The short back and sides have been the default for men for generations. This classic cut has been around since ancient times with variations that have stood the test of time. The classic crew cut is a timeless, versatile option that has been popular for centuries. There have been a few exceptions—Jesus, Jason Momoa, the 1970s free spirits—but most men have gone for some form of a cut.
Although “short” seems simple, it’s a broad term that encompasses many styles, each with its own rules. Choosing the right one is more complicated than it seems. Face shape, hair texture, and personal style all come into play.
That’s why a guide is necessary. All the information and visual inspiration in one place means choosing the perfect short back and sides is a manageable task. Whether you want a traditional or a modern take on a classic, a short haircut is for everyone. Let’s get into the world of short hair and find yours.
Key Short Haircut
1. Fade
A fade is a barbering technique where the hair is gradually cut from very short—often down to the skin, known as a “skin fade”—to slightly longer lengths. This is applied to the back and sides of the head to create a seamless blend of different lengths.
Types of Fades
Fades come in several forms, each with its own look:
Skin Fade: This fade starts very close to the scalp and blends to longer lengths. Smooth blend, sharp look, modern style.
Low Fade: Low fade starts just above the ear, more subtle.
Mid Fade: Between low and high fade, starts at the temple and suits all face shapes and styles.
High Fade: Starts higher up the head, more dramatic. Works with bold styles and draws attention to the top.
Why a Fade?
Fades are versatile and can be worn with many hairstyles, from crew cuts to pompadours. They allow for creative expression while looking polished. Fades are low maintenance as they can grow out without looking messy. Whether you want traditional or modern, a fade is a stylish and adaptable option for men of all ages. Fades can be styled forward for modern and edgy looks.
2. Taper
A taper is a haircutting technique similar to a fade but for longer lengths. This reduces hair length from the top down to the sides and back, creating a smooth blend into the longer hair on top.
The Taper Technique
A taper typically involves using both clippers and scissors. The barber will use clippers to cut the hair on the sides and back shorter, blending into the longer hair on top. This combination gives you precision and flexibility, a clean look.
Types of Taper Haircuts
Classic Taper: This timeless style has short sides that blend into longer hair on top, a versatile look that can be styled in many ways. Adding a short fringe to a classic taper gives a youthful and edgy look, and textured bangs fall just above the eyebrows.
Low Taper: Starts closer to the neck, more subtle.
Mid-Taper: Starts higher up the head, balanced look for many hairstyles.
High Taper: For a more dramatic look, start above the temples; top and sides contrast.
Why a Taper?
Taper haircuts are great for those who want a clean look without the contrast of a fade. This style is versatile and can be worn with many hair types and lengths. Tapers work with business casual to trendy looks, a go-to for many men. Low maintenance as the gradual blend allows for natural growth without looking messy. Whether for work or play, a taper is a refined modern look that will impress you.
3. Taper Fade
As the name suggests, a taper fade combines the techniques of taper and fade haircuts, creating a versatile and stylish look. This allows hair to be cut very short at the sides and back and longer on top, a smooth blend.
The Taper Fade Technique
A taper fade requires skill and precision from the barber. Clippers are used to create a fade at the back and sides and scissors to blend into the longer hair on top. A balanced look that suits many faces and hair types.
Styles that go with a Taper Fade
Taper fades are often worn with short to medium hair that leans towards the longer side. Here are some styles that go well with this cut:
Pompadour: The volume on top of a pompadour looks great with the clean sides of a taper fade, a sharp look.
Ivy League: A classic style with a neat side part and a polished look. The taper fade adds modern to this classic cut for work.
Crew Cut: A crew cut with a taper fade is a clean and sharp look, practical and stylish. Perfect for those who want a low-maintenance option without sacrificing style. Adding textured hair to a crew cut gives volume and movement and makes the style look fuller and more dynamic.
Why a Taper Fade?
A taper fade gives you the best of both worlds: the subtlety of a taper and the boldness of a fade. This haircut is versatile for many occasions, from casual to formal. It can be styled in many ways for personal expression and still look refined.
And taper fades are low maintenance, the gradual blend allows for natural growth without looking messy. Whether classic or modern, a taper fade is a great option for men who want to level up their hair game.
