Modern Mod Haircut: How To Create the Trending Shape

The mod cut is gaining momentum as clients embrace longer men’s hairstyles with stronger shape and softer texture. “The modern mod is a reimagining of the classic ’60s shape…reworked in a perfectly textured way,” says Jeremy Tremblay (@jeremy_wilde), Redken Artist and short hair specialist. Ahead, he shares how he approaches the perimeter, weight distribution and fringe.

Tap through the images to see some mod cut inspo:

What Is a Modern Mod Cut?

The modern mod cut updates the iconic ’60s silhouette with a defined weight line and textured interior that creates movement while preserving the haircut’s shape. “It’s still about a deliberate perimeter and a clear weight line, but now we’re building in more lived-in texture through the interior so it doesn’t sit heavy on the head,” Jeremy says.

Key characteristics include:

• A deliberate perimeter and clear weight line
• Fullness through the fringe and outer silhouette
• Internal texture for movement and separation
• Controlled weight through the crown and interior
• A finish that works with the client’s natural texture

Where Should Weight Live in a Mod Cut?

“The weight line sits at the perimeter—that’s what defines the mod silhouette,” Jeremy says. “But the balance comes from what you do above it. I take weight out through the interior and crown so the shape isn’t fighting gravity and expanding through the day.”

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See Jeremy’s cutting map below for a visual breakdown of where he preserves the perimeter and removes interior weight:

Jeremy says many stylists create unnecessary bulk by leaving too much density throughout the haircut. “The outside reads structured; the inside is managed. That’s where most stylists get into trouble. They build too much weight top-to-bottom, and the whole thing gets heavy and round.”

Dive deeper into the modern mod with a step-by-step breakdown of the sectioning, razor work and finishing techniques behind the cut.

How To Cut the Fringe

“The fringe is the main character,” he says. “I think about it as a frame first. Where it hits, how it interacts with the brow, whether it’s blunt or has movement built in.”

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Rather than cutting a perfectly straight line, Jeremy uses slight point cutting or slide cutting through the edge to maintain softness while preserving the shape. He also approaches the fringe similarly to a curtain, using the center as his anchor point and overdirecting the remaining sections toward the middle to create a more connected finish.

Key fringe techniques:

• Use the center as the anchor point
• Overdirect toward the middle for a more connected shape
• Add subtle point cutting or slide cutting through the edge
• Preserve weight while encouraging movement

Want to try this trending cut on your next client? Press play to watch Jeremy’s full technique:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jeremy Tremblay (@jeremy_wilde)

How To Style a Modern Mod Cut

Styling should enhance the haircut’s texture and movement without making it look overworked. “For texture and movement, I’m usually reaching for something like the Redken Beach Spray or the Redken Curl Sculpting Gel on damp hair—that gives hold without crunch,” Jeremy says. “The finish should look like the hair just does that naturally. These looks shine best when they look a little ‘dirty’… Less is more, especially on finer hair.”