#I keep trying to decide if that’s Jason’s iconic hair curls or not

[desperatecheesecubes]

He just picks him up and throws him 😭

[ohheyalex]

the phone calls that never came//a dickkory fic

A/N: Hey so I was supposed to post this fic a couple weeks ago but tumblr was being annoying so i just uploaded it onto my AO3 account. And I kinda forgot to post it here too lmao but here it is. Also this was supposed to go on my titans blog but the gif wasn’t showing up and uh I wasn't willing to give that up lmao This does have some angst to it and I may be writing another part. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy it.

Summary: Kory and Dick are both on the same path to self discovery even though their journeys are separate for now, they can't seem to let go of each other completely.

She hadn’t heard from Dick in months and she doesn’t know how to feel about it to be honest. Her memories had begun to come in quicker since the fight with Trigon. Sometimes, she was fortunate enough to see the whole memory and other times Kory would just see flashes of her home planet. With each new thing she remembers, Kory seems to become more sure of herself. One thing she isn't set on is when or if she’ll go back to Dick and the kids. Kory hasn’t reached out either. Guilt slowly eats at her with each day that goes by that she hasn’t talked to Rachel, Gar and even Dick.

The mere thought of hearing his voice again makes her feel two things; fear and want. Fear of what the conversation could lead to or reveal and she isn’t ready for that just yet and want because she can’t help but be needy for him. Kory will probably never forget their first time, how gentle he was with her even though she’d seen him go postal on a guy a day prior. It shouldn't have been a shock to her with how mysterious he’s been since she’s met him but Dick was always finding ways to surprise her.

Kory isn’t sure of what she wants right now and that’s why she didn't go with him and the kids. She needed time to figure out who she is and what she had been through that past month since waking up in a totaled car left her at a complete loss of self. But she can’t say that she isn’t getting there.

“What are you thinking about?” Donna’s voice pierces through Kory’s thoughts.

Oh right they were looking over footage from surveillance cameras around the city. Kory brushed a hand through her hair but stops in fear of messing up the curls. That worry leaves as quick as it comes when she remembers that she no longer has her curly hair. It's now straight with a slight wave at the end for some oomph.

“Earth to Kory.” Donna waves a piece of beef and broccoli in her face.

Kory recovers fast, “Yea. So I was thinking we should look over the footage from 25th street until Sycamore Drive.”

The former Titan snorts, “Not what I asked but noted. Now tell me what’s going on in that alien head of yours.” Donna smirks. And Kory rolls her eyes at that quip but she knows it’s out of love. This friendship they’ve been able to forge has become the one thing Kory is certain about right now.

Kory pulls her hands from her lap and places them on the wood table in front of her. She starts to fiddle with the gold ring on her middle finger, she can’t help it.

Donna steals a piece of Kory’s orange chicken and plops it into her mouth while she waits for her to talk. She's learned that with Kory she’ll speak when she’s ready, there’s no need to push it out of her plus Donna wanted her to trust her. They ended up bonding over making fun of Dick when Donna pulled out some pictures from when he was a teenager.

“I don’t know I guess I just miss the kids.” Kory doesn’t have to see Donna’s face to know that she’s waiting for her to finish that sentence because even she knows that Kory has been thinking about him too. So Kory decides to vocalize it for the first time in three months, “And I miss Dick too.” That’s all she says and it doesn’t even touch the surface of what she’s feeling right now.

Donna nods while taking a sip of her beer, “Have you tried calling them?” And Kory just gives her a deadpan look. “Look there’s no shame in being the first one to call.” She offers thinking maybe that’s why Kory hasn’t gotten in contact.

She shakes her head, “No it’s not that. I’m just scared I guess of what the conversation will lead to. I don't know if I’m ready to talk to him. He hasn’t called either so maybe he doesn’t want to talk.” Kory shrugs, she’s trying to mask how she truly feels now but it doesn’t work. Donna sees right through it, “I doubt that. Don’t forget when I told you how whipped he sounded when we were following you to your ship a few months ago.” Kory can't help but laugh fondly at that, it made her happy to know that he had her back.