4. Disconnect
The Disconnect haircut is defined by the visual contrast between two hair lengths. In this style, the top hair is much longer than the sides and back, which are cut much shorter. This is what sets the disconnect apart from other styles. There is no blend or graduation between the lengths.
Characteristics
Dramatic Contrast: The Disconnect is all about the bold difference in lengths for those who want to make a statement.
No Blending: Unlike fades or tapers, there is no blend between the short and long sections. A sharp, defined look that grabs attention.
Variations
Disconnected Undercut: Very short sides and back with longer hair on top. The undercut creates a clear separation, highlights the length on top, and offers many styling options. The short hair on the sides and back creates a big contrast with the longer hair on top, making the whole look more dramatic.
Disconnected Pompadour: Combining the classic pompadour with a disconnected cut gives volume on top and the contrast below. Bold and elegant.
Disconnected Fade: While emphasizing the disconnect, this one has a side fade. A smoother transition without blending the lengths, a modern twist.
Why Disconnect?
A disconnected haircut gives you the opportunity to express yourself and be creative. A great option for those who want to show off their personality through a bold hairstyle.
Versatile Styling: The top hair can be styled in many ways, from slicked back to tousled, depending on the occasion.
Low Maintenance: Some disconnected styles can be low maintenance, depending on the length of the top hair, as it requires minimal styling daily.
Eye Catching: The contrast and defined lines make disconnected styles look good.
5. Shape-Up
A shape-up is a haircut technique where the hairline is defined. Often seen in polished styles of celebrities like Drake, this involves cutting along the natural hairline to remove stray hairs, resulting in a sharp, straight line.
Shape-Up Features
Defined Hairline: The main focus of a shape-up is to create a clean hairline. This is done by trimming away any irregular or stray hair that makes the hairline look messy.
Precision Cutting: A shape-up requires skill and precision from the barber. To enhance the natural shape of the hairline and the overall hairstyle and face shape.
Shape-Up Combinations
Fade: A shape up with a fade gives a modern look; shorter sides with a clean hairline look stylish and trendy.
Buzz Cut: A buzz cut with a shape up gives a big contrast, emphasizes the sharpness of the hairline and low maintenance and polished look.
Short Textured Styles: Shape-ups can add definition and structure to short hairstyles, making the overall style more dramatic.
Maintenance
To maintain a shape up, a regular trip to the barber is necessary. The hairline needs to be reshaped every few weeks to keep it looking fresh and clean. This ongoing maintenance is key to keeping the style sharp and precise.
Whether you want a corporate look or a statement haircut, a shape-up is a great option for those who want a polished and defined hairstyle.
6. Undercut: The Statement Hairstyle
An undercut is a bold and versatile haircut where the back and sides are cut short, often buzzed, while the top hair is left much longer. Originally, an undercut referred to hair being cut “under” longer top layers, but today, it’s used for any hairstyle where there’s a clear contrast between the top and the much shorter sides.
Undercut Features
Sharp Contrast: The main feature of an undercut is the big difference in length between the top and sides of the head. This contrast draws attention to the top hair and allows for many styling options.
Short Sides, Long Top: An undercut 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 Undercut?
Versatility: The undercut is versatile, it allows many variations. That’s why it’s a popular choice for men who like to try out different styles. The top hair is flexible to be styled in many ways, from textured to slicked back or messy.
Low Maintenance on the Sides: With the sides and back buzzed or clipped short, an undercut requires minimal maintenance on those areas, while the top can be styled as you like.
Bold and Edgy Look: The contrast between the top and sides makes the undercut a showstopper hairstyle. It’s youthful and modern and great for those who like to experiment with style.
Styling
The top hair provides a blank canvas. Depending on the look you want, you can use pomade, gel, or wax to slick it back, add texture, or keep it in place all day. For a more relaxed, messy look, sea salt spray or a lightweight mousse can help enhance natural texture and movement.
Whether you want a clean and polished or a rough and textured look, the undercut gives you many options to express yourself. It’s a style that balances sophistication and edge, that’s why it’s a favorite among fashion conscious men.
Choosing A Short Hairstyle For Your Face Shape
Choosing a short hairstyle is more than just a personal preference. While you like the style is important, it’s equally important to make sure the short hairstyle suits your face shape. The good news is short haircuts are versatile, but some styles are better for certain face shapes than others.
