New Year, New Routine: How To Choose The Perfect Haircut And Beard Shape ForJanuary
January is a clean slate. Fresh calendar, fresh energy, and the ideal moment to reset your grooming routine. At Sawyer, we start every appointment with a clear consultation so your haircut and beard shape suit your
lifestyle, your hair texture, and the time you want to spend styling. If you are choosing between a crisp buzz or a textured scissor cut, or you want sharper beard edges for a smarter start to the year, this guide will help you
make confident choices and book ahead for our seasonal availability.
Start with lifestyle, then choose scissor or clipper work
We always begin by asking how you wear your hair day to day. Do you style with product or prefer a wash, dry, and go routine? Do you train at lunch and need a quick reset, or commute on a bike and want a style that holds
under a helmet?
If you prefer minimal styling, clipper-led cuts keep things clean and quick. Short sides, tidy outlines, and fuss free maintenance.
If you enjoy texture, movement, or a longer shape, scissor work builds structure without harsh lines. It grows out softer and gives you more styling options across the month.
Many cuts use both techniques. For example, scissor work on top for movement with clipper tapering through the neckline and sides for neatness. In your consultation, we map this to your hair density, growth patterns,
and how often you plan to return.
Buzz cut or textured cut, which is right for you?
A buzz cut is brilliant when you want clarity. It is uniform, sharp, and low maintenance. A textured cut, by contrast, offers shape and separation through the top with controlled length on the sides. Here is how to decide in
January.
Choose a buzz cut if:
You want a fast morning routine, minimal product, and strong edges.
You like hats and beanies and want a style that still looks deliberate underneath.
You enjoy regular tidy ups that keep everything even.
Choose a textured cut if:
You prefer visible movement, height, or a fringe option.
Your hair benefits from weight removal and point cutting to sit naturally.
You want versatility, dressed up for work and relaxed on weekends.
If you are still unsure, sit down with us. We will show you clipper guard examples and scissor techniques on dry or wet hair so you can see and feel the difference before we commit.
Which buzz cut is best?
The best buzz cut is the one that suits your head shape, hair density, and how sharp you want the outline. A uniform, one grade all over gives a clean, classic finish. If you want more light and shade, we can taper the edges
and neckline so the cut follows your features. Coarser or very dark hair often looks slightly shorter, so we adjust guards accordingly. Ask us to refine your edges with a straight razor for a crisp result that lasts.
Do buzz cuts look good on men?
Absolutely. Buzz cuts look great on many face shapes because they emphasise bone structure and tidy up the silhouette. If you are concerned about a flat crown or cowlicks, we balance
guard selection and tapering to create a flattering contour.
How long is a Number 4 buzz cut? A Number 4 is roughly 13 millimetres. It is soft, tidy, and still shows some scalp coverage variations without exposing the head shape too much.
What is a Number 3 buzz cut? A Number 3 is roughly 10 millimetres. It is neater and more defined than a 4, and it begins to bring out jawline and cheekbone detail while staying wearable in all settings.
For more detail on shapes, guard guides, and finish options, you can read our deep dive on the men's buzz cut.
The case for Beard Trim with Razor Edging in January
If your December calendar was busy, your beard lines might have drifted. A Beard Trim with Razor Edging brings everything back into focus. We use scissors and guards to set the shape, then apply hot towels and finish
the cheeks and neckline with a straight razor. The result is crisp, longer lasting edges that make even casual styles look smart. It is the quickest way to refresh your overall look without a drastic hair change.
How do I trim my beard to look smart?
Keep the bulk proportional to your haircut, define the cheek line to match your natural growth, and set the neckline just above the Adam’s apple, curving to meet under the ears.
Use a gentle cleanse, pat dry, then a few drops of oil for slip and comb through to set direction. Finish with light balm or cream for hold, focusing on the corners of the mouth and under the chin where flyaways collect. If you want a sharp result without the faff, book the service and we will handle the details. You can also browse our guide on how to trim a beard if you like to maintain at home between visits.
Product picks from Davines for hold and definition
January air can be dry indoors and damp
outside. We recommend:
For buzz cuts and short crops, a light matte clay for touchable control without shine. Work a pea sized amount through dry hair, then buff the edges with your fingertips.
For textured scissor cuts, Davines medium hold cream for separation and a natural finish. Apply to towel dried hair, then diffuse on low heat or air dry.
For beards, a few drops of nourishing oil to condition, followed by a soft balm to keep corners neat. Use sparingly so the beard moves, not crunches.
We stock the Davines range in the shop and will match the right product to your routine during your appointment.
At home maintenance that actually works
Wash less, condition more!
Two to three shampoos a week, with light conditioning most days if you are active or in dry offices.
Reset your outline. Tidy the sideburn and cheek fuzz every 7 to 10 days with a guarded trimmer, and leave the neckline to us if you want razor clean results.
Dry with intention. Pat, do not rub. For texture on top, scrunch product in while damp and leave it alone as it dries.
Book smart. Short cuts look best with regular upkeep, so plan your next visit before you leave the chair.
How much does a men’s haircut cost in London?
Prices vary across the city, but at Sawyer our Shampoo + Haircut is £45, One Grade All Over is £35, Beard Trim is £15, and Beard Trim with Razor Edging is £25. If you are comparing haircut prices in London, check what is
included, such as thorough consultation, styling, and finish.
We price transparently and include the small touches that make a difference, like hot towels for beard work and clear aftercare.
Book early, January fills fast
We are a neighbourhood barbershop near Cambridge Heath, and the first few weeks of January are popular with clients resetting their routine. If we are running a barber specific offer, such as a 15 percent discount with
James, it tends to book quickly.
Secure your preferred day and time, and feel free to bring reference photos so we can plan the perfect refresh together.
Find your January look with us
Whether you are going short and keeping weight with a textured top, or sharpening your beard with a straight razor finish, we will help you start the year looking put together and feeling comfortable.
Book your slot, settle in with a refreshing beverage, and we will craft the perfect cut for you.
We look forward to welcoming you into the chair