Short backs and sides are more than a haircut; it’s the hub of the men’s hair universe. This is the classic cut: timeless, versatile, ageless, priceless, and hair typeless.
Its popularity is due to the fact that “short back and sides” is a broad term. Many haircuts fall under this umbrella, but not all of them are worth your time.
Among the many close-cut and cropped styles that fall under this category, a core group of genuine classics stands out. These are genre-defining short back and side haircuts that have stood the test of time and shaped the style into what it is today.
Below, we’ll break down five of the key styles, who they suit, and how to modernize them.
The Long and the Short of It
So, what is a haircut for short backs and sides? Well, as the name says it all.
Short back and sides can be loosely defined as any short-length haircut in which the hair on the back and sides of the head is shorter than the hair on top. This basic principle allows for many styles and variations, making it an excellent option for many men.
Short Back and Side Variations
The hair on top can be cut short and tight for a clean, neat, low-maintenance look. It can also be styled to the side for a classic look or left slightly longer and slicked back for a modern, sleek look. Each of these variations is a different take on the short back and sides concept, so you can express yourself while still getting the benefits of the classic cut.
Popularity and Maintenance
The style’s popularity is due to its clean and smart look and low maintenance. The short backs and sides are perfect for busy men as they require minimal styling and upkeep. A quick wash and a bit of product are often all you need to look sharp.
If you want to look sharp with minimal effort, “short back and sides” are four words to live by. This haircut is perfect for professionals who need to look polished without spending too much time grooming. It is also great for students and active men who want a practical style that can withstand daily life.
Styling Tips
To get the most out of the short back and sides, try different styling products. A light pomade or wax will help define the hair on top, while a texturizing spray will add volume and movement. If you have thicker hair, a strong hold gel will give you the control to keep the style in place all day.
I’ve tried many products to see what works for my hair type. I found that a light pomade gives me just the right amount of hold without making my hair feel greasy or weighed down. It allows me to look effortless while still keeping everything in place.
Is Short Back And Sides For You?
The good news is that short backs and sides can suit a variety of face shapes. Whether your face is round, square, oval, or whatever, there’s a short back and sides cut for you.
Face Shapes
We already know the hair on the sides of the head is short in all variations, including the short back and sides. So, whether a particular cut will suit your face shape is mainly dependent on what’s happening on top.
Long, Slim Faces: If you have a long, slim face, your main goal is not to make it look any longer. So avoid lofty styles like pompadours, which can add height. Instead, go for close-cropped cuts that keep everything balanced. A classic crew cut or a simple buzz cut will do the trick, looking clean and sharp without elongating your face.
Round or Heart-Shaped Faces: If you have a round or heart-shaped face, the short sides of this style will work in your favor, especially when the hair on top is styled up and away from your face. This adds height and creates the illusion of a longer face, which can be very flattering. Styles like the quiff or a textured crop will enhance your features.
Square Faces: Short hair is perfect for square faces and angular features. If you want to show off that strong jawline, go for a buzz cut or a classic crew cut. These styles will highlight your bone structure and look sharp. Just think of Brad Pitt’s buzzed cut for all the evidence you need – that style made his jawline pop.
Oval Faces: If you’re lucky enough to have an oval face, you’re lucky – almost any style will suit you! The balanced proportions of an oval face mean you can try any style, from the classic short back and sides to more adventurous cuts. Go wild and try different lengths and textures to see what expresses your personality best.
Crew Cut
If you go to your local no-frills barbershop and ask for a £5/$5 short back and sides, you’ll probably walk out 20 minutes later with a crew cut.
This classic cut has its roots in the American college campuses of the early 19th century and was later adopted as a military regulation cut. The crew cut has a short back and sides that taper up into slightly longer hair on top, which is often styled to one side and worn up at the front.
The result is a clean, neat, and conservative look – the kind of haircut your grandma would approve of. Its simplicity and lines make it a popular choice for men of all ages, from students to professionals.
Who It Suits?
The crew cut is particularly flattering for oval, rectangle, and diamond face shapes. The structured cut helps to balance out angular features, and the short sides can create a longer face for rounder faces.
I find the crew cut suits me well. With an oval face, I like how it enhances my features without overwhelming them. It’s a style that feels both classic and modern, so it’s a versatile choice for any occasion.
Update It
To modernize the classic crew cut, try a skin fade instead of a taper. This modern take keeps all the good bits of the old cut and adds a bit of edge. The skin fade creates a nice contrast between the hair on top and the shaved sides, making the whole look more dynamic and stylish.
You can also try texture on top by using a light pomade or styling cream to create a messy look. This adds a bit of personality to the crew cut, so you can express yourself while still looking polished.
I recently tried a skin fade with my crew cut, and the style was completely changed. The fade adds a modern touch that feels fresh and current while still keeping the classic bits I love. I like how I can style the top in different ways – sleek for work or messy for the weekend.
