27 Best Long Top Short Sides Men’s Haircuts (2026 Guide)

A man’s haircut with short sides and a longer top is an effortless, smart choice that offers both style and flexibility. It looks clean, modish, and works very well for the office, school, or formal events.

Typically, short sides keep everything neat and sharp while the longer top adds volume and movement. You can style it messy and textured or smooth and elegant, making this haircut simple to manage and easy to adjust for any occasion, every single day, confidently anytime, anywhere.

What makes this haircut so prevalent is how versatile it is. A fade, taper, or even an undercut instantly gives a crisp, sharp look, while the longer hair on top lets you show your personal style. Additionally, you can also wear it as a crop, quiff, comb over, slick back, middle part, or even a messy shag. It’s effortless to customize, always looks trendy, and suits almost everyone.

Now, let’s look at the 27 best long top short sides men’s haircuts, from classic styles to the latest trends, in detail for a perfect choice. Let’s get started. 

What Makes a Long Top Short Sides Haircut So Popular?

Since it looks clean, up-to-date, and works for almost every guy, such a haircut stays really popular. It’s easy to upkeep and style, and fits both casual and formal looks. 

• All love best long top short sides men’s haircuts because they give you freedom to style on top while keeping the sides neat. This means you can change your look without changing the haircut.
• According to me, such haircuts offer many perks. First, it doesn’t take much time to style, even on busy mornings. Secondly, men of all ages can wear it and look fresh and confident.
• No matter your hair type, this haircut works well with every hair type. The longer top shows texture while the short sides keep the overall look tidy.
• Whether you have a thick, full beard or a clean shave, such a hairstyle will pair perfectly in both cases! Additionally, the contrast helps balance your face and sharpens your overall look.
• Moreover, this trim is also known for short back and sides, long on top. It keeps the back and sides clean while letting the top stand out.

How to Choose the Best Long Top Short Sides Style for You?

Choosing the best long top short sides men’s haircuts is easier than you think. You just need to look at your hair type, face shape, and how much time you want to spend styling it. 

1. Consider Your Hair Type (straight, wavy, curly, thick, thin)

Guys, your hair type plays a big role in how the style will make you look. For instance, long on top, short on sides, straight hair male styles work incredibly for clean side parts, slick looks, or light messy texture. Whereas, wavy or curly hair looks best when you let its natural texture show. Thick hair handles volume well, but needs layers, while thin hair like mine benefits from light layers and volume-boosting products.

2. Consider Your Face Shape

Your face shape also significantly helps decide how much height or softness you need. If you have a round face, adding height on top can make your face look longer. In contrast, if your face is square or oblong, softer styles with texture or a fringe help balance sharp angles better. Oval faces like mine are lucky, as almost every style works well on them. 

3. Consider Your Lifestyle & Maintenance Level

When choosing from the best long top short sides men’s haircuts, think about how much effort you want to put in each day. If you want low maintenance, then, for sure, textured or messy styles work well with little effort. On the other hand, if you enjoy grooming, slick backs or pompadours look sharp but need time and a little styling product. Lastly, for active lifestyles, shorter textured tops with tight sides are easy to manage and stay in place.

Best Long Top Short Sides Men’s Haircuts (With Styling Tips)

Below is the full list of top trendy variations of long top short sides haircuts for men that can boost your overall look and style in no time. 

1. Modern Pompadour Fade

Modern Pompadour Fade

Description: A bold take on the classic pompadour. Long on top, short on sides, fade adds height and contrast.

Why you’ll like it: Works for the office or nights out; looks sharp and professional.

How to ask your barber: High skin fade on sides, 4–5 inches on top at the front.

Styling tips: Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with a strong-hold pomade.

2. Long Quiff with Tapered Sides

Long Quiff with Tapered Sides

Description: One of the best long top short sides men’s haircuts that boasts medium-length top styled upward and offers a forward, relaxed look.

Why you’ll like it: Softens facial features while staying clean.

How to ask your barber: Classic taper on sides, 3 inches textured top.

Styling tips: Use matte clay and fingers to push hair forward.

3. Undercut with Long Top

Undercut with Long Top

Description: The classic short sides long top haircut with a sharp contrast between top and sides.

Why you’ll like it: Offers a dramatic, edgy look that emphasizes top length.

How to ask your barber: Disconnected undercut with long top.

Styling tips: Use sea salt spray for volume and texture.

