Although most men's hairstyles tend to be on the shorter side, that doesn't mean there isn't an abundance of styles and variations to pick from. There are quiffs, pompadours, Caesar cuts, and braids, to start. One of the most popular types of haircuts for men, however, are those that are longer on the top and shorter on the sides. And even then, barbers can get extremely creative depending on what the client is looking for.
Apart from style, one must also factor in their lifestyle and how much maintenance they want to commit to. For example, certain types of fades and buzz cuts will require frequent trips to the barber shop, which may not be ideal for someone with a hyper-busy schedule or an on-the-go lifestyle. "The shorter the haircut, the more maintenance it will require," confirms Texas-based barber Wayne Wildrick, so make sure to take that seriously ahead of making your choice of cut.
Other than that, it's all about personality and what type of look you want to wear. So, we tapped Wildrick and hairstylist, Giovanni Vaccaro, to share the 31 best haircuts for men that have longer tops and shorter sides. From Chris Hemsworth's signature preppy look and Travis Scott's braids to Charles Melton's wavy quiff and Bradley Cooper's swept-back style, find them all below.
Meet the Expert
• Wayne Wildrick is a stylist and barber at Scruff's Barbershop in Austin, Texas.
• Giovanni Vaccaro is the artistic director for hair at Glamsquad, an in-home hair, makeup, nail service based in New York.
Spiked Top
This is a good example of how the long on top/short on the sides cut can be worn for versatility. In this shot, Liam Hemsworth's longer hair is styled in a loose, spiky style. The hair can also be combed neatly with a bit of pomade—try American Crew Pomade ($19)—for a more formal effect.
Modern Fade
Singer Khalid's modern curly fade brings out his texture. The result (balanced with a slightly grown-out beard) is the perfect natural look. Be sure to invest in a hydrating conditioner to ensure the hair on top stays moisturized.
Undercut With Fade
Arguably the most high-maintenance look on the list, the undercut requires much longer hair on top, with hair shorn down (in some cases, faded) on the sides. Just how short you go on the sides is best determined by natural bone structure. "Some clients may have bone protrusions on the sides and the back of the head," says Wildrick. "Generally, we don't expose them, so this is where your barber would decide where the fade placement should be to compensate for those irregularities that we all have as humans."
Byrdie Tip
A mousse is the perfect styling product for men and it can be used to style all hair types.
Short Afro
Embrace your natural texture and let the side grow out instead of getting them tapered regularly.
Swept-Back
Bradley Cooper's elegant, swept-back style is one of the most-requested among Vaccaro's clients. "This style is probably the most popular, and my clients always bring in a photo of Bradley Cooper for this one," he says. "It looks good on most men and most textures." To replicate the look, he recommends "keeping the sides wispy but not super tight." In other words, "no barber fades here."
High and Tight
Faded sides with just a bit of length on top equates to a low-maintenance and still plenty of sophisticated style. Will Smith's version is accompanied by a well-groomed goatee, to balance the look.
Wavy Pompadour
For this shot, soccer star Radamel Falcao's hair is styled up and back to create a pompadour effect. The hair on top is worn a bit loose with separation for a more casual look.
Disconnected Sides
This is considered a classic men’s cut; short on the sides and back and left long and thick on top. The soft scissor cut blends the shorter sides to create a smooth transition with the length on top. The hair may be styled back for a sleek, formal look.
Byrdie Tip
As with any style, keep in mind that some looks are better on specific face shapes. This particular style looks best on a narrower face.
Short Sides With Locs
Soccer star Gabriel Barbosa's hair is kept short on the sides—but his long, blonde locs offer plenty of interest. The key here is to keep hair on the sides faded. So. The look accentuates his locs.
Texturized Top
This is a versatile style, which can be worn messy with a bit of styling paste—we like Ouai Matte Pomade ($24) or combed neatly and parted, for a more formal look.
High Skin Fade
Highlight your coils with a high skin fade on the sides. If this is too much, opt for a low skin fade, which leaves a bit more hair on the sides, but it's still faded enough to create a stylish profile.
Wavy Quiff
Give wavy hair an ultra-tousled look by growing out the top section of your hair and using a curl-enhancing product, such as the Rizos Curls Curl Defining Mousse ($22). It'll help maintain the integrity of your natural wave while reducing unwanted frizz.
Short and Rounded
Comedian Kevin Hart's short cut is rounded, allowing his hairline to take center stage. A slight taper on the sides lends trendiness and a longer goatee adds extra style.
