Haircut Style Guide · 2026Intermediate6 min read
How to Cut a Mohawk & Faux Hawk
The mohawk and faux hawk are variations of the same concept — a strip of longer hair down the center with shorter or shaved sides. The key variables are strip width, side length, and how the top strip connects to the sides. Here is how to cut both.
TechniqueHaircut StylesMohawk
By Marcus Webb · Updated April 2026
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Mohawk vs Faux Hawk
True Mohawk
- •Sides shaved to skin
- •Distinct strip from forehead to neckline
- •High contrast, dramatic look
- •Strip typically 2–4 inches wide
- •Hard disconnect between strip and skin
Faux Hawk
- •Sides faded (not shaved to skin)
- •Softer transition from sides to strip
- •More wearable, mainstream version
- •Strip blends into the sides gradually
- •Can be styled flat or pushed up
Faux Hawk Fade — Step by Step
- 1Establish the strip widthWith the client, decide the width of the center strip. Standard is 2–3 inches wide at the top of the head — wider looks more dramatic, narrower looks cleaner. Mark the boundaries with a comb.
- 2Cut the sides to the fade heightWork the fade on both sides up to the boundary of the strip. High fade for a more dramatic look, mid fade for a wearable everyday version.
- 3Blend the strip boundaryFor a faux hawk, the strip boundary should blend gradually from the fade into the longer strip length. Use an open-lever pass at the boundary, then scissors over comb to transition into the longer length.
- 4Shape the top stripThe strip should be even in length along its full length. Use scissors over comb to set the length, then texturize the ends to allow it to push upward when styled.
- 5Define the front and back edgesThe front edge of the strip at the hairline and the back edge at the neckline should be clean and defined. Use T-outliner for the front hairline edge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What product do you use for a mohawk?
A firm-hold pomade or wax for a true mohawk that needs to stand up. A medium-hold gel for temporary hold on a faux hawk. For everyday wear, matte clay pushed slightly upward is more manageable.
How wide should a mohawk strip be?
For most head shapes, 2–3 inches wide is the most flattering. Too wide and it looks like the sides are just very short back and sides; too narrow and it looks like a landing strip.