45 Attractive Long Top Short Sides Men’s Haircuts

Long top short sides men’s haircuts are the perfect blend of simplicity, flexibility, and style. With the sides kept tight and clean, you instantly create contrast that accentuates the length on top. It’s a versatile choice that works for the office, school, or formal occasions while still giving you a modern, masculine vibe.

Keeping the top longer opens up a world of styling freedom. You can wear it textured, messy, slick, or polished depending on your mood. From crops and quiffs to comb overs, slick backs, messy shags, and middle parts, this look delivers volume, flow, and a timeless finish that never feels boring or dated.

Whether you prefer a fade, taper, or undercut, short sides help sharpen the outline and keep everything fresh. This style is a canvas for personal expression, easily customizable and always on-trend. From the latest trends to updated classics, long top short sides haircuts are universally flattering and help you look and feel like your best self.

What Is A Long Hair on Top, Shorter on the Back and Sides Haircut?

A long hair on top short sides haircut is a modern men’s haircut built around contrast. The back and sides are kept clean with a fade, taper, undercut, or scissor-cut, while extra length above adds volume and styling versatility. This difference in length sharpens facial features, adds dimension, and lets you experiment with popular styles like hard side parts or textured crops. Edgy yet functional, it’s perfect for fashion-conscious men who want an alluring look with a polished, clean finish.

Popular Longer on the Top, Short on the Sides Men’s Hairstyles

When you keep hair longer on the top with short on the sides, you get a set of popular men’s hairstyles that feel trendy but still easy to wear every day. These modern styles give you contrast, shape, and movement without a lot of effort. From classic cuts to bold fades, each look puts the focus on the top while keeping the sides clean and sharp.

Textured Crew Cut

The textured crew cut is an attractive men’s haircut that keeps the classic shape but swaps the flat finish for a modern piece-y look. With clean tapered sides and a layered top, you get movement, definition, and a slightly rugged edge. Work a bit of matte paste or clay through the hair to separate the layers and keep the style crisp, structured, and not overdone.

Brush Back

The brush back hairstyle gives a suave, dramatic look with plenty of volume and movement. Tightly faded sides help accentuate the height on top, while the longer hair is combed backward for a soft, natural finish. Use a lightweight cream or mousse to fix the hair in place with no heavy shine and no stiffness.

Middle Part

A middle part is a contemporary haircut that pairs symmetrical longer parted hair with sharply trimmed sides for a fashion-forward contrast. The lengthier top drapes evenly, framing the face and enhancing your bone structure. Blow dry with a round brush and a bit of lightweight cream to create volume and set the shape.

Messy Short Curls

Messy short curls let you embrace your natural texture in a modern, manageable way. Extra length on top keeps curly hair lively with dynamic patterns, while shorter sides add structure so everything looks neat and balanced. The result is a casual yet refined haircut that highlights movement, personality, and polish.

Long Slick Over

The long slick over uses contrasting lengths and deliberate styling to create a razor-sharp, dapper look. A lengthier layered top is swept to one side and secured in place, while the short sides keep things clean and respectable. Apply a lightweight pomade from roots to tips and comb across for a sleek, precise finish.

French Crop

The French crop is a trendy men’s hairstyle with the sides and back cropped short and a textured slightly longer top. A tight fade and blunt fringe brushed forward over the forehead give a neat outline and straight-cut front that frames the face. Use texturizing styling clay to build a thick, combed-forward look with a subtle edge and clean silhouette.

Ivy League Fade

The Ivy League fade is a traditional collegiate hairstyle with faded sides that add contrast and masculinity. This hybrid adaptable look works for both formal and relaxed occasions. Style with a lightweight cream and fine-toothed comb to lift the top hair, adding volume and a smooth back-to-front movement.

Long Fringe with Low Taper Fade

A long fringe with a low taper fade delivers volume, length, and a full, movement-filled look. The smooth taper fade keeps the sides and back in order, while the tousled layered top brings personality and structure. Work matte paste into damp hair and pull the fringe forward to enhance your natural texture.

