How to Compliment a Guy's Haircut: 11 Ways to Make Him Feel Special

Written by John Keegan | Edited by Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: May 21, 2022

When your crush gets a fresh cut, you really want to compliment him—but how do you find the perfect thing to say? You probably want to boost his confidence and make a great impression, right? We can help you with that! Read on for a complete list of haircut-related compliments that all guys secretly want to hear.

This article is based on an interview with our dating coach, John Keegan. Check out the full interview here.

1

“Your haircut looks great!”

Keep it simple, and you'll come off thoughtful and sweet in any situation. Show him that you notice even a slight change in his appearance. Instead of asking him if he got a haircut (which might leave him feeling exposed, wondering whether or not you actually like it), jump right in and explain that you think his new cut looks amazing. With this, you're sure to make his day.
- Include his name in your compliment for a heartfelt touch, “Your new haircut looks awesome, Connor.”
- Point to your hair and say, “I like the new look!”
- Compliment him in passing for a casual, sweet compliment, “Hey, I just wanted to say that your new haircut looks really good. Talk to you soon!”

2

“I love the way your haircut frames your face.”

Flattery is more effective when it’s sincere and detailed. So, take a moment to think about what exactly you like about his new haircut. Then, let him know in a friendly tone. He'll leave the conversation thinking about how charming you are.^{[1]
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- “I love the way your new cut sweeps to the side like that. It looks good!”
- “The new haircut has a sort of sporty vibe to it. I really like it!”
- “I really like how the sides are shorter than the top. It looks cool!”

3

“I feel like this haircut really fits you.”

When you reassure him about his cut, you'll put his nerves at ease. When a guy gets a new haircut, he may feel like a fish out of water until he gets used to it. Assure him that the cut totally fits his vibe, essence, or personality and he'll be touched by your thoughtfulness.
- “Wow, this haircut really fits your cool, edgy vibe. It looks great!”
- “The new cut makes you look even smarter. That fits, given you’re a total genius!”
- If you’re afraid to get specific, offer him a more general compliment for the same sweet effect, “That haircut really suits your style, Eric.”

4

“I love the cut. It goes well with your great beard!”

For double the effect, tie your compliment to another flattering comment. If you’re looking to really leave an impression, pair your haircut compliment with another compliment on his style, his eyes, or his overall good looks. Commenting on his new haircut is a subtle way to compliment him, but you don’t have to stop there.
- Subtly comment on his great looks: “Wow, your cut looks awesome. I mean, you already looked good, but this is even better!”
- Explain that you’re glad to be able to see his eyes: “Your hair used to cover your eyes a bit. I love this new cut. Your eyes are so green!”
- Compliment his taste: “You pick out the coolest clothes. Apparently your style extends to great haircut choices as well!"

5

“You look sleek with that new haircut.”

New haircuts can give guys a refined, polished look. He’ll love it if you let him know he’s rocking that post-haircut glow, so don’t hold back. Explain that he’s totally elevated his old look. Use words like “handsome,” “clean-cut,” “dapper,” and “sophisticated” for the perfect compliment.^{[2]
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- “Woah, your new cut makes you look so handsome!”
- “With your new cut and trimmed beard you look totally dapper. If you were ever considering modeling, I’d take the headshot now!”
- “Wow, the new look makes you look so polished. You were handsome before, but this is next level!”

6

“You look really good today. I can’t put my finger on why...”

Sneakily pretend not to notice his cut for a sweet, effective compliment. Sometimes, guys worry that you're complimenting his haircut just because you noticed it. Tell him this, and he'll believe you really like his hair—because you thought he looked better noticing his cut. Use this if you aim to be casual. You won't earn points for noticing his cut. But he'll love that you boosted his confidence!
- “Wow, you look great. Is something different?”
- Study his face for a second and tap your chin like you’re thinking something over, “Why do you look so good today?”
- Tap a friend and point to your crush, “I’m not crazy right? He looks especially good today for some reason.”

7

“Your haircut reminds me of Steph Curry!”

Compare him to a stylish celebrity for a compliment that'll really land. Tell him that he looks like someone known for being fashionable or handsome—or someone you know he admires. This compliment will feel especially meaningful because nothing will get lost in translation. He already admires that celebrity’s look and now he knows that his haircut has the same vibe!^{[3]
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- "Woah, very Zac Efron-esque haircut. I really like it."
- "The haircut is so sleek! It reminds me of Henry Golding."
- "Your haircut looks great. You know whose haircut it reminds me of? Jason Momoa.

8

“My bro is looking for a new cut. What style is that?”

Show him that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Explain that you or another guy you know is looking for a cool, new haircut—and you think he’d be the perfect inspiration! Use this compliment if you’re a bit nervous and looking for a more subtle form of flattery. You’re just asking for a “friend” after all. Tell him this and he’ll think you’re beyond sweet.^{[4]
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- “Woah, I like the cut. I’m looking for a new one actually. What did you tell your barber?”
- “My best friend is looking for a sporty cut like that—did you bring a photo in? Maybe he could look at it.”
- “Wow, where’d you get that cut? That’s five-star material. My cousin is looking, actually. I want to let them know where you went!”

9

“I don’t mean to bug you, but I wanted to say I like your new hair.”

If he’s a bit shy (or you are), be extra considerate of his feelings. Use this tactic if you think there’s a chance that a bold or straightforward compliment might embarrass him as much as it flatters him. Wait until he’s alone, then gently let him know that the cut looks great. He’ll think your empathy is super sweet—and you’ll make his day without making him red in the face.
- “Hey, Arthur. I don’t mean to bother you, but you got a new cut right? I really like it.”
- “I didn’t want to make a big deal in front of everyone—but I wanted to let you know that your new haircut looks great.”
- “I hope I'm not overstepping, but I just wanted to say that your new haircut looks really nice.”

10

“Whew. With that new haircut, you're making me sweat!”

If you have a flirty rapport, playfully explain that his new cut looks hot. You two may already fire flirtations back and forth on the daily. In that case, let him know that you think his new cut is completely swoon-worthy. He’ll probably think you’re being a little silly—but he’ll also definitely feel flattered, too.
- “You’re KIDDING me. You knew what this new haircut would do to me. I can’t take it...”
- “Have you seen Too Hot To Handle? I think you’d make a great contestant with that new cut.”
- “Hot haircut alert. When you described that to your barber, did you just ask for the haircut of my dreams?”

11

"Your hair looks so good. I can't stop staring!"

To turn up the intensity, hint at romantic feelings with your compliment. If you want to subtly clue him in, explain that you have a hard time focusing on anything besides him (and his sleek new haircut). This compliment is perfect if you're looking to signal your interest without being too obvious. You'll flatter him—and leave him dreaming about you, too!
- "I had a hard time focusing in class today. That haircut is great! It really got my attention."
- "I really love this cut on you, Rufus! I actually couldn't take my eyes off of you to be honest."
- Study his face for a moment and say, "Sorry, I don't mean to stare! I just think this new haircut looks so nice on you."