Not every hairstyle suits every face shape—or head size. If you’ve got a smaller head and you’re wondering which styles can bring balance and presence to your overall look, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are plenty of haircut options that add structure, volume, or width in just the right places to make your head appear more proportionate to your body.
At Stylish Barbershop, we work with men from all walks of life—many of whom want to get a haircut that flatters their head size without overcomplicating their grooming routine. Whether you’re booking a haircut in Kitchener or anywhere across Southwestern Ontario, here’s a guide to the best hairstyles for men with smaller heads—designed to help you look sharper and feel more confident.
1.Textured Quiff
The textured quiff adds both volume and structure to your upper head area. This style is great for balancing smaller proportions because it builds vertical height without making the face look longer.
Picture Credit: https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/the-short-textured-quiff-featured-style-guide
How to maintain it:
Use a lightweight wax or paste to hold the shape, especially during humid summers or windy winters in Canada.
2. Side Swept Fringe
A soft, side-swept fringe gives the illusion of width and adds visual interest around the forehead, which is great for guys with a narrow or small head shape.
Picture credit: https://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/33-best-mens-fringe-haircuts/
Pro tip:
Pair it with medium-length sides to avoid making the crown look too small in comparison.
3. Medium-Length Pompadour
A slightly exaggerated pompadour is a bold but effective look. The added height and controlled shape on top of the head draw attention upward, making the overall silhouette appear more balanced.
Picture Credit: https://nextluxury.com/mens-style-and-fashion/pompadour-haircut-for-men/
Want to get a pompadour haircut for men in Kitchener?
Make sure your barber adjusts the sides to avoid too much contrast.
4. Layered Comb Over
If you’re after a clean, polished look, a layered comb-over can work wonders. The layering adds texture, while the parting line gives some structure to a smaller head shape.
Picture Credit: https://blog.goldsupplier.com/stylish-comb-over-hairstyles-for-men/
Style tip:
Keep the fade or taper subtle so the sides don’t look too tight against the head.
5. Faux Hawk
For guys who like something edgier, the faux hawk creates height without the commitment of a full mohawk. It naturally lengthens the top half of the head visually.
Product Picture: https://manofmany.com/style/hairstyles-grooming/10-faux-hawk-haircuts-hairstyles-men
Why it works:
The rising shape gives vertical focus, while the blended sides ensure a smooth, not-too-harsh transition.
6. Tapered Afro or Curls with Volume
Men with naturally curly or coiled hair can opt for a tapered cut that maintains volume on top. This enhances the appearance of head size while celebrating natural texture.
Picture Credit: https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/hairstyle/79654-hairstyles-for-curly-hair-men.html
Tip:
Ask a barber who knows this type of haircut to taper the sides just enough to give structure without reducing overall fullness.
7. Long Top, Short Sides
A tried-and-true approach, longer hair on top with clean but not overly faded sides gives you the best of both worlds—volume up high and definition around the ears and neck.
Picture Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353391902001221303/
Great for:
Men who want a modern, office-appropriate look that adds dimension to a smaller head.
8. Curly or Wavy Mop Top
This relaxed, voluminous look gives your overall appearance a fuller, more dynamic shape. It’s especially flattering when combined with naturally thick or wavy hair.
Picture Credit: https://www.nadula.com/blog/5-hottest-wet-mop-haircuts-for-2023/
Pro tip:
Use a defining cream or leave-in conditioner to hold the wave pattern without weighing it down—perfect for dry Canadian winters when hair can get brittle.
9. Brushed-Up Caesar
A modern twist on the Caesar cut, the brushed-up version lifts the hair slightly instead of laying flat. This small tweak makes a big difference in how the face and head appear proportionally.
Picture Credit: https://manforhimself.com/mens-hairstyles/justin-bieber-caesar-cut-with-choppy-fringe-met-gala-2021/
Maintenance:
Ask a barber who is experienced in cutting hair with this issue to create subtle height while shaping the fringe to complement your features.
10. High Volume Ivy League
This classy cut maintains longer hair on top while keeping the sides neat. The added volume on top enhances vertical length without making your features look smaller.
Picture Credit: https://www.xosalonspa.com/the-ivy-league-haircut-a-classic-style-for-modern-men/
Styling help:
Blow dry your hair with a round brush after showering and finish with a matte paste or light hold gel.
If you’ve got a small head, your goal shouldn’t be to “hide” it—it should be to frame it right. The right hairstyle adds symmetry, visual weight, and presence, helping you look more balanced overall.
Want a result that works for you, not just the guy in the magazine? Book with a barber who knows this type of haircut, someone who understands head proportions and can tailor each cut to suit your features.
At Stylish Barbershop, we don’t just cut hair—we shape confidence.