The short back and sides haircut has long been the go-to style for men, serving as a default setting for countless generations. This classic cut has roots that stretch back to ancient times, with variations that have stood the test of time. While there have been some notable exceptions—think of iconic figures like Jesus, Jason Momoa, or the free-spirited styles of the 1970s—most men have gravitated towards some form of a cropped cut.
Although the concept of “short” might seem straightforward, it encompasses a wide range of styles, each with unique characteristics and guidelines. Choosing the right one can be more complex than it appears at first glance. Factors like face shape, hair texture, and personal styling preferences all play a crucial role in determining the ideal short haircut.
This is why a comprehensive guide is essential. With all the necessary information and visual inspiration conveniently gathered in one place, selecting the perfect short back and sides style becomes a manageable task. Whether looking for something traditional or a modern twist on a classic, a short haircut suits every individual. Let’s dive into the diverse world of short hairstyles and find the perfect fit for you.
Key Short Haircut
1. Fade
A fade is a popular barbering technique that involves gradually shortening the hair from very short—often down to the skin, referred to as a “skin fade”—to slightly longer lengths. This technique is primarily applied to the back and sides of the head, creating a seamless blend between different hair lengths.
Types of Fades
Fades come in several varieties, each offering a distinct look:
Skin Fade: This fade starts very close to the scalp and gradually transitions to longer lengths. The smooth blend provides a sharp, clean appearance and is a favorite of modern styles.
Low Fade: A low fade begins just above the ear and offers a more subtle transition. This type is great for those looking for a refined and understated look.
Mid Fade: Positioned between the low and high fade, the mid fade starts around the temple area, providing a balanced look that suits various face shapes and styles.
High Fade: This fade begins higher up on the head, creating a more dramatic effect. It works well with bold styles, drawing attention to the top of the head.
Why Choose a Fade?
Fades are versatile and can be combined with various hairstyles, from crew cuts to pompadours. They allow for creative expression while maintaining a polished appearance. Additionally, fades are low maintenance, as they can grow out without looking unkempt. Whether opting for a classic look or experimenting with modern styles, a fade offers a stylish and adaptable option for men of all ages.
2. Taper
A taper is a popular haircutting technique similar to a fade but designed to work with longer lengths. This style gradually reduces hair length from the top down to the sides and back, creating a smooth transition that blends seamlessly into the longer hair on top.
The Taper Technique
Achieving a taper typically involves using both clippers and scissors. The barber will use clippers to cut the hair on the sides and back shorter, gradually blending it into the longer hair on the top. This combination gives precision and flexibility, resulting in a clean, polished look.
Types of Taper Haircuts
Classic Taper: This timeless style features short sides that gradually blend into longer hair on top, providing a versatile look that can be styled in various ways.
Low Taper: Starting closer to the neck, a low taper offers a subtle transition that is ideal for those who prefer a more understated appearance.
Mid-Taper: The mid-taper starts higher up on the head, offering a balanced look that complements a wide range of hairstyles.
High Taper: For those seeking a more dramatic effect, a high taper begins above the temples, creating a noticeable contrast between the top and sides.
Why Choose a Taper?
Taper haircuts are an excellent choice for individuals looking for a clean and polished appearance without the dramatic contrast of a fade. This style is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different hair types and lengths. Tapers work well with various hairstyles, from business casual to trendy looks, making them a go-to option for many men. Additionally, they offer a low-maintenance solution, as the gradual blend allows for natural growth without appearing unkempt. Whether for professional settings or casual outings, a taper provides a refined, modern look that will impress you.
3. Taper Fade
As the name suggests, a taper fade combines the techniques of both taper and fade haircuts, creating a versatile and stylish look. This technique allows hair to be gradually shortened from very short lengths at the sides and back to a more significant length on top, offering a smooth and seamless transition.
The Technique Behind a Taper Fade
Achieving a taper fade requires skill and precision from the barber. It involves using clippers to create a fade effect at the back and sides while also employing scissors to blend the hair into the longer lengths on top. The result is a well-balanced hairstyle that can enhance various facial features and hair types.
Styles That Pair Well with a Taper Fade
Taper fades are often paired with short to medium hairstyles that lean toward the longer end of the spectrum. Some popular styles that complement this cut include:
Pompadour: The voluminous top of a pompadour contrasts beautifully with the clean sides of a taper fade, creating a striking and stylish look.
Ivy League: This classic hairstyle features a neat side part and offers a polished appearance. The taper fade adds modern flair to this traditional cut, making it suitable for professional settings.
Crew Cut: A crew cut with a taper fade provides a clean, sharp look that is both practical and stylish. It’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance option without sacrificing style.
Why Choose a Taper Fade?
A taper fade offers the best of both worlds by providing the subtle sophistication of a taper with the boldness of a fade. This haircut is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions—from casual outings to formal events. It can easily be styled in different ways, allowing for personal expression while maintaining a refined appearance.
