Most people say it’s your footwear that is the first thing people fix their eyes on – but we’d argue, given it’s location on the body, it’s your hair. And, unlike a subpar pair of brogues or some battered white leather sneakers, you can’t easily slip out of a questionable hairstyle.

With that in mind, it pays to get acquainted with a classic men’s haircut ahead of your next visit to the chair. Like these nine, chosen by the UK’s best barbers, that promise to work for just about anyone, and won’t fall hopelessly out of favour six months down the line.

The French Crop

Daniel Davies, general manager at Pall Mall Barbers

The white T-shirt of haircuts, the French crop is a style that suits most face shapes but is particularly ideal for men going thinner on top. Since you’re taking the hair forward slightly here, leaving length in the fringe can help to cover any receding patches.

It’s a low-maintenance style perfect for someone in and out of the gym or swimming pool, as you can wear it without any styling product, just letting it fall naturally into place.

If, however, you do want to use product, try a little hairspray, as the French crop is one of those men’s haircuts that’s meant to be left natural. The upkeep with this cut isn’t in styling but in making a point of getting it trimmed every three or so weeks.

The Buzz Cut

Brent Pankhurst, founder of barbershop and grooming brand Pankhurst London

The buzz cut is a timeless style. But to really make it work, you need to have a great shaped head (a noggin like Ryan Gosling’s or Christian Bale’s, for example).

Named after the sound they make, it stands to reason that the look is achieved using clippers, however there are less severe alternatives for those not blessed with a square jaw and perfectly proportionate head.

If that’s you, go for a shape that is slightly square all over [clippered at the sides], with a little more length on the top. Scissor over comb is the Pankhurst technique and I’d highly recommend this rather than clippers exclusively. By cutting, you can work with the shape of the head to make the overall cut more flattering.