New Haircut to Look Younger
I'm wondering if I should go in a completely different direction, like growing it out into an emo style with long bangs covering part of my face and gel in the back. My hair is naturally thick and coarse with a lot of volume. If I were to get it layered, how short could those layers be while still looking good? And what styles work well for men with layered short hair? I'm really just looking for something that might make me look my age or even younger.
For someone with a larger forehead and square/triangular face, your instinct about incorporating bangs is spot-on. The goal with any great haircut is to create the illusion of an oval-shaped face, which is universally flattering. Your current short cut might actually be emphasizing the angles of your face rather than softening them.
The emo-inspired style you mentioned could work really well for you. Those side-swept bangs would help balance your forehead proportions, while the longer overall length would soften the angular aspects of your face. This style is also age-appropriate and can make you appear more youthful, which seems to be what you're after. Plus, it gives you versatility. You can wear it covering part of your face when you want, or push it back for a different look.
If you're concerned about your thick, coarse hair being difficult to manage in a longer style, layering is definitely your friend. Layers remove bulk and create movement, which helps control that volume you mentioned. With your hair texture, you could go as short as 2-3 inches ( 5-7 cm) on the shortest layers while still maintaining enough length for the style to work. The key is to have your stylist use texturizing techniques like point-cutting or razor-cutting, which will help tame the thickness and create a softer appearance.
For a happy medium between your current short cut and a full emo style, consider a modern take on the Ivy League or Collegiate cut. This would keep the back and sides relatively short (maybe clippers number 4 or 5 instead of your usual 2 or 3 for a slightly softer look), while leaving significantly more length on top. Think 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) rather than the traditional 3 inches (7 cm). This length would give you enough to work with for styling forward as textured bangs that can help minimize your forehead.
Another option worth exploring is a textured short cut with a longer fringe. This style keeps the sides moderately short while leaving enough length on top to create texture and movement. The fringe can be styled forward to address your forehead concerns, and the textured top hair helps break up the squareness of your face.
Whatever style you choose, consider working with a skilled stylist who specializes in men's hair rather than just going to a basic barber. Bring reference photos of styles you like, and be open to professional advice. They might suggest modifications that would work better for your specific hair type and face shape.
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See also: Hairstyles for men