Modern Mullet Fade

The modern mullet takes a retro untamed hairstyle and gives it a trim, clean-cut edge. A textured longer top continues down the neck for that “party in the back” feel, while faded sides add structure and balance. Use a light cream to keep the front sleek while maintaining movement and flow through the back.

Full Flow Back with Short Sides

The full flow back with short sides is a dynamic, princely haircut with length on top for sweeping, dramatic movement. A voluminous top pairs with neatly cropped sides for a look that is bold yet very wearable. Blow-dry the hair backward with lightweight mousse to add volume and prevent stiffness.

Afro Fade

The afro fade is a handsome hairstyle for Black men that showcases natural tight coils with a clean silhouette. The longer top highlights the curl pattern while the fade enhances bone structure for an immaculate finish. Use moisturizing curl cream or leave-in conditioner to reduce frizz and maintain shape.

Textured Mod Cut

A textured mod cut is a throwback hairstyle that nods to the classic 60s look with added texture and movement. The longer crown, pulled-forward fringe, and cropped sides create versatility and casual, loosely defined structure. Layered finishes add movement and separation, keeping the cut fresh rather than costume-like.

High and Tight Fade

The high and tight fade is a tough, no-nonsense haircut that is easy to maintain and effortlessly versatile. A bold skin fade begins above the temple, while the top is left just long enough for a bit of texture. A touch of matte paste gives a structured, precise, almost militaristic finish for any occasion.

Hard Side Part Fade

The hard side part fade focuses on angles and precision, with a shaved line that separates contrasting lengths. This fresh, trendy haircut uses a longer crown styled over and a fine-toothed comb with pomade to secure the look. Faded sides emphasize the hard part and flatter the face, especially when paired with a trimmed beard.

Swept Back Fade

The swept back fade is a balanced, timeless haircut that mixes classic gentlemanly styling with a contemporary edge. Longer top hair is blow-dried for volume and swept back in a controlled yet soft fashion. A razored fade keeps the silhouette clean and adds an element of sharpness.

Braids

Braids are ideal for afro-textured hair, offering cultural expression and practical versatile styling. Clean, defined cornrows protect the hair and reduce daily manipulation, while sharp partings make the braids stand out. Faded sides highlight the intricacy on top and keep everything neat.

Burst Fade Mohawk

The burst fade mohawk combines high-impact elements for a rebellious attention-grabbing haircut. The sides curve around the ears in a rounded fade that emphasizes the hawk’s length through the center and back. Style with matte paste for structure and a natural finish that still has an unkempt, easygoing vibe.

Long Slicked Back Undercut Fade

A long slicked-back hairstyle with a sharp undercut fade creates an edgy, commanding look. The extra-long top is pulled straight back and finished with a water-based pomade for a sleek, eye-catching shine. The undercut fade removes weight and emphasizes the crown.

Textured Quiff

The textured quiff is a laid-back, effortlessly cool haircut that looks sharp in any setting. A layered finish on top is blow-dried upwards, then styled with matte paste to create volume. Short tapered sides keep the look sophisticated, making this a confident, versatile hairstyle that suits almost any hair type.

Medium Brush Back

The medium brush back works especially well with thick hair, giving natural movement with minimal upkeep. Mid-length hair swept backward with gently tapered sides creates a balanced, distinguished look. A lightweight cream adds gentle structure while still letting a bit of hair fall forward for a playful vibe.

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Spiky Hair

A spiky men’s hairstyle brings attitude and personality with extra length on top styled into bold texture. The sides stay short and neat while the mid-length top is lifted upwards. Use matte clay or paste to build sharp, textured spikes that stay put without looking stiff.

Comb Over with Low Fade

The comb over with low fade is a fresh twist on an iconic hairstyle, giving a sleek balanced shape that feels classy and trendy. Hair is sharply parted and neatly combed across the top, while a tidy low fade beginning just above the ears tightens the silhouette. Finish with lightweight cream and a fine-toothed comb to define the style without weighing the hair down.