4. Slicked-Back Long Top with Skin Fade

Slicked-Back Long Top with Skin Fade

Description: Sleek hairstyle with high skin fade; top combed straight back.

Why you’ll like it: Powerful, refined, professional look.

How to ask your barber: I tell him to do a high bald fade and long top to reach the crown.

Styling tips: Water-based pomade and fine-tooth comb.

5. High Fade with Brushed-Back Top

High Fade with Brushed-Back Top

Description: Similar to slicked-back but with more volume, matte finish.

Why you’ll like it: Modern and natural-looking, one of the best long top short sides men’s haircuts.

How to ask your barber: A high drop fade, long top with texturizing shears are ideal to achieve such a look.

Styling tips: Blow-dry back, vent brush, light-hold hairspray.

6. Side-Swept Fringe with Short Sides

Side-Swept Fringe with Short Sides

Description: It’s a straight hair version of long top, short sides, and natural fringe.

Why you’ll like it: Covers a high forehead, low styling effort.

How to ask your barber: I ask for #2–#3 guard on sides, and also long fringe to eyebrow.

Styling tips: Comb forward to side; use light cream to prevent frizz.

7. Messy Textured Top Fade

Messy Textured Top Fade

Description: Choppy, low-maintenance style for casual looks.

Why you’ll like it: Hides thinning areas, works with any hair type.

How to ask your barber: You can ask for a mid-fade with a choppy top using thinning shears.

Styling tips: Styling powder at the roots for volume and texture.

8. Classic Comb Over with Short Sides

Classic Comb Over with Short Sides

Description: These best long top short sides men’s haircuts straight hair, classic, often have crisp, shorter side locks.

Why you’ll like it: Timeless, perfect for professional settings.

How to ask your barber: Low fade with hard part.

Styling tips: Sweep hair with medium-shine wax along the natural part.

9. Wavy Quiff with Mid Fade

Wavy Quiff with Mid Fade

Description: Mid-fade blends superbly with long waves and shorter sides.

Why you’ll like it: Enhances natural waves, easy to manage.

How to ask your barber: Mid-taper fade, 3–4 inches on top.

Styling tips: Curl cream on damp hair, air dry.

10. Layered Medium Top with Tight Sides

Layered Medium Top with Tight Sides

Description: With short sides and medium top, layered best long top short sides men’s haircuts offer ideal movement and volume.

Why you’ll like it: Balanced look, not extreme.

How to ask your barber: #1 sides, internal layers on top.

Styling tips: A small amount of fiber or paste to define layers.

11. Disconnected Undercut with Long Top

Disconnected Undercut with Long Top

Description: No transition between shaved sides and long top.

Why you’ll like it: High-contrast, fashion-forward.

How to ask your barber: Buzz sides #0–#1 to parietal ridge.

Styling tips: Blow-dry to keep the top in place.

12. Faux Hawk Fade

Faux Hawk Fade

Description: These best long top short sides men’s haircuts are Mohawk-inspired with sides faded.

Why you’ll like it: Edgy, sporty, easy to wear.

How to ask your barber: Burst fade behind ears, long center strip.

Styling tips: Strong-hold gel, pinch top toward center.

13. Modern Bowl Cut (Long Top Version)

Modern Bowl Cut

Description: It’s a blunt fringe with a sharp fade underneath.

Why you’ll like it: Stylish streetwear look.

How to ask your barber: Blunt cut fringe, high skin fade under.

Styling tips: Flat iron for crisp line if needed.

14. Spiky Textured Top with Low Fade

Spiky Textured Top with Low Fade

Description: Textured modern spike, low fade sides.

Why you’ll like it: Adds height, playful energy.

How to ask your barber: Low fade, point cutting on top.

Styling tips: Matte wax to twist small sections into spikes.

15. Curly High Top Fade

Curly High Top Fade

Description: It is included in the list of long top short sides men’s haircuts since it has a curly top with tight sides.

Why you’ll like it: Controls curls beautifully while keeping the top voluminous.

How to ask your barber: High fade, shape curls on top.

Styling tips: Leave-in conditioner for hydration and high definition. 

16. Brushed Forward Caesar with Short Sides

Brushed Forward Caesar with Short Sides

Description: With the longer Caesar, the hairs are brushed towards the face.

Why you’ll like it: So easy, it works well for straight hair.