“Yea well I don't know if I’m ready to talk to him yet.” She stares at Donna and her eyes say everything for Kory. Donna takes another sip of her beer before giving Kory the best advice she could think of, “The only way you're going to get the answers to your questions is if you go to the source.”

Kory knows she’s right but it doesn't mean she’s going to do it.

San Francisco. 1 AM. Titans Tower

Dick can’t sleep.

He keeps tossing and turning every hour since he laid down at ten, he’s been trying to get into a routine again but it’s harder this time around. He thought about going into the training room and working out until he felt tired enough to sleep but then he runs the risk of waking up one of the kids. And he doesn’t want them worrying about him when they need to be focused on the lessons and what could come next.

After the tenth time he’s rolled over to a different corner of the king sized bed, he moves up to the headboard and plops down on his side. Dick’s thoughts are a jumbled mess of worries, fears and he’s started to think about her. He doesn’t want to, Dick doesn’t even want to delve into that part of his mind. He’s not ready to. Instead he focuses on how he walked into the kitchen a couple days ago and it was a complete disaster. The three teenagers had been laughing seconds prior to noticing that Dick had come back home early from the store.

Gar was the first to notice as he turned around to look into the reflective surface of the microwave, he caught sight of Dick. “Uh hey Dick!” He whipped around causing Rachel and Jason both to turn as well finally noticing him as he places a couple of bags onto the counter. He stacked three brooms and mops so that they’re leaning against one of the bar stools.

All he can do is laugh lightly at them, “Is my cooking that bad?”

“No it’s not that bad.” Raven says while flicking a piece of an egg shell off of her shoulder. He can tell she’s just being nice but of course leave it to Jason to be the honest one.

“Not bad? Rachel that cauliflower pizza wasn’t fucking edible! Look Dick I can’t do this, we gotta hire a chef. I can’t do anymore of your healthy cooking shit man.” Jason huffs and it makes Dick laugh.

“Here.” He gives Gar some cash, “Go get some lunch but not before you guys clean this place up.”

The three of them rush to the bags he brought as he goes to his room.

His phone buzzing on his side table brings him back to reality. It’s a text from Bruce, it’s about Jason of course. Just the usual question of how he’s doing and Dick let’s him know the young Robin’s progress. He’s still to quick to react with his fists but he’s trying is all Dick can really say. He knows that Jason just wants to go back to Gotham, he understands that he probably feels Bruce just dumped him off with Dick and maybe it seems that way. It doesn’t matter anyway Dick has learned that when Jason sets his mind on something, it’s hard for him to change it. He’ll still try though.

Dick sends out one more text before looking at the time. It’s been an hour and a half since he gave up on trying to sleep. He needs to fix this, he can’t be off his game right now because of the kids. They’re relying on him and Dick doesn’t want to let them down, he already did with Rachel and Gar. He shakes his head and forces his mind to not think about his previous failures, he has to move on and make amends.

His mind drifts again and this time he allows himself think of her. He rarely does, Dick knows it’s complicated for them both. He’s still trying to figuring out who he’s going to be now that he’s not Robin anymore. And she’s still remembering who she is and who she wants to be.

He wanted to give her space, if she wanted to come back then she would. It didn't mean that he didn't miss her. He does, he thinks about Kory every day. Dick just doesn’t say it out loud and who would he even talk to about Kory and his feelings for her? He’s not talking to the kids, that's out of the question. Dick hasn't spoken to Donna either, he knows what the Titans tower means to her and he doesn't want to burden her. Again, if she wanted to come back then that would have to be her decision. And Dick finds that his thoughts are just cycling each other because even though he misses the hell out of his best friend and this fascinating woman who he has developed these feelings for, he doesn’t want to pressure them.

So Dick decides to give them space because they need it and so does he. His emotions are sometimes hard to talk about but he’s getting better at it.

But then again maybe one phone call couldn’t hurt. His thumb clicks on the contacts icon on his phone and he scrolls until he gets to her name. Dick taps the contact and his thumb hovers over the call button. He can’t fucking do this, what is he even supposed to say?

'uh hey kory it’s dick, sorry for not calling you for three months, dick move huh.’

Dick rolls his eyes at his own awkwardness and his attempt at a joke. He’s glad that happened in his thoughts and no one was there to witness it, especially Kory.

