UrbanUpdate

Put down the clippers. There are plenty of good reasons for a DIY buzz cut, but the relentless, sweltering heat of summer isn't one of them. Or, at least, it shouldn't be the only reason. We believe that guys should be precise when picking their summer haircuts, even if you’re losing a pint of sweat from your head every day. There are plenty of hairstyles that you can embrace during the warmer months besides the go-to buzz, no matter your hair’s texture, length, or defenselessness against humidity.

We spoke with some of our favorite barbers to get the download about the best non-buzz summer haircuts and landed on seven of them—and found out all the tips you need to know to take care of them. Instead of giving in to the heat, ask your barber for one of the the following low-maintenance cuts. They're all easy to get, easy to style, and easy to maintain. (And they work year round). PS: You can still get a buzz if you want.

Stefanie Keenan

From Edwin Harris, Master Barber at The Art of Shaving in Disney Springs, FL:

Style: Textured pompadour

Who wore it best: Leonardo Nam, 2017 This cut is ideal for: Straight, thick hair Ask your barber: To use shears and a #2 guard. Blend up to the temple, as well as the nape just below.How to style: Blow dry against the hair line, for volume. Add dime-sized amount of high-hold paste just before the hair is dry. Then finish drying it, using your fingers to muss it into place. Why Edwin likes this cut: “It gives you more than one style, allowing you to have a business look in the day and a relaxed look in the evening.”

Jason LaVeris/Getty ImagesStyle: Textured layers, with blended sides

Who wore it best: Seth Rogen, 2017 This cut is ideal for: Curly hairAsk your barber: To texture and layer the top, and blend down using a mix of 1½ -3 guards. Blending up to the temple area, using a 1½ guard at the nape and side burns.How to style: Use a dime-size amount of soft hold gel or pomade, and rake it through towel-dried hair, starting from the roots. Allow the hair to naturally dry.Why Edwin likes this cut: “It's low maintenance and wears well with a beard. Rocking a natural, non-abrupt blend allows the look to last longer.”

David Livingston/Getty ImagesStyle: Tapered afro

Who wore it best: Anthony Anderson, 2017 This cut is ideal for: Afro-textured hair with very small curlsAsk your barber: Taper down to keep the perimeter; dark but low. How to style: Massage a dime size of argan oil into the hair and scalp. Use your sponge brush to curl the hair in a circular motion. Look for symmetry with the style. As it grows out, you may need to spot-trim with shears. Why Edwin likes this cut: “This cut is low maintenance and easy to do with dry or damp hair. Also, humidity won't affect it.”

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Mike MarslandStyle: Gradual blend

Who wore it best: Will Smith, 2015This cut is ideal for: Thick or soft curly hairAsk your barber: For a gradual blendHow to style: Use a dime size of hair wax in a circular motion when the hair is almost dry. Why Edwin likes this cut: “This is also low maintenance and should give you about 2 to 3 weeks before you’ll need another haircut.”

Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

From Kirk Riley, co-founder and head barber at Otis & Finn in Long Island City, NY:

Style: Classic textured scissor cut

Who wore it best: John Cho, 2009This cut is ideal for: Thick, straight hairAsk your barber: Ask for an all-over scissor cut, with sides equivalent to about a 3 or 4 guard length, and softly tapering up from the bottom. On top, ask for 1.5-2 inches in length, with lots of added texture to give a messy look.How to style: Apply a dime-size portion of matte pomade all over slightly dampened hair, and tussle with fingers to desired messiness. Why Kirk likes this cut: “It doesn't require fighting the direction of the thick or coarse hair. The all-over texture is the perfect controlled chaos, without trying to be super edgy.”

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From Gregorio Ruggeri, owner of Salon Ruggeri in Manhattan, NY:

Style: “The Brad”

Who wore it best: Brad Pitt, obviously. But also Chris Hemsworth, 2012This cut is ideal for: Wavy hair (Fine, wavy hair is ok, but medium and thick wavy hair are most ideal)Ask your barber: For textured ends, but no blunt cutting. It should look as if it has just grown that way naturally.How to style: Gently brush towel-dried hair from the ends, being careful not to tear at the hair. Apply a penny-size of hair paste to the ends of the hair, and work through with the brush, slicking it all back. Let it sit and dry. It will start out feeling slightly stiff. At this point, run your hands gently through and allow the hair to start flowing and look more natural.Why Gregorio likes this cut: “This is the quintessential long style for a guy that still has his hair. It’s freeing, sexy, and oozes confidence and sophistication.”

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From Lauren Rachel, men’s grooming expert at Boardroom Salon for Men:

Style: The high and tight

Who wore it best: Tom Hardy, 2015This cut is ideal for: All hair types: short, fine, textured, receding, and anything in betweenAsk your barber: For a high fade, starting with a 1 on the sides and back.Leave an inch or inch and a half on top with some added texture. A good rule of thumb is keeping the hair up top one or two guards higher than the sides and back. If you start with a 1 on the sides and back, ask for a 3 up top. Ask your stylist or barber to add in a side part if you want more of an edge.How to style: Spread a dime-sized amount of paste or clay onto your palms and work through the hair with your fingers. You can apply it in dry hair for a more matte look, or towel-dried hair for a small pinch of shine.Why Lauren likes this cut: “Men often believe that the longer their hair is, the more it covers up their thinning hair, which is clearly not true. The high and tight creates the illusion you have more hair, since the sides and back are kept short while the hair up top adds a little volume and height.”

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Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQHair