69 Stylish Short Sides, Long Top Haircuts For Men

A hairstyle with short sides and a long top is a stylish, modern and versatile choice that will have you looking fresh and feeling confident. These attractive men’s haircuts are generally timeless styles that work with all textures and can be suitable for casual and formal occasions.

While there are several flattering variations, the most fashionable cuts include a taper fade or undercut on the back and sides to create a sharp, clean finish that complements the high-volume, longer hair on top.

Whether you want a business-professional look or a bold and edgy vibe, these styles are masculine, effortlessly cool and impossible to ignore.

For barber-approved ideas, check out the coolest short on the sides, long on top haircuts to inspire your next style.

Short Sides, Long Top Haircuts

Brush Up with High Taper Fade and Beard

The brush up with a high taper fade is a refreshing cut for the guy who wants a masculine look with volume and texture. The longer top is dynamic and can be styled with a medium-hold product, while the taper strengthens your jawline and helps accentuate a full beard.

Long Comb Over Fade

A comb over is a stylish hairstyle with short sides and a long top that can be effortlessly classy and cool. Whether you’re a successful business professional or a high school student, this timeless style can prepare you for anything. The tight fade helps elevate the part, creating a high-volume, masculine aesthetic. Ask for heavy texture and use a brush and styling clay to lock the look in for the day.

Wavy Side Part with Low Taper Fade

A wavy side part is a unique way to tackle curly hair that can get unruly. A low taper fade will work wonders at keeping your look tidy. To style, all you need to do is part your hair to one side with pomade, which will also add volume and bounce.

Thick French Crop with High Bald Fade and Shaved Design

The thick French crop is a versatile haircut that is suitable for any man’s style. This version keeps the fringe and pairs it with a high bald fade for a clean contrast. A design can be shaved in at the fade to add another layer of edge. You can push this look forward with clay or push it up with pomade and every result will be a winner.

Mullet Burst Fade

The mullet burst fade is a modern and bold haircut for guys who want a fashion-forward style with personality. The burst fade is the perfect cut since the mullet features short sides while leaving the back long. You can experiment with different elements by adding extra volume on top with a blow dryer and pomade.

Fade on the Sides, Long Top

A fade on the sides with long hair on top is a versatile, masculine and sleek men’s haircut that offers limitless styling options. Short faded sides are low-maintenance and high-contrast, allowing you to style a comb over, quiff, side part, brush back or pompadour. You can ask your barber for a low to mid taper for a classy vibe or get a high taper to achieve a daring look. For an edgy aesthetic, tailor and take your cut to the next level with a skin, burst or drop fade on the back and sides.

Short Textured Quiff with High Bald Fade

A short textured quiff is a timeless hairstyle that most gents can rely on. This look keeps the hair on top longer compared to the sides which, in this case, is cut down to a high bald fade. Whether you keep the top styled neat for a dapper look with a medium-shine pomade or mess it up with a matte clay, you can rest assured that you’re look is on-point.

Short Messy Hair with Low Skin Fade

Short messy hair with a low skin fade is an easy style to master. For this versatile look, all you’ll need to do is get a ton of texture on top to add separation and get the hair on the side of the head neatly trimmed to a low fade. Run hair clay over the top for a spikey, punk look.

Modern Long Top with Low Taper Fade

The modern long top hairstyle is as if James Dean, himself, time traveled to the present day. Layers help build volume and body on top and the low taper fade trims enough to keep the entire look professional. You’ll want to invest in a quality pomade to finish off this style.

Wavy Brush Back with Low Taper Fade

The wavy brushed-back style is a dashing look for the guy who won’t shy away from putting real effort into their style every morning. You’ll want to practice lifting the hair with a brush and heating it into the perfect shape with a blow dryer to maximize volume. The low taper fade will keep the sides neat and the top thicker.

Hard Side Part Fade

A hard side part fade is a trendy style for gentlemen who appreciate blending cool, daring and timeless elements. This handsome look is achieved like your standard comb over, but with a shaved line at the part to create a hard separation. To emphasize the sharp contrast, use pomade and quickly blow dry the style for a stylish finish all day.