He keeps his thumb over the call button for what seems like hours but is only fifteen minutes. Dick tosses his phone to the side and throws himself on the bed deciding on letting his fear of what could happen win for now. And funny for some reason now he feels like he can sleep, so he finally does and he hopes his dreams are only of a curly red haired beauty because that's the only way he's going to see her.

Chicago. 1 PM. Donna’s House.

Kory couldn’t sleep last night. A couple new memories had come back to her earlier that night and ever since then she’s been wide awake. Kory had the TV on with no sound on, she was content on listening to the rain just outside the window.

She had been going back and forth in her head on what she wanted to do. She missed the kids and Dick but she didn't know if she was done with exploring just yet. Plus if she went back, what would that mean for her and Dick? Kory takes two seconds before snatching her phone from the end of the bed and she scrolls through her contacts effortlessly landing on Dick’s.

Her thumb is inches from the screen, she’s almost there and all she has to do is push down. But she doesn’t, whatever courage she’s worked up vanishes as soon as it appeared and she throws her phone to the side. Kory crosses her arms and she can’t help but be upset with herself why can’t she just call him? A knock interrupts her next thought and before she can say come in, Donna walks in with a coffee cup in hand. “I found Shimmer. Well I got intel on where she’ll be. Come on, let’s go.” Donna starts tossing random pieces of Kory’s clothes that she just bought the other day at her.

Kory doesn’t move from her on spot on the bed, “Where are we going?”

Donna walks back to the entrance of the room and before she turns to leave she says, “A stake out.” She winks before leaving Kory to get dressed.

Yea maybe she’d call Dick after her and Donna caught Shimmer.

//

[xreaderfic-land]

What Lies Beneath Part 1 Red Hood (Jason Todd) x Reader

Summary: Coming back home to Gotham after several years was a tough choice, but you needed to put the past behind you. You blamed yourself for Jason’s death and hope that with a medical degree you can have a second chance at saving the kids of Gotham’s streets, but the past won’t stay buried. As the Red Hood invites himself into your life and the little safe bubble of a lie you call life bursts you’re left struggling to cope. You secret studying of toxins used by Gotham’s villains is sure to land you in hot water eventually, but you’re always up for a challenge. Life is a game of survival and it’s time you joined in. WARNINGS: MILD LANGUAGE

Co-Author: @inkteller-17

Your hands clenched around the steering wheel as you eased off the highway and took in the sight of your hometown; Gotham. It had been a while since last time you’d been home, but the city from afar looked just as you’d left it. Even as the sunset behind you there was a darkness that clung to the city and its skyline. The feeling of home overcame as you continued to cruise down the road.

Inhaling deeply, you steadied yourself a bit before weaving your car along the fastest route you could think of. While you tried to not let your eyes wander while you drove you couldn’t help it. Crossing one of the city’s bridges you let yourself take in the awful beauty of the place all the while trying to ignore the memories linked to the place. Your heart ached as the scenery flew by. There were plenty of good memories from here, but too many bad ones made your eyes sting as you held back the urge to cry.

Pushing down on the accelerator you made sure to remind yourself that it was getting dark, and Gotham was still Gotham. As if the universe wanted to highlight that fact a parade of police cars zoomed by with their sirens screaming into the dark night. Now, that really made it feel like you were home.

“Home sweet home” you heaved while shaking your head.

As the city lights began to kick on surrounding shadows seemed to thicken, a trait only Gotham managed to pull off. Continuing to pass through the city you finally let yourself admit you had sort of missed this place. Gotham will forever be home no matter where life took you. You knew that Gotham would always be here for you.

‘If I didn’t love this city so much I would hate it.’

The memory of your childhood friend speaking those words through a laugh had the air in your chest aching. Your hands white knuckled the steering wheel as you fought against the memory of a cocky grinning blue-green eyed teenage boy. This time you had to bite your cheek to keep the tears from falling. You promised yourself you were done crying over him and these memories weren’t going to break you this time.

Your phone vibrating against the plastic cup holder finally snapped away the memories and redirected your attention. Easing to a stop light you noted you were almost to your destination before hitting a button along the driving counsel.

“Hello?” You answered.

