How Male Models Style Their Hair for Editorial Shoots

In fashion, editorial shoots are a significant platform where male models showcase their unique styles, clothing, and overall aesthetics. Hair plays a crucial role in these shoots, enhancing the model's personality and complementing the outfit, setting, and concept of the editorial spread. Whether the goal is to present a classic, polished look or something bold and avant-garde, male models rely on various hairstyles to leave an impactful impression.

This blog delves into how male models style their hair for editorial shoots, covering a range of looks from timeless cuts to contemporary, edgy styles. Whether you're an aspiring model or simply interested in the art of fashion, understanding these styling techniques can open doors to a fresh perspective on male grooming and fashion.

The Importance of Hair in Editorial Shoots

Before diving into specific hairstyles, it’s important to understand why hair matters so much in editorial shoots. Photographers, stylists, and designers work hand in hand to create a cohesive look that tells a story. Hair is an integral part of this storytelling process, often acting as a bridge between the model’s features and the aesthetic direction of the shoot. A hairstyle can dramatically alter the tone of the photoshoot—shifting it from rugged and rebellious to sleek and sophisticated.

Editorial shoots often demand versatility from male models, and the way they style their hair can reflect different moods and personalities. A well-chosen hairstyle can help convey emotions, attitudes, and fashion statements, making it an essential element in editorial fashion.

Popular Hair Styling Trends for Male Models

Male models today are expected to keep their hairstyles adaptable and versatile, allowing stylists to tweak their look to match different themes. Here are some of the most common styles seen in editorial shoots:

1. The Classic Slicked-Back Look

A timeless favorite, the slicked-back style offers a sleek, polished appearance. Often achieved using pomade or gel, this hairstyle pulls the hair back away from the face, emphasizing strong facial features such as the jawline or cheekbones. The classic slick-back is suitable for high-fashion editorials that focus on clean, structured looks. It's also frequently paired with suits or tailored outfits to create a professional and suave appearance.

The key to mastering this look is finding the right product to give the hair a strong hold while maintaining a glossy finish. Editorial stylists typically use pomades that offer shine and control without making the hair look greasy.

2. Textured Messy Hair

While polished looks are popular, there's a growing demand for more laid-back, effortless hairstyles in editorial shoots. Textured messy hair embodies a casual, yet fashionable look that adds dimension and movement to the hair. This style works particularly well for shoots that want to convey an edgy or urban vibe.

Male models with medium to long hair often use texturizing sprays or mousse to create volume and separate strands for a tousled appearance. This look complements streetwear, casual outfits, or even more daring fashion choices by adding a hint of nonchalance and individuality.

3. The Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is a daring, minimalist style often chosen for editorial shoots that want to emphasize facial structure or high-fashion concepts. This ultra-short hairstyle is perfect for models with strong facial features or sharp jawlines. It also brings out the contours of the face, making it an ideal choice for close-up shots.

Buzz cuts are often seen in editorials featuring modern, bold, or even futuristic themes. The simplicity of the cut directs all attention to the model’s face and the clothes they are showcasing, making it a favorite for avant-garde fashion shoots.

4. Curly Hair Styles

Embracing natural texture is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry, and curly hair is no exception. Male models with naturally curly or wavy hair often enhance their curls with styling creams or leave-in conditioners to maintain definition and bounce. This style can offer a more relaxed, youthful look or even create a romantic aesthetic, depending on how the curls are styled.

For editorial shoots, curls can be either neatly groomed for a more polished look or left loose and wild for a carefree, adventurous vibe. Natural curls are especially favored in shoots focusing on diversity, as they celebrate individuality and authenticity.

5. Undercut with a Fade

The undercut paired with a fade is a contemporary hairstyle often seen on male models for edgier editorial shoots. The stark contrast between the long hair on top and the closely shaved sides creates a bold, sharp look that complements a wide range of fashion styles, from streetwear to haute couture.

Stylists working on editorial shoots often use clay or matte pomade to style the longer hair on top, allowing them to mold it into different shapes, from voluminous pompadours to slicked-back looks. The fade adds an element of modernity, making the hairstyle ideal for cutting-edge fashion campaigns.

6. The Man Bun

The man bun is a versatile hairstyle that works well for editorial shoots featuring anything from urban streetwear to refined, elegant ensembles. This style involves gathering the hair into a bun, either at the crown of the head or lower near the nape. It’s a great way for male models to showcase length and texture while maintaining a clean, controlled look.

Stylists might add loose strands or slight messiness to give the man bun a more relaxed, lived-in feel, or they can keep it tight and slick for a more structured, fashion-forward look.

7. The Caesar Cut

A short yet stylish option, the Caesar cut is characterized by a straight fringe and short length all around. It’s an ideal hairstyle for male models who want a low-maintenance look that still carries a lot of personality. The fringe helps frame the face, making it perfect for close-up shots, while the short sides maintain a neat, clean appearance.

The Caesar cut can be styled with a bit of pomade or gel to keep the fringe in place or left slightly messy for a more casual look. This haircut works well for editorials aiming for a retro or vintage vibe, as it has strong historical roots dating back to Roman times.

Styling Techniques and Products

The secret to achieving these looks lies in the products and techniques used by editorial stylists. From pomades and gels to texturizing sprays and leave-in conditioners, male models often rely on a range of products to get their hair editorial-ready. Here are a few key products frequently used in fashion shoots:

• Pomade: Ideal for slicked-back styles or any look that requires strong hold and shine.

• Texturizing Spray: Adds volume and separation to messy or textured styles.

• Mousse: Helps create volume and lift for models with longer or thinner hair.

• Hair Wax or Clay: Offers a matte finish for more modern, edgy styles like the undercut.

• Leave-in Conditioner: Enhances natural curls or waves while keeping the hair soft and hydrated.

Styling techniques vary depending on the hair type and look required. For example, heat tools like blow dryers and flat irons are often used to mold and shape the hair, while diffusers help maintain curls without causing frizz. Stylists often use hairspray or setting spray to keep the hair in place during the shoot, ensuring it stays intact throughout different poses and movements.

In the fast-paced world of editorial fashion, every detail matters. A male model's hairstyle is not just about looking good—it’s about telling a story, enhancing the overall visual impact, and aligning with the shoot’s creative direction. From the timeless slicked-back look to bold, contemporary undercuts, male models have a wide range of hairstyles at their disposal, each with its unique flair.

Whether you’re preparing for an editorial shoot or simply looking for inspiration, the way male models style their hair reflects an artistic expression that goes beyond mere grooming. Hair, in the world of fashion, is a canvas—one that has the power to transform and elevate an entire editorial spread.