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Haircuts that work with glasses

Model M1 before the cut, with their own hair. AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.
Classic taper (short back & sides) on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.
BeforeClassic taper (short back & sides)

AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person

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The free analysis reads your hair and hairline from one selfie and ranks every cut with the rules on this page. Your #1 is free.

Updated

With glasses: what changes

The temple arms of glasses push hair out at the ear. Cuts that clear the ear, or that are long enough to cover it and fall over the arms, sit better than ones that end right at the arm.Barbers agree

A heavy blunt fringe at brow level can crowd heavy frames. That one is a stylist convention, and lighter or longer fringes are fine.Stylist rule of thumb

The analysis asks whether you wear glasses and applies these rules to the ranking. Previews keep your glasses exactly as they are in your photo.

Example 1 · ranked by the engine

Men: wears glasses, straight hair, medium density, average proportions

A full run of our engine for this example, open to any length and style, so only the hair and the concern decide the order. Scores are the engine’s 0–100 fit for this example, never a rating of anyone’s looks. Confidence: high.

1. Classic taper (short back & sides)

91/100 fit

Best on straight to curly hair · 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) on top · recut every 4–6 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Suits 1B straight hair: the shape holds without fighting how your hair falls.How hair behaves
  • Cut clean around the ears, so glasses arms don't push the hair out.Stylist rule of thumb

Needs a recut every 4–6 weeks to stay sharp (about $270/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • Few — it is the default for a reason.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Scissor-over-comb taper, not a skin fade; top 2–3 in side-swept; natural tapered neckline.”

  1. Skin0 mm
  2. #310 mm
  3. #413 mm

Upkeep: a trim every 4–6 weeks, about $270–$390 a year at $30 a cut.

Classic taper (short back & sides) on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Classic taper (short back & sides) on Model M2 (fair skin · fine-wavy 2A hair with some gray · 40s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Classic taper (short back & sides) on Model M3 (medium brown skin · thick wavy 2B–2C hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

2. Crew cut

91/100 fit

Best on straight to curly hair · 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm) on top · recut every 3–4 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Suits 1B straight hair: the shape holds without fighting how your hair falls.How hair behaves
  • Cut clean around the ears, so glasses arms don't push the hair out.Stylist rule of thumb

Needs a recut every 3–4 weeks to stay sharp (about $390/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • A very long face (the extra height lengthens it further).
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“#2–3 sides tapered; top 1–1.5 in at front graduating shorter to crown.”

  1. #26 mm
  2. #310 mm

Upkeep: a trim every 3–4 weeks, about $390–$510 a year at $30 a cut.

Crew cut on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Crew cut on Model M2 (fair skin · fine-wavy 2A hair with some gray · 40s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Crew cut on Model M4 (deep brown skin · coily 4C hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

3. Textured crop

90/100 fit

Best on straight to curly hair · 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) on top · recut every 3–4 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Suits 1B straight hair: the shape holds without fighting how your hair falls.How hair behaves

Needs a recut every 3–4 weeks to stay sharp (about $390/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • A low forehead; a very round face if the top is left flat.
  • Coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Mid or high skin fade; top 1–2 in point-cut for texture; choppy fringe ~1 in above brows.”

  1. Skin0 mm
  2. #13 mm
  3. #26 mm

Upkeep: a trim every 3–4 weeks, about $390–$510 a year at $30 a cut.

Textured crop on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Textured crop on Model M2 (fair skin · fine-wavy 2A hair with some gray · 40s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Textured crop on Model M3 (medium brown skin · thick wavy 2B–2C hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

4. French crop

90/100 fit

Best on straight to wavy hair · 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) on top · recut every 3–4 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Suits 1B straight hair: the shape holds without fighting how your hair falls.How hair behaves

Needs a recut every 3–4 weeks to stay sharp (about $390/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • A low forehead, a front cowlick, a round face without fade contrast.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Blunt straight fringe at mid-forehead; top 1–2 in; low or mid taper sides.”

Upkeep: a trim every 3–4 weeks, about $390–$510 a year at $30 a cut.

French crop on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.French crop on Model M2 (fair skin · fine-wavy 2A hair with some gray · 40s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.French crop on Model M3 (medium brown skin · thick wavy 2B–2C hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

5. Quiff

87/100 fit

Best on straight to wavy hair · 1.5–4 in (4–10 cm) on top · recut every 3–5 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Suits 1B straight hair: the shape holds without fighting how your hair falls.How hair behaves

Needs a recut every 3–5 weeks to keep its shape (about $300/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • Long or oblong faces; fine, low-density hair; hidden from hairline stage 3.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • Low-density hair: the cut relies on bulk that thin hair doesn't have.

Tell your barber

“Front 3–4 in graduating to 1.5 in at crown; mid fade or taper; texturize the front.”

Upkeep: a trim every 3–5 weeks, about $300–$510 a year at $30 a cut.

