Short Sides Long Top Haircuts

Photo @legendary.barber

Getting a haircut with short sides and a long top can put you right in style, giving you an attractive, trendy, stylish and clean look. A versatile option for hair textures, lengths and requirements, this haircut can undoubtedly give you an edge and a new look.

There are several kinds of such a haircut that you can go through here and some additional information about what the haircut entails, how you can get one and how to style one. Chop, chop and let’s begin!

75 Most Popular Short Sides Long Top Haircuts

Modern Flattop

Modern Flattop

Photo @igrik.cut

A modern flattop includes short sides that fade at a low level, while the top portion is left slightly longer but still short. This can result in a flat and even portion while still retaining texture using a uniform line.

Undercut With Fade

Undercut With Fade

Photo @ataev_edu

An undercut with a fade can add a nice contrast with the much longer top that you can then style up or back or however you want. How low or high you start the fade can depend on your facial features.

Swept Back

Swept Back

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Here, the sides are kept short but still left long enough to flow freely. The top is only slightly longer than the sides and is swept back using a product to create a clean and stylish look that works well on all hair types.

Spiked Long Top Short Sides Hairstyle

Spiked Long Top Short Sides Hairstyle

Photo @kalin_barber

The short sides in this style are generally left free, while the longer top is spiked up or to the side. This can work well for different lengths and textures while also keeping it in place if you want a more professional look.

High and Tight

High and Tight

Photo @osman.karaev

Keeping the sides either extremely short or shaven, you can keep your top length short enough and keep it neat and refined while still being stylish. Combining this with a thin and shapely beard can work pretty well.

Wavy Pompadour

Wavy Pompadour

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Apart from the short sides, the long top is styled to create a pompadour by slicking the hair back and then slightly to the sides. This can create a high and smooth wave-like shape that can work well for different occasions.

Disconnected Sides

Disconnected Sides

Photo @dynasty_barbers

A deliberate distinction or disconnection is created to keep the sides extremely short and the top slightly longer but thicker and fuller. You can then slick the hair back or the sides to complete the look.

Short Sides With Twists

Short Sides With Twists

Photo @barberclipsbr

Here, the sides are short and minimal. The top is long and styled into twists to style back or to the sides. This usually only works if you have a certain kind of hair length and texture.

High Skin Fade

High Skin Fade

Photo @barbersukraine

Overall, the hair length is kept short, even at the top. The sides begin to fade higher and become almost non-existent to blend into the skin below easily. You can decide how short you want these sides to be.

Texturized Long Top Short Sides Haircut

Texturized Long Top Short Sides Haircut

Photo @barbersukraine

Once you get the sides cut short, you can leave the top long and style them to create a nice texture using appropriate hair products. You can then slick the top back or to the sides to create a sophisticated look or leave it loose for more casual occasions.

Short Sides and Long Rounded Top Hairstyle

Short Sides and Long Rounded Top Hairstyle

Photo @barbersukraine

Fading the sides and leaving the top relatively short but rounded can help highlight your forehead and hairline. Combining this with a beard can enhance the look even more.

Short Lean Sides And Long Hair

Short Lean Sides And Long Hair

Photo @vadim_shifrin_barber

Here, the sides are left short and lean to create a distinct separation from the top, which is left quite long. You can then style the top in different sections to create texture and fluidity.

Casual Separation

Casual Separation

Photo @alexvianax

The long top in this hairstyle is cut and styled to create a slightly messy but still elegant look with plenty of texture. The sides then casually fade to become shorter but smoothly and casually.

Shattered Bangs

Shattered Bangs

Photo @ataev_edu

The sides here are left relatively long but still shorter than the top. The top is left slightly messy to create uneven bangs near the front. You can use a razor here for better results to fully complete the style.

Afro Short Fade On Sides And Long Hair on Top

Afro Short Fade On Sides And Long Hair on Top

Photo @alexvianax

The sides are short and faded, while the top is high and thick. Depending on your hair, you can either work with a low or high fade, although this style usually works better with naturally thick hair.