Curtains with Faded Sides

Curtains hairstyle with faded sides combines a trending middle-parted look with long top layers and cleanly tapered edges. The flowing voluminous top splits in the middle to frame the face, creating a sharp, flattering outline that emphasizes crown length. A bit of lightweight mousse keeps the natural drop around the forehead.

Layered Brush Back

The layered brush back balances relaxed movement with clean precision. A layered top adds texture and volume, while neatly faded sides ensure the overall look stays sharp, not too rigid. Apply matte cream or lightweight styling foam to damp hair and brush the front section back for controlled, natural volume.

Afro with High Temp Fade

An afro with high temp fade delivers bold volume on top with edges that are sharp and clean. It celebrates natural texture and coarser Black hair while adding balance and definition. A curl sponge or pick helps shape the afro, and hydrating cream locks in moisture and shine.

Man Bun Fade

The man bun fade combines a sleek pulled-back top with sharply faded sides for striking modern contrast. This style is practical and stylish, as the fade frames the face and sharpens the jawline while the smooth bun draws attention upward. Use lightweight cream or pomade to tame flyaways and keep the look polished.

Natural Curls with Low Taper

Natural curls with a low taper offer effortless bounce with shorter sides for subtle contrast. The style highlights volume on top while keeping the edges clean. A light curl cream or leave-in conditioner defines coils, encourages movement, and keeps them frizz-free all day.

Modern Caesar Cut

The modern Caesar cut is a contemporary style with short textured layers across the top and a subtle taper at the sides. It boosts natural movement and adds volume, especially on finer hair. Apply lightweight matte paste or cream to shape the fringe forward, enhance texture, and give a denser look.

Messy Layers with Low Drop Fade

Messy layers with a low drop fade create a textured, messy hairstyle with lots of dimension. The low drop fade on the sides curves naturally around the ears while the movement-packed top stays choppy and full. Work matte paste or clay through the ends and finger-style for separation and a tousled, piece-y feel.

Wavy Flow

The wavy flow is ideal if you want natural movement and have thicker hair that you like to let fall freely. Subtle structure at the sides keeps the shape contemporary while highlighting the waves without overworking them. Use lightweight cream or sea salt spray to enhance texture and define waves for a dynamic look.

Messy Layers with Faded Sides

Messy layers with faded sides add texture at the crown for movement and depth, while the sides stay relaxed and understated. A choppy point-cut top suits thick, straight hair and creates a relaxed effortless finish. Style with lightweight matte paste or cream to separate the layers and keep the aesthetic contemporary.

Pompadour Fade

The pompadour fade is a timeless style with a high lifted top and tapered scissor-cut sides for sharp contrast and elegance. Blow-dry the hair upward with a vented round brush to build maximum volume. A light matte pomade will hold the shape without crispiness.

Layered Curtains

Layered curtains give a stylish, laid-back look with longer strands that frame the face and a clean center part. Added layers create natural dimension and prevent the hair from looking too heavy, keeping a relaxed flow in straight or slightly wavy textures. Use lightweight mousse or volumizing spray and blow-dry with a round brush for soft, natural movement.

Buzz Cut Fade

The buzz cut fade is simple but stylish, using hair clippers to blend the sides while keeping the top uniformly short. This low-maintenance defined finish takes cues from the military cut but adds dimension as it transitions down to the skin. It is a minimalist, masculine style that can disguise thinning hair, especially when paired with clean sides and a lightweight scalp moisturizer plus bi-weekly trims.

Messy Shag

A messy shag uses layered textured length to create natural movement and volume with minimal styling. Shorter layering at the crown lifts the style while longer strands frame the face for a dynamic, lived-in look. Dry with a diffuser to bring out natural waves, then add texturizing cream or sea salt spray to keep them flowing.

Faux Hawk Fade

The faux hawk fade offers dramatic height inspired by a classic ’80s style with short, tapered sides for a modern edge. Use strong-hold pomade to shape the hair upward and keep the texture controlled. A skin fade can push the look into a more daring finish.

