Men encouraged to explore new styles, cut away from the usual
Men’s hair trends often seem more static than women’s. Crew cuts, buzz cuts, fades and slicked-back styles are just a few of the tried-and-true haircuts that have been seen time and time again. But, according to Marshall Vanierland, a barber and stylist at The Undercroft Barbershop in Vancouver, 2019 is going to be the year that sees many men take a chance with their ’do. “Styles generally rotate from season to season, but we are seeing more risk-taking,” Vanierland says. “We are seeing classic styles with a modern twist.” The stylist pointed to actor Cillian Murphy’s haircut in the show Peaky Blinders, a style referred to as a “high skin fade with weight lines,” as one such cut for men who are eager to try a different look. Other celebrity coifs Vanierland expects to be used as popular reference points for men’s cuts are KJ Apa, Bradley Cooper and Jake Gyllenhaal. “We think any style can suit anyone of any age, that’s what’s fun about these days — anything goes,” Vanierland says. “Hair texture can be an issue, but we take the request and idea from the client, spin it and makes it work for their hair and face shape.” If you’re curious about what cut or colour will work best for you, Vanierland says it’s important to just ask. “I think men don’t get enough time in their appointments for a proper old fashion consultation. We need to be considering their lifestyle, career and how much time they have in the morning to commit to styling, maintenance etc.,” Vanierland says. “We encourage our clients to ask questions. Guys don’t talk enough in the chair about what they want and they just end up with a No. 2 into a No. 3 or No. 4. It’s our job to get the answers.” When it comes to colour, the ’90s influences on fashion will also be seeping in. “Early ’90s bleach outs like Kurt Cobain is big this year,” Vanierland says. “And we are seeing more clashing colours this year.” “Grey blending” is another big colour trend, according to Vanierland, and a good way to “turn back the clock a couple of years or add some of that metallic shade to change up natural hair.” So, basically, if you’ve been looking to shake up your hairstyle but haven’t quite had the nerve to do it, Vanierland says now’s the time. “I think change is hard for a lot of people, but with the growing trends, I think men are more willing to change up their hairstyle,” the stylist says. “We see so many different styles these days and I think it gives guys a push to change up. “It’s just hair and it grows. Why not have fun?”