Crop Top with High Taper

The crop top is a popular short haircut for men who want a low-maintenance and masculine look. With a high taper fade, the short cut on the sides and back complement the slightly longer volume on top. For a textured messy finish, apply a matte pomade to towel-dried hair.

Faux Hawk with High Skin Fade

The faux hawk is an edgy haircut that boasts youthful energy for a fashionable finish. The top is textured by point cutting, which leaves sections of the hair jagged and irregular, making for a punk rock finish when styled. Ask your barber to hook you up with a high skin fade to keep the cut short and desirable.

Short Curly Hair Fade

A short curly hair fade is a popular style for guys who want to embrace and highlight their texture for a unique look. Curls are sexy and bouncy, allowing a short cut on the sides and back to amp up the stylish volume on top. Ask your barber or stylist to go tight on the sides with a fade and leave the top long to emphasize your natural bounce.

Spiky Mullet Fade

The spiky mullet fade is a daring take on the already wild mullet hairstyle. By throwing a slight fade into the mix, the cut is updated with a skater flair. Thinning shears and hair clay can help add the texture needed to keep this spiky look on point throughout the day.

Long Pomp with Drop Skin Fade

The long pompadour is a timeless style that features volume and height for the guy who wants to stand out. This high-volume look is only enhanced with a drop skin fade, which retains weight at the back of the head while taking the sides down short enough to help elongate your face and sharpen your cheekbones.

Fohawk Fade

A fohawk fade is a fun alternative to your standard spiky styles. The chunky spikes on top do all the heavy lifting, providing style and personality, while a skin fade provides a sexy and sleek cut on the sides. A good hair gel will get you from day to night.

Medium Slick Back with Low Drop Fade

A medium slick back is a chic hairstyle for the dapper gentleman. Trim the ends on top to loosen the locks and ask for a low drop fade to keep your hair from getting too round and poofy. A strong pomade will help slick back the hair and lock it in place.

Long Faux Hawk with Disconnected Undercut Fade

The long faux hawk is ideal for the man who’s ready to grow their hair to the next level. Maintenance trims are key here to keep your hair loose and receptive to styling products like hair clay, which you’ll need to achieve height. Lastly, the disconnected undercut fade creates a distinct separation between the sides and top of the hair, which adds an extra level of masculine charm.

Long Fringe with Shaved Sides

The long fringe is the perfect hairstyle for young guys who want to show off their naturally healthy and full look. Since styling products aren’t required, this trendy cut is low-maintenance and easy to achieve. Shaved sides will help you look your best with minimal effort.

Masculine Crew Cut with Mid Skin Fade

A crew cut is a masculine military-inspired style for the guy who appreciates a simple and fresh aesthetic. The slightly longer cropped top is left finger length and with just enough to style, while the back and sides are given a mid skin fade to ensure a high-contrast finish. You can run hair clay through for some added texture and hold.

Textured Side Brushed Style with High Taper

The textured side brushed style is an unforgettable look for the modern gentleman. A high taper is an approachable option because it doesn’t cut the sides down to the skin, making for a less dramatic final look. Thinning shears help texturize the top, making it easier to push to the side before heading out the door.

Long Textured Brush Back with Disconnected Undercut Fade

The long textured brush back can be a refreshing turn for men who prefer longer hairstyles. While still long enough to push back, the top features layers for extreme volume and texture, and the disconnected undercut fade keeps the sides short and tight. The v-shape and extra length at the crown provide flair for a unique vibe.

Angular Slicked Back Undercut

The slicked back undercut is the perfect combination of long hair on top and short hair on the sides. This unique look requires six inches minimum on top, just enough that the hair goes up and over the back and sides. An undercut removes all the bulk and paves the way for this slick cut to land.

Brush Up Side Part with Low Fade

A brush up side part is a sexy heartthrob look that blends modern and classic styles for a fashionable style. Seen on most celebrities, this medium-length hairstyle is ideal for guys who prefer pushing volume and height that pushes hair away from their face. A low fade will trim off just enough to keep your look sleek, and a small amount of pomade will allow you to brush your hair up and to the side.