Moreover, taper fades are low-maintenance, as the gradual transition allows for natural growth without looking unruly. Whether seeking a classic or modern look, a taper fade is an excellent choice for men wanting to elevate their hairstyle game.
4. Disconnect
The Disconnect haircut style is defined by its striking visual contrast between two distinct hair lengths. In this look, the top hair remains significantly longer than the sides and back, which are cut much shorter. This sharp division is what sets the disconnect apart from other styles, as there is no blending or graduation between the lengths.
Key Characteristics
Dramatic Contrast: The essence of a disconnect lies in the bold difference in lengths, making it a standout choice for those looking to make a statement.
No Blending: Unlike fades or tapers, a disconnect does not involve any blending between the short and long sections. This results in a sharp, defined look that draws attention.
Popular Variations
Disconnected Undercut: This style features very short sides and back paired with longer hair on top. The undercut creates a clear separation, emphasizing the length on top and allowing for various styling options.
Disconnected Pompadour: Combining the classic pompadour with a disconnected cut enhances the volume on top while maintaining the stark contrast below. This style is both bold and elegant.
Disconnected Fade: While emphasizing the disconnect, this version incorporates a side fade. This provides a smoother transition without thoroughly blending the lengths, offering a modern twist.
Why Choose Disconnect?
Opting for a disconnected haircut provides an opportunity for self-expression and creativity. It’s an excellent choice for individuals wanting to showcase their personality through a daring hairstyle.
Versatile Styling: The longer hair on top can be styled in various ways, from slicked back to tousled, allowing for flexibility depending on the occasion.
Low Maintenance: Depending on the length of the hair on top, some disconnected styles can be low-maintenance, as they require minimal effort to style daily.
Eye-Catching Appearance: The bold contrast and defined lines make disconnected styles visually appealing, ensuring they stand out in a crowd.
5. Shape-Up
A shape-up is a popular haircut technique characterized by a meticulously defined hairline. Often associated with polished styles seen by celebrities like Drake, this technique involves cutting along the natural hairline to remove stray hairs, resulting in a sharp, straight line.
Key Features of a Shape-Up
Defined Hairline: The primary focus of a shape-up is to create a clean, well-defined hairline. This is achieved by trimming away any irregular or stray hair that can make the hairline appear unkempt.
Precision Cutting: A shape-up requires skill and precision from the barber. The goal is to enhance the natural shape of the hairline, accentuating the overall hairstyle and face shape.
Popular Combinations with Shape-Ups
Fade: Pairing a shape up with a fade creates a modern look that blends shorter sides with a clean hairline, resulting in a stylish and trendy appearance.
Buzz Cut: A buzz cut complemented by a shape-up offers a striking contrast, emphasizing the sharpness of the hairline and maintaining a low-maintenance yet polished look.
Short Textured Styles: Shape-ups can enhance short hairstyles by adding definition and structure, making the overall style more impactful.
Maintenance and Upkeep
To maintain a shape up, regular visits to the barber are essential. The hairline will need to be reshaped every few weeks to keep it looking crisp and clean. This ongoing maintenance is crucial to preserve the sharpness and precision of the style.
Whether seeking a sophisticated look for a professional setting or aiming to make a statement with a trendy haircut, a shape-up is an excellent choice for those desiring a polished and defined hairstyle.
6. Undercut: The Statement Hairstyle
An undercut is a bold and versatile haircut style where the back and sides are cut short, often buzzed, while the hair on top is left significantly longer. Initially, the undercut referred specifically to hair being cut “under” longer top layers, but today, it’s more broadly used for any hairstyle where there’s a clear contrast between the top and the much shorter sides.
Key Features of an Undercut
Sharp Contrast: The defining feature of an undercut is the dramatic difference in length between the top and sides of the head. This contrast draws attention to the longer hair on top, allowing for various styling possibilities.
Short Sides, Long Top: The undercut typically involves clipping or buzzing the sides and back short while leaving the top long. This length imbalance gives the style its unique and edgy look.
Why Choose an Undercut?
Versatility: The undercut’s versatility allows for countless variations, making it a popular choice for men who like to experiment with different styles. The longer top offers flexibility to style in various ways, from textured to slicked-back or messy.
Low Maintenance on the Sides: With the sides and back typically buzzed or clipped short, an undercut requires minimal maintenance on those areas, while the top can be styled to suit individual preferences.
Bold and Edgy Look: The stark contrast between the top and sides makes the undercut a head-turning hairstyle. It offers a youthful, modern aesthetic and works well for those who like to push style boundaries.
Styling Tips
The longer hair on top provides a canvas for creativity. Depending on the look desired, products like pomade, gel, or wax can be used to slick the hair back, add texture, or keep the style in place throughout the day. For a more relaxed, tousled look, sea salt spray or a lightweight mousse can help enhance natural texture and movement.
Whether opting for a clean, polished finish or a more rugged, textured appearance, the undercut offers endless possibilities for self-expression. It’s a dynamic style balances sophistication and edge, making it a favorite among trend-conscious men.
