The “short sides, long top” hairstyle has been one of the most versatile and popular men’s haircuts for years. Whether you’re aiming for a professional, casual, or edgy look, this hairstyle offers various ways to express your personality. But, if you have long hair on top, how do you maintain, style, and care for it while balancing the shorter sides? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different approaches to wearing and managing the “short sides, long top” hairstyle. Whether you’re new to this style or looking to refine your look, read on for the ultimate guide!
Why Choose Short Sides and Long Top Hairstyles?
The short sides long top hairstyles have gained popularity for theirs versatility and clean appearance. Men from all walks of life, from businessmen to artists, find this look appealing because it balances a structured style with a hint of flair. Here are some reasons to consider this style:
- Versatility: This hairstyle allows for countless variations. You can wear the top slicked back, styled in a pompadour, textured with curls, or even tied up in a man bun.
- Low Maintenance: The short sides mean less time spent managing your hair, especially if you choose a fade or undercut.
- Face-Framing: By keeping the hair longer on top, you can experiment with layers and volume to suit your face shape and features.
- Fashion-Forward: This look keeps you in line with modern trends while remaining classic enough to avoid looking dated.
Popular Styles for Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles
When it comes to styling your hair with short sides and long on top, the possibilities are almost endless. Below are some of the trendiest and most functional ways to wear this cut:
1. Slick Back
One of the most iconic looks for the short sides long top hairstyle is the slick-back. It’s a polished, classic style that works well for both formal and casual settings.
- How to Achieve the Look: Apply a strong hold gel or pomade to towel-dried hair, comb the hair back, and let it set.
- Who It Suits: This style suits men with straight or slightly wavy hair.
2. Pompadour
The pompadour is a retro-inspired look that’s ideal for those who want to add volume and height to their hairstyle.
- How to Achieve the Look: Use a volumizing product to lift the hair from the roots, then comb the top into shape using a hairdryer to hold the height.
- Who It Suits: Best for men with thick, straight hair.
3. Textured Quiff
The textured quiff is a modern take on a timeless cut. This style is perfect for men who want a little more dimension and messiness on top, giving a laid-back but stylish vibe.
- How to Achieve the Look: Use a lightweight mousse or styling cream to create volume, then tousle the top layers with your fingers.
- Who It Suits: Great for wavy or curly hair types.
4. Man Bun or Top Knot
For those with longer hair on top, the man bun or top knot is a practical and fashionable option. The short sides keep the look neat, while the bun or knot adds a trendy touch.
- How to Achieve the Look: Simply gather the top section of your hair into a bun or knot at the crown of your head. Secure with a hair tie.
- Who It Suits: Ideal for men with long hair and a bold sense of style.
5. Faded Undercut with Long Top
A faded undercut combined with a long top offers a clean, edgy look. The fade adds dimension to the style, creating a smooth transition between the short sides and long top.
- How to Achieve the Look: Ask your barber for a skin fade or low fade on the sides and leave the top long. Style with pomade for a sleek finish.
- Who It Suits: Perfect for men who want a more structured, edgy style.
Maintenance Tips for Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles
Managing a short sides long top hairstyle requires some upkeep to keep the style looking fresh and well-groomed. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
1. Regular Barber Visits
The short sides of your hairstyle will grow out faster than the long top. To keep the contrast between the lengths, regular trims are essential. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to visit your barber every 2–4 weeks for a touch-up.
2. Use the Right Products
The products you use will greatly affect the look and manageability of your hairstyle. For example:
- Pomades and Gels: Ideal for sleek, polished looks such as the slick-back or pompadour.
- Mousse or Sea Salt Spray: Use these to add texture and volume to more casual styles like the quiff or tousled look.
- Hair Serum: For those with longer hair, a serum will keep the ends of your hair healthy and prevent frizz.
3. Blow Dry for Volume
If your goal is to add height or volume, don’t skip blow drying. This step will help to shape the hair, giving you more control over the final look. Use a round brush for maximum lift.
4. Keep It Clean
The contrast of short sides and long top can lose its appeal if the scalp isn’t properly cleaned. Use a clarifying shampoo to prevent product build-up and oiliness, especially if you’re using a lot of styling products.
Best Face Shapes for Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles
Choosing the right hairstyle can depend on your face shape. Here’s how the short sides long top hairstyle can work for different face shapes:
- Round Faces: Opt for a style that adds height, like a pompadour, to create the illusion of a longer face.
- Square Faces: The sharp lines of a faded undercut can complement the angular features of a square face.
- Oval Faces: Most styles will suit this balanced face shape, so feel free to experiment with different lengths and textures.
- Long Faces: Avoid too much height on top, as this can elongate the face even more. Go for textured styles like the quiff instead.
Conclusion
The short sides long top hairstyle is one of the most adaptable and stylish cuts you can choose. Whether you prefer a polished, sleek look or something more relaxed and textured, this hairstyle offers countless possibilities. With the right maintenance, products, and techniques, you can easily keep this style looking sharp and fashionable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lengths and styles until you find what suits you best.
Embrace your long hair on top and make it work for you—whether you’re going for an edgy, modern look or something timeless and classic.