Long Choppy Fringe with Low Skin Fade

The long choppy fringe is a cool hairstyle that comes with short faded sides and thick volume on top for a handsome look. This cut keeps the bangs long and pushes the hair forward, allowing the extra length to fall over the forehead for a dramatic visual. Ask your barber for a low skin fade to keep the back and sides clean. Use a texturizing product like clay or wax to help this look stand out.

Textured Faux Hawk with Mid Skin Fade

A textured faux hawk is a tried and true cut for every man out there. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it’s popular. You won’t need to do a big chop on top, but you will need point-cutting done to achieve those notable spikes. Instead of a high fade, ask your barber to give you a mid skin fade to keep weight in the corners while still getting the sides super short.

Fluffy Hair with Mid Fade

A fluffy hairstyle is a popular approach that will transform and elevate your look. A mid fade will give your style more dimension and height. A dime-sized amount of hair clay will give you just enough texture and hold to be the most attractive-looking guy in the friend group.

Thick Long Top with Disconnected Mid Fade

Having thick long hair on top can be annoying, but if you ask your man for a disconnected mid fade, it just might work out in your favor. For the ultimate contrast in your hairstyle, you’re going to want to keep the sides tight and leave the top alone, this way your jaw will look stronger and your face taller.

High Volume Brush Back with High Undercut Fade

For a high-volume look, you’ll want to try out this textured brush back style with an awesome undercut fade. Use a round brush and pomade to train your hair to bend and stay tall throughout the day. The high faded undercut finishes off the look by shaving the sides short and maximizing the visual contrast.

Short Layered Hair with Mid Bald Fade

Short layered hair is a handsome look for teenage guys and young men who appreciate a clean-shaven face. Adding layers will leave your hair relaxed and soft, making it easier to style, while a mid bald fade lends a rough edge to the final product.

Middle Part with Tapered Sides

The middle part haircut is among us and it’s time to try it out. This style is best for the guy who likes to keep their hair at a medium length and isn’t afraid to style their hair every morning. Ask for layers to help soften the part and for tapered sides to slim down your face.

Textured Brush Back with High Skin Fade

The textured brush back with a high skin fade is a classic haircut for guys who just want a timeless, low-maintenance and masculine style. This straightforward look doesn’t mess around and keeps the top neat and trimmed at about three inches. A high skin fade does the heavy lifting by adding volume and keeping the back and sides tight and proper.

Long Textured Quiff with Low Taper

The long textured quiff is an essential style for the traditional gentleman. Equal parts confident and stylish, this look is clean without going severely short. The top is lightly textured, allowing for a bit of flow and structure, and the low taper keeps the hair looking full and strong. You could pomade to hold this look in place, but you won’t need it.

Short Layered Faux Hawk

The short layered faux hawk is an exceptionally short rendition of the classic hairstyle. This hawk is great for the summer because you won’t need as much length to style it, and the tapered sides will keep the hair away from your ears, keeping you nice and cool.

Short Thick Brush Back with Low Taper

The short, thick brush back hairstyle is a fine look for men with strong, masculine features. The low taper helps accentuate a strong jawline, while the brushed hair on top adds just a touch of volume to keep the cut from looking too flat. This look can be achieved right out of the shower by letting your hair air-dry.

Hard Comb Over Fade

A hard comb over fade is a popular hairstyle for men who appreciate a modern business professional look that also works well at happy hour. The sharpness of this cut is only surpassed by its ease as the high fade goes right to the corners of the head and blends in seamlessly with the coiffed top. A line is shaved at the part to add separation and style.

Blunt French Crop with Low Fade and Beard

The blunt French crop is a short haircut style that looks effortlessly handsome and sleek with a low fade on the sides. As a military-inspired cut, the cropped top leaves about an inch in length with a trimmed fringe that comes straight across the forehead. A low fade draws attention to the beard and sharpens the face, allowing the French crop to do all the talking.

Classy Brush Back with Tapered Sides

A brush back is a classy style that pairs well with a low fade to achieve a mature, clean-cut look. This timeless hairstyle features tapered sides for a softer transition into the top, which is blow-dried and brushed back with the smallest amount of pomade.