Picking A Short Haircut For Your Face Shape
Choosing a short haircut involves more than just personal preference. While liking the style is essential, it’s equally important to ensure that the haircut complements your face shape. The good news is that short haircuts offer a lot of versatility, but some styles suit certain face shapes better than others.
Short Haircuts and Face Shapes
Long Faces (Rectangular or Oblong)
Short haircuts generally work well with long-face shapes because they stay close to the head and don’t add much height, which can otherwise elongate the face further. However, styles like quiffs or pompadours, which add volume on top, should be avoided as they can make the face appear even longer.
Best styles: A classic taper or crew cut works well, as they balance out facial proportions without adding too much height.
Round Faces
For those with round face shapes, a bit of height on top can help balance the proportions and create the illusion of a longer, more structured face. Haircuts that are short on the sides but longer on top, like a pompadour or textured quiff, add definition and structure.
Best styles: Go for something with volumes like a pompadour or spiked style, and avoid haircuts like the buzz cut, which can exaggerate the roundness and make the head resemble a “golf ball.”
Oval Faces
If you’re lucky enough to have an oval face shape, most short haircuts will suit you. An oval face is well-balanced, meaning you can experiment with a wide range of styles without worrying too much about proportions.
Best styles: Anything! Feel free to experiment with different textures, fades, and lengths, from close-cropped styles to quiffs.
Key Short Hair Trends For Men
Take It All Off
The ultra-short, low-maintenance buzz cut continues to dominate as one of the most popular trends in men’s hairstyles. From David Beckham’s sharp high and tight to Zayn Malik’s bold grade-two buzz, this close-cropped style is timeless and effortlessly cool. It’s been trending for several years, but the truth is, it never really goes out of style.
One of the significant benefits of this trend is how easy it is to maintain. The buzz cut offers a simple, no-fuss solution for those who prefer to skip the daily hassle of styling. Plus, this look works particularly well for men who are dealing with thinning hair. Cutting hair short creates the illusion of thickness, and a clean, close shave will always look more polished than a thinning comb-over.
Best for: Men who want a hassle-free style or those with thinning hair looking for a confident, clean look.
The “Take It All Off” trend is the ultimate combination of convenience, style, and confidence, making it a go-to haircut for modern men looking to make a sharp statement without the daily upkeep.
Texture Is Everything
In the world of short haircuts, texture plays a crucial role in creating a dynamic and stylish look. With less length to work with, the importance of precise scissor work and strategic product use becomes paramount. Choppy, textured styles have become increasingly popular, whether it’s on the red carpet or everyday street style.
Highly textured haircuts not only add depth but also bring versatility to shorter trims. Whether it’s a textured crop or a softly spiked quiff, texture helps break up the flatness that sometimes comes with short hair. The right texture can give even the most straightforward haircut more personality and movement.
To perfect a textured style, two essential tools can elevate your look:
Matte clay: Ideal for adding definition and hold without the shine, giving a more natural finish.
Sea salt spray: This is a go-to for creating that effortless, tousled texture. Apply while blow-drying for added volume and structure.
Keep It Neat
Classic, clean-cut hairstyles like crew cuts, Ivy Leagues, and high and tights are making a major comeback, proving that traditional doesn’t mean boring. These timeless trims are not only stylish but also practical and versatile, which explains why some of Hollywood’s best-dressed men, like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Gosling, and Ryan Reynolds, have adopted them as their signature looks. These polished cuts are no longer just “the kind of haircuts your mom would approve of”—they’ve become fashion-forward, iconic styles.
For professionals who need to keep things sharp without going too bold, these neat, classic haircuts are perfect. They offer a clean, refined appearance while still looking contemporary and stylish. While edgy looks like disconnected undercuts or bleach-blonde buzz cuts might turn heads, classic trims are a safer bet for those who need to maintain a professional appearance but don’t want to compromise on style.
Why They Work:
Professional appeal: Easy to wear in both casual and formal settings.
Low maintenance: These cuts are straightforward to style and upkeep.
Timeless versatility: They transcend trends and offer a refined look suitable for any age or occasion.
Maintenance & Styling
Short hairstyles are known for their low-maintenance appeal, but they still require a bit of attention to stay sharp. While they don’t demand the same level of daily styling as longer cuts, a few essential tools and tricks will keep your look fresh and well-groomed.
Essential Styling Products
Choosing the right styling product depends on the specific look you’re going for:
Pomades and gels: Ideal for a sleek, glossy finish. These are best suited for styles like pompadours, slick backs, and quiffs. They provide a high-shine, wet look, which works well for polished and formal hairstyles.
Clays, pastes, and waxes: These products offer a matte finish and are perfect for textured, more natural styles. They’re ideal for creating a messy or choppy look, giving your hair some volume and depth without making it look overly styled.
Tools for At-Home Touch-Ups
Hair clippers: Even if you aren’t cutting your own hair entirely, having a set of clippers can be handy for maintaining clean edges between barber visits. For those opting for a buzz cut or high fade, clippers are essential and can help keep things looking neat without constant trips to the barber.
