The Evolution of Men's Hairstyles: What’s Trending in San Francisco Barbershops

Men’s hairstyles have never been more diverse, expressive, or sharply defined than they are today—and in a trendsetting city like San Francisco, style moves fast. At Barbery Coast Barbershop, we don’t just keep up with the trends—we set them. Our team of master barbers is leading the charge with precision cuts, expert fades, and a deep understanding of modern style.

Young man with a classic slicked-back hairstyle featuring medium-length hair combed back with shine pomade for a clean, polished look.

Ready for a haircut that turns heads? Book your appointment today and let us craft a look that speaks to your personality and the pulse of the city.

Let’s dive into the hairstyles making waves in San Francisco barbershops right now.

Skin Fades: Clean, Crisp, and Always On Point

The skin fade continues to reign supreme for good reason—it’s clean, sharp, and adaptable to any hair type or style.

Modern skin fade haircut with a voluminous quiff on top, showcasing a sharp fade from skin to full-length hair for contrast and definition.

How It’s Done:

Creating a perfect skin fade starts with determining the fade level—low, mid, or high—based on the client’s head shape and desired look. Using a combination of zero or foil shavers at the bottom and graduated clipper lengths above, we blend the hair seamlessly from the skin up into longer lengths. The fade is refined with straight razors and trimmers to deliver that glass-smooth transition.

This fade forms the base for countless modern hairstyles and pairs effortlessly with everything from a textured crop to a pompadour or quiff.

Trending Variation: Burst Fade with a Mullet

The burst fade arcs around the ear in a semi-circle shape, leaving more length at the nape and crown. Combine it with a modern mullet—short sides, long back—and you’ve got one of the boldest styles trending on the streets of San Francisco.

Thinking about going bold? Ask for a skin or burst fade during your next visit—we’ll show you how it can elevate your entire look.

The Modern Mullet: Retro Roots, Reinvented

Don’t let its '80s roots fool you—the mullet is back, and it’s better than ever.

Curly burst fade mullet with shaved sides and defined length in the back, combining retro style with bold, modern edge.

How It’s Done:

The modern mullet starts with a tight fade or taper on the sides and a significant length left in the back. The top can be styled with texture or volume, often paired with a disconnected undercut or a burst fade to create contrast. We use shears for texture, clippers for precision, and styling paste or pomade to define the look.

What makes today’s mullet stand out is its versatility—it can be rugged and edgy or surprisingly refined depending on how it’s styled.

Quiff Style Haircuts: Texture, Volume, and Swagger

The quiff has become a modern classic—an ideal blend of structure and personality. And right now, it’s all about textured and messy variations that feel lived-in but still sharp.

Side profile of a textured quiff with a classic taper, blending clean lines and soft volume for a refined yet modern men’s hairstyle.

How It’s Done:

To craft a standout quiff, we first clip or fade the sides—often with a skin or mid fade—and leave length on top (typically 3–6 inches). We cut and shape the top with scissors to create layers and texture, which give the hair natural movement and volume.

Blow-drying is essential: we use a round brush and dryer to lift the roots and push the hair back and up, then finish with a matte paste or clay for hold and texture without stiffness.

The result? A look that’s equal parts relaxed and stylish, perfect for both professional and casual settings.

Why Barbery Coast SF Is Leading the Pack

San Francisco isn’t just where trends arrive—it’s where they’re born. At Barbery Coast Barbershop, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of men’s grooming. Our barbers are trained in the latest techniques, from tight skin fades to voluminous scissor work, and we take the time to tailor each cut to your face shape, hair type, and personal style.

We believe every man deserves a cut that looks fresh today and still grows in clean tomorrow. Whether you’re walking into a job interview, a date, or just strolling Valencia Street, we’ll make sure you walk out feeling confident.

Don’t settle for basic. Book your appointment at Barbery Coast Barbershop today and discover what a true trend-setting cut feels like.

Need help deciding on the right cut? Our expert barbers offer free consultations—just walk in or give us a call.

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The History of the Art of the Straight Razor Shave