Long Mullet

The long mullet features extended length at the back with shorter, styled layers up front for a rebellious, fashion-forward look. Its vintage roots and undone finish give attitude, while contrast in lengths adds personality and movement. Use lightweight cream or texturizing paste and a blow dryer or flat iron through the crown and front sections to define the layers and keep the back from falling flat.

Textured Slicked Back Hair

Textured slicked-back hair updates a classic polished look with clean contrast and smooth, clipper-worked sides. Point-cutting removes bulk, leaving soft, uneven layers that still slick back easily with gel or high-shine pomade. The result is a sleek finish that doesn’t feel flat or boring.

Textured Top

A textured top adds height and movement with a voluminous crown and dimension through the upper section. A soft fringe frames the face, while strategic layers add lift and keep the hair light and flexible. Use matte paste or cream and tousle with fingers for either a relaxed finish or a more defined structured look.

Messy Medium Hair

Messy medium hair is all about relaxed, effortless movement and room to experiment with texture and volume. Layers shorter around the crown create natural lift and flow, while a slightly tousled fringe adds personality. A light matte paste or cream shapes the strands into an undone, bedhead vibe that still looks intentional.

Brush Up

The brush-up hairstyle emphasizes height and movement while the sides are scissor-cut for a soft, natural frame. This cut sharpens your features without harsh tapering. Apply volumizing mousse, then use a blow dryer and round brush to lift the hair for a confident, masculine feel.

Crew Cut Fade

The crew cut fade is a timeless, sharp style with a slightly longer top that allows for an elegant side sweep. Neatly tapered sides add a modern edge, while the clean fade keeps everything balanced and professional. Finish with lightweight pomade to secure the hair, slick it backward, and maintain a uniform clean-cut look.

Textured Spiky Hair Fade

Textured spiky hair fade delivers playful height and attitude with deliberately tousled spikes on top and razor-sharp tapered sides. Apply strong-hold pomade on damp hair and blow-dry into spikes to enhance lift. Finish with finger-styling for softer separation and a more natural vibe.

Textured Crop Fade with Blunt Fringe

The textured crop fade with blunt fringe stands out for its striking symmetry and focus on the forehead. Tidy sides make it easy for everyday wear and professional settings, while the fringe adds structure and the layered top provides visual interest. A light matte paste defines the texture and keeps the blunt edge sharp without looking stiff.

Loose Side Swept Style

A loose side-swept fringe is a casual style for fashion-forward men who like strands that drape naturally across the face. Subtle volume and asymmetry come from layers around the crown that enhance flow and movement. Use lightweight matte pomade or cream and a blow dryer to shape the fringe, keeping the style soft with subtle definition.

How To Get The Style

Getting a short sides long top haircut is all about using clippers on the sides and keeping noticeably longer hair on top for a look that balances a classic shorter style with a trendy medium-length style. This combo has both low-maintenance appeal and aesthetic charm, giving you a simple versatile formula and a strong foundation for lots of variations. Your barber can tailor the perfect short sides long top haircut to different hair types, face shapes, and personal preferences.

Bring a reference photo

Always bring a reference photo that shows the front, side and back view so your barber can fully understand the silhouette you want. An image makes the idea in your head clear and helps them match the style more accurately. Pick a cut on someone with hair type similar to yours in texture and density, so the end result looks realistic on you.

Be precise about lengths

When you explain your cut, be precise about lengths and mention the clipper guard numbers you prefer, like #2 or #3 on the sides. You can also use your fingers to measure, such as asking for one inch on top for a clear, tactile reference. The more specific you are, the easier it is for your barber to nail the look.

Decide on the blend or contrast

Think about whether you want blend or contrast between the top and sides. A smooth transition with a taper or fade gives a subtle, polished look, while a dramatic undercut or disconnected style creates bold contrast. A clean fade always looks sharp but usually means more upkeep and more regular trips to the barbershop.

