Men’s hairstyles are all about the shaved sides right now. With shorter sides, your hairstyle as a whole looks neater, which gives you greater license to do something impressive with the top. From military-inspired buzz cuts to hipster-inspired man buns, a cut with shaved sides can give you a style that is simultaneously smart and edgy.
If you’re looking for some inspiration before your next cut, we’ve put together 16 cool shaved sides hairstyles and haircuts for men.
1. Slicked Back with Shaved Sides
Keep a bit more length on top for this style that borrows inspiration from different eras. Slicked back hairstyles suggest a man that gets business done. The shaved sides tell you that he still parties on the weekend. Opt for a length that’s quite short and (as with most shaved side styles) be sure to make regular trips to the barber. This is one hairstyle that can benefit from some extra product. The wet look works best, so go for a medium-hold gel or pomade.
2. Short Length with Tapered Sides
This hairstyle is one of the most masculine, neat cuts on this entire list. It is also a cut that works very well on a bearded face, and the tapered, short sides work in concert with facial hair for a manly look. Shorter styles are a safe option for those with hair that’s starting to grey. It’s also an attractive cut for the lazy folks, upkeep is minimal and short, messy hair can look awesome.
3. Short Slicked Back with Shaved Sides
This one’s an option for those guys who don’t want anything too long on top. The shorter length on top also gives you license to shave down to a shorter length on the sides. The short slicked back hairstyle works best with hair gel or pomade.
4. High And Tight
Short on top with even shorter sides. The high and tight haircut also takes its inspiration from the military; you might have heard people sporting this hair referred to as ‘jarheads’. The transition in length from the sides to the top of the head is abrupt and makes for a defined look.
5. High and Tight with Fade
Similar in its design to the traditional ‘high and tight’ haircut, except it has tapered length on the sides. While the haircut still features a defined transition in length from the top to the sides, the sides taper down toward the ears. For the most striking image, you can opt for a skin fade, tapering down to no hair whatsoever.
6. Classic Undercut
The undercut is as popular right now as ever. The classic version of this style offers a safer option for those guys who want to avoid some of the most extreme looks in this guide. It’s a straightforward and versatile haircut to style, needing just a little product. Products with a matte finish look best, especially for those with finer hair.
7. Slicked Back Undercut with Fade
This style combines the classic undercut with short slicked back look. To pull this one off, you’ll want to grow your hair a little longer. The taper sides make for a less jarring transition to the length up top. Choose a product with a matte finish for a modern take on this style.
8. Modern Bowl Cut
You probably shudder when you hear the words ‘bowl cut’, but don’t worry we’re not advocating the revival of this style in all its ‘90s glory. Elements of the bowl cut have been reimagined for 2016, and can be a bold choice. The key feature of this cut is the sudden shift in length that takes place further down the side of the head. For the best version of this cut, keep the length on top fairly short.
9. Disconnected Low Shave
When guys go to the barber for a haircut with shaved sides, they will assume that the shave must begin at the part line. The height of your shave should not be presumed. By shifting the shave lower, you can change the whole look of your cut. The modern gentleman can combine a low shave with a classic hairstyle (such as this slicked back look).
10. Hi-Top Fade
If you’re lucky enough to have thick and workable hair you may be able to pull off this ‘80s classic. The hi-top fade is a bold cut that symbolises the golden era of hip hop. Today, the style has re-surfaced and looks as good as ever.
11. Crew Cut
A more conservative option for guys wanting to shave their sides is the crew cut. Though a few different styles of crew cuts exist, it is, in essence, a short cut that tapers down to shaved sides. The cut often incorporates a bit more length at the front. It’s low on maintenance, although a little bit of texturing or wet-look product can bring a bit more character to this cut.
12. Pompadour
Evolving from its popularity in the 1950s, the pompadour is still a stylish look for guys wanting to make an impact with their hair. To get the look, incorporate more length and weight into the front of your hair. You can also have your stylist or barber include a fade on your sides. Use a wet-look, strong-hold product for a traditional take on the pompadour.
13. Long Hair With Shaved Sides
Another style that is often too quickly dismissed as being a hipster flash in the pan. The combination of long hair and shaved sides has gained popularity for a reason, and it looks damn cool. Pair the length with a beard, and you will look incredibly manly.
14. Textured Hair With Shaved Sides
For guys with medium-length hair, one option is to use a product that adds texture for more interesting results. Use a product with a dry finish, and style your hair with an air of mess about it. This is an option best suited to guys with wavy locks.
15. Curly Hair With Shaved Sides
If you happen to have curly hair, a cut with shaved sides can be a fantastic option for celebrating your natural curls. For a more subtle look, keep the hair on top at a length which allows the curls to be noticed without becoming too overpowering. Stay away from too much product, as this style is all about your hair as it naturally grows.
16. Top Knot
It’s the combination of man-bun and undercut that got hipsters in a frenzy a couple of years back. Today, however, it’s a style that has been accepted by the mainstream, and that’s because it can look great on the right person. You can combine this style with a fade, or just one length on the sides. Remember, the shorter the sides, the more you will draw eyes to your bun. For that reason, this cut can make faces look top heavy, so consider your face’s shape before opting for the top knot.
