Save on the Axe Fine Fragrance Collection
Join our Community and Discover the Axe Effect
If you’re looking to refresh your look, a short side, long top hairstyle could be your answer. Versatile, low-maintenance and effortlessly cool, these styles are sure to boost your confidence.
Plus, it’s easy to adapt the look to your style, whether casual or formal. Need some inspiration? Check out our top 11 styles before your next visit to the barber.
What is a Short Sides, Long Top Haircut?
Dating back to the early 20th century, these ever-popular hairstyles have roots in the military and were made famous by celebs in the 1950s.
There are many variations of the short side, long top hairstyle, also known as tapers, fades or undercuts. They all create a clean finish and, as the hair on top is longer, they’re ideal for boosting volume, showing off your curls or perfecting your quiff game.
These styles are edgy, masculine, and best of all: sure to turn heads, wherever you go.
1. Hard Part with High Tapered Fade
Shaved in with precision, a hard part creates a slick contrast between your hair and scalp. Add a high-tapered fade into the mix for an even fresher look.
Best for…
This hard part with high-tapered fade is suitable for all hair types and is a great way to express your personality through your hairstyle. Make it your own and choose how thick or thin you’d like the part to be.
2. Textured Hair with Fade
Move over smooth and sleek, textured faded is where it’s at. This style combines an fade with voluminous texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Extend your personality into your hair by choosing just how textured you’d like to go.
Best for…
Textured hairstyles create the illusion of movement and are perfect for most hair types. Adding texture to fine hair makes it appear thicker and adding texture to thick locks can help to tone down excess volume. Win-win.
3. Quiff with Low Skin Fade
The humble quiff is the quintessential long-on-top, short sides hairstyle. This hairstyle will make you look and feel like a million bucks, whether you’re going to work, partying, or hanging with friends.
Best for…
If you have medium to thick hair, chances are a quiff will look good on you. Add some texturizing products, like our Texturizing Cream to give it a strong yet lightweight hold, all day long.
4. Short Hair with Long Front Strands and Fade
Want to focus on styling your fringe while leaving your hair shorter at the back? This versatile short side, long top hairstyle fits the bill. Style your fringe up, down, or to the side — the choice is yours.
Best for…
This hairstyle is perfect for straight hair and allows you to really express your style depending on how you choose to wear your fringe. It is versatile and allows you to change your look on a whim.
5. Curly Hair on Top with Tapered Sides
If you’ve been blessed with curly hair, don’t worry. You can rock a short side, long top hairstyle with ease. Let your curls do the talking by keeping them long on the top of your head and adding a taper fade to complement them.
Best for…
People who don’t mind putting a little work in, as this hairstyle does require some maintenance. Add some volume spray and pomade like our Classic Pomade to enjoy bouncy curls all day long.
6. Man Bun with Fade
Love it or hate it, the man bun is here to stay. Whether you’re just starting to grow your bun or already have one, you can easily refresh your look with a fade or a hard part to express your individuality.
Best for…
A man bun works with most hair types — thick, thin, curly, or straight. With longer hair, you may need to invest in some tools and products to keep it looking amazing every day. Stock up on some gel like our Extreme Hold Gel for flyaways and sturdy elastics to keep your hair in place.
7. Spiky Quiff and Fade
If you like adding texture to your hairstyle, why not try spiky quiff? They pair well with all sorts of fades and will make a statement wherever you go.
Best for…
Creating spikes that last requires maximum hold. Add hair gel or wax to keep those spikes in place while you turn heads.
8. Long Top and Fade
Whether you choose to have more texture or length on top, a long top, short haircut relies on the sides being crisp to give you that clean-but-edgy look.
Best for…
Suitable for most hair types, this classic style will take you from day to night and keep you looking sharp for any occasion. Visit the barber regularly to keep that fade short and your look immaculate.
9. Side Swept and Faded
A bold and sophisticated look for the adventurous among us, this style is not for the faint-hearted. However, if you’re aiming to go for a side-swept look, you need some decent length on top to achieve the sweeping effect.
Best for…
This haircut usually requires products to keep the side swept part in place. Add some volume to the roots with a mousse and keep your style sturdy with a strong hairspray to look fresh all day.
10. Faux Hawk and Fade
The faux hawk is making a comeback. If you’re keen to try something a bit more adventurous, why not give this hairstyle a go? Party up top, business down below, a medium fade complements the faux hawk by adding definition.
Best for…
Choose your favorite fade to give this look a personal twist, and don’t forget to add some gel or wax to keep the style in place.
11. Pomp and Fade
The pompadour (or pomp) is versatile — you can wear it slicked back or leave it loose and natural. It’s up to you. Add a taper fade to your pomp to add contrast to the high-volume top.
Best for…
Keep your pomp in place with pomade, gel or wax. Looking for an effortless natural look? Try our Understated Cream And if you want to step up your game, add a hard side part or extra length.
How to Style a Smooth Look
If you want to style your short sides, long top haircut at home, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to perfect your style:
1. Wet
If your hair is dry, dampen it. Or if you’ve just washed your hair, even better.
2. Dry
Blow dry the top, brushing it upwards with a round brush. Then, blow dry the sides and rake them back with your fingers as you go.
3. Rub
Time to style. Rub some of our Flexible Paste into your palms, then rake your hands backward (or sideways for that combed-over style) through your hair for a smooth look.
4. Comb
One last step. Finger-comb your hair in your desired direction and you’re good to go.
Styling tips for curly styles
Once you’ve mastered the four steps, it’s time to address those curls. Curly hair needs some extra love to keep its bounce and definition. Add some volumizing spray or a styling or curl cream to make individual curls pop. Then, use some of our Softening Control Clay for an effortlessly natural look that lasts all day.
Tips for styling afro haircuts
If you have afro hair, remember to detangle your hair before you start. Next, add some softening cream to your hair and scrunch to get your curls in shape. If you’re into soft, chunky curls, you can add even more definition with a sponge brush. Alternatively, keep the look au natural.
Remember the haircare basics
While styling products can help you achieve your desired look, remember to add some haircare products into the mix to keep your hair looking great. Not sure where to start? Investing in Shampoos and Conditioners that suit your hair type is a good first step for your grooming regime.
The power is in your hands
Now’s the time to step up your hairstyle game. How adventurous will you be with your fade, hard part, or hair length? Will you get a faux hawk, pomp or rock your curls? Your next hairstyle should be as unique as you are — don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Related Products
Give these a try
- slide 1
- slide 2
- slide 3
- slide 4
- slide 5
- slide 6