Trendy Hairstyle for Men

While many answers boiled down to the fact that "it all starts with the right haircut," Ferdinando had a lot to say about the current trends in men's hairstyle, as well as what should be cut from the fashion list.

The latest in men's hair

You might have spotted the shorter hairstyles sported by celebrities like Brad Pitt, P. Diddy, and David Beckham. Now by short I'm talking really short, as in almost shaved. So why can't you just take a razor to your head and shave it all off yourself? Because in order to sport the ultra-trendy version of this short do, you need to make sure the area surrounding your ears (from the back of the ear, forward) is shorter than the rest of your head. So if you've got the almost shaved look, then that patch near your ears should be practically bald. And if the majority of your hair is longer, then that area near your ears should be relatively short.

This begs the question: doesn't this end up looking like a mushroom cut, or even a mullet? Not really. But the complete answer can be found in the next hairstyle.

The mullet meets the mohawk

Keep reading... Mullets made a brief comeback in 2001, when the David Spade vehicle, Joe Dirt was released. And now, perhaps because of the '80s resurgence, mullets are returning, full throttle. But keep in mind, this is the cool mullet. In order to get the look I'm referring to, let your hair grow to about collar-length (making sure it's the same length all around). Here's the clincher: the sides (from the back of the ear, forward) are shaved, and the top of the hair is styled into a quasi-mohawk.

The side part

For the more conservative dudes out there, a more classic look is an equally trendy option. Whether you choose to grow your hair out and give it a "shaggy" look, or opt for a shorter do, you can sweep your fronts (otherwise known as "bangs") to the side. Just make sure your fronts aren't longer than eyebrow level.

Natural is where it's at

The expression that says it all is "back to basics." Your hair should be no-fuss, and although there are some funky-sounding men's hairstyles out there, achieving a great look all starts with the right haircut.

How often should you shampoo and condition your hair? How can you get Tom Cruise's M:I-2 hairstyle? Get the answers to these questions, and more...

But while the right cut is the most important step in maintaining a stylish look, knowing about hair maintenance, hair care, and styling opportunities will take your look to a whole new level. So I compiled the most popular hair-related queries and went straight to the source -- Ferdinando -- for answers.

Frequently asked hair questions

How often should I really shampoo and condition my hair?
Every day. As long as you're using a scalp-friendly shampoo and conditioner (usually refers to those that contain organic products), applying both onto your hair daily shouldn't do any harm. In fact, if you don't wash your hair, and you reapply hairstyling products like gel or paste, you risk overloading your hair with products and, as a result, your scalp will not be able to "breathe."

How can I maintain the "bed hair" look?

Here's what you do: wash your hair at night and once it's dry, apply your hairstyling products. Go to sleep, wake up, and go -- instant bed head.

What's the purpose of thinning my hair?
Hairstylists use what's known as a feather razor in order to "thin" hair -- basically, remove the bulk and weight of your hair. This doesn't affect the length, but rather the volume, and it's an important step for those with long hair.

How can I get Tom Cruise's hairstyle from Mission : Impossible 2 ?

This might have been one of the most popular hairstyle requests since the Tom Cruise blockbuster hit theaters in 2000. Grow out your hair, but make sure that your hairstylist does not touch the length. This is where "thinning" comes in handy, as it's your hair's weight -- not length -- that needs to be taken care of. If your hairstylist insists on cutting your hair, make sure he or she leaves the length intact and removes the bulk instead. Of course, you need the right hairdresser to know this. And one more tip: don't wait a year between haircuts.

Can long hair look good on short guys? And if I grow my hair long, should I wear it in a ponytail?

Long hair can look great on both short and tall guys, as long as it's lean (see above for more information on "thinning.") By keeping it lean, it still looks masculine despite the length, and there will be no need for a ponytail -- stay away from those at all costs.

What do I do about my receding hairline?

Get the front cut short; this will de-emphasize your receding hairline.

I'm bored with my look and want to highlight my hair. What should I do?

Highlights are completely out, as are frosted tips. The trick is to let the styling product you use bring out your hair color.

Speaking of products, here is a grid in order to help you determine which styling product is best for your hair type and style.

Facial hair styles

While hair is extremely important, it's only part of the equation. Facial hair offers guys the opportunity to mix up their image, but it's back to basics in this category as well. Rather than focusing on all the different ways to "sculpt" your facial hair, men are free to just go with the facial hair flow and keep things natural. With that in mind, a bit of stubble can go a long way -- a few days' worth can add a bit of an edge to your look.

If you want to try out a different look, "flavor savors" are in. This is a nickname for a thin strip of facial hair that falls right underneath your bottom lip.

Also keep in mind that goatees and "lines of demarcation" are yesterday's news.

The lowdown on hair trends

Keep the "back to basics" mantra in mind next time you want a new hairstyle or haircut. Less is more when it comes to style and color, and with the right haircut, your hair can become low on maintenance and high on style. If you're not happy with the haircuts you've been getting, then maybe you need to be clearer about what you're going for. Or maybe you need to consider going to a new hairdresser.

Give one of the local aforementioned looks a try. Remember; hair is one of the most important parts of your image, and the right style and products can make a whole new man out of you.