“Y/N! How’s my favorite person today?” Dick asked a little too excitedly.

You rolled your eyes. “Doing fine Dick, you?”

“Doing good. I figured I would do our daily talk while it’s still light out where you are.” Dick happily said.

You smiled at his words as you hit the button to switch on your headlights. “Oh yeah, it’s got to be like what, around seven there?”

“Yeah, the sun set just a little while ago.” Dick replied nonchalantly.

“Hey, I really hate to do this, but can I call you a little later? I’m really beat. Just got done with a four-hour surgery.” You lied, but it was a good lie.

You heard Dick make a sound of disappointment before finally replying.  “Yeah, sure. That’s fine. Sleep well Y/N. Later.”

“Later.” You said a little ruder than you meant, but you had to keep your story straight.

Ending the call, you withheld your laughter while forcing your car up the driveway that was part of Wayne manor. Slowing to a stop you rolled down your window and hit the intercom button just outside the towering gate of the Wayne residence. If Dick had only realized how close you were to him.

“Yes?” A familiar voice said over the intercom.

Your features brightened further as Alfred, the Wayne family butler, answered your call. You had missed the older man.

“Secret mission Homecoming is a go!” You exclaimed.

“Miss-“ Alfred began, but you quickly cut him off.

“Shhh, don’t say my name remember.” You reminded him.

“Of course. I’ll meet you outside the manor then.” Alfred replied.

You watched the wrought iron gates slowly swing open as you inched your car along. Rounding the drive you couldn’t get out fast enough as Alfred stood waiting outside the large manor doors. Taking the steps two at a time you quickly pulled Alfred into a hug which he warmly returned. He tightened his grip on you. He had missed you more than he would admit, but the hug told it all.

“Good to see you Miss Y/N. Welcome back to Gotham” his whispered words had you pulling away with a forced smile.

“It’s been a long time” Shifting on your feet you peered toward the door “So, who’s all home?” You asked.

“Masters Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Damian.” Alfred answered.

You jumped in place like an excited kid as Alfred ushered you inside. You sucked in a sharp breath as you stepped into the foyer and admired the interior. While you had practically grown up alongside a few of the Wayne family members the sight of the place still struck you. Wayne Manor was always the talk of the town. Growing up, all the kids wanted to be friends with the Wayne boys just for the opportunity to see what Wayne Manor looked like. You were one of the lucky ones.

Trailing behind Alfred you weaved through the halls getting more hyped up for surprising the guys the closer you got to several voices. You didn’t realize just how much you missed the boys until the closer you got to being reunited with them.

“-there’s no way quizzify is a word!” Dick shouted.

“It is though, look it up.” Tim said with a roll of his eyes.

“That’s such crap, but yeah-“ Damian agreed.

“I refuse to accept this. That word makes absolutely no sense.” Dick pouted.

A warmth filled you as you stopped just outside the doorway while Alfred entered. You couldn’t wait for their reactions.

“Who was it Alfred?” Bruce asked.

You took a deep breath at the sound of Bruce’s deep tenor that seemed to have gotten worse during your absence. Tucking a stray hair behind your ear you slowly stepped in behind Alfred before he responded. You nervously rung your hands together as you waited for it to click that you were standing there before them.

The stunned silence and expressions aimed at you had you laughing weakly before awkwardly waving a hand. “Hey.”

Your voice was enough to snap Dick out of his stupor as he rose off one of the several brown leather couches. Your eyes scanned over his form noting he hadn’t changed much. The iconic jet-black Wayne hair was swept back in a professional way making you smirk. Dick sported a black t-shirt that strained against his natural muscle toned body and dark blue jeans. You met him halfway across the room with a strong hug.

God you had missed him.

Pulling away “What are you-how are-I thought you were-“ Dick muttered.

“That four-hour surgery sure was long.” You teased with a smile.

Dick’s face split into a massive grin as he shook his head “You’re something else Y/L/N.”

You opened your mouth to reply but was suddenly aware that Bruce’s tall figure had at some point joined the reunion. Turning toward him your greeting was muffled suddenly by his chest as he enveloped you into his arms. Bruce had been a father figure to you. Being back in his arms now you truly felt like you were home.

“After everything I didn’t think we would see you again.” Bruce admitted.