Long Fringe with High Disconnected Undercut Fade

The long fringe can get a bad rep for how basic it seems, but this cut is more versatile than one might think. In this case, a high disconnected undercut fade supports the fringe on top by elongating the face and showing off the jawline.

Short Layered Mullet

The short layered mullet is a stylish country look that comes with style and personality. While the hair is feathered and thinned out for flow, the back still maintains a cascading effect. Sea salt spray will add a gritty texture that will last all day long.

Blowout Taper Fade

A blowout is a high-volume style that offers dimension and flashy waves. The taper fade helps with definition and precision without cutting too close to the scalp. Use pomade and a quality blow dryer to finish off this flawless haircut.

Short Wavy Crew Cut with High Taper Fade

The short wavy crew cut is a simple and stylish choice for guys who prefer minimal styling for a fresh look. Ask your stylist for a high taper fade and to chop the top down a few inches for a fuller style.

Tousled Medium Length Hair with Classic Low Taper

This tousled medium-length hairstyle is an iconic look that’s easy to achieve and takes minimal effort from most men. Leave the hair longer in the front and gradually take it shorter towards the back. This will create a textured wave that will flow with the wind. Finish it off with a classic low taper and you’ll be ready for the runway.

Wavy Side Swept Fringe with Tapered Sides

The wavy side swept fringe is a popular haircut reserved for the most stylish among us. This dashing look lets the top flow freely towards the front, leaving behind a Superman-like curl, which can be achieved with a light-hold product. Get tapered sides to sharpen your jaw and soften the fade.

Curly Hair Fade with Hard Part

Curly hair can seem like a nuisance to deal with, but if you know how to style it properly, it can be your greatest weapon. The easiest tactic you can try is to get a tight fade to straighten up your silhouette. A hard part adds an unpredictable definition to the final look, a touch the ladies will love.

Short Spiky Hair with Low Skin Fade

Short spike hair is a versatile style that can include a low skin fade to keep more weight towards the top.

Slick Back Undercut Fade with Beard

The slick back undercut fade is an exceptional haircut if you want to keep your hair on the longer side, but you still like to keep your style on point. The undercut fade disconnects the top from the sides and keeps it tight around the ears. Trim up your beard to add balance to your face.

Pompadour Undercut

The pompadour undercut is a cool haircut style for modern men who want a classy and downright irresistible look that will drive the girls wild. The hair in the front must be longer to create the iconic bump while the undercut crops the back and sides, narrowing the face and elevating the look. Pomade will be your product of choice to keep the look solid.

Long Side Swept Style with Low Taper

The long side swept style is as simple as it can get, gents. A low taper cleans up the back and sides, while the longer top is left to its own devices, flowing in whichever way the wind is blowing. Pick up some product if you want, but you can wake up with a bedhead and still be fashionable.

Hard Side Part Fade with Brushed Up Fringe

A hard side part fade is the cut you’ve been searching for to update your style. This fresh look tweaks the classic comb over by leaving a longer fringe to brush up and shaving in a hard part for outstanding definition. As always, a mid fade helps tie the look together by providing contrast.

High Bald Fade with Short Messy Brush Up

The high bald fade is the perfect addition for any short hairstyle, especially the messy brush up. Have your barber or stylist leave the top choppy and textured at around two inches, and have the bald fade start at the temple. This short and masculine cut will last you for a while.

Mohawk with Undercut Fade

The mohawk is already a divisive cut, but you can soften the look with an undercut fade. By gradually taking the sides lower, you open up possibilities for more conservative styles as the hawk grows out. As with any mohawk, you’ll want to invest in hair clay or gel to keep it standing at all times.

Classic Pompadour Undercut

This classic pompadour is a sleek and sexy style that features a fresh undercut to emphasize contrast and separation. The undercut works its magic by getting rid of the shagginess around the back and sides, leaving the top to stand out with volume and shine.

Wavy Side Part with Mid Skin Fade with Shaved Line

A wavy side part is a cute cut for younger gentlemen to try out. This preppy cut is made manlier with the addition of a mid skin fade that accents a strong jawline and beard. Add in a shaved line for creative separation.

