13+ Stylish Short Sides Long Top Haircuts For Men
The short sides long top haircut has dominated men’s hairstyling for years, and its popularity shows no signs of fading. This versatile cut offers the perfect balance between professional appearance and modern style, making it suitable for boardrooms and casual settings alike. Whether you prefer a subtle taper or a bold skin fade, the contrast between short sides and longer top hair creates a clean, masculine look that flatters most face shapes and hair types.
What makes this haircut particularly appealing is its adaptability. Men with straight, wavy, or curly hair can all achieve stunning results with the right variation. The longer hair on top provides endless styling possibilities, from sleek and sophisticated to messy and textured. Meanwhile, the shorter sides keep the overall look sharp and manageable, reducing daily maintenance time without sacrificing style.
This comprehensive guide explores over thirteen distinct variations of short sides long top haircuts, helping you find the perfect style that matches your personality, lifestyle, and grooming preferences. From timeless classics to contemporary trends, these haircuts demonstrate why this fundamental approach to men’s hairstyling remains a cornerstone of barbershops worldwide.
The Classic Undercut
The undercut stands as the foundation of short sides long top haircuts. This style features hair that is clippered very short or even shaved on the sides and back, creating a stark contrast with the significantly longer hair on top. The disconnect between lengths gives this cut its distinctive appearance.
What separates the undercut from other variations is the abrupt transition between the short and long sections. There is no gradual blend or fade, creating a bold, defined line where the two lengths meet. This haircut works exceptionally well for men who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.
The top section typically ranges from three to six inches in length, providing ample hair to work with for various styling options. You can slick it back for formal occasions, create volume with a blow dryer for everyday wear, or push it to the side for a more relaxed appearance. The undercut pairs beautifully with beards and works across all age groups when styled appropriately.
Textured Crop with Tapered Sides
The textured crop has emerged as one of the most popular contemporary hairstyles for good reason. This cut features short to medium length hair on top with plenty of texture and movement, paired with tapered or faded sides. The result is an effortlessly cool look that appears styled yet natural.
Barbers create the texture using point cutting or razor techniques, which remove weight and add dimension to the hair. The top usually sits between one and three inches long, making it shorter than traditional undercuts but still maintaining the essential contrast with the sides.
This haircut excels in versatility. On rushed mornings, you can simply run some product through damp hair and let it air dry. For important meetings or nights out, a small amount of matte paste or clay allows you to define the texture and create a more polished finish. The tapered sides keep everything looking neat without requiring frequent touch ups.
Pompadour with Skin Fade
The pompadour represents one of the most iconic hairstyles in men’s grooming history, and when combined with a modern skin fade, it creates a stunning fusion of classic and contemporary. This style requires substantial length on top, typically four to six inches, swept upward and back to create impressive height and volume.
The skin fade on the sides gradually transitions from skin at the bottom to longer hair as it approaches the top, creating a seamless blend. This modern element updates the vintage pompadour for current trends while maintaining its timeless appeal.
Achieving the pompadour requires some styling effort and the right products. A blow dryer is essential for creating the volume and shape, while a strong hold pomade or gel keeps everything in place throughout the day. Despite the maintenance requirements, the dramatic, sophisticated appearance makes this haircut worth the extra effort for men who want to stand out.
The Modern Quiff
The quiff shares similarities with the pompadour but offers a slightly more relaxed and approachable aesthetic. Hair on top is styled upward and slightly forward, creating volume at the front without the dramatic height of a full pompadour. The sides can feature any type of fade or taper, depending on personal preference.
This versatile haircut works particularly well for men with naturally wavy or thick hair, as these textures add to the volume and character of the style. However, men with straight or fine hair can achieve excellent results using volumizing products and proper blow drying techniques.
The quiff strikes an ideal balance between formal and casual. It looks appropriate in professional environments while still projecting personality and style. For styling, you will need a good blow dryer, a round brush or your fingers, and a medium to strong hold product. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes once you develop the technique.