Bruce’s words had your spine stiffening involuntarily. Memories of rushing back to Gotham and almost getting kicked from your medical program because Damian had gotten severely sick flooded your mind. Those were some of the worst moments of your life.

“Who is this, father?” Damian asked.

Bruce pulled away from you allowing you to take in Damian. The boy was relatively short possibly in his teens if you had to guess according to his voice. Damian was almost an exact miniature copy of Bruce as he stood with crossed arms eyeing you.

Tim, he too had the Wayne black hair blue eyed vibe, propped himself casually against a side table.

“It’s unbecoming to play dumb, Damian.” You told him.

“Tt, thought I could catch you up.” Damian giggled.

You rolled your eyes while walking over to Tim and Damian to give each their own hug. These boys were so much more than just friends. They were your brothers, your family. You had missed them more than you wanted to admit, but you were so happy that you decided to come home.

It didn’t take long for everyone to quickly sink into a comfortable discussion as you did you best to keep up with them. Several times as you curled up on one of the couches you felt your eyes dip dangerously low.

You were genuinely happy to be back in Gotham for good with a medical degree in hand and your children’s hospital project underway. At that thought you rose from the couch unnoticed and made your way further into the manor.

Your feet carried you by sheer memory toward one room in particular. Resting your hand against the cool wood of his bedroom door you swallowed thickly. Shutting your eyes and letting your forehead lean against the door you addressed the ghost hanging around you.

It was his birthday after all, the one day a year you loved and hated to think about. Only day you let yourself think about Jason anymore.

Thinking about the boy who’d been ripped from the world, your life, too soon was just painful. Jason and you had been best friends growing up in the harsher part of Gotham. He’d been the orphan and you the kid of two abusive druggies.

In a way Jason had saved you from that dark life. He was the cocky caring type of kid that you couldn’t help but wanna be near. You allowed Jason’s features come to mind with crystal clarity causing tears to burn the backs of your eyes.

“You alright?” Dick asked coming up behind you.

Dick’s low words had you jumping back in surprise. Clearing your throat, you shot him a sharp look “You really have to stop sneaking up on me.”

“Sorry.” He quickly apologized.

Pushing hair out of your face “I’m good. Just walking down memory lane.”

Dick’s eyes softened as he stepped closer to which you back peddled, you hated people feeling sorry for you.

“Seriously I’m okay, Dick.” You reassured him.

You watched as his mouth opened and shut several times in failed attempts to form words. Words and phrases you knew probably all somehow would suggest you visit Jason’s grave or actually go into his room. All things you refused to do because it meant being okay to forget him, and you weren’t. You never would be.

Teenager you had at one point fallen helplessly in love with Jason so hard that even adult you was still hooked. What made it all worse was that he’d died before you had enough to courage to tell him. And, that was you biggest regret. The one thing that haunted you.

Shooting Dick a weak smile you stepped closer to give him a hug “It was good to see everybody.”

“You leaving already?” Dick asked confused.

“Yeah I’m beat. After being in meetings with sponsors all day for Gotham’s newest children’s medical wing was stressful. Then the traffic coming back was terrible too.” You squeezed Dick’s midsection “Thank you by the way.”

“For what?” Dick said.

“Being there for me all this time. Especially after Jason and my parents died.” You told him.

“You cared a lot about him, Y/N.” Dick said.

You snorted at his words before pulling away; you both knew he knew that was an understatement.

“Well BFF I have to go. My apartment is calling my name.”

Dick mutely nodded before watching you head toward the front door. Hollering toward the living room you said and received good-byes as you left the manor. Climbing into your car you whispered an apology to Dick because you had no intention of going straight home.

The smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke had stopped being processed by your senses about the same time you’d finished your third drink. Propping your head up with your hand allowed you to stare down into the dark amber liquid of your glass. Vaguely you were aware of all the sleazy men who’d approach you with some unflattering comment before leaving a little pissed when you failed to respond.

You knew from city gossip that the patrons of this place while all assholes weren’t the type to be physical when shot down so you were sort of safe there. Waving away the bar tender when they suggested a refill you expressed your being done for the night.

