15 Line Up Haircuts Every Stylish Man Is Asking For Right Now

If you’ve ever seen a guy with a haircut so clean and sharp that it looks like it was drawn with a ruler, chances are he had a line up. A line up—also known as an “edge up” or “shape up”—is all about perfect, straight lines and precise angles around the forehead, temples, and sometimes even the beard.

---

Line Up with Taper Fade

A taper fade gradually shortens the hair down the sides and back, while the line up adds a crisp outline around the forehead and temples. This style is clean and professional, making it great for both work and casual settings. Best for straight or slightly curly hair, it’s typically done by a barber with clippers and a straight razor. Maintenance involves regular fades every 2–3 weeks to keep the lines fresh.

High Fade Line Up

This style features a high fade that begins above the temples, adding height and contrast. The line up sharpens the look, especially around the forehead. It’s ideal for men with strong facial features and works well on straight, wavy, or curly hair. The high fade gives a bold appearance, and upkeep includes frequent edge-ups and fade maintenance.

Burst Fade with Line Up

The burst fade curves around the ear in a circular shape, blending into a longer top. When combined with a line up, it creates a modern, eye-catching finish. Suitable for thick or curly hair, this look is stylish and unique. You’ll need a skilled barber to perfect the curve and edges, and maintenance includes trims every 2–3 weeks.

Temp Fade + Line Up

The temple (or “temp”) fade is a subtle fade around the temples, paired with a tight, defined edge up. It’s great for guys who want a clean look without going too short. Best for short to medium hair lengths, especially with waves or curls. This haircut needs regular touch-ups to keep the fade sharp and the hairline neat.

Curly Top with Line Up

This style keeps natural curls full on top while maintaining a sharp line around the forehead and temples. It’s a great contrast between soft texture and sharp structure. Works best for curly or coiled hair. A barber shapes the line up using a razor, and you’ll need curl cream or leave-in conditioner to manage the top.

Buzz Cut with Line Up

For a simple yet stylish look, the buzz cut with a line up delivers. The hair is kept super short all over, but the defined edges give it a sharp, intentional finish. It’s great for any face shape and hair type. You can maintain the buzz cut at home with clippers, but it’s best to have a barber do the line up for precision.

Afro with Line Up

This haircut pairs the natural height and volume of an afro with a razor-sharp line around the edges. The result is bold, clean, and expressive. Perfect for tight curls or kinky hair, it allows you to embrace texture while staying stylish. Keep the afro shaped and moisturized, and visit a barber regularly for edge-ups.

Waves with Line Up

If you’ve put in the work to get deep 360 waves, a line up takes them to the next level. The clean edges around the forehead and temples highlight the wave pattern and make the cut pop. Best for short, coarse hair. Maintain your waves with brushing and durags, and keep the line up fresh with a skilled barber.

Low Fade with Line Up

A low fade starts just above the ears and blends into longer hair on top. With a line up, the edges stay clean and squared-off, offering a smooth but subtle contrast. This style suits most hair types and face shapes. It’s easy to maintain and works well in professional settings.

Dread Taper with Line Up

This style features short tapered sides with dreads on top and a razor-clean line around the forehead. It’s ideal for men with locs who want a clean shape around the edges. The taper helps reduce bulk while the line up adds structure. Maintenance involves retwisting your dreads and refreshing the taper and edges regularly.

Flat Top with Line Up

The flat top is a throwback with a modern twist when paired with a sharp line up. The squared shape of the flat top complements the angular forehead edge perfectly. Best for thick, coarse hair. Requires a barber who knows how to shape both the top and the line up evenly. Style with pomade or sponge if needed.

Mohawk Fade + Line Up

This bold look features a central strip of hair running from the front to the back, faded sharply on the sides with a clean line around the hairline. The line up makes the look more controlled and fresh. Great for men who want to stand out. Suitable for straight, wavy, or curly hair. Requires frequent upkeep to keep all elements defined.

Skin Fade with Beard and Line Up

This full grooming style includes a skin-tight fade, a line up, and a seamlessly blended beard. It offers a polished, masculine look that connects head and beard cleanly. Ideal for all hair types and for men who wear beards. Best maintained by a professional barber every 2 weeks for a truly clean finish.

Drop Fade with Line Up

The drop fade curves downward behind the ear, and the line up keeps the front edges clean and square. This combination is stylish and flattering, especially for rounded or square face shapes. Suitable for most hair types. A steady hand is needed for that precise shape, so rely on a skilled barber.

Box Cut with Line Up

The box cut is a structured, geometric haircut where the sides and top are kept even. The line up enhances this sharp style by keeping the edges defined. Best for coarse or thick hair. It’s a bold, angular look that requires a barber to shape perfectly. Maintenance includes regular trims and light moisturizing products.

---

Styling Tips for Keeping Your Line Up Sharp

1. Don’t touch the edges yourself: Leave the detailed shaping to your barber to avoid crooked lines or uneven growth.
2. Moisturize your hairline: Dry skin around the edges can make your line up look dull or flaky. Use a light, non-greasy moisturizer.
3. Brush or sponge daily (if needed): Especially for waves, curls, or dreads—keep your texture looking neat between visits.
4. Visit your barber every 2–3 weeks: Even the sharpest line up grows out quickly. Frequent touch-ups are key to maintaining the crisp look.
5. Use a silk or satin durag at night: Helps preserve your style and prevents friction that can cause your edges to lose shape.

---

Conclusion

Line up haircuts aren’t just about looking clean—they’re about precision, detail, and making any style look finished and refined. Whether you prefer a buzz cut, curls, waves, or a bold mohawk, a proper line up adds structure and confidence to your look.

Don’t hesitate to try one of these styles at your next barber visit. Pick the one that matches your vibe, your lifestyle, and your hair type—and let your edges speak for themselves. Style is personal, and with a sharp line up, you’re always one step ahead.