How to ask your barber: Tell them that you want a taper fade with horizontal fringe.

Styling tips: Brush forward, lightweight pomade.

17. Long on Top with Hard Side Part

Long on Top with Hard Side Part

Description: Offers a structured vintage look with a shaved part.

Why you’ll like it: Easy to part every morning.

How to ask your barber: Tell about the mid-fade and razor part left or right.

Styling tips: Comb, high-shine gel for a sharp part.

18. Voluminous Blowout with Tight Sides

Voluminous Blowout with Tight Sides

Description: Blowouts with high volume are the best long top short sides men’s haircuts as they present excellent style using heat.

Why you’ll like it: Makes your hair appear thicker and fuller.

How to ask your barber: Often temple fade, long layered top is asked for, such a look.

Styling tips: Blow-dry upside down for root lift.

19. Classic Gentleman’s Taper with Longer Top

Classic Gentleman’s Taper with Longer Top

Description: It consists of a conservative long top with short sides.

Why you’ll like it: Timeless, suitable for all occasions.

How to ask your barber: Scissor cut sides for a soft taper.

Styling tips: Simple side-part, light wax or cream.

20. Wavy Textured Long Top with Drop Fade

Wavy Textured Long Top with Drop Fade

Description: Drop fade curves behind the ear, emphasizing waves, giving a beautiful look.

Why you’ll like it: Unique geometry, stands out.

How to ask your barber: Usually, I ask for a drop fade with top long waves.

Styling tips: Sea salt spray, use scrunch to enhance texture.

Long Top Short Sides Men’s Haircuts With Beard

In 2025, the best long top short sides men’s haircuts are still one of the most prevalent choices for trendy men, as the combination focuses well on contrast. With the mix of long hair on top, short sides, and a graceful beard, such a trim creates a clean yet masculine look that works for both professional and casual settings:

1. Stubble + Long Wavy Top

If you have natural waves, then this look is perfect. The longer top adds some height and movement, while light stubble keeps things rugged yet simple. Overall, this combination feels relaxed, stylish, and easy to maintain.

2. Full Beard + Slicked Back Top

A slicked-back top paired with a full beard typically gives a bold and mature look. It’s crisp, sharp, and works well if you like a polished style, as my son does! Somehow, this combo needs a bit of styling, but it looks very powerful.

3. Fade + Groomed Beard Blend.

Such a combo blends the fade smoothly into the beard for a clean finish. It looks sharp from every angle and shows attention to detail. Above that, it’s great if you like sleeker yet charming haircuts.

4. Taper Fade + Short Boxed Beard

This option is both fresh and professional. The taper fade keeps the sides neat, while the short boxed beard adds structure to your face. According to me, it’s flawless for work, meetings, and daily wear.

Long on Top Short on Sides for Straight Hair (Complete Guide)

If you are blessed with silky, straight hair, this haircut can give you cleaner sides and more style on top. Hair long on top, short on sides, straight hair male look works for both neat, professional days and relaxed, messy styles. Let’s see how: 

Best styles for straight hair

Undoubtedly, straight hair can look really sharp when styled the right way. The following best long top short sides men’s haircuts help avoid a flat look of straight hair, by adding flair and movement:

1. Textured French Crop

Textured French Crop

Short sides with light layers on top help break flatness and add shape.

2. Modern Quiff with Undercut

Modern Quiff with Undercut

 Keeps the sides clean while lifting the front for volume.

3. Pompadour Fade

Pompadour Fade

Adds height on top with faded sides for strong contrast.

4. Disconnected Undercut

Disconnected Undercut

Bold and modern, with a clear difference between top and sides.

5. Slicked Back with Side Part

Slicked Back with Side Part

It’s my present hairstyle! Clean and classy, excellent for work or formal settings.

Tips to add texture if your hair looks flat

Flat hair typically needs lift and movement to look fuller. So, you can follow the following tips if your hair looks flat or greasy:

• Ask your barber for light layers or texturizing.
• Blow-dry your hair upward instead of flat.
• Use your fingers while drying to create natural bends.
• Always finish hairstyling with cool air to hold the shape.

Products you can use for volume

Indeed, the right products can make a major difference for straight hair. You can use sea salt spray or volumizing mousse on damp hair before drying. After that, finish with a small amount of matte clay or texture powder for lift without grease. According to my experience, a good volumizing and dry shampoo can help keep your hair full all day long. You should try it, too!

