Keeping It Cool: The Best Winter Cut & Beard Combos

It wouldn’t occur to a lot of people that the time of year could influence your haircut. There’s more to seasonal styling than keeping your head warm, though. Not only do the trends shift as the seasons change, but the different temperatures and levels of humidity affect your skin, hair, and beard. In winter, even when it’s snowing outside, the air is dry, which increases your risk of developing dandruff and your hair becoming brittle. On top of that, we tend to wear more hats, beanies, and hoods in winter, which can squash a signature style quicker than you’d think.

The right haircut and beard style can help protect your hair from the worst of winter’s effects. There are many haircut styles to choose from – deciding whether you want your hair to keep your neck warm is only the beginning. We’re here to guide you through choosing the best hair and beard combo to keep it looking and feeling good all through winter.

Tracking The Trends: Popular Haircuts for Winter 2023

When it comes to tracking the latest styles, barbershops can be hit or miss. Some communities tend to stick to what they know, so their barbershops don’t need to stay on the cutting edge. A great barbershop will always have an eye on what’s trending to ensure that every look comes out sharp, from the classics to the avant-garde.

You might assume that cooler weather means longer sides, but for winter 2023, short, textured cuts and fades are still reigning supreme. The French crop combines the best of both worlds with a cropped top and a skin fade on the back and sides to keep things trim and exceptionally easy to manage. This is great for just about any hair type, but ask your barber for a first-hand opinion.

If you prefer something longer and more layered, the mulletino might be for you. It’s a more modern take on the classic mullet cut, adding some louche style and flair. You can choose a shorter or shaggier take, depending on your hair type, preferences, and the shape of your face. It’s best to keep in some longer layers, as the contemporary hairstyle is much more cohesive than its ‘80s predecessor.

And then there are the looks that never go out of style. You can keep it simple with a classic crew cut and still maintain your hair trend street cred. A fade can easily add a modern edge to the look if that’s your vibe. Your barber can advise you on the best way to make the most of your hair and keep it protected throughout the winter months.

The Beard Styles To Match

Like the hair on the top of your head, your beard can be cut, styled, and polished to make the most of your look. For the winter months, many men who otherwise remain clean-shaven start to grow out a little coverage to help keep their faces warm. Whether you’re a hipster beard aficionado or just want to ensure your face looks good through the fall and winter of 2023, here are the hot trends you should keep in mind.

The first choice you’ll need to make is whether you’re going for a full beard or keeping it minimal with some stubble. For those who favor the bigger and bolder look, you’ll need to start growing it out well in advance to make sure you have enough length and volume to make your desired impact.

Thanks to the disconnected beard trend, you can rock a full beard and a fade or undercut. The hair and beard need to be maintained regularly to keep those crisp edges, but if you’re going with such a statement look, you’re probably willing to put in the work to keep it fresh. If you want something a little more laidback, the full beard and mustache combo is still a popular choice.

On the other end of the beard spectrum is designer stubble, the carefully shaped facial hair that goes with just about any look, face shape, and style. Matching it with a really crisp fade is usually a recipe for success. Even a light five o’clock shadow can add definition to the jawline and cheekbones.

Face Shape Considerations

Knowing the shape of your face makes picking the right hair and beard style combo so much easier. Once you know how your face is classified, you can check whether a look will suit you or whether it’s best avoided, no matter how trendy. Hair grows out, but it takes time, and you definitely don’t want to be going home for the holidays with a hairdo that’s more of a don’t.

There are plenty of resources on the internet that can tell you how to figure out your face shape. Your barber can help here, too. The starting point is to note whether your face is longer than it is wide, about the same length and width, or wider than it is long. No shape is inherently “better” than another; they just require a different approach to make the most of them.

A goatee usually works well on a rounder face, while a longer beard can create a squared-off jawline for the oval guys. If you have a square face, you’re going to want to avoid hairstyles that add bulk on the sides, while a heart-shaped face favors a fringe. A well-trained, experienced barber can give you personalized style advice that will bring out the best in your features.

Seasonal Tips For Care & Maintenance

Once you’ve decided on your winter haircut style, you’ll need to take care of it. There are some very simple things that you can do to keep your hair healthy and happy throughout the colder months. You might think it’s not worth the time and effort, but a little goes a long way – and the results will speak for themselves.

The first port of call is moisturizing. In the same way that your skin feels drier during the winter months, your hair gets drier, too. A little bit of extra love in your morning routine can keep the dandruff and breakage at bay, as well as help you look just that little bit more slick. Ask your barber to recommend a gentle conditioner, oil, or leave-in cream for your hair type and lifestyle – and don’t forget a balm for your beard! Make sure you’re using a mild shampoo that won’t strip away your hair’s natural protective oils.

It’s also important to get your hair trimmed regularly during the colder months. The frosty weather leads to split ends, frizz, and thinning, so your hair needs a little extra TLC to stay in great shape. Most shorter winter haircut styles need to be maintained regularly anyway, so schedule a follow-up appointment with your barber sooner than usual. At the Great Style Barbershop, our hair maintenance services include a beard trim by our experienced barbers, keeping your hair in great shape from crown to chin.

Find Your Perfect Winter Haircut Style at Our Barbershop

Getting your winter look right could be as simple as finding the right barbershop in NYC. Short or long, curly or straight, the team at the Great Style Barbershop is here to help you find your perfect winter style. Combine these top tips with your barber’s experience and knowledge, and you’re sure to be looking fly all winter long.

Close out the year in style. Whether you share your new look on social media – don’t forget to tag us – or save it for the family holiday photos, you’ll keep it fresh all winter long. Whatever you do this festive season, do it in style – schedule an appointment with us or simply walk in when it suits you.