A good haircut should work on a Tuesday morning, not just in the barber’s chair.

Inspired by Eloise Dalais’s take on men’s hair for late 2026 into 2027, we’re looking at three directions to take to your next appointment: the textured warrior cut, the middle part and the coloured buzz cut.

Each offers a different way to change your look. The trick is choosing a shape that works with your hair, then knowing what to do with it at home.

Here’s what to ask your barber for and how to style it with Heist.

1. The warrior cut: short, textured and deliberately undone

Think choppy layers, broken-up spikes and a fringe that doesn’t sit in a perfect line. Brad Pitt’s hair in Fight Club is a useful reference for the shape and texture.

The appeal is in the separation. You want individual pieces of hair with space between them, rather than a solid block pushed into position.

What to ask your barber

Ask for a short, textured cut with enough length on top to create separation. Discuss whether you want tapered sides or a softer scissor-cut finish. Bring a front and side reference so your barber can adapt the proportions to your hairline and density.

Get the look with Heist

Start with Heist Labs Sea Salt Spray on towel-dried hair to add grip and matte texture. Use the Heist 3.0 Dryer to lift the roots, moving your fingers through the top as you dry.

Once dry, warm a small amount of Heist Labs Matte Clay between your palms. Work it through evenly, then pinch a few sections into place. Its strong hold and dry matte finish suit this broken-up shape.

Want a softer result? Choose Heist Labs Texture Paste for medium hold and a low-shine finish instead.

The Heist tip: start with less product. Add a little more only where you need definition.

2. The middle part: movement, length and a softer shape

The middle part gives you a different silhouette: a longer fringe, hair falling to either side and room for natural movement.

You can wear it as loose curtains or keep it shorter and closer to the face. A slight wave adds shape, while straight hair can give it a cleaner outline.

What to ask your barber

Ask for enough fringe length to part through the centre, with layers that help the hair fall to either side. Discuss how much weight to keep around the temples and ears. If your hair naturally parts slightly off-centre, show your barber how it sits before deciding on the cut.

Get the look with Heist

Create your part while your hair is damp. For extra body, work a light application of Heist Labs Sea Salt Spray through the roots and lengths.

Use the Heist 3.0 Dryer to direct the front sections away from your face, then let them settle to either side. Shape with your fingers for a loose finish or use a brush for a more controlled bend.

Finish with a small amount of Heist Labs Defining Cream for flexible hold and definition. Keep the application light so the fringe can still move.

If your roots sit flat, work a light sprinkle of Heist Labs Matte Dust into dry roots with your fingertips. Use it where you want lift rather than covering the whole head.

The Heist tip: establish the shape while drying. Finishing product should refine it.

3. The coloured buzz cut: a close cut with a different finish

The video’s final direction pairs short hair with colour, from bleached blonde to pink. It also shows a slightly grown-out crop, giving you another option if you want more texture on top.

At this length, the cut and colour do most of the work. The routine can stay simple.

What to ask your barber

Bring references for both the length and the colour. Discuss a uniform buzz versus a slightly longer top with tapered sides. For a coloured version, agree the shade, upkeep and regrowth plan with your colourist.

Get the look with Heist

A very close buzz may need no styling product at all. As it grows into a short crop, a small amount of Heist Labs Texture Paste can add separation. Choose Matte Clay instead if you want firmer control with a matte finish.

Keep the quantity small. You only need enough to define the hair that is there.

The Heist tip: match your product to your current length. Add hold as the crop grows and needs shaping.

Choose the cut you’ll enjoy styling

Before your next appointment, think about how much time you want to spend on your hair, how often you want a trim and whether you prefer a matte finish or softer movement.

Take a reference photo, ask your barber to adapt it to your hair and build your routine around the finish you want.

Explore the Heist Labs styling range and find your next look.