Sleek Bangs

Sleek Bangs

Photo @alan_beak

The sides here are left slightly short yet still inconspicuous. The front part of the top hair is separated into sleek bangs using a part that you can make from the middle or slightly to the side. Hair products can help keep the bangs in place.

Disconnected Bangs

Disconnected Bangs

Photo @kalin_barber

In this style, the sides are cut slightly short while the top is left longer and styled in a way that goes the bangs flowing out in the front. This disconnects them from the rest of the top while also separating the sides.

Wavy Long Top With Short Shaved Sides

Wavy Long Top With Short Shaved Sides

Photo @sami_barbershop

Leaving the top long and wavy with shorter sides can add a natural and casual appearance. You can slick the top towards the back using a comb or your fingers while still retaining its innate bounce to appear comfortable.

Slicked-Back With Short Side Part On Long Top Hair

Slicked-Back With Short Side Part On Long Top Hair

Photo @alan_beak

Here, while the sides are shorter than the top, some natural lengths are retained. The top is then slicked to the back after parting it to the side. You can choose a hard or soft part, although softer ones usually work better with this look.

Line Up With Long Top Hair With Short Shaved Side Hairstyle

Line Up With Long Top Hair With Short Shaved Sides

Photo @anthonythebarber916

A lineup is a style you can try out if you want to highlight your hairline. The top is left relatively short while the fade starts high and dissolves as it goes lower until it meets the back near the ears.

High Fade With Buzzed Sides

High Fade With Buzzed Sides

Photo @soxib_barber1

The fade starts higher up and makes its way out front while the rest of the sides, back and top are given a buzz cut. This can result in a clean yet stylish and distinct appearance.

Full Top With Short Shaved Sides Haircut

Full Top With Short Shaved Sides Haircut

Photo @hair__sam

A full top keeps the top long and styles it upwards to give it volume and height. You can help it maintain its shape using hair products such as a hair spray.

Perfectly Disheveled

Perfectly Disheveled

Photo @barbersukraine

This style creates a deliberately disheveled, casual and messy look on the top. You can achieve this by using gel or spray and then running your fingers through your hair in different directions.

High On Top And Fade

High On Top And Fade

Photo @osman.karaev

In this style, the top is kept long and high to give volume to your hair while the sides are faded. Make sure you use a spray or cream to keep the top in place so that it does not fall.

Messy Textured Top

Messy Textured Top

Photo @ataev_edu

Using a bit of product, you can style the top in a messy and voluminous way to add some texture. This can create a casual and carefree look.