You’d sober up and go home after. Heaving a sigh you tried to decide if you were really done celebrating the life of Jason. Wondered if you were ready to close the box for another year.

“You look sad as shit.” A voice said.

“That’s a really piss poor pick up line. I’m not interested-” You rolled your eyes at the new wannabe courter and noted with you periphery a distinct color “-red.”

“Any woman that can figure out my name without looking at me turns me on and scares me. Have we fucked before?” He asked

Your eyes grew, a nasty soul crushing retort on your tongue, as you turned fully toward the dude. As you opened your mouth to lash out the words died in place of something else.

“You gotta be kidding me, Red Hood?” You groaned.

You weren’t sure how but the dude pulled off looking smug in response to your words even though he lacked viewable features. Alcohol had you glancing over his form with serious appreciation. Even if the dude was a masked gun fighter that roamed Gotham at night he sure was still a good-looking body.

“Careful you don’t start drooling over me there doll.” He teased.

Your mouth snapped shut as your eyes flew to his featureless face “What did you just say to me?”

His hands rose in defense as he claimed the stool next to you “Doll?”

You laughed weakly at his timid tone and cautious body laugh while returning to your drink.

“This night keeps getting weirder.”

Several moments passed before you spoke again.

“I haven’t heard anyone call me that in a long time. Not to mention I wouldn’t have guessed in a thousand years that I’d been sitting next to the infamous Red.”

“So you’ve heard of me?” He said.

You laughed “I’m not answering that.”

You bit your lip as a comfortable silence settled between you while he busied himself by shelling peanuts.

“What has you drowning yourself in here of all places?” He asked you.

“Oh, you know, the usual. Had a stressful day, it’s my dead best friends birthday.” You replied.

He was silent for a long time “Well that’s one reason to drink.“

“Yeah. He’s been gone a long time, but still-yeah.” You sadly said.

“Still what?” He wanted to know.

You shook your head “I really don’t feel up to revealing my life’s number one regret to a dude, while physically appealing, looks like a bingo dabber.”

You watched him jolt back a bit at your comment before recovering “A girl who drinks whiskey and is sassy. I like you already.” He shifted his body more toward you  “Stranger Danger me is here to lend an ear.”

“Is the crime fighting business so dry you have to resort to part-time guidance counseling?” You teasingly asked.

He snorted at your words “I only help guide the good ones doll.”

You closed your eyes as he spoke while your fingers flexed against the cool glass in your hand.

“No one’s called me doll in a long time. Only person who did it was my best bud. Hearing you say it, I won’t lie, is really throwing me off.” You admitted.

You reached for your cash only for Red Hood to waving off your attempt by placing a twenty down. Scooting off your stool you let him follow you to your car only because his reputation didn’t include defenseless woman.

Unlocking your car you reached for your phone in your back pocket only to find it gone. Turning around to go check the bar you found Red Hood’s helmet illuminated by you phone’s glow.

“Red, what the-“‘ You hissed.

He passed you your phone back on a newly listed contact named ‘Red’.

“You ever need anything I’m just a phone call away.” He told you.

You shook your head “Why?”

He shrugged “I told ya already.”

Unable to fully comprehend all that was happening you went with it. “Well, I’m Y/N. Nice to meet you Red, I guess. I have to go.”

You climbed into your car and headed toward your apartment leaving the Red Hood to stare after you.

I have to make a better page for this, but check out the other parts Here

[fashiontrendin-blog]

The Best Undercut Hairstyles For Men And How To Get Them

http://fashion-trendin.com/the-best-undercut-hairstyles-for-men-and-how-to-get-them/

The Best Undercut Hairstyles For Men And How To Get Them

While it’s true that the last decade hasn’t exactly been a pony ride geopolitically or culturally speaking, it has actually been pretty darn good to our hair.

Take the undercut. This simple throwback style has re-cemented its place as one of the most iconic ‘dos around, having been rocked by everyone from the Hollywood elite to soldiers. And when a haircut has an appeal that broad, it’s safe to assume it won’t be getting the chop anytime soon.

But with so many variations to try, it pays to swot up on the key takes before sitting in the chair. To give yourself a head start, here is the complete guide to men’s undercuts.

What Is An Undercut?