Slicked Back Undercut
For men who appreciate sleek, sophisticated styling, the slicked back undercut delivers timeless elegance. This variation keeps the sides very short or faded while the top hair is combed straight back from the forehead. The length on top should be at least three to four inches to achieve the proper slicked back effect.
The beauty of this style lies in its clean, refined appearance. It conveys confidence and attention to detail, making it popular among professionals and style conscious men. The slicked back look also emphasizes facial features and bone structure, creating a strong, masculine appearance.
Styling requires a strong hold pomade or gel with shine. Apply the product to damp hair and comb everything straight back, ensuring even distribution. A fine tooth comb helps achieve the smoothest finish. This haircut does require daily styling to maintain its polished appearance, but the process becomes quick and routine with practice.
Faux Hawk with High Fade
The faux hawk offers an edgier interpretation of short sides long top haircuts. Hair on top is styled upward and toward the center, creating a ridge that mimics a mohawk without the extreme commitment. The sides feature a high fade that starts the taper well above the ears, emphasizing the height and drama of the style.
This haircut appeals to men who want to express individuality and aren’t afraid of attention. It works particularly well for those with thick hair that naturally holds volume. The high fade keeps the overall look modern and clean, preventing it from appearing too rebellious for most professional settings.
Styling the faux hawk requires products with strong hold. Apply a generous amount of gel, paste, or cream to damp hair, then use your fingers or a comb to direct hair upward and toward the center. A blow dryer can add extra lift and help set the style. The faux hawk offers versatility too; you can tone it down for conservative environments by reducing the height.
Side Part with Low Fade
The side part represents one of the most classic and universally flattering hairstyles for men. When combined with a low fade on the sides, it becomes a contemporary classic that suits virtually any setting or age group. The top hair is parted clearly on one side and styled across, creating clean lines and a polished appearance.
This haircut works beautifully for professional environments and formal occasions. It projects competence, maturity, and attention to detail. The low fade starts closer to the ears and neck, creating a subtle transition that appears conservative while still incorporating modern barbering techniques.
Styling a side part requires finding your natural part or creating one where desired. Apply a medium hold pomade or cream to damp hair, create a clean part with a comb, then style the hair across the top. You can adjust the finish from high shine to matte depending on product choice. This timeless style never goes out of fashion.
Messy Textured Style with Mid Fade
Not every short sides long top haircut needs to look perfectly polished. The messy textured style embraces a more casual, undone aesthetic while still maintaining the fundamental structure of shorter sides and longer top. The mid fade provides balance, starting the taper around the middle of the sides.
This approach works exceptionally well for men with natural wave or curl in their hair. The texture creates interest and movement, resulting in a style that looks effortless yet intentional. Even those with straight hair can achieve this look using the right cutting and styling techniques.
To style, apply a small amount of matte paste, clay, or sea salt spray to damp or dry hair. Use your fingers to work the product through, creating separation and texture. Avoid combing or brushing, as this defeats the purposefully disheveled appearance. This low maintenance style suits creative professionals and anyone who prefers a more relaxed approach to grooming.
Brush Up with Taper Fade
The brush up style directs hair upward from the forehead, creating height and volume at the front while the rest of the top can be styled in various ways. Combined with a taper fade on the sides, this creates a modern, youthful appearance that has gained tremendous popularity.
This haircut requires at least two to three inches of length on top, though more length provides greater styling flexibility. The taper fade can be customized to personal preference, from subtle to dramatic. The overall effect is fresh and contemporary without being too trendy or extreme.
Styling involves applying product to damp hair, then using a blow dryer and brush or your fingers to direct hair upward and back from the forehead. A matte product typically works best for this style, creating a natural looking finish with good hold. The brush up suits men with oval, square, or heart shaped faces particularly well.
