The long on top, short on sides haircut is one of the most versatile and timeless styles in men’s grooming. Offering the perfect balance between a sleek, polished look and a more relaxed, modern feel, this haircut works for a variety of face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. The key to this style lies in its simplicity—the length of the hair on top is left longer, while the sides are clipped short to create a sharp contrast.
In this guide, we’ll explore the long on top, short on sides haircut, its benefits, popular variations, and tips for styling and maintenance.
The long on top, short on sides hairstyle is clean, stylish, and easy to maintain. Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic look.
What is the Long on Top, Short on Sides Haircut?
The Achieve the Long on Top, Short on Sides Style Today haircut is characterized by keeping the hair on the top of the head longer while shortening the hair on the sides and back. This style creates a sharp contrast, drawing attention to the length and texture of the hair on top, while the sides are trimmed or faded for a clean, defined look. It’s a classic style that can be adapted to suit various tastes, from the more subtle to the bold.
This haircut is popular because of its versatility. The top section can be styled in many ways—slicked back, messy, textured, or voluminous—while the short sides create a clean finish. Whether you’re looking for a refined professional appearance or a relaxed, edgy style, this haircut can be tailored to fit your personality.
Why Choose the Long on Top, Short on Sides Haircut?
The long on top, short on sides hairstyle offers several advantages:
- Timeless and Classic: The style is timeless and has remained a favorite for decades. It’s versatile enough to suit any occasion, whether you’re attending a formal event or going for a casual day out.
- Easy to Style: The hair on top can be styled in a variety of ways, whether you prefer a slicked-back look, a messy, textured style, or voluminous waves. The sides can be left short, faded, or even shaved, depending on how dramatic you want the contrast.
- Flattering for All Face Shapes: The long on top, short on sides haircut is great for all face shapes. It can help balance out round faces by adding height, define angular faces with sharp contrasts, or soften more square features with a bit of volume on top.
- Low Maintenance on the Sides: While the top may require some styling, the short sides are easy to maintain with a quick trim every few weeks, making this style relatively low-maintenance.
Popular Variations of Long on Top, Short on Sides
There are many ways to customize the long on top, short on sides style, depending on your personal preference. Here are some popular variations:
Classic Tapered Cut
- Why it works: The classic tapered cut features short sides that gradually fade into the longer hair on top. The fade is subtle, providing a smooth transition from top to bottom.
- How to style: The longer hair on top can be styled neatly with a side part or slicked back for a clean, polished appearance. This style works well for both professional and casual settings.
High Fade with Long Top
- Why it works: The high fade starts high on the sides, offering a more dramatic contrast between the longer hair on top and the faded sides. This creates a bold, edgy look.
- How to style: Use a pomade or gel to slick the top back or style it into a pompadour or quiff for added height. This style works well with straight or wavy hair.
Undercut with Long Top
- Why it works: The undercut involves shaving the sides and back down to the skin or a very short length, while the top remains longer. The sharp contrast between the top and sides creates a striking appearance.
- How to style: The longer hair on top can be styled in various ways—textured, slicked back, or even left messy for a more relaxed, casual vibe. The undercut is perfect for men who want a bold, attention-grabbing style.
Pompadour with Short Sides
- Why it works: The pompadour is a timeless style where the hair is styled back and lifted for volume, with the sides kept short for a sleek contrast.
- How to style: Use a strong-hold pomade to add volume and smoothness to the hair on top, while keeping the sides short with a fade or taper. This style adds height and drama, making it ideal for formal occasions or when you want to make a statement.
Textured Crop with Short Sides
- Why it works: A textured crop is a modern take on the long on top, short on sides haircut, where the top is left with some texture and natural volume, while the sides are faded or tapered for a clean finish.
- How to style: Apply a light texturizing cream or sea salt spray to the top to add volume and create a tousled look. The sides are kept short and neat for a balance of volume and structure.
How to Maintain Your Long on Top, Short on Sides Haircut
The long on top, short on sides haircut requires some maintenance, but it’s relatively low-maintenance compared to longer styles. Here’s how to keep it looking fresh:
- Trim the Sides Regularly: The sides should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to maintain the clean fade or taper. If you have an undercut, you may need a more frequent trim to keep the sides sharp and defined.
- Style the Top with the Right Products: Depending on the texture of your hair, use a pomade, wax, or mousse to style the top. For a sleek finish, go for a strong-hold gel, or for a more relaxed, tousled look, use a light texturizer.
- Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner: Keep your hair clean and healthy by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. The longer hair on top can get dry, so hydration is important to maintain a soft, manageable look.
- Clean Up the Edges: Regularly clean up the edges around your hairline, neck, and sideburns with a detail trimmer or razor to maintain a crisp, polished finish.
FAQs
How often should I trim my long on top, short on sides haircut?
Trim the sides every 3-4 weeks to maintain the fade or taper. The top can be trimmed every 4-6 weeks, depending on the length you want to maintain.
Can I wear a beard with a long on top, short on sides haircut?
Yes! A beard pairs well with the long on top, short on sides style, whether you prefer a full beard, goatee, or stubble. Make sure to keep the beard well-groomed to complement the clean lines of your haircut.
Which face shapes suit the long on top, short on sides haircut?
The long on top, short on sides haircut works well for most face shapes, but it’s especially flattering for oval, square, and round faces. The volume on top adds balance and structure to the face.
How do I style the top of my long on top, short on sides haircut?
The top can be styled in various ways, such as a pompadour, slick back, quiff, or textured crop. Use products like pomade, wax, or texturizing spray depending on the look you want.
The long on top, short on sides haircut is a timeless and versatile style that works for any occasion. Whether you prefer a classic taper, pompadour, or textured crop, this style offers endless options for customization. With regular trims, the right styling products, and a bit of maintenance, you can keep your look sharp, clean, and effortlessly stylish.