At its core, the undercut is simple, stylish and versatile. The term itself refers to any cut that leaves length on top while the back and sides are closely cropped, faded, or buzzed completely.

These days, sculpting the perfect undercut is a precision task for barbers – especially when skin fades and tight graduations get thrown into the mix. However, back in Edwardian era England, an undercut was nothing more than a sign that a man couldn’t afford a haircut from anyone skilled enough to blend lengths. Funny how things change, eh?

How The Undercut Became Popular

Peaky Blinders turned a generation of sartorially confused men onto flat caps and trench coats, but it’s also responsible in part for the new dawn of the undercut.

Joe Mills, founder of unisex hair salon The Lounge Soho, also chalks the return up to a rebellion against IDGAF styles like the buzz cut. “For me, [the undercut] has come back with such momentum partly because of the way men have found their feet and male grooming has found its place in our lives,” he says.

“We have experimented with beards, moustaches and grooming products to the point that the way we wore our hair became a thing again.”

How Do I Know If An Undercut Is Right For Me?

As with any hairstyle, there are a few things to weigh up (the weight of your hair, of course, being one of them) before sitting in the chair.

As well as getting to grips with them yourself, it’s always wise to consult your barber on what they think might suit your face shape, hair type and lifestyle before committing to a cut. After all, they are the professionals.

Face Shape

Any styling choice north the neck – be it glasses or facial hair – is going to be affected by the shape of your face. The same goes when it comes to your hair, which should aim to balance out your most prominent features.

For example, if your face is so long you could give Hugh Laurie a run for his money in the Grand National, it’s a smart move to avoid anything with too much height. Instead, opt for a style that can be worn slicked back, or a short haircut with textured length on top that lays flat.

At the opposite end of the scale, guys with round faces should try to add a few inches with a style such as an undercut pompadour or quiff with tightly cropped sides.

Lastly, and as is usually the case, people with oval shaped faces will look good regardless. Annoying. Well, for the rest of us anyway.

Hair Type

How curly, coarse, thick or thin your thatch is will serve as another deciding factor when it comes to what undercut style to go for. Luckily, as there are seemingly endless variations, there’s something to suit every type.

As a general rule, lofty styles like quiffs and pompadours are better suited to thick, full hair, while those with curly or very fine hair should opt for shorter, textured styles. Afro hair, on the other hand, lends itself well to loose curls or braids.

Maintenance

Maintenance is the barbershop term for deciding how much you value that extra 15 minutes in bed each morning. If your answer is “a lot”, you’re better off siding with something fairly low maintenance, such as a style that is designed to be worn messy, whereas those who don’t mind putting in some extra work in front of the mirror pre-9am can choose from more sculpted snips.

Maintenance also refers to how often you will need to get your hair cut in order to keep the intended shape. Because each variation of undercut features a short back and sides, it’s advisable to book into the chair at least every two weeks.

Undercut Variations

Undercut With Pompadour

The pompadour has come a long way from its 18th-century roots. Originally worn exclusively by the type of ladies seen in Baroque-era paintings, the style was brought back into favour and on the heads of men by the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and countless others throughout the 1950s.

“The classic pompadour is defined by two main characteristics,” says Jason Collier, a go-to barber for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Brooklyn Beckham, “a sharp undercut around the back and sides, with the hair worn much longer on top, swept back in a high quiff.”

But will it be your ‘Good Luck Charm’, or could this be a trip to the barber that will leave you ‘Crying In The Chapel’? According to Collier, that’s all down to your hair type.

“It’s all in the styling when it comes to this haircut,” he adds. “If you have thinner, finer hair, then you’ll need to amp up the volume, with some backcombing and volumising product. For thick or curly hair, it’s more about taming the beast, and using strong-hold products to keep the hair in the classic pompadour shape.”

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Undercut With Braids/Afro

Due to afro hair’s naturally dry and frizzy nature, the goal is often to make any undercut style as low maintenance as possible, without sacrificing style. This is where incorporating short, tight dreads can be very effective.

“This style is a personal favourite of mine,” says Paul Burfoot, founder of the Fish hair salon and styling range. “l like the contrast of dreads on top with the severity of the short fade on the sides. For a true undercut, there would be a disconnect from the sides to the top.”