Thick Brush Up with Low Bald Fade and Shape Up

The thick brush up is a versatile and bold haircut for any guy who wants to make a statement with their style. The low bald fade keeps the sides tight and low-maintenance, while the line up cleans and sharpens the hairline for a crisp finish.

Full Brush Forward with Low Fade

A full brush forward look may not be for everybody, but if you commit to it, you’ll find it to be a suitable everyday look. This look requires no texture or layers on top, as you’ll want the weight to keep the hair down and forward over your forehead. Ask for a low fade to keep your look neat around the ears, and you’ll be good to go.

Textured Blonde Spiky Style

The textured spiky style has been a quintessential men’s cut for decades due to its styling ease and popularity among young adults. This look is perfect if you’re ever looking for a style reset. The blond highlights add some attitude and flair to the style.

Quiff with High Fade

The quiff with high fade is a fashionable hairstyle that embraces volume, texture and flow for an attractive look. The high fade provides the ultimate contrast and can make the shortest cuts on top look longer and fuller.

Mid Skin Fade with Thick Crew Cut

The mid skin fade is a reliable hairstyle when you’re done dealing with long hair. Try pairing it with a thick crew cut for great contrast and greater texture on top.

Thick French Crop with Mid Fade

A thick French crop can be your new go-to look, if you’re trying to steer away from a mop top and towards easier looks. Start by getting a mid fade to clean up your overall look and leave all the focus on the fringe.

Long Crop Top with Low Taper Fade

Much like a fuller crew cut, a long crop top with a low taper fade is a popular style for guys with thicker hair who want to show off their beautiful locks. This haircut evens out the look with a skin fade on the sides, back and beard to achieve contrast and balance.

Blonde Messy Spikes with Tapered Neckline

Blonde messy spikes can be a youthful twist if you’re open to experimenting with color and messiness. Irregular texture throughout the look amps up the unpredictability of the spikes and a tapered neckline softens out the back and sides.

Long Comb Over with Low Taper Fade

The long comb over is a cool side-swept style for men that can be impossible to overlook. With volume and length on top, get a low taper fade to balance the look. Use a light-hold styling product for control, flow and dimension.

Bro Flow

The bro flow is a modern hairstyle for guys who want to embrace their locks and show off their texture. This attractive flowing style features long layered hair that can be pulled back and tucked behind the ears for a smooth, flattering finish. For an irresistible look, use a natural shampoo and conditioner to moisturize and strengthen your hair.

Side Swept Crew Cut with Mid Bald Fade and Stubble Beard

The side-swept crew cut is a sexy short style for the younger guy who likes to stay active or wants a classic masculine look. Whether you’re playing basketball or at the office, the mid bald fade offers a balanced cut that looks stylish anywhere. A thick stubble beard creates a manly vibe without getting unruly.

Middle Part with Undercut

The middle part is an irresistible cut that every man has to try. Layers can help soften the overall look, while an undercut prevents it from looking too much like a mushroom. Hair mousse can help add extra volume.

Spiky Blowout with Disconnected Undercut Fade

A spiky blowout can be an edgy haircut style for teenage guys who want an attractive and badass look. The disconnected undercut fade is approachable and gets the back and sides just short enough to keep you looking sharp. To spike your hair all over, use a dime-sized amount of product to keep every piece in its place.

Brushed Up Front with Undercut and Line Up

If you want a modern pompadour, a brushed-up front with an undercut on the sides and back will give you a timeless look. The undercut is sharp and on-trend, while the line up will give you some edge.

High Volume Pompadour Fade

The high-volume pompadour fade is on-trend, casually cool and always youthful, making the style a favorite. The high fade prevents a poofy finish, while emphasizing the incredible volume on the top. Make sure to use a blow dryer and pomade to complete this gorgeous look.

Popular Short Sides, Long Top Hairstyles

The most popular haircut styles with short sides and a long top are the modern quiff, brush up, comb over, hard side part, French crop, textured brush back, messy look and mullet. If you want to update your look, ask your barber for a fade, taper or undercut to create a sharp contrast between the short sides/back and the longer hair on top. With extra volume and layers, this cool men’s hairstyle will look attractive and highlight your masculine features.