Comb Over Fade
The comb over has evolved far beyond its traditional associations. Modern versions paired with fades create sophisticated, stylish looks suitable for men of all ages. Hair on top is swept to one side, creating volume and coverage, while the faded sides provide contemporary edge.
The key to a modern comb over is avoiding the flat, obvious appearance of older versions. Instead, the hair should have volume, texture, and movement. The part can be subtle or pronounced depending on preference. The fade on the sides can range from skin fade to low taper based on how bold you want the contrast.
This versatile haircut transitions seamlessly from professional settings to social occasions. Styling requires a good blow dryer to create volume as you direct hair to the side, followed by a medium hold product to maintain the style. The comb over flatters most face shapes and hair types when executed properly.
Curly Top with Skin Fade
Men with naturally curly hair have a distinct advantage with short sides long top haircuts. The curly top with skin fade celebrates natural texture while maintaining a clean, modern outline. The skin fade keeps the sides extremely short while the curls on top provide volume, character, and visual interest.
The length on top typically ranges from two to four inches, depending on curl tightness and desired appearance. Tighter curls can work with slightly shorter lengths, while looser waves might need more length to properly showcase the texture. The dramatic contrast between the faded sides and curly top creates an eye catching look.
Styling curly hair requires embracing rather than fighting the natural texture. Use curl defining creams or lightweight gels on damp hair, scrunching to enhance the curl pattern. Avoid brushing or excessive touching once dry, as this can create frizz. This haircut offers incredible style with minimal daily effort.
Fringe with High Fade
The fringe or bangs style has made a strong comeback in men’s hairstyling. This approach keeps hair on top long enough to create a fringe that falls across the forehead, while high faded sides provide modern contrast. The fringe can be styled in numerous ways from textured and messy to smooth and structured.
This haircut works particularly well for younger men and those with angular face shapes, as the fringe softens facial features. The high fade emphasizes the length and movement of the fringe, creating a balanced silhouette. The overall look is contemporary and fashion forward.
Styling options for the fringe are numerous. You can blow dry it forward for coverage, sweep it to the side for a more traditional approach, or create texture and separation for an edgier appearance. The key is maintaining enough length on top, typically three to five inches, to give the fringe proper weight and movement.
Disconnected Undercut with Volume
The disconnected undercut takes the traditional undercut to a more dramatic level. The sides are cut extremely short or shaved with absolutely no blending or transition to the longer top section. This creates a bold, intentional disconnect that makes a strong style statement.
The top hair is typically left quite long, often four to seven inches, allowing for maximum styling versatility. You can create substantial volume, slick it back, style it to the side, or even pull it into a small bun or ponytail if length permits. The stark contrast between sections defines this haircut.
This style suits confident men who want their haircut to reflect their personality. It works best with thicker hair that can support volume and styling. While the disconnected undercut requires regular maintenance to keep the contrast sharp, the styling possibilities and dramatic appearance make it worth the commitment.
Caesar Cut with Low Fade
The Caesar cut offers a more subtle interpretation of short sides long top haircuts. Hair on top is cut to a uniform short to medium length, typically one to two inches, and styled forward to create a small fringe. When combined with a low fade, this classic Roman inspired style becomes thoroughly modern.
This haircut suits men who prefer lower maintenance styling while still enjoying the benefits of a contemporary cut. It works particularly well for those with receding hairlines, as the forward styling provides coverage. The low fade adds just enough modern detail without overwhelming the classic simplicity of the Caesar.
Styling requires minimal effort. Apply a small amount of product to damp hair and push it forward with your fingers or a comb. The Caesar cut maintains its shape well throughout the day and requires less frequent styling touch ups than more elaborate styles. This makes it ideal for active lifestyles or those who prefer simple grooming routines.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Face Shape and Hair Type
Selecting the perfect short sides long top variation depends on understanding your face shape and hair characteristics. Oval faces can wear virtually any style, while round faces benefit from height on top to elongate the appearance. Square faces look great with textured, softer styles, and longer faces should avoid excessive height.