This particular style only works on afro hair, so don’t even think about it if you have thin, blonde locks. The last thing you want to do is wind up looking like Justin Bieber circa 2016. However, if you do have the correct hair type and want to give this style a go, Burfoot suggests asking your barber for a skin fade on the sides and back, with the hair scissor cut on top to slightly different lengths to create a textured look.

Maintain your new hair at home by using a shampoo and scalp oil designed to pump strands full of moisture and if you opt for braids, wear a do-rag at night to keep them tidy.

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Undercut With Slicked-Back Length On Top

One of the few hipster hairstyles we can get on board with, the slicked back undercut has been a staple of east London tattoo parlours and denim shops for the last decade.

“The main characteristic of this look is the visual difference in length and the fact that it is disconnected with no graduation,” says Mills. “It has a feel of punk about it and is almost along the lines of the old mohawk.”

If that doesn’t sound like a look that will fly in your office, there are a few subtle tweaks that can be made to make the style a little less edgy. “Less severe is to have the back blended into the top,” adds Mills. “This looks more classic, and you can always go shorter with the clippers if you like how it looks.”

As with any style that sweeps the hair away from the face, it works best with thicker strands and a strong hairline. But you needn’t be blessed with the locks of a Greek god. “[Just] don’t go too high on the back and sides with the clippers and make sure you keep as much length as possible on top to help it look thicker,” says Mills.

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Undercut With A Quiff

One of the most iconic hairstyles of all time, the quiff has been finding a home on the heads of some of the world’s most stylish names since the 1950s.

There are many different variations of this style, so TJ Hunt, a barber from the award-winning male grooming chain Ruffians, suggests taking a photo with you to the barber shop. “If you have straight hair, it will look sharp and slick, but if you have wavy hair, it will look more relaxed and beachy.”

After all, you don’t want to anticipate looking like David Beckham but leave looking like a Viking. “Avoid this look if you have tight curls or very fine hair,” he adds. “It’s also better for those with a strong hairline as the hair is generally pulled or swept back.”

For home styling, you’re going to have to get acquainted with the hairdryer. “Don’t fret though, it’s quite simple,” adds Hunt. “If you can, use a round brush and dry the hair up and back, if not just use your fingers to pull the fringe first upwards to create volume and then back to get the right direction.” To style, use a pomade for a slicker finish or a moulding cream for a more natural look.

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Disconnected Undercut With Textured Length

The longer the hair on top, the greater the contrast with the short sides – and the more dramatic your overall look will be. This makes ear-length hair worn asymmetrically a solid choice for a statement look with more than a hint of grunge about it.

“The key features of this style are that it’s sharp, textured and versatile,” says Mikey Pearson director of London barbershop Manifesto. “Sharp: super-clean fade on the sides and back. Textured: long disconnection on top which gives movement and is workable. Versatility: you can style it in many ways [including loose and casual or slick and smart].”

To get the look, it pays to know a few pieces of key terminology. “Ask your barber to disconnect the top with a horseshoe section to the occipital bone and a short fade on the back and sides,” adds Pearson. “The top should be cut short to long, starting from back to front, but do not connect to the sides and back.”

When it comes to styling, use your fingers to work through a cream-based product after shampooing, then simply leave to air dry naturally for a nice textured look.

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Undercut With A Side Parting

Working an undercut into a timeless hairstyle is one of the simplest ways to turn a throwback into a contemporary classic. In few cases is this truer than with a side parting.

“For the classic […] side parting, the defining characteristic is the parting itself,” says Joseph Lanzante, owner of Manchester barbershop The Mens Room.

However, it’s important the guy holding the clippers knows you’re after a modern variation. “When you take a seat in the barber’s chair, ask for a fade up to the recession line with a side parting and length on top,” Lanzante explains. “If you’re not quite sure on the fade, ask your barber to do it in intervals until you find the length that suits you.”

While there is an undercut for every hair type, a side parting relies on sharp lines and so is best suited to guys with very straight, and above all, obedient hair. To keep it in check at home, Lanzante suggests using a pre-styling lotion and hair dryer to create plenty of volume. Then simply work through a pomade, or a powder-based product for those with thinner hair.

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