Popular Hairstyles for Men

This should come as no surprise. Hair can make or break your entire look, and can be the key element when it comes to looking good. And if you're ever bored with your image, all it takes is a change in hairstyle.

But knowing how to style your hair is one thing and actually getting it done the way you want is a whole other. Hairdressers and stylists may know how to cut and style hair, but they need your input when it comes to getting the haircut that will make you irresistible to women, and make you feel great about yourself.

This is where you come in. If you're in need of that perfect hairdo, check out the latest hairstyles for men, what to stay away from, and exactly what you should tell your hairdresser.

Push it Forward

Ricky Martin can sing that "she bangs" all night long; the sad truth is, hordes of women probably bang his door down thanks to his looks (no, it's not thanks to his voice). Good old Ricky did sport a shorter do in the days of "Livin' la Vida Loca", but today his hair is longer and pushed forward with gel or paste.

This is a great look for someone who doesn't mind if his hair gets messy throughout the day since this is how the hair is intended to look. It kind of gives you that "a woman just ruffled with my hair all night long" look that you may be craving.

Average Length, Maximum Appeal

If you're looking for a more sophisticated hairstyle, you can emulate box-office topping celebrities such as Russell Crowe and Ben Stiller. They both have medium length hair, and keep a hairstyle that looks sophisticated and neat, while maintaining a carefree lifestyle. This classy yet unrestricting hairstyle can be achieved with short to medium length hair.

African American Hairstyles

There are great hairstyles for African American men, as seen everywhere from the courts to the silver screen. You don't have to have Kobe Bryant's moves to sport his hairdo. His mini-afro style is fresh, easy to maintain and one of the most popular hairstyles out there today.

Nor do you have to look like Denzel Washington to look great in his simple, no-nonsense hairdo. His haircut is short and extremely sophisticated.

In case you were wondering, don't even go near flat tops; they are completely out of style (unless you're going for a House Party look, from that movie in the early 1990s).

Feel the Burns

As for sideburns, this is a part of a man's hairstyle that is often neglected but is equally important. The thickness and length of your sideburns need to be consistent with the rest of your hair. So if your hair is very short, don't leave your sideburns thick and long.

As a rule of thumb, the length of your sideburns should not exceed the midpoint of your ear (that "ball" right between the top of your ear and your earlobe). This is just the standard, since sideburns can look great at shorter or longer lengths. Your sideburns can be maintained by using clippers, and remember to groom when necessary.

Off to the Barber

Knowing which hairstyles are popular for men today is half the battle; in order to get that hairstyle, you need to take these tools and do your job at the hairdresser. Here are tips to make your next hairdresser visit a success.

1. Do your research
Don't depend on your hairdresser to discover the perfect do for you. You know what suits you and what you like, so research different hairstyles before going. Look to pop culture to keep up-to-date on the latest men's hairstyles, by checking out entertainment or fashion magazines, watching music videos, and just becoming more pop culture savvy.

2. Bring pictures
Once you've done your research and you know that you absolutely want George Clooney's latest hairstyle (and girlfriend, but that's a whole other story), bring the pictures you've found as examples of the hairstyle you want. This way your hairdresser will know exactly what you're going for.

3. Be specific
Hairdressers aren't mind readers; don't assume that your hairdresser knows what style you want. Tell him exactly what you want and exactly what you don't.

4. Be firm
Stand by your opinion and taste. If you don't like what you see while your hair is being cut, or if your hairdresser has decided to be experimental with your hair, speak up and politely tell him you don't like what he's doing. You're paying good money and it's his duty to do a good job.

5. Use scissors
If you're getting your hair cut as opposed to shaved (to achieve a bald look), it's better that your hairdresser use scissors rather than a razor. You want your hair to look evenly cut everywhere, and you want to avoid the look where your hair is cut on top, but the back or sides are shaved off. Consistency is key and your hairstyle should be even all around.

Getting a great haircut can make the difference between feeling lousy about yourself, or feeling like you're the king of the world. So don't be scared to experiment with new hairstyles whenever you feel bored. A change in hairstyle is not permanent, but can make you feel great for a long time.