15 Short Sides, Long Top Haircuts Every Guy Should Try

If you’re looking for a haircut that feels modern, clean, and stylish—but still lets you keep some volume and length—short sides with a long top is the way to go. This combo is versatile, suits most face shapes, and gives you a lot of styling flexibility. Whether you want something sleek and polished or messy and textured, there’s a version here for you. This guide breaks down 15 popular short sides, long top haircuts so you can pick the one that fits your style and personality.

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1. Undercut with Slick Back

This classic look features shaved or very short sides with a longer top that’s combed straight back. It’s sleek, bold, and works best with straight or thick hair. A strong pomade or gel helps hold the shape, and a barber can help keep the undercut sharp. It suits oval, square, and angular face shapes.

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2. Pompadour Fade

This cut keeps the sides faded while the top is styled up and back in a high-volume pompadour. It’s dramatic, confident, and great for thick hair. You’ll need a blow dryer and pomade to maintain the shape, but the end result is classic and polished. Works well for longer face shapes.

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3. Quiff with Low Fade

The quiff adds volume at the front and blends into a low fade on the sides. It’s youthful and stylish without being too loud. Ideal for guys with straight or slightly wavy hair. Style it with a round brush and a light product for shape. A good choice for round or square faces.

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4. Textured Crop with Fade

This look features a short, choppy top that adds texture, combined with faded sides for contrast. It’s trendy and easy to maintain—just finger-style with a matte paste. Works well for straight or thick hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces.

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5. Side Part with Taper Fade

For a more formal look, this haircut keeps the top long and neatly parted to the side, with a clean taper fade on the sides. It’s perfect for the office or formal events. Best for fine to medium hair types. Comb and a bit of styling cream will keep it tidy all day.

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6. Messy Top with High Fade

This style features a high fade and a messy, tousled top—like controlled chaos. It’s bold but still wearable and suits thicker hair best. Just use a bit of clay or wax and run your hands through it. Great for casual, everyday styling with minimal effort.

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7. Spiky Hair with Mid Fade

Spiky styles are making a comeback. This one combines short sides with a gelled, spiked top for a sharp, youthful edge. Works well for straight, thick hair and suits most face shapes. Keep it fun and bold with strong-hold gel or wax.

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8. Comb Over Fade

A clean combed-over top with faded sides gives a sharp and professional appearance. It’s simple but stylish, especially for men with thick or straight hair. A low to mid fade adds subtle contrast. Use pomade and a fine-tooth comb for best results.

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9. Faux Hawk Fade

The faux hawk features a longer strip of hair down the middle, styled up or back, with short faded sides. It’s edgy but more wearable than a mohawk. Great for guys with thick or wavy hair. Use a styling cream or wax to spike the center.

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10. Disconnected Undercut

This dramatic style keeps the top long and voluminous, with shaved sides and no gradual blending. It’s bold, high contrast, and stands out in any crowd. Ideal for thick, straight hair and confident personalities. Needs regular trimming to keep the contrast sharp.

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11. Brush Up with Fade

Instead of brushing hair back, this style pushes it straight up, adding volume and height. The fade on the sides keeps the look clean and modern. Great for straight or slightly wavy hair. Use a blow dryer and light-hold product for volume without stiffness.

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12. Curtain Haircut with Taper

This retro-inspired cut features a middle part on top with flowy sides, paired with a clean taper fade. It’s making a big comeback and works well on straight or wavy hair. Let it fall naturally or style with a soft cream for shape. Good for oval or longer face shapes.

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13. High & Tight with Long Top

A military-inspired haircut with very short sides and a slightly longer, textured top. It’s clean, masculine, and low-maintenance. Works best for men who want a tough but stylish look. Ideal for thick or coarse hair.

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14. Blowout with Skin Fade

This high-volume look uses a blow dryer to lift the hair upward, paired with a skin fade that tapers down to the scalp. It’s flashy and full of personality. Best for thick hair and angular faces. You’ll need a brush, heat protection, and a volumizing product.

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15. Wavy Top with Fade

If you’ve got natural waves, this style keeps the texture on top and tight fades on the sides to keep things neat. The contrast brings out the waves and gives the haircut balance. Use curl cream or sea salt spray to define the texture without making it stiff.

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Styling Tips for Short Sides, Long Top Haircuts

1. Use the right product for your hair type – Matte clay for thick hair, cream for wavy, pomade for slick looks.
2. Blow-dry for volume – Don’t underestimate how much a quick blow-dry can help shape and lift your style.
3. Trim the sides regularly – Every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade sharp and the top in proportion.
4. Keep it balanced – If your top is growing long, trim it slightly to avoid the “mushroom” effect.
5. Don’t overwash – Washing 2–3 times a week keeps natural oils in check and your hair healthier.

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Conclusion

Short sides with a long top is a timeless combination that lets you express style while staying neat and modern. From clean fades to bold undercuts and textured tops, there’s a version for every personality and hair type. Try one that matches your comfort level, experiment with a new product, and don’t be afraid to visit your barber with a photo of what you like. Style is all about expressing you—so have fun with it!