights, our low fade versus high fade guide shows how starting point changes the look. A fade at the shop is $30 on our list, and a haircut is $25. Our fade cut covers the clipper work.
Should popularity decide what you get?
No. Pick the cut that fits your hair and your life, then think about trends. A popular cut that grows out badly on your hair type is worse than a quiet cut that looks right.
If you are weighing it against a cut with no step at all, undercut versus no undercut lays out the difference in upkeep and hair type. If you are on the fence, ask your barber to show you where the short part would end on your head before the clippers start.
Look at density, too. Thick hair holds contrast well. Thin hair does better with a soft blend and shorter overall length.
Fitting the visit into your day
A cut that needs touch ups every few weeks only works if the barber fits your schedule. We open at 7 AM Friday to Sunday and 7:30 AM Monday to Thursday, which helps with work and school mornings.
Our post on the early morning barber on Merrick Blvd explains how to time a visit before the day starts. Walk ins are welcome, and calling ahead tells you the wait.
A line up is $16 and takes the edge back to sharp between full cuts, so you can stretch an undercut a week longer.
Get yours at LilAcroix Barbers in Laurelton
LilAcroix Barbers is at 232-12 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY 11413. Call (718) 749-5800 or walk in. We are open Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 7 AM to 5 PM. We take cash and major credit cards.
Tell us the sides, the top and the finish, and we will build it with a fade cut or a plain cut. Add a hair shape up to square the edges. Need directions? Use the contact and directions.
Questions readers ask
Are undercuts popular with teens?
Yes. Many teens ask for a fade with a longer top, which is a close cousin of the undercut.
Are undercuts popular on Black hair?
Yes. Coily and 4C hair holds a high top, twists or a short afro, and an undercut frames them well.
Will an undercut still be in style next year?
The blended version has lasted several years and keeps changing slowly. The harsh version is more likely to come and go.
What is the most common undercut request?
Short sides blended into a longer top, with a line up. The side guard is usually a number 1 to 3.
How long should I wait between undercut visits?
Two to four weeks, depending on how sharp you want the sides. A line up in between keeps the edges clean.