A stylish men’s haircut with shaved sides is a fresh, bold and versatile look that can transform your appearance, keep you cool in the summer and add some modern edge to your style. The aesthetic is rebellious and ruggedly handsome with attitude, exuding confidence and a youthful charm.
The most attractive hairstyles involve asking your barber for a very short back and sides with longer hair on top, allowing men to create several trendy and sleek looks. You can pair a sharp shaved sides haircut with a messy crew cut, modern side part, thick curls, voluminous slick back, daring faux hawk, man bun or textured crop. These buzzed cuts are easy to wear, will make your hair look thicker and can suit any occasion, including business and formal events.
From high skin fades to shorter undercuts, we will share the cleanest shaved sides haircuts for men to inspire your next visit to the barbershop and ensure a striking finish.
Men’s Shaved Sides Hairstyles
Shaved Sides Haircut with Longer Hair on Top
Getting a shaved sides haircut with longer hair on top is a daring style that offers excellent visual impact. The contrast between the shaved sides and longer top accentuates your facial features, creating an edgy, masculine vibe. Style the top forward to add structure around head tattoos, or wear it mussed and spiked into a modern mohawk for a statement look.
Buzz Cut with Razor Shaved Sides
A cool and low-maintenance buzz cut with razor-shaved sides is a masculine military-inspired style with a fresh dimension. Shaving the sides smooth with a straight razor keeps the cut neat, adding subtle contrast against the short, buzzed top. Personalize this sharp look with a striking part and a rugged beard for balance.
Long Side Swept Hair with Shaved Sides
A long side-swept hairstyle with shaved sides will make any guy stand out by creating a dramatic look with exceptional visual interest. Sweeping the hair to the side creates a youthful, relaxed vibe that gets an edgy touch from the clean sides. Use a small amount of matte pomade to smooth the hair on top and add a Viking beard for a cohesive finish.
High Razor Fade with Short Hair and Beard
A high razor fade looks fantastic with short hair and a beard, offering a clean-cut style that requires minimal styling to look sexy. The high razor fade pulls focus to the remaining volume on top for a multidimensional appearance. We recommend experimenting with styling products to achieve a messy quiff, flowing slick back or playful textured crop.
Messy Spikes with Shaved Sides
Bold messy spikes with shaved sides are an excellent choice for guys who appreciate a daring, punk-rock look. You can fashion the hair upward to create subtle texture and lift or go heavy on the gel for dramatic spikes. The structured, shaved sides create dynamic contrast against the messy top for an eye-catching style bound to turn heads.
Comb Over with Shaved Sides
A comb over with shaved sides is a modern take on a refined classic that creates a clean, sharp style for edgy professionals. Use a pomade or strong gel to comb the hair to one side, and use a razor to reduce weight and bulk at the sides. Add more volume and texture to the top by lightly blow-drying it before styling.
High Shaved Sides
High, shaved sides offer a bold and stylish appearance for guys who want to keep their hair short and manageable. Buzzing the sides short and high accentuates the length on top while highlighting strong facial features for a defined aesthetic. Cut the top short for minimal upkeep, or leave it slightly longer to incorporate a quiff or playful pomp into your approach.
Textured French Crop with High Razored Sides
A textured French crop with high razored sides is a neat cut that incorporates styled-forward hair and a short top. Pairing the textured top with razored sides creates a modern, polished look with minimal styling. Starting the shaved sides high on the head offers a dramatic appearance that you can personalize with tats, a clean nape and a full beard.
Disconnected Undercut Skin Fade
A disconnected undercut skin fade is perfect for men who want to highlight thick locks while keeping their sides practical and comfortable. The sharp, disconnected appearance emphasizes extreme volume on top, creating breathtaking contrast against the structured sides. Achieve the seamless, blended look with a straight razor or clippers set to a very short guard.
Long Hair on Top with Short Faded Sides
Pairing long hair on top with short faded sides offers a stylish and attractive look for any contemporary man. The seamless fade creates a subtle, clean look around the sides, complementing the timeless, slick pompadour. Ask your stylist for a disconnected, trimmed beard to balance against the voluminous top.
Thick Brush Forward with Buzzed Sides
A rebellious thick brush forward with buzzed sides is a playful style with eye-catching volume and lift at the top and front. The forward brush creates instant texture against the smooth sides, enhancing your features and grounding the overall look. Maintain your buzzed sides with clippers on a short guard, and use a pomade to style the front forward for a lift that holds all day.
