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Long Top & Short Sides – 35 Exclusive Men’s Hairstyles

Long top and short sides hairstyles gained popularity about a century ago among men but since then they haven’t gotten out of style.

In fact, new and improved styles are being created every day. A little shorter on the sides and a little longer on top or vice versa can create a completely different haircut every time. Some men even take the clippers and create such hairstyles on their own.

The most popular ones are fades, undercuts, and fohawks. There are myriads of variations of each style available for the modern man, depending on his hair type and preferences.

Best Long On Top and Short On Sides Hairstyles for Men

Whatever hairstyle you are starting with, you can always create a masterpiece by following two simple rules: keep it long on top and short on the sides. The hair on the sides is kept short to minimize the maintenance. The hair on top is left long for styling.

Some men prefer to keep the top short as well, however, it significantly limits the number of styles they can sport. Some guys go as far as creating a full-blown mohawk while others settle for simple undercuts. Below is our collection of men’s long top and short sides hairstyles.

1. Scissor Taper Fade with a Comb-Over

fade with a comb over hairstyle for men

A scissors taper fade is exactly what you need to make a great short on the sides hairstyle. The most fashionable guys ask their hairdressers for this hairstyle since it’s hard to make but looks fantastic. A harder part or a looser forelock changes the finish without requiring another haircut.

2. Short Fade for Wavy Hair

school boy Short fade for wavy hairstyle

If you have wavy hair, leaving too much of it on top means too much hassle. Try to keep it as short on the sides as possible while the top part is a little longer than 3 inches. Then you can style it easily.

3. Undercut with Long Spikes

Spiky Undercut With Short Sides And Long Top

When your hair is long on top, you can create amazing spikes. A close undercut puts a clear boundary beneath the spikes, which spread upward and outward from the longer top. There is no need to create anything special on the sides when the spikes are long and vibrant. Give them a try!

4. Tousled Curly Crop

long curly top with short sides for men

Give your hairstyle a long curly top and on the sides, opt for a short trim. If you have strong facial features, keep a properly clean face to show off that gorgeous jawline. 

5. Afro Coils with a High Fade

long top short sided hairstyle for black guy

A high fade will move all the attention to the long top. Most black guys pick hairstyles that keep the sides short because they are easy to manage and emphasize the gorgeous high top.  

6. Side-Swooped Top with a Hard Part

men's long top short sides hair with hard part

Start by creating a contour and, inch by inch, go higher with the clippers until you’ve got a gorgeous taper fade. The long top creates an excellent contrast for the short sides, while the hard part makes a fabulous delimitation and parting job. 

7. Long bangs

men Long bangs hairstyle for light brown color

If you want to create an original cut, consider this short on sides hairstyle for men that involves long bangs. Long hair is left only on top to create a nice and spiky pompadour while the rest is short and easy to style.

8. Windblown pompadour

Windblown pompadour hairstyle for cool boy

When you leave the hair on top of your head long enough for high hair, you need to remember that it will take some time to style. Consider wild and windblown looks such as this one to minimize the hassle. The pompadour rises highest at the front, with loose tips bending over the forehead instead of following a completely smooth curve.

9. Wavy Quiff with Tapered Sides

Thick Long Top With Short Back And Sides

Men with thick hair can enjoy a low-maintenance long on the top hairstyle. The hair in the back stays short while the locks in front are long and thick. You’ll need just a few drops of hair gel to keep them beautiful. The front can be lifted higher or brushed more loosely for another quiff finish.

10. Wispy Bangs

 Wispy bangs hairstyle for young men

Not many men are ready to deal with long and wispy bangs. That’s why these amazing long on top hairstyles are often overlooked. If your hair is straight, such wispy bangs will be easy to style. Look at how attractive they are.

11. Low Side-Swept Pompadour

Modern pompadour hairstyle for men

This modern pompadour hairstyle is exactly what a guy needs to change his style for the better. The hair on the sides is cut short and kept all the same length, while the top part is styled into a low pompadour.

