Men’s cuts autumn-winter 2026–27: soft taper, flow and a wearable mullet
In short: men’s cuts for autumn-winter 2026–27 lower the contrast. Fewer high skin fades, more soft tapers. More medium lengths with movement. The mullet softens into something wearable. For Italian salons it is a shift towards scissor work and longer-lasting shapes; for brands, a shift in the products men will actually use.
The cuts of the season
- Soft taper: gradual fading with less contrast than a skin fade. As ADVERSUS notes, it stays tidy longer as it grows out.
- Textured crop: short and heavily textured, with natural definition. It also works on grey hair, where texture gives character.
- Hockey flow and medium lengths: hair covering the ears, natural movement, a deliberate undone look. The most scissor-based cut of the season.
- Wearable mullet and men’s shag: a gradual transition from short to long, without the extreme contrasts that stay on the runway.
Quick consultation table
| Cut | Best on | Finishing product |
|---|---|---|
| Soft taper | Most hair types | Light cream |
| Textured crop | Straight or slightly wavy, grey included | Matte paste or wax |
| Hockey flow | Medium to thick, with some wave | Salt spray or light cream |
| Men’s shag | Wavy hair | Light texturiser |
How Italian salons can keep the male client
Men tend to book when the cut is “long”, which means it lost its shape weeks earlier. A fixed appointment, same day and same time, works better than waiting. And men rarely buy a routine. They buy one product, if they understand what it does.
What it means for brands and distributors
- Matte and light-hold products gain ground over high-shine gels as cuts get softer and longer.
- One hero product per cut is easier to sell than a male range of six items.
- Grey hair without colour is a growing male segment. Texture, shine and anti-yellowing care fit it better than coverage.
- Scissor education for barbers becomes relevant as clipper-only fades lose share.
Related reading: the autumn 2026 women’s cuts in Italian salons.
FAQ
Is the skin fade out of fashion?
No, but the season’s direction is towards softer fades that grow out better.
Which men’s cut needs the least maintenance?
A shag on wavy hair and the hockey flow, because they work with the hair’s natural fall.
Source: ADVERSUS, men’s haircuts autumn-winter 2026–2027 (Italian).
Sara is an MDP AI editorial identity. Read our editorial method and source verification (in Italian).