Dreadlocks Bun with Shaved Sides
A locs bun with shaved sides is a trendy and sexy hairstyle that lets guys with black hair embrace their natural texture. The dreads add height and dimension, while zig-zagged braids offer an alluring pattern on top for visual interest. Completely shaving the sides guides the eye and gives angularity and balance to rounder faces for a sharp aesthetic.
Faux Hawk with Shaved Sides
A faux hawk with shaved sides is more wearable than a typical mohawk, letting guys express their daring side with a lifted style with dramatic flair. The central strip of hair is styled into a tall peak on the top of the head with a strong-hold pomade or gel. The sides can be buzzed or razored for a sharp look that creates powerful contrast against the voluminous center.
Fresh Slick Back with Shaved Sides
A slick back with shaved sides is a simple, versatile style that exudes elegance and a hint of edginess. The shaved sides contrast sharply with the slicked-back top, but you can easily muss the lengths with pomade for off-duty days. Men with less structured faces can use a trimmed beard to add definition around the jawline.
High Buzzed Sides
High, buzzed sides feature hair clipped extremely close to the scalp, offering a cool, practical approach that encourages fuss-free styling. Buzzing the sides close to the temples gives the entire shape of this style a well-groomed, polished appearance. You can rough up your style with a touch of pomade mussed through the lengths to create light texture.
Braids with Shaved Sides
Braids with shaved sides are a practical choice for men who want an edgy, textured style with minimal grooming requirements. The hair is usually braided tight to the scalp for a sleek finish and pulled back into a small bun at the back of the head. Showcase your personality with zig-zagged braids or circular braiding for an eye-catching finish against the dramatic, shaved sides.
High Skin Fade with Short Textured Crew Cut and Part
A high skin fade looks handsome with a short, textured crew cut and a daring shaved part for added visual interest. The short length makes the cut practical enough for quick everyday styling, while the part gives the typical preppy style edge, symmetry and structure.
Ponytail with Shaved Sides
A masculine ponytail with shaved sides is a versatile, low-maintenance approach ideal for guys with busy lifestyles. Pull the hair into a sleek style in the center of the head and lightly loop the ponytail for a polished aesthetic. The extreme, shaved sides keep this look modern and fashionable, allowing men to grow their locks out with a statement style.
Cool Shaved Hair Design
A cool shaved hair design is an edgy haircut for men who want to express their individuality with a bold, attention-grabbing look. Geometric patterns, symbols, lines and even lightning bolts are popular options that your barber can shave into buzzed sides or a slick fade. Retain decent volume on top to create eye-catching contrast against the shorter sides.
Push Back with Buzzed Undercut
A classy push back with a buzzed undercut offers a classic look that gives the impression of a professional, well-groomed and confident guy. The undercut provides a contemporary feel and effortless structure, while the sleek brush back creates clean lines and a smart, glossy appearance. A light mist of hairspray should keep your locks in place and add a touch of shine.
Razor Fade with Short Afro-Textured Top
A razor fade sharpens a short, afro-textured top to create a trendy, visually dynamic style that celebrates black hair. The natural afro texture adds depth and dimension to the look, contrasting with the clean, razor faded sides. You can maintain the top with a light pomade and create extra lift with an afro pick and a touch of heat.
French Crop with Shaved Sides
Sleek and modern, a French crop with shaved sides helps to balance facial proportions for a flattering, low-maintenance look. Style the top by lightly mussing it with pomade or leave it natural for a relaxed, bedhead look with light structure. Start the extreme shaved sides from the temple to keep your style dramatic.
Short Spiky Hair with High Razor Fade
Short, spiky hair looks devilishly handsome with a high razor fade, creating a visually appealing style with a bad-boy edge. The hair on top should be cropped short and spiked in all directions with a strong pomade or gel to form messy spikes. Gradually fade the sides by using clippers with different guard lengths. Finish off with completely shaved skin at the nape for an extreme style that commands attention.
Very Short Mohawk with Buzzed Sides
A very short mohawk with buzzed sides is a dramatic retro style that will take you back to the seventies. The edgy central strip is kept short for a subtle but rebellious look, and you can keep the sides clean with at-home clipper trims. A rugged beard will create extreme contrast against the almost-bald top to give your look effortless drama.
Textured Comb Over with Short Shaved Sides
A textured comb over is a timeless approach that can be brought into the modern age with short, shaved sides for bold definition. You can style the comb-over to look sleek and polished or ruffle it with pomade for a more undone vibe. Ask your barber for point-cut layers to give the top movement and texture that will stand out against the clean, shaved sides.
Top Knot with Shaved Fade and Design
An awesome top knot looks epic with a shaved fade and design to give your look a burst of personality. Lift the front sections with heat and a round brush for lift before securing your top knot high on the crown. Tribal patterns, zig zags and simple lines are all excellent options that add drama to a neatly trimmed, full beard.