Fade And Pompadour

Photo @anthonythebarber916

Cut Side And Spiky

Photo @anthonythebarber916

Wavy Pomp

Photo @dynasty_barbers

High Fade Undercut

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Sideline Side Pomp

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Textured Quiff

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Shaved And Undercut

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Brush And Blow Top

Photo @barber.b.take

Side Fingered Shadow Fade

Photo @barber.b.take

Bowl Haircut

Photo @barbersukraine

Curl And Messy

Photo @kalin_barber

Skin High Fade And Side Slick

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Bald And Bowl Messy

Photo @hair__sam

Curly Top

Photo @irwandi_zainuddin12

Dyed Side Undercut

Photo @christinathebarber__

Brushed Faux Hawk

Photo @barbersukraine

Mid Fade Curve

Photo @alexvianax

Flat Sponge

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Longer Faux Hawk

Photo @kalin_barber

Inducted Line

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Styled Faux Hawk

Photo @sami_barbershop

Buzz Cut Fade

Photo @alexvianax

Taper Side Part

Photo @alexvianax

Slick Back

Photo @alexvianax

Short And Brush Back

Photo @alexvianax

Hard Fade Cut Line

Photo @alexvianax

Clean Brushed Back

Photo @alexvianax

White Spiky

Photo @alexvianax

Whirl Pomp

Photo @alexvianax

Classic French Crop

Photo @alexvianax

Blow Back

Photo @alexvianax

Mid Fade And Brushed Top

Photo @alexvianax

Shadow Buzz Cut

Photo @alexvianax

High Fade Sponge Top

Photo @alexvianax

Faux Hawk Highlights

Photo @barbershopestudiollc

Straight Fringe

Photo @alan_beak

Spikes Top

Photo @barberhdm3

Undercut And Signature

Photo @barberhdm3

Fingered Slick Back

Photo @kalin_barber

High Crop Top

Photo @barbersukraine

Skin Shaved Faux Hawk

Photo @barbersukraine

Spiky And Hairtattoo

Photo @barbersukraine

Curve And Fringe

Photo @barbersukraine

Dreaded Spikes

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Men Bun And Fade

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Bleached Top Curls

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Short Sponge Haircut

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Bald And Side Undercut

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Classic Blow Back

Photo @dynasty_barbers

Curly Flat And Fade Art

Photo @dynasty_barbers

What Is Long on Top Short on Sides Haircut

A short sides long top haircut is where the sides of your hair are left short while the top portion is left longer and styled in different ways. There are many kinds of such a haircut, allowing you to pick one that suits you and works well for you.

This haircut creates a distinct or a seamless contrast between the sides and the top. Usually, whenever you go to a hairstylist or barber to get this kind of haircut, they employ powerful hair clippers to create the fade or taper.

How to Get Short on the Sides Long on Top Hairstyle

Step 1 – Decide style and technique

There are different styles and techniques for a short side long top haircut that you will first need to decide on. For instance, a taper vs fade can be a choice you have to make here while also picking between slicked-back hairstyles and more free and flowy ones.

Professional Barber Trimming Man's Hair With Scissors

Additionally, if there are some unprofessional hairstyles you want to avoid, make sure you take this into account while making your choice.

Step 2 – Decide the length

You will also need to decide a length for your sides and top. Of course, the sides will be comparatively shorter than the top, but you can either cut them back entirely or leave some length. The top can also be kept long or medium in length.

This length can also depend on factors such as the texture and thickness of your hair, the shape of your face as well as if your facial hair looks thin so that you can make up for it with your haircut.

Step 3 – Ask your barber

If you are unsure which hairstyle to opt for, you can also ask your barber for suggestions. If you have a style in mind, make sure you take a picture of it for your barber so that they can get a more accurate idea.

How to Style Long Top Short Sides Haircut

Step 1 – Prepare your hair

Make sure you prepare your hair for the styling process by shampooing it right before. Make sure you also regularly use the hair loss shampoo to maintain the health of your hair.

Slightly dry your hair but leave it damp to make the styling process easier.

Step 2 – Pick a style

While your sides are sorted due to the nature of your haircut, you will need to pick a style for your top to go about the process accordingly. Make sure you take your hair type, face shape and other requirements into account here.

Step 3 – Apply hair product

You should choose and apply a suitable hair product to style your hair correctly. This can include hair pomades, wax, gel and others.

Make sure you pick a hair product with the same care you would apply while picking anti-aging creams for men. This will help your hair, just as skincare products make you look and feel good.

Step 4 – Comb and style

Pick a good comb just as you would pick a premium beard comb so that you can comb your top cleanly and effectively. You can then style your hair correctly using the comb and your fingers.

Man With a Slicked Back Haircut

FAQ

What is the name of a haircut with short sides and a long top?

A haircut with short sides and a long top can have different names depending on the style, although a high or low fade is quite a common name that will help you describe this kind of haircut.

How do you cut short backsides and long on top?

You should use a comb to hold up some hair strands to cut and then the hair that gathers in this comb. You can also clip up the top first or shave the sides and then trim the top to your desired length.

How to ask your barber for short sides long top haircut?

Generally, telling your barber that you want a fade or taper can help as a starting point. However, specify the details, such as how long you want your top to be, how short you want your sides to be and what kind of style you intend to achieve with this haircut.

Take a screenshot or reference picture in case you find that easier.

Anthony Giannotti

About the author: Anthony Giannotti

Anthony Giannotti is a senior writer and editor for Beardoholic and a licensed barber for more than 13 years. He owns 3 barbershops and has his own hair care product line that is sold in barbershops worldwide. Known for his impeccable technique and skills, Anthony is an expert in hair and beard care and he knows the best products and tools to get rid of all beard problems and have an amazing beard.

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