Short Haircuts and Face Shapes
Long Faces (Rectangular or Oblong)
Short haircuts generally suit long face shapes because they sit close to the head and don’t add much height, which can otherwise lengthen the face further. However, styles like quiffs or pompadours, which add volume on top, should be avoided as they can make the face look even longer.
Best styles: A classic taper or crew cut works well. It balances out facial proportions without adding too much height.
Round Faces
For round face shapes, a bit of height on top can help balance the proportions and create the illusion of a longer, more angular 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 volume, like a pompadour or spiky style, and avoid haircuts like the buzz cut, which can accentuate the roundness and make the head look like a “golf ball.”
Oval Faces
If you have an oval face shape, most short haircuts will suit you. An oval face is well-balanced, so you can try many styles without worrying too much about the proportions.
Best styles: Anything! Try different textures, fades, and lengths from close-cropped to quiffs.
Short Hair Trends For Men
Take It All Off
The ultra-short, low-maintenance buzz cut is still one of the most trending hairstyles for men. From David Beckham’s high and tight to Zayn Malik’s grade 2 buzz, this close-cropped style is timeless and cool. It’s been trending for several years but the truth is it never really goes out of style. Some men might even cut their long hair for the practicality and low maintenance of short haircuts.
One of the best things about this trend is how low maintenance it is. The buzz cut is a no-fuss solution for those who want to skip the daily styling hassle. Plus, it’s great for men with thinning hair. Cutting hair short creates the illusion of thickness and a clean shave will always look better than a thinning comb over.
Best for: Men who want a hassle free style or those with thinning hair looking for a clean look.
Take It All Off is the ultimate combination of convenience, style, and confidence, so it’s the go-to haircut for modern men who want to make a statement without the daily maintenance.
Texture Is Key
In the world of short haircuts, texture is everything. With less length to work with, the importance of precise scissor work and product use becomes crucial. Choppy textured styles have been trending whether it’s on the red carpet or street style.
High-textured haircuts add depth and versatility to shorter trims. Whether it’s a textured crop or a softly spiky quiff, texture breaks up the flatness that comes with short hair. The right texture can give even the most basic haircut more personality and movement.
To get a textured style, two tools are essential:
Matte clay: For definition and hold without the shine for a more natural finish.
Sea salt spray: This is a must-have for that undone texture. Apply while blow drying for added volume and structure.
Keep It Clean
Classic, clean-cut hairstyles like crew cuts, Ivy Leagues, and high and tights are making a big comeback and traditionally doesn’t mean boring. These timeless trims are not only stylish but practical and versatile, which is why some of Hollywood’s best-dressed men, like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Gosling, and Ryan Reynolds, have made them their signature look. These clean cuts are no longer “the kind of haircuts your mom would approve of” – they’re fashion-forward and iconic.
For those who need to be sharp but not too bold, these clean, classic haircuts are the answer. They look clean and refined but still current and stylish. Edgy looks like disconnected undercuts or bleach-blonde buzz cuts will get noticed, but classic trims are a safer bet for those who need to look professional but don’t want to sacrifice style.
Why Do They Work?
Professional: Can be worn both casual and formal.
Easy to maintain: They’re simple to style and upkeep.
Timeless: They’re not trend-based and look good for any age or occasion.
Maintenance & Styling
Short haircuts are low maintenance but still need a bit of attention to stay sharp. They don’t require the same daily styling as longer hair, but a few key tools and tricks will keep you looking fresh and groomed.
Styling Products
What product to use depends on the style you’re going for:
Pomades and gels: For a sleek, glossy finish. These are best for styles like pompadours, slick backs, and quiffs. They give a high shine, wet look which is great for clean and formal hair.
Clays, pastes, and waxes: These products give a matte finish and are perfect for textured, more natural styles. They’re great for a messy or choppy look and add volume and depth without looking too styled.
Tools for Touch-Ups at Home
Clippers: Even if you’re not cutting your own hair entirely, having a set of clippers can be useful for tidying up the edges between barber visits. If you’re going for a buzz cut or high fade clippers are a must and will keep you looking neat without having to go to the barber all the time.
