Haircuts for men are short on the sides and long on the top.
Although short hair may seem the same to some people, there are many short haircuts for men. One of the most popular ideas is to leave the sides short and the hair longer on top. This cut was born in the United Kingdom when working-class men could not afford to pay barbers to show off a balanced haircut. Thus, they began to cut only the sides of the head, leaving the top longer. This ended up attracting the attention of younger people until it became a trend that still works today. Some types of cuts with this shape are the fade, the military, the undercut, the Mohawk style, the midi fade, or the fade with lines.
Fade cut
Talking about cutting the sides and leaving the hair on top longer is talking about a fade. This is one of the most popular short-on-sides and long-on-top haircuts for men and it accepts multiple varieties. The classic fade cut consists of leaving the sides and nape shorter and then, starting from the occipital bone, gradually leaving the hair longer as we go up the skull. The classic and traditional fade is soft and not too marked, so it can be easily done with scissors to create this effect. More modern varieties allow for more daring and contrast in the side shave. In short, sporting a classic fade cut will be synonymous with naturalness and freshness, since it is a cut that usually suits any man.
Military court
Between the Mohawk and the 100% shaved head is the crew cut. While this is an ultra-short men’s haircut option, you can play with the length of the sides and top to create greater contrast. The idea of the military cut is to shave your head to a very low number (between 0 and 0.5) and leave a small portion of the top unshaven, which you can cut with the clippers between 1 and 5, depending on your tastes and preferences. In this cut, the gradient is optional, but what is essential is the height of the sides, since to achieve the military characteristic you must raise the lines of the temples a lot, which is responsible for separating and creating the contrast between the two areas of the cut.
Undercut cut
The undercut is a trend that has become popular in recent years. Do the characters from Peaky Blinders or Baby Driver ring a bell? If you have them in mind, you will surely easily identify this type of cut. The basis is the same as for the previous ones: you have to leave the nape of the neck and the sides short or very short while keeping medium or long hair on top. The undercut is different from the military cut because the first is more moderate and the second is more radical, but in both, you can decide whether or not to carry out the lateral gradient. To style it, you can add volume to the front and thus create a greater effect between the two lengths. It also works very well if you combine it with a well-groomed beard. Do you dare to try it?
Mohawk cut
Do you like mohawks? If the answer is yes, you can keep them by opting for a Mohawk style, one of the men’s haircuts that are short on the sides and long on top with a side fade. This is a version of the traditional cut that you can use to give a modern and avant-garde touch in the purest Mohawk style. The idea is to create a gradient on the sides, leaving the hair shorter and more volume on top, which will help you style your crest. If you are a daring person, this option is for you.
Skin fade cut with pompadour
Another variation of the classic fade is the skin fade with a quiff, and it is one of the most radical styles of this men’s haircut. It involves shaving the sides closely, even leaving the skin visible, while the top should be left at a medium or long height, enough to create a quiff that you can comb backward, upwards, or to one side. This is a high-maintenance cut since you will constantly have to go over your sides to let the pompadour take center stage and create that bold contrast that looks so good.
High fade cut
Among the faded men’s haircuts is the high fade, also known as bald fade. It is one of the versions that aims to mark the difference between the top and the sides. Whatever the top length, the idea is to mark the difference by cutting the sides almost to zero at the bottom. The high fade is one of the most visually powerful hairstyles because it creates a contrast of volume between the top and sides. At the crown, you will keep the hair quite long, while it fades as it reaches the top of the skull and down to the nape of the neck, creating that contrast with the very short sides. Ideal to combine with a pompadour or a mohawk.
Gradient cut with lines
Many actors, footballers, and other celebrities have opted for this hairstyle with a marked character within the shaved haircuts on the sides for men with a side fade. The idea is to leave the top longer while cutting the hair on both sides and making a line that, in many cases, is done freehand by the barber or. If you trust your hairdresser, this is the perfect option to show off this type of drawing on the sides. Are you up for it?
Buzz cut
The buzz cut is a men’s haircut style that can be applied to any head, regardless of hair texture or length. The idea is to cut the hair very short with a clipper, keeping it a little longer on top and making a gradient on the sides. Of course, although at first glance you can see two sizes, one on the sides and one on the top, the idea is to show off practically shaved hair.
Hipster cut
If you want a modern men’s haircut with a retro or vintage feel, the hipster style cut is ideal for you. It involves creating a gradient on the sides, leaving a large volume of hair on top. Then, when it comes to combing it, you should comb it backward, even using gel or pomade to hold it in place. The perfect combination for this type of cut is adding a thick, long beard to your face. You’ll look like a real hipster! You can find more ideas in our post about The best hipster haircuts for men.
Midi fade cut
The midi fade is the perfect option for those who want a medium fade. If you are one of those who tend towards classicism, this is a good option for you. The idea is to cut the sides in a rather conservative midi cut, while the top is kept longer. You can comb it to one side and leave the opening on one of the sides, to create a more classic effect. It works great for those who have curly or straggly hair. Give it a try!
Side cut and bun
And if you are one of those who want to grow long hair to be able to make ponytails or buns, the last of the short on the sides and long on top haircuts for men is the side cut and bun, which will give you a more modern and avant-garde touch. The idea is to shave the sides so that the volume of the hair is focused on the upper and central part and this length should be enough so that you can gather it in a bun or ponytail. This is one of the most fashionable options in terms of men’s hairstyles and haircuts that you can also combine with a well-groomed but seemingly unkempt beard.