Long Top Short Sides Fade Options

A long on top, short on sides fade is a sharp and stylish haircut. It gives a strong contrast between the longer top and the shorter sides. In 2025, men love this kind of fade for its versatility and up-to-date look. 

Low Fade

Low Fade

Low faded best long top short sides men’s haircuts start just above the ears and curve around the back. They keep more hair on the sides, which works well for longer faces or office-friendly styles.

Best with: Side parts, pompadours, or textured quiffs.

Mid Fade

Mid Fade

Mid fade typically starts around the temples or brow level. It offers a balanced, medium-contrast look and works with most hair types.

Best with: Slick backs, messy fringe, or wavy tops.

High Fade

High Fade

The high fade starts near the crown or temples. It creates a bold, crisp look and makes the top hair stand out more.

Best with: High-volume quiffs, textured crops, or hard parts.

Drop Fade

Drop Fade

Such a fade is my cousin’s favorite style! It curves down behind the ear to follow the head’s shape. It adds a modern, unique touch to his haircut.

Best with: Natural curls, braids, or textured forward styles.

Skin Fade

Skin Fade

The skin fade, aka bald fade, goes down to the scalp. It gives the strongest contrast between the long top and the shaved sides.

Best with: Disconnected styles, thick pompadours, or slick backs.

How Can You Style a Long Top Short Sides Haircut (Step by Step)

With the best long top short sides men’s haircuts, you can get an awesome, graceful look in just 5 minutes every morning. The trick is using the right product for your hair type and a simple routine that fits your style. Let me tell you how:

For straight hair

• Use a little clay or wax on damp hair.
• Lift the top with fingers or a brush to add texture and volume.
• Style it into a quiff, spiky look, or smooth back, whatever you like!

For wavy/curly hair

• Apply leave-in conditioner or curl cream on damp hair.
• Scrunch with your fingers and, if possible, use a diffuser to enhance waves without frizz.
• Let it dry naturally for a soft, textured top.

For thick hair

• Use matte paste or lightweight wax to reduce bulk.
• Layer products and style for volume and movement.
• Keep sides neat to show off the long top.

For thin hair

• Use mousse or volumizing powder for thicker-looking hair.
• Blow-dry from roots with a round brush to add lift.
• A side fringe can make hair look fuller instantly.

Product recommendations

For the best long top short sides men’s haircuts, the following hairstyling products will really work well to keep them good-looking:

• Clay or wax: For matte texture and volume.
• Pomade: For sleek, shiny styles like slick backs.
• Mousse or sea salt spray: Pre-styler for volume and natural waves.
• Hairspray: For a light hold to keep style intact all day without stiffness.

How to Ask Your Barber for This Haircut (So You Get Exactly What You Want)?

From some of the best long top short sides men’s haircuts, getting the ideal haircut is too easy if you explain it clearly to your barber:

What to say

• Talk about the three main areas: top, sides, and back.
• For sides and back, say if you want a fade (down to skin) or a taper (gradual).
• For the top, mention how much to cut and if you want it textured or smooth.
• Also, tell them your daily styling habits and things you don’t like from past haircuts.

What picture to show

• Bring 2–3 pictures: front, side, and back.
• Pick pictures with hair like yours so the barber knows what will work.
• I also show old photos of haircuts I often loved.

Be ready to take advice! Barbers can tweak the best long top short sides men’s haircuts to fit your face.

What length to request

• Use numbers or inches instead of vague words like “trim a bit.”
• Clipper guards are helpful:

• #1 is very short
• #4 is half an inch
• #8 is one inch.

• For the top, say inches or show with your fingers.
• If unsure, ask the barber to start longer and cut gradually.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try a Long Top Short Sides Haircut?

If you want a superb haircut that looks clean, modish, and is easy to style, too. Then, the above-mentioned best long top short sides men’s haircuts are worth trying. They work for almost every hair type, face shape, and lifestyle, whether you like simple, minimal, or chic, styled looks.

Moreover, the long top short sides haircut delivers the freedom on top and keeps everything neater on the sides, so you always look classy and elegant. Also, it grows out very nicely, so you won’t feel rushed to visit your barber every few weeks. 

With the right cut, you can switch between casual and polished looks without changing your haircut. Thus, if you want a style that feels tidy, confident, and easy to live with, and of course, chic too. So, definitely, these are smart choices.

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