The Ivy League
As the name suggests, the Ivy League is another style with a collegiate background. This classic cut was also adopted by the military and was particularly popular among officers and higher-ranking military personnel during World War II. Its association with academia and authority makes it a timeless choice for men who want to look polished and respectable.
The Ivy League is similar to the crew cut but is slightly longer all over. It has a short taper at the back and sides, and the hair on top is long enough to be styled to the side. This extra length gives you more styling options, so it’s suitable for formal and casual occasions.
Who It Suits?
One of the best things about the Ivy League is that it suits all face shapes. The longer top gives balance and can be styled in many ways to suit different features. Whether you have a round, square, oval, or heart-shaped face, the Ivy League can be styled to enhance your natural looks.
I like how the Ivy League can be styled for different occasions. I find it’s a versatile style that works for both work and social events. The side part gives it a neat look, and the longer top allows for some personality.
Modernize It
To modernize the Ivy League, ask your barber for a disconnected version. This means shaving the sides short without blending into the longer hair on top. The disconnected style creates a bold contrast that adds a modern twist to the classic Ivy League cut.
You can also try texture on top with a light styling product. A matte pomade or texturizing cream will give you a messy look and make the Ivy League feel fresh and modern while still keeping the classic roots.
High and Tight
You may have noticed that many classic short back-and-side haircuts have military connections, and the high-and-tight is no exception. This is the ultimate armed forces cut. When you picture a Marine Corps soldier in your mind’s eye, this is the haircut you see—shaved on the back and sides with just a small patch of longer hair on top.
Characteristics of the High and Tight
The high and tight is shaved at the back and sides with a small patch of longer hair on top. This style is practical and looks disciplined and orderly. It’s a popular choice among military personnel and beyond. Low maintenance is another reason for its enduring popularity.
Who It Suits?
The high and tight is best for square, rectangle, and oval face shapes. The clean lines and angles will enhance strong jawlines and angular features, making it a great choice for men who want to show off their facial structure.
Modernize It
To modernize the high and tight, ask your barber for a fade. A fade will add depth and dimension and blend the longer hair on top with the shaved sides. Having the hairline shaved up will give you a clean, modern look that updates the classic military style.
You can also try the length on top. While the classic high and tight has a small patch of hair, you might want to leave it a bit longer for more styling options. A bit of product will help you achieve texture or a messy look and give you more ways to wear it.
French Crop
We can’t think of a time when the French crop wasn’t cool, and we’re struggling to come up with an answer. From the mods of the ’60s and ’70s to the Madchester bands of the late ’80s and ’90s, this style has always been a pop culture icon. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its versatility and timelessness.
The French crop has a short back and sides with a taper and longer hair on top. The top is worn textured and styled forward and often has a short fringe that adds to the overall look. If you want a short back and sides with a bit of rock ‘n’ roll attitude, this is as good as it gets.
Who It Suits?
The French crop is best for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. The shorter sides will elongate round faces, and the textured top will add height and dimension, so it’s a great choice for those who want to balance their features. The fringe will also soften angular jawlines, making it a versatile option for most face shapes.
Update It
To update the French crop, ask your barber for a disconnected undercut. This trend, made popular by shows like Peaky Blinders, will give the classic style a modern twist. The disconnected undercut will create a striking contrast between the longer hair on top and the shaved sides and give the French crop a fresh and bold look.
You can also try the texture on top. A texturizing spray or a lightweight pomade will help you achieve a messy, undone look that adds to the rock ‘n’ roll of the French crop. This will give you more styling options, whether you want a smart look for a night out or a more casual style for everyday wear.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is the ultimate low-maintenance haircut. If you want to sleep 10 minutes extra every morning and still look good, this is the haircut for you.
This style involves buzzing hair all over the head with clippers—no scissors involved. The result is a clean, uniform look that requires zero styling. You can wear it with different grades on top, back, and sides, but that’s unnecessary. The simplicity of the buzz cut is why it’s a popular choice for men who want a no-fuss grooming routine.
Who It Suits?
The buzz cut is versatile and can suit most face shapes, but it’s best for all but the roundest of face shapes. The clean lines and short length will enhance strong jawlines and angular features, which are great for square or oval face shapes. But for round faces, the buzz cut may not provide the balance you’re looking for, as it will accentuate the roundness rather than elongate the face.
Modernize It
While the buzz cut’s timelessness comes from its simplicity, you can easily add a modern twist by adding a fade. A fade will create a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the shaved sides and add depth to the style. This will not only enhance the overall appearance but also give you some personalization.
Shape up the hairline to give the buzz cut a more polished look. A clean, defined hairline will add sharpness to the style, taking it from basic to stylish. You can also try different lengths on top, a slightly longer buzz, or a textured finish to add some character to the cut.