Edge Hairstyle with Shaved Sides
An edge hairstyle with shaved lines combines a textured top with extreme angles to create a visually exciting style with modern flair. Use heat and a brush to direct the hair forward for unbeatable volume. Ask your barber for a shaved part to contrast the lifted top and sharp sides.
Long Braids with Shaved Sides
Long braids look especially neat when paired with shaved sides and structured facial hair. The braids run the crown length and end just above the collar. The sharp lines in the facial hair along the cheeks and at the hairline add balance, and the slightly longer hair at the chin elongates the face.
Long Kinky Hair with Shaved Undercut Fade
Long, kinky hair looks playful and edgy when brushed up and off to one side, and the shaved undercut fade makes the voluminous cut stand out. The thick facial hair balances the well-defined kinky curls. A shaved line that begins at the corner of the forehead gives the look more personality.
Loose Side Swept Style with Buzzed Sides
A loose side-swept style with buzzed sides is a youthful and fun cut suitable for thick, wavy hair. A blown-out fringe flows effortlessly from one side of the head to the other, blending expert layers into the style. Matte pomade emphasizes and defines the head-turning waves.
Low Skin Fade
A low skin fade works well with a voluminous style, such as a pompadour, quiff, or brushed-up cut. The contrast between the faded sides and the longer hair on top is distinctive. Starting the fade lower provides a subtler transition and a more refined, sophisticated finish.
Mohawk with Shaved Undercut
A mohawk with a shaved undercut is unique and expressive when worn with a thick, full beard. A wide strip of long, tousled waves traverse the top of the head. The layering allows the waves to stack on each other, and sea salt spray or matte pomade helps lift and define the look.
Razor Fade with V-Shaped Neckline
A razor fade with a V-shaped neckline is a contemporary style all about texture and shape. A curly fringe falls over the forehead, blending seamlessly with the short faux hawk. Apply extra-hold mousse to damp hair for the wet look, then air dry or dry with a diffuser.
Long Slick Back with Shaved Sides
A long, slick back with shaved sides and a thick, full beard is a captivating look that exudes masculinity and ruggedness. The cut is quite versatile, offering numerous creative styling options. The bald or buzzed hair sides are an incredible canvas for tattoos or designs.
High Shaved Sides with Short Hair
A modified crew cut featuring high shaved sides and short hair puts a modern twist on an iconic cut. The hair on top flows upward to a subtle textured point, mimicking a faux hawk. The high skin fade contrasts handsomely with the perfectly trimmed, full beard.
Messy Quiff with Mid Skin Fade
The messy quiff is a trendy men’s hairstyle that pairs well with a mid skin fade, giving additional lift and visual appeal. The tousled hair on top moves upward and back, and the short, abrupt fade at the sides makes the longer hair seem even more voluminous. Pomade or wax offers light hold and plenty of definition.
Mid Skin Fade
With a sophisticated and balanced appearance, a stylish mid skin fade is a popular haircut for men to get on the sides and back to complement longer hair on top. The cut can be paired with a contemporary side-parted style for a clean, professional aesthetic. The low-maintenance look features sharp lines at the temples and a perfect curve at the forehead offset by a thin, shaved part.
Shaved Undercut
A shaved undercut is a masterful style that serves as an ideal canvas for expressive men who prefer shorter cuts. The vibrant blue is darker at the root and lighter toward the tip, with a small patch of baby blue at the center of the hairline. The result is playful, modern, and edgy.
Textured Brush Back with Undercut Fade
A textured brush back with an undercut fade is a structured, attractive style that looks best on guys with thick, straight hair. The longer locks on top flow upward and back, and the high fade offers distinctness that gives a unique look. Use a wide-tooth comb and styling pomade to achieve the iconic texture.
Creative Shaved Haircut Design and Tattoo
A creative shaved haircut design with a prominent tattoo is a bold look that will turn heads. The height along the crown of the head lends the cut a polished and pragmatic element. The high, curved taper frames the stunning tattoo that tucks behind the ear.
Short Curly Hair Fade
Short curly hair that is longer at the hairline, shorter at the crown, and balanced by a high fade is fashionable and daring. Tame thick curls and achieve incredible lift and definition by applying a light mousse to damp hair. Pay special attention to the roots for all-day volume, then blow-dry with a diffuser.