Short, Lean Sides
For this style, as seen on Chris Hemsworth, the hair is cut aggressively short on the sides and back and left long on top. The top and front are cut with a razor to create movement, texture, and separation.
Casual Separation
For this long-on-top style, Zac Efron's hair is razor-cut on top and in the front to add movement, texture, and separation. A bit of styling paste enhances the suave style.
Braids
Copy Travis Scott's braids for a high-contrast, high-impact look. The rapper typically dons about 10 braids that stem from the top of his head while leaving the rest of the hair buzzed close to the scalp.
Shattered Bangs
For this style, the hair is cut short on the sides and back while a razor is used in front to give the bangs a deconstructed look.
Afro Fade
Usher's style combines an afro fade and a mohawk with hair kept extremely cropped on the sides, and higher through the middle. To replicate this look, you'll want to get a trim every four to six weeks, and invest in plenty of hydrating hair products, to keep the longer hairs moisturized. And if you're wondering if a look like this would work for you, do your research. "If you are considering a fade, look up inspiration photos of people who have hair similar to your type and color," says Wildrick. "In my experience, I have generally found that clients with dark and thicker hair can get away with low to high fades whereas clients with light and less dense hair look more suitable with a low fade."
Byrdie Tip
A low fade allows for more gradience, which you can’t get with a mid or high fade.
Sleek Bangs
For this style, actor Cillian Murphy's hair is cut close on the sides and back and worn parted neatly in the center. Pomade will help to add shine and control.
Disconnected Bangs
Actor and model Lucas Till is often seen wearing his hair short on the sides and back, with exaggerated length on top. For this style, the front is disconnected from the sides, and the hair is worn brushed forward and to the side.
Locs
The Weeknd's locs mohawk features tightly trimmed sides that match the length of his facial hair. To keep locs moisturized and healthy, use a lightweight oil like the Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend ($14) once or twice a week.
Wavy Top
For this style, actor Kit Harington's natural wave is combed back, but for a more natural look, the hair can be allowed to fall on its own, without the use of any products.
Line Up
Actor Michael B. Jordan combines a lineup—where the natural hairline is straightened in the shape of a line—with a mid-fade. This style of fade lands below the temples and just above the ear. As Wildrick explains, how short you go with a fade depends on how often you plan to maintain it. "Suitability is always the word," he says. "The best way to maintain a fade (or any look) is to find one conducive to your lifestyle."
Byrdie Tip
"If you go in for a skin fade, it will show signs of growing out within a week," says Wildrick. "If you are trying to maintain that look, you will need to be back in the shop every one to two weeks."
Slicked-Back With Side Part
Here, Joe Alwyn's cut is short on the sides, longer up top, parted, and slicked back with a paste. Try Fatboy's Perfect Putty ($21) for a similar style.
Full Top
Miguel's thick hair is cut in long layers. The style can be worn loose or styled neatly with products for a more formal look. For volume—without stiff hold—use a product like R+Co. Balloon Dry Volume Spray ($32).
Short Sides with Bangs
For more of a boyish look, copy Paul Mescal's signature bangs with short sides.
High Fade With Buzzed Sides
As seen on professional basketball player Steph Curry, a buzz cut keeps hair tight up top, and a high fade raises the hairline. The resulting look is masculine with a bit of an edge.
Perfectly Disheveled
Robert Pattinson effortlessly pulls off this perfectly tousled hairstyle. In fact, he’s known for it. You can mimic his disheveled 'do by rubbing some mouse through your hair for volume. Add in a bit of hair paste or hairspray for a little more height on top. The key is you don’t want it to look over-styled.
High Top Fade
Odell Beckham Jr.'s high top fade is similar to Steph Curry's, however he keeps the top longer. He also bleaches the ends to give it a bit more drama. Work in a light hold styling balm to provide moisture and a natural finish.
Messy Textured Top
Pete Davidson's hair matches his personality—cool, quirky and approachable. To copy his look, use a light hand with hair products for his no-fuss style. Work in some hair paste or hairspray for more volume on top, but keep it slightly messy. (Hair bleach and sunglasses are recommended, but optional.)
Sky-High Pompadour
Give the top of your hair some major volume with a retro-inspired pompadour à la Bruno Mars. To keep it in place, use a medium-hold pomade that gives hair a shiny finish, such as Hanz de Fuko's Modify Pomade ($25).