The Exton Haircut: A Detailed Guide to This Versatile Style
The Exton haircut, a relatively recent addition to the men’s grooming lexicon, has rapidly gained popularity for its versatility and ability to flatter a wide range of face shapes and hair textures. It’s a style that seamlessly blends classic elements with modern touches, offering a sophisticated yet approachable look that’s perfect for both casual and formal settings. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Exton haircut, exploring its defining characteristics, variations, styling techniques, and suitability for different hair types and face shapes.
Understanding the Core Elements of the Exton
At its heart, the Exton haircut is a textured, layered style that sits somewhere between a classic fade and a longer, more voluminous top. It’s characterized by:
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Short to Medium Sides and Back: The sides and back typically feature a fade, ranging from a low skin fade for a more dramatic contrast to a high fade for a softer, less pronounced transition. The exact fade height depends on personal preference and hair type. A tapered or blended fade is commonly used to create a seamless connection between the sides and the top.
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Textured Top: The top is the star of the Exton, boasting considerable length and volume. This length allows for versatility in styling, from a textured, tousled look to a more polished, slicked-back finish. The layering within the top section is crucial; it creates movement and prevents the hair from looking flat or heavy.
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Disconnection or Blending: A key element defining the Exton’s versatility is the degree of disconnection between the sides and the top. A pronounced disconnection, where the transition between the short sides and the longer top is abrupt, creates a bolder, more modern look. A blended transition, on the other hand, offers a more classic and refined aesthetic.
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Defined Part (Optional): While not mandatory, a defined part can add a touch of sophistication and structure to the Exton. This can be a side part, a middle part, or even a more subtle, textured part.
Variations of the Exton Haircut
The beauty of the Exton lies in its adaptability. Several variations cater to different preferences and hair types:
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The High Fade Exton: This version features a high fade on the sides and back, creating a more gradual transition to the longer top. It’s a softer, less dramatic look that suits those who prefer a less bold style.
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The Low Fade Exton: The low fade Exton boasts a more pronounced contrast between the short sides and the longer top. This is a bolder choice, ideal for those who want a more edgy and modern appearance.
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The Skin Fade Exton: Taking the low fade a step further, the skin fade Exton features a complete fade down to the skin on the sides and back. This is a high-contrast style that’s best suited for those with thicker hair.
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The Curly Exton: The Exton can be adapted for curly hair, albeit with some modifications. The sides and back can still feature a fade, but the top is styled to accentuate the natural curl pattern, often with the use of products that enhance definition and volume.
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The Wavy Exton: For those with wavy hair, the Exton offers a great balance of texture and style. The layering in the top section is crucial to managing the waves and preventing them from looking unruly.
Styling the Exton Haircut
Styling the Exton is relatively straightforward, but the specific approach depends on the desired look:
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Textured and Tousled: For a casual, effortless look, apply a matte pomade or styling cream to damp hair. Scrunch the hair upwards to create texture and volume. Let it air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer for a more defined finish.
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Slicked Back: For a more polished and sophisticated appearance, apply a strong-hold pomade or gel to damp hair. Comb the hair back smoothly, ensuring there are no flyaways. A high-shine pomade will enhance the sleekness of the style.
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Side Part: A side part adds a touch of classic elegance to the Exton. Apply a pomade or gel, and use a comb to create a neat part. The hair on top can be styled with a textured finish or combed neatly to the side.
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Products to Use: The choice of styling product depends on the desired level of hold and shine. Matte pomades and creams are ideal for creating texture, while strong-hold gels and pomades are best for slicked-back styles.
Suitability for Different Hair Types and Face Shapes
The Exton haircut is surprisingly versatile and can be adapted to suit various hair types and face shapes:
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Hair Types: It works well on most hair types, from straight and fine to thick and wavy. However, those with extremely thick or coarse hair might need more frequent trims to maintain the shape. Curly hair requires a slightly different approach, focusing on enhancing the natural curl pattern.
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Face Shapes: The Exton can flatter various face shapes. For round faces, a high fade can help to elongate the face. For square faces, the textured top can soften the angles. For oval faces, the Exton is a highly versatile choice, allowing for various styling options. For long faces, a fuller top can balance out the proportions.
Maintenance and upkeep
To maintain the Exton haircut, regular trims are essential. Aim for a haircut every 3-4 weeks to keep the fade sharp and the layers defined. This regular maintenance will ensure the style retains its shape and structure. Proper hair washing and conditioning will also contribute to the overall health and appearance of the hair.
Conclusion
The Exton haircut is a modern classic, offering a blend of style and versatility that makes it a popular choice for men of all ages. Its adaptability to different hair types and face shapes, combined with its relatively easy styling, makes it a low-maintenance yet stylish option. Whether you prefer a textured, tousled look or a sleek, polished finish, the Exton offers a canvas for expressing your personal style. With its numerous variations and styling possibilities, the Exton is a haircut that deserves its place among the most sought-after men’s hairstyles. Consult with your barber to determine the best variation and styling technique to suit your individual features and preferences. The Exton haircut, with its carefully crafted layers and balanced proportions, is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-executed men’s hairstyle.
