A shape up haircut is characterized by straight lines that are cut among a man’s natural hairline. They are also sometimes known as an edge-up or a line-up. Shape up hairstyles began as a trend in the 1980s and 1990s where they were popularized in hip hop culture. Although they faded into relative obscurity in the early 2000s, they are enjoying a renaissance in the 2010s and beyond.

If you request a shape up haircut at your local barber shop, your barber will use a razor (either single-hand or electric) to trace your hairline’s natural bend. Depending on your taste, your barber may round or straighten your hairline. Here is a selection of some of the most flattering shape ups to try out depending on your hair type.

1. Pompadour

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For the uninitiated, the pompadour haircut refers to, in short, hair that is swept up high above the hairline. While a popular hairstyle for women in the early to mid 20th century, pompadour hairstyles have gained popularity among men, being seen on the heads of the likes of Bruno Mars, David Beckham, Zac Efron, and more.

The pompadour goes well with a shape up haircut as your barber can cut the lines around your pompadour with a sharp angle and then shave it on the sides. This will help to better define your hair’s volume.

2. High Top Fade

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A high top fade, or hi-top is a stylish hairstyle where the sides of the head are kept very short or shaved completely, and the hair on the top of the head is kept very long.

While many of the high tops cut today tend to be more subdued than their retro counterparts, if you are looking for a unique throwback consider keeping a few inches of hair on the top of your head to contrast with your faded sides.

3. Burst Fade

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