Quiff on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Quiff on Model M2 (fair skin · fine-wavy 2A hair with some gray · 40s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Quiff on Model M3 (medium brown skin · thick wavy 2B–2C hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

6. Buzz cut

86/100 fit

Best on any texture hair · 0.3–0.4 in (0.5–1 cm) on top · recut every 2–3 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Suits 1B straight hair: the shape holds without fighting how your hair falls.How hair behaves

When it doesn’t work

  • Puts bumps, a flat back of the head and prominent ears on show.
  • Scores lower if you have prominent ears.

Tell your barber

“#2 (6 mm) all over, or #3 top / #1 sides blended; tapered neckline; edge up.”

  1. #13 mm
  2. #26 mm
  3. #310 mm

Upkeep: a trim every 2–3 weeks, about $510–$780 a year at $30 a cut.

Buzz cut on Model M1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Buzz cut on Model M4 (deep brown skin · coily 4C hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Buzz cut on Model M5 (light brown skin · curly 3B–3C hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

Popular cuts this example should skip

  • Modern mullet: ranks low for this profile: 1B hair can do this, but it sits outside the cut's easiest range (2A–3C) — expect a little more styling.
  • Men's wolf cut: ranks low for this profile: 1B hair sits just outside this cut's range (1C–3B), so it works as an adapted straight version — show your stylist the reference.
  • Curly top + taper: gets its shape from a tighter curl pattern (2C–3C); 1B hair doesn't have the curl to hold it. Closer fit: Textured crop.

Example 2 · ranked by the engine

Women: wears glasses, wavy hair, medium density, average proportions

A full run of our engine for this example, open to any length and style, so only the hair and the concern decide the order. Scores are the engine’s 0–100 fit for this example, never a rating of anyone’s looks. Confidence: high.

1. Italian bob

90/100 fit

Best on straight to wavy hair · 8–10 in (20.5–25.5 cm) on top · recut every 6–8 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Works with 2B waves instead of against them.How hair behaves

Needs a recut every 6–8 weeks to stay sharp (about $210/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • A square jaw or a large chin (an end right at the jaw draws the eye there), a very round, short face, 3B+ curls (it spreads into a triangle), wanting to keep length past the shoulders.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Jaw-length bob with a solid perimeter; take weight out inside with point or slide cutting; deep side or centre part for lift at the root; leave the ends to bend softly.”

Upkeep: a trim every 6–8 weeks, about $210–$270 a year at $30 a cut.

Italian bob on Model W1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Italian bob on Model W2 (fair skin · straight 1C hair with silver strands · 50s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Italian bob on Model W3 (olive skin · wavy 2A–2B hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

2. Classic pixie

89/100 fit

Best on straight, wavy and coily hair · 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm) on top · recut every 4–6 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Works with 2B waves instead of against them.How hair behaves
  • Cut clean around the ears, so glasses arms don't push the hair out.Stylist rule of thumb

Needs a recut every 4–6 weeks to stay sharp (about $270/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • A short neck, a jaw-heavy lower third, prominent ears, a crown cowlick, thick coarse hair (needs debulking); grows out awkwardly.
  • Curly hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Top 1–3 in; tapered sides and nape; soft side fringe; debulk if thick.”

Upkeep: a trim every 4–6 weeks, about $270–$390 a year at $30 a cut.

Classic pixie on Model W1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Classic pixie on Model W5 (deep brown skin · coily 4A–4B hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Classic pixie on Model W6 (medium-dark brown skin · tightly curly 3C–4A hair · 40s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

3. Long pixie / bixie

89/100 fit

Best on straight to wavy hair · 2–4 in (5–10 cm) on top · recut every 5–7 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Works with 2B waves instead of against them.How hair behaves

Needs a recut every 5–7 weeks to stay sharp (about $210/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • Very thick, coarse hair needs debulking.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“2–4 in top and sides, ears half covered; tapered nape; long side-swept fringe.”

Upkeep: a trim every 5–7 weeks, about $210–$300 a year at $30 a cut.

Long pixie / bixie on Model W2 (fair skin · straight 1C hair with silver strands · 50s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Long pixie / bixie on Model W3 (olive skin · wavy 2A–2B hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Long pixie / bixie on Model W4 (light brown skin · curly 3A–3B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

4. Lob (long bob)

89/100 fit

Best on straight to curly hair · 10–12 in (25.5–30.5 cm) on top · recut every 8–10 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Works with 2B waves instead of against them.How hair behaves
  • A widely worn, easy-to-like cut, so it's a low-risk choice.Barbers agree

Needs a recut every 8–10 weeks to keep its shape (about $150/yr at $30 a cut).

When it doesn’t work

  • Few — a dependable middle ground.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A clearly receding hairline or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Collarbone length; blunt or light long layers; bevel the ends under or out.”

Upkeep: a trim every 8–10 weeks, about $150–$210 a year at $30 a cut.

Lob (long bob) on Model W2 (fair skin · straight 1C hair with silver strands · 50s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Lob (long bob) on Model W3 (olive skin · wavy 2A–2B hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Lob (long bob) on Model W4 (light brown skin · curly 3A–3B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

5. Long layers (V or U)

88/100 fit

Best on wavy to curly hair · 14–20 in (35.5–51 cm) on top · recut every 8–12 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Works with 2B waves instead of against them.How hair behaves
  • A widely worn, easy-to-like cut, so it's a low-risk choice.Barbers agree

You'd need to grow into it first — roughly 15 months at typical growth of about 1.25 cm a month.