Textured Long Slick Back with Short Buzzed Sides
This textured, long slick back is a fresh hairstyle for rebellious guys wanting a sharp look that will stand out and offer a retro feel. A single strip of long, thick hair moves from front to back, and the short, buzzed sizes draw the eye upward. The texture is easy to achieve with a comb and styling gel, especially with a few bright highlights for emphasis.
Shaved Sides with High Bun
A style featuring shaved sides and a high bun strikes the perfect balance between tousled imperfection and structure. The shaved part is the starting point for a low-key skin fade, and it offsets the slightly messy waves that have pulled into a bun at the crown.
High and Tight with Shaved Sides and Part
A high and tight with shaved sides is an extremely short military-inspired men’s haircut that offers a powerful masculine feel, making it a common choice for military members and law enforcement officers. The brushed-up section of hair at the front adds a touch of playfulness to the otherwise methodical and precise style.
Buzzed Sides with Modern Quiff
Buzzed sides enhance the height and fullness of a spiky modern quiff for a look best described as urban cool. The textured gravity-defying quiff sweeps upward and forward over the forehead while the buzzed sides downplay the style’s rebelliousness with a touch of refined sophistication.
Short French Crop with Shaved Sides
A short French crop with shaved sides is a straightforward, timeless style that always looks crisp and fresh but requires minimal styling. The cut is versatile enough for most occasions, including business meetings and band gigs. We recommend choosing a color that boldly contrasts your facial hair for an edgy finish.
Brush Back with Buzzed Undercut Sides
A long, thick brush back with buzzed undercut sides is popular among urban trendsetters, musicians, and creatives. The voluminous hair on top is several inches long and flows upward and gently to one side. When worn with a full beard, the cut elongates the face and emphasizes masculine features, such as a prominent brow.
Short Faux Hawk with Mid Skin Fade
A short faux hawk is a practical, edgy, fashion-forward cut that looks polished and neat with a mid skin fade. A wide strip of hair stands straight up and meets at a blunt point to create the faux mohawk, and sea salt spray or texturizing pomade emphasizes the texture for a chunky, somewhat spiky look.
Brushed Back Style with Low Drop Fade
A brushed-back style with a low drop fade features a bold, textured wave of long hair that flows back and away from the forehead. Because the fade starts lower, it creates a more subdued transition and makes the hair appear fuller than it is. Short, neat facial hair completes the look, which exudes confidence and flair.
Buzzed Undercut Sides with Textured Crew Cut
Buzzed undercut sides are a rugged and masculine element that suits various short men’s styles, including a textured crew cut. The cut requires very little maintenance yet provides a clean, polished look suitable for any occasion. Varying the height and degree of the undercut or adding texture and color adds unparalleled versatility.
Disconnected High Skin Fade
A disconnected high skin fade makes the most of contrast by separating the long, thick hair on top from the extra-short taper at the sides. The fade is more subdued than a traditional undercut, which can soften the appearance of a bold style. Wear the hair in a loose ponytail at the back of the head, or wear it down for a charismatic change.
Short Crew Cut with High Drop Fade
A short crew cut featuring a high drop fade is a gentlemanly, classic choice among men of all ages that suits every face shape and hair type. The neat, clean, closely cropped tresses gently fade to skin or stubble high on the sides, making the cut appear polished and tasteful.
French Crop with Buzzed Sides
A French crop with buzzed sides may not seem like an edgy or expressive haircut choice, but with a bit of creativity and the willingness to experiment with color, the options are limitless. The platinum blonde hair on top contrasts vividly with the dark roots, which are even more evident along the sides. Blunt edges and sharp lines add structure and visual appeal.
Textured Mohawk with Burst Skin Fade
A textured mohawk with a burst skin fade is a confident and fearless choice for trendsetters who embrace their individuality. The strip of long hair running down the entire center of the head features a series of curled-back waves that add volume and texture. A burst fade subdues the transition from long to short and creates the iconic arc shape.
Tight Shaved Sides with Textured Spiky Hair
Tight shaved sides accentuate the height and volume of textured spiky hair in a bold yet stylish manner suitable for guys with fine or thinning tresses. The hair just behind the hairline is the longest and gradually gets shorter as it moves toward the back and sides. Styling gel holds the sharp, messy spikes in place all day.
Popular Men’s Haircuts with Shaved Sides
The most popular men’s haircuts with shaved sides are high and tights, slick backs, man buns, comb overs, undercuts, faux hawks, dreadlocks, braids, long side-swept styles, buzz cuts, mohawks and high tops. These bold hairstyles enhance the modern shaved-sides aesthetic with thicker, longer hair on top, giving guys various looks to experiment with – from timeless to trendy. The extra contrast and smooth finish will provide an element of visual drama, texture and simplicity.
