Mingus on the evolution of men's hairstyles: "More freedom, more expression"

His career began at an international hair chain, where he had the freedom to explore his creative side. There, he learned to see hair differently, not just as something to be cut but as a form of expression. He now applies that approach in his work at KURO, where he specializes in both cutting and coloring hair. While many women love sitting in his chair, he is also known for his unique vision on Creative Men’s Cutting.

For Mingus, men’s hair is not just a standard cut with short sides and a longer top. He sees it as a form of sculpting, a play of texture and shape that suits someone’s appearance and lifestyle. “A good haircut is one you don’t have to think about, it just works,” he says. In this interview, he shares how he elevates men’s haircuts to the next level and which trends and techniques play a role in that.

Can you tell us more about Creative Men’s Cutting at KURO?

“I’ve been cutting men’s hair for several years, but I wouldn’t call myself a barber. I largely taught myself how to cut men’s hair and later refined my skills under mentors. Maybe that’s why I see men’s hairstyles differently. Many men’s cuts follow a standard pattern—short on the sides, longer on top—but for me, it’s more sculpting than cutting. I remove pieces to create the shape so that the haircut still falls naturally and retains an organic flow even after weeks.

At KURO, we take a different approach than traditional barbershops or salons. We don’t work with standard fades and clipper cuts but rather with a more relaxed, natural look. The hair looks good but is less polished and styled than in many other salons. Our approach is more effortless: men walk out with a haircut that falls into place naturally.”

What are the key trends in men’s hairstyles right now?

“I don’t necessarily work in a trend-driven way, but what I see a lot are modcuts and a shift from mullets to slightly softer styles. The classic mullet is becoming less popular, but longer hair remains a trend. We’re also seeing more influences from the 2010s return, like the hair flicks à la Justin Bieber in his early years.

There’s a clear movement toward less sleek and polished hair. Men are embracing longer, looser styles again, sometimes even with a slightly ‘grungier’ edge. Think of the soft boy haircut, like Troye Sivan often wears—styled, but in an effortless way.

The modcut is a style we saw in the ‘60s with The Beatles. It’s all about face-framing, with sideburns and fluffy sides. It’s essentially a transition from the mullet to the mod cut: they share the same silhouette, but the modcut looks more connected and natural than the loose, layered look of a mullet.”

How do you tailor a haircut to someone’s personality and lifestyle?

“For me, it always starts with a conversation: what do you expect from your hair? Does it need to look neat all the time, or can it just fall as it naturally does? Are you willing to style your hair and put effort into it, or do you want something that requires minimal maintenance?

Sometimes, I notice that someone has a specific wish that might not fully match their daily life. For example, if you work in a corporate office but prefer a relaxed, effortless look at home, I find a middle ground. I recently had a singer in my chair who wanted to do as little as possible to his hair daily but needed a styled look for performances. So, we worked together to create something that worked for both situations.

I also see that self-care is becoming more accepted, even among men. Where they used to decline a head massage, I now see them embracing and even enjoying it. They are also more open to using hair care products and better understand what their hair needs.”

Which techniques do you use to give a haircut that extra touch?

“I love adding a lot of texture to the hair because it makes the style more versatile. It doesn’t just make a haircut more adaptable but also visually more interesting. Even with the simplest men’s cuts, I often add extra texture to give the style more dimension and make it feel just a bit more special.

In terms of cutting techniques, I use point-cutting, out-slicing, twist-cutting, and texturizing scissors to create subtle differences in length. This way, the hair retains a natural movement without losing its shape.”

How often should men get a haircut for the best results?

“For healthy hair and a well-maintained style, I recommend getting a haircut every 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair type and style. The cutting technique I use ensures that a haircut grows out nicely, so you don’t necessarily have to come back every three weeks. The most important thing is that you feel when your hair no longer sits right.”

What is your golden tip for men who want to maintain their haircut?

“Don’t wash your hair too often with shampoo, but rinse it with water daily. Overwashing can dry out your hair and disrupt its natural oils. Also, choose mild, high-quality hair products that suit your hair type and scalp.

The key is to have a haircut that looks good with minimal effort. Products can help enhance texture, but the foundation starts with a great haircut.”

How do you think Creative Men’s Cutting will evolve in the coming years?

“I believe hairdressers will have more and more freedom when cutting men’s hair. Over the past five years, we’ve already seen men’s hairstyles become looser and more creative, and I expect that trend to continue. Additionally, the corporate world has fewer strict rules about appearance, so men are less influenced by a specific lifestyle or expectations. That opens the door to more expression and variety in men’s hairstyles.”

Want to get your hair cut by Mingus? Book an appointment today.