When it doesn’t work

  • A long face worn flat with a centre part; fine hair (a V-shape thins the perimeter).
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • Low-density hair: the cut relies on bulk that thin hair doesn't have.

Tell your barber

“Below-shoulder length; long layers from the chin down; U- or soft V-shape at the back.”

Upkeep: a trim every 8–12 weeks, about $120–$210 a year at $30 a cut.

Long layers (V or U) on Model W1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Long layers (V or U) on Model W3 (olive skin · wavy 2A–2B hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.Long layers (V or U) on Model W4 (light brown skin · curly 3A–3B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

6. French bob with bangs

88/100 fit

Best on straight to wavy hair · 7–9 in (18–23 cm) on top · recut every 5–6 weeks

Why it ranks here

  • Works with 2B waves instead of against them.How hair behaves

A heavy fringe at brow level crowds heavier glasses frames.

When it doesn’t work

  • Round or short faces, a low forehead, a front cowlick, 3A+ hair, a jaw-heavy face, heavy frames.
  • Curly to coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
  • A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.

Tell your barber

“Lip-to-chin length, soft blunt; texture inside; brow-grazing bangs; for air drying.”

Upkeep: a trim every 5–6 weeks, about $270–$300 a year at $30 a cut.

French bob with bangs on Model W1 (light skin · straight 1B hair · 20s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.French bob with bangs on Model W2 (fair skin · straight 1C hair with silver strands · 50s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.French bob with bangs on Model W3 (olive skin · wavy 2A–2B hair · 30s). AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person.

AI references on synthetic models, not real people

Popular cuts this example should skip

  • Curly rounded cut (Deva-style): gets its shape from a tighter curl pattern (3A–4A); 2B hair doesn't have the curl to hold it. Closer fit: Lob (long bob).
  • Blunt full fringe (add-on): ranks low for this profile: 2B hair sits just outside this cut's range (1A–2A), so it works as an adapted wavy version — show your stylist the reference.
  • Curly shag (Rezo-style): ranks low for this profile: 2B hair sits just outside this cut's range (2C–3C), so it works as an adapted wavy version — show your stylist the reference.

Every cut the engine moves up or down

These are the same rules your analysis uses. Each one nudges a cut's score by a small, fixed amount; your hair type, thickness and hairline still decide more.

When you wear glasses

Scores higher 4 cuts

  • Classic pixieStylist rule of thumb

    Cut clean around the ears, so glasses arms don't push the hair out.

  • Classic taper (short back & sides)Stylist rule of thumb

    Cut clean around the ears, so glasses arms don't push the hair out.

  • Crew cutStylist rule of thumb

    Cut clean around the ears, so glasses arms don't push the hair out.

  • Long layered / man bunStylist rule of thumb

    Long enough to fall over glasses arms instead of being pushed out by them.

Scores lower 3 cuts

  • Blunt full fringe (add-on)Stylist rule of thumb

    A heavy fringe at brow level crowds heavier glasses frames.

  • French bob with bangsStylist rule of thumb

    A heavy fringe at brow level crowds heavier glasses frames.

  • Mod cutStylist rule of thumb

    A heavy fringe at brow level crowds heavier glasses frames.

The top picks, rendered

Reference pictures on our synthetic cast, so you can see each shape on different skin tones and hair types. Tap one for the full spec.

AI reference on a synthetic model — not a real person. Swipe for more.

With glasses: questions

What haircut goes best with glasses?
One that deals with the ear cleanly: a taper or fade that clears it, or hair long enough to cover the arms. For women, cuts with length that falls over the arms, like a lob or long layers, usually sit better than a bob that ends right at the frame.
Can I have bangs with glasses?
Yes. The convention is to avoid a heavy blunt fringe at brow level with heavy frames; light, textured or curtain bangs work with most frames.
Should I pick my haircut or my frames first?
Either works. The engine only knows whether you wear glasses, not the frame shape, so it applies the ear and fringe rules above and nothing more.
Which glasses frames suit my face shape?
The usual stylist convention is contrast: angular frames soften a round face, rounder frames soften a square or diamond face, and an oval face suits most shapes. It is a convention, not a measurement, and fit matters more than shape: frames should not be wider than the widest part of your face. Our face-shape pages list the cuts for each shape, and the glasses rules above then apply on top.
Do glasses change which haircut is best for my face shape?
Your face shape still decides the length and volume that balance your proportions. Glasses add two practical checks on top: how the cut sits around the ear and how much fringe the frame can carry. If you wear glasses, tell the analysis so, and the ranking applies both.

Related guides

What fits your hair?

The free analysis reads your hair type, thickness and hairline from one selfie, measures your face on your phone, and applies every rule on this page. Your #1 is free, with its top reason; members see the whole list.

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