Things to Consider Before Choosing a New Hairstyle

Thinking about changing up your look? A new hairstyle can do a lot more than shorten your hair, it can sharpen your features, boost your confidence, and match the way you actually live day to day. But walking into the barbershop, pointing at a random photo, and saying “this one” doesn’t always end well.

At Rusty Blade Barber, we see it all the time, guys bring in inspirational photos that don’t match their hair type, face shape, or lifestyle. If you want a cut that actually works for you, there are a few key things to think about first.

1. Understand Your Hair Type and Texture

Your hair type decides what’s realistic. Straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair will all sit and move differently, even with the same haircut.

A great place to start is learning about different hair types and how to care for them. Once you know where you fall, you can focus on styles that play to your strengths instead of fighting your natural texture. If your hair is especially thick, you’ll want a cut that removes bulk in the right places without making it puff out. We break this down more in our guide to hairstyles for men with thick hair.

2. Match Your Cut to Your Face Shape

The same haircut can look totally different on two people, just because their face shapes aren’t the same. A good barber looks at your jawline, forehead, and cheekbones before they even pick up the clippers.

If you’re not sure what face shape you have, this simple guide to finding your face shape is a solid starting point. Then you can dive deeper into which cuts flatter you most in our post on how to choose the right haircut for your face shape.

Knowing your face shape helps you answer questions like:

• Should you go for more height or keep things tight?

More height works best if you have a round or shorter face because it adds length and sharpens your profile. If your face is already long or narrow, keeping things tighter helps maintain balance. The key is choosing volume that complements, not exaggerates, your natural proportions.

• Do you look better with softer edges or cleaner lines?

Strong, clean lines work well for square or angular faces because they highlight structure. If your features are softer or more oval, blended edges and natural transitions keep everything looking proportional. Your barber can adjust the strength of the outline to match the way your jaw and cheekbones naturally flow.

• Is a fringe going to balance your features or crowd them?

A fringe helps shorten a long forehead and brings attention to your eyes, making it great for oval or oblong shapes. But if your face is rounder or smaller, heavy bangs can make your features look compressed. Choosing the right length and texture ensures the fringe enhances your face instead of overwhelming it.

3. Be Honest About Maintenance

Some hairstyles look great in the chair and terrible two weeks later, usually because they’re high‑maintenance and your schedule isn’t.

Before you commit, you should:

• Consider how often you’re realistically willing to come in for maintenance trims. Some styles stay sharp longer, while others need regular shaping to look their best.

• Think about whether you prefer a haircut that naturally falls into place with minimal styling or if you enjoy putting in a bit of effort each morning.

• Be honest about your daily routine, whether you’re comfortable using a blow-dryer, product, or straightener every day, or if you want something that works without heat or heavy grooming.

For example, some fades and sharp, structured cuts need regular touch‑ups. You can get a rough idea of what different styles require, but at Rusty Blade barber, we can give you advice tailored to your hair and routine. If you want something low‑effort, tell us that. There are plenty of clean, modern styles that still look great with very little daily work. 

4. Think About Hair Health Too

A new style isn’t just about shape, it’s also a chance to get your hair healthier. If your hair is dry, brittle, or thinning, that’s going to affect how any haircut looks and feels.

Simple things like not overheating your hair, avoiding harsh products, and washing correctly matter. The American Academy of Dermatology’s tips for healthy hair are a good baseline, and we’re always happy to recommend products and routines that fit your specific hair and scalp. Healthy hair holds its shape better, looks fuller, and makes any style easier to maintain.

5. Trendy vs. Timeless

Yes, that trending cut on social media might look amazing, on that one guy, in that one photo, with studio lighting and styling. The real question is: will it still look good on you six months from now?

Checking out roundups like current hair trends can be useful for inspiration, but you don’t have to copy them exactly. We like to blend what’s modern with what suits your face, hair type, and personal style. That’s how you end up with a cut that feels current and still looks good as it grows out.

Ready to Talk About Your Next Cut?

Choosing a new hairstyle doesn’t have to be a gamble. When you understand your hair type, face shape, lifestyle, and maintenance level, you can walk into the barbershop with a clear idea, and walk out with a cut that actually suits you.

If you want help figuring out what works best for you, bring your ideas to Rusty Blade Barber, and we’ll help you turn them into a style that fits your life

, not just your Instagram feed. For more information, call us at 619-885-2150 or visit our website https://www.rustybladebarber.com/ to explore our services.