Discuss texture and styling options

Before the cut starts, discuss texture and styling options so your barber knows how you like your hair to move. If you want movement and a messy finish, ask for texturizing techniques like point-cutting, layers, or even razor work on the top. If you prefer a sleek, polished style, they’ll keep the top cut accordingly for smoother styling.

Talk about maintenance

Make sure to talk about maintenance, including how often you should visit the barber and which styling product to use and how much to use. Tell them if you like clean sides, more weight taken off the top, or a softer grow-out. The severity of the fade or the severity of the taper will decide how quickly the cut needs touching up and how easy it is to style day to day.

How to Style Haircuts with Long Tops and Short Sides

To style haircuts with long tops and short sides, you need a simple, repeatable styling routine that fits your lifestyle. The goal is to balance clean edges with movement and shape on top using smart men’s styling tips. With the right tools, products, and technique, you can switch easily between casual texture, polished volume, and everything in between.

Start with a Blow-Dry for Volume

Begin by blow-dry for volume, especially if you have longer short or medium-length hair on top. After washing in the shower, use a blow dryer with a round brush or your fingers to lift the roots and add shape. Direct the airflow upward and backward for height, or slightly forward for heavy fringe-based styles and a more casual look.

Choose the Right Styling Product

Next, Choose The Right Styling Product to match your texture and finish. Use matte clay or paste for textured natural looks with a lived-in feel and extra control, while pomade or gel works best for structured styles like comb overs, side parts, and slick backs. 

A light styling cream suits medium to longer styles, middle parts, shags, mullets, and cuts that need flow and movement, while sea salt spray or mousse is perfect for wavy hair and curly hair when you want light hold and to enhance natural texture.

Apply with Purpose

Always apply with purpose by working the product through your hair, starting at the back, moving forward for even coverage. Use your fingers for tousled casual styles like a quiff or crop, or switch to a comb for a sleeker finish. 

For everyday casual looks, a messy quiff or textured French crop with matte clay works great, while professional settings call for an elegant comb over, gentleman’s side part, or classic slick back with medium-hold pomade. Adjust product amount for trendy looks with added volume, messiness, and height to keep a fresh edge without overloading your hair.

Conclusion

A long top short sides haircut gives you the best of both worlds: clean structure on the sides with volume, movement, and personality on top. Whether you go for a textured crop, quiff, slick back, mullet, or flow, this simple formula works with different hair types, face shapes, and lifestyles. It’s flexible enough for the office, dates, weekends, and everything in between.

With the right cut, styling routine, and products, you can tailor the look to feel as subtle or bold as you want. Bring a reference photo, talk clearly with your barber about length, fade or taper, and texture, then style it at home with intention. Nail those details, and your long top short sides haircut will always look sharp, modern, and effortlessly confident.

FAQ’s Long Top Short Sides Mens Haircuts

What is the haircut called with short sides and long top?

The short sides and long top haircut is often just called a humble quiff or a long-on-top short sides style. It’s the quintessential modern men’s cut built around contrast and easy styling.

What is a 3 2 1 haircut?

A 3 2 1 haircut follows the golden 3-2-1 rule: a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard on the edges to trim everything in. Starting with a #3 is about as short as you can go before you really start seeing your scalp.

What is the gen z haircut called?

The classic Gen Z haircut people joke about is the broccoli haircut or Zoomer perm, where the top looks like a floret of broccoli. It’s also nicknamed bird’s nest hair, bussin haircut, or alpaca hair, and is basically a curly, textured variation on a bowl cut.

What is a Brutus hairstyle?

A Brutus hairstyle is a layered cut with short tresses hanging down, inspired by Titus Junius Brutus and later popularized in Voltaire’s play “Brutus” by actor François-Joseph Talma. It shocked audiences at the time because of its short hair and Roman toga-style vibe.

How to ask my barber for this haircut?

To ask your barber for this haircut, start with clear examples: say you want a short classic style with short back and sides and a little length on top, maybe tapered at the back and sides with a #2 clipper guard. For a more modern look, you can ask for an undercut with a fade on the sides and medium-length layered hair on top, cut with scissors only if you prefer a softer finish.