Hair texture plays an equally important role. Thick, coarse hair supports dramatic styles with volume and holds styling products well. Fine hair works better with shorter lengths on top and benefits from volumizing products. Curly hair naturally creates the volume many of these styles require, while straight hair offers versatility in styling direction and finish.
Consider your lifestyle when choosing a style. High maintenance looks like pompadours and slicked back styles require daily styling effort and regular barber visits. More casual options like textured crops or messy styles offer great appearance with less commitment. Honest assessment of how much time you want to invest in your hair will guide you toward the right choice.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
Maintaining short sides long top haircuts requires regular barber visits to keep the contrast sharp and the style looking intentional. Most men find that visiting the barber every three to four weeks maintains the optimal appearance. Some faster growing hair might require more frequent touch ups on the sides.
Investing in quality styling products makes a significant difference in results. The specific products you need depend on your chosen style and hair type. Generally, having a good shampoo and conditioner, a versatile styling product like pomade or paste, and potentially a blow dryer covers most styling needs.
Communication with your barber is essential. Bring reference photos showing the exact style you want, including the fade type and top length. Discuss how much time you want to spend styling each day, as this information helps your barber customize the cut to your lifestyle. Building a relationship with a skilled barber ensures consistent results and allows them to understand your preferences over time.
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Conclusion
Short sides long top haircuts have earned their place as a foundational approach in men’s hairstyling through proven versatility, flattering proportions, and endless variation possibilities. From the bold statement of a disconnected undercut to the refined elegance of a side part with low fade, these thirteen plus styles demonstrate that one basic concept can yield dramatically different results.
The beauty of this haircut category lies in its ability to adapt to individual needs. Whether you have curly or straight hair, prefer high or low maintenance, work in conservative or creative environments, a short sides long top variation exists that will suit your circumstances perfectly. The contrast between sections creates a inherently masculine, clean appearance that enhances rather than overwhelms your features.
As you consider which variation to try, remember that hair grows back and styles can evolve. Starting with a more conservative option and gradually experimenting with bolder variations allows you to find your perfect look without commitment anxiety. Work with a skilled barber, invest in appropriate products, and embrace the styling process. The right short sides long top haircut will not only improve your appearance but also boost your confidence and simplify your daily grooming routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my short sides long top haircut trimmed?
Most men should visit their barber every three to four weeks to maintain the sharp contrast and clean lines of short sides long top haircuts. The sides grow out faster and lose their shape more noticeably than the top, so regular maintenance keeps everything looking intentional rather than overgrown.
What products work best for styling short sides long top haircuts?
The ideal products depend on your specific style and hair type. Pomades offer shine and strong hold for slicked back looks, while matte clays and pastes work better for textured, natural finishes. Sea salt sprays add texture to wavy hair, and gels provide maximum hold for styles requiring significant structure like pompadours or faux hawks.
Can men with thinning hair wear short sides long top haircuts?
Absolutely. These haircuts can actually help address thinning hair by creating the illusion of fuller top hair through contrast with the shorter sides. Styles like the Caesar cut or forward swept fringe provide coverage for receding hairlines, while textured crops add dimension that makes thinning less noticeable.
How much length do I need on top for these hairstyles?
The required top length varies by style. Textured crops work with as little as one to two inches, while pompadours and slicked back styles need at least four to six inches for proper styling. When transitioning to a short sides long top cut, discuss your desired final style with your barber so they can plan the appropriate lengths.
Are short sides long top haircuts appropriate for professional environments?
Yes, when styled appropriately. Classic variations like side parts, comb overs, and subtle quiffs are perfectly acceptable in conservative professional settings. Even bolder styles like undercuts and fades appear professional when groomed neatly and styled with polished products. The key is choosing a variation that matches your workplace culture and styling it with care.