12. Spiky Quiff with a High Fade

Spiky dark quiff with a high close fade

Mohawks are considered wild and attractive. They are easy to make but hard to keep fashionable. If you are up for the job, this long on top hairstyle is exactly what you need.

13. Romantic approach

Long Top With Strand Falling On Forehead And Short Sides

A strand of hair falling on your forehead is all it takes to turn a simple short on sides hairstyle for men into a stylish and romantic haircut. Consider growing the hair on top long enough to use this trick.

14. Spiky fohawk

Spiky fohawk hairstyle for little boy

If you like mohawk styles but don’t want to shave the sides, opt for this fohawk. It looks just as good while not forcing you to make any drastic changes. The top part is spiky and amazing.

15. High scissors fade with a comb over

High Scissors Fade With Spiky Comb Over

A high scissors fade is a little easier to make than the low variation. You can enjoy a great style on the sides while playing around with the long hair on top. Use the best of both worlds to create a great cut!

16. Tall Narrow Pompadour

Mohawk-Style Long Top With Short Shaped Sides

If you’ve always dreamed about a mohawk but don’t want to take drastic shaving measures, you can keep the hair on the sides short while shaping the long top part. The longer the hair on top is, the easier it is to make an impression of a mohawk.

17. Spiky undercut

Spiky Undercut With Pompadour Top And Short Sides

A spiky undercut is a popular modern hairstyle, which is designed to suit most men. No matter what type of hair you have, unless it’s very curly, you can create a prominent spiky undercut.

18. Creative pompadours

 Creative pompadours hairstyle for men

Pompadours are stylish, formidable and make a great impression. Whether you have a taper fade or an undercut, the top part can be arranged in a fun and exotic way. Consider sweeping the hair to one side to create asymmetry.

19. Loose Side-Swept Waves

Long Top Tossed To One Side With Short Sides

Soft-looking hair without too much hair cosmetics is exactly what you need for a fashionable guy image. Leave the top part long enough for careless tossing and all the girls will be yours.

20. Low Taper Fade with a Side Part

Low Taper Fade With Side Part And Low Pompadour

A low taper fade with a side part and a low pompadour on top is a respectable hairstyle. You can sport it when you go to the office or throw a birthday party. This is a great and versatile cut.

21. Spiky Bangs

Spiky Bangs With Long Top And Short Sides

If your long on top hairstyle for men involves long bangs, there is no need to keep them straight and boring. Spike them up to create a wild and romantic image. It will keep them from getting into your eyes as well.

22. Keep it high

High Voluminous Top With Curled Roots And Short Sides

You can create a high hair hairstyle without spiking it up. You can add volume to your locks by using a curling iron. All you have to do is lift the roots and a unique haircut is ready for your enjoyment.

23. Wavy Undercut with Long Side Bangs

men's hair long on top short on sides

Go for a simple long top and short sides haircut for men, sweep them towards one side, creating a cool look for yourself. You could blow-dry them up and put on some serum to make them stay the same throughout the day!

24. Silver Wavy Quiff with Shaved Sides

wavy long hair on top short on side

Opt for an almost fade cut for the sides while keeping the top hair a little wavy. Go for beach waves to create a classic look. Let the loose waves fall on one side of the head. For those of you with a little beard, you can pull off this look better.

25. Long Blonde Fringe with Buzzed Sides

boy haircut long on top short on side

Keep your hair choppy and long on the top of the head. The sides need to be kept fairly short, though they should cover the scalp completely. For those of you with blonde hair, this look will make you look handsome and quirky. 

26. Lob From the Top

Lob On Top With Short Sides For Men

This cut combines short, neatly cropped sides with a long, smooth top. The longer hair is swept to one side across the forehead, with the ends curving toward the cheek. Blonde streaks brighten the brown base and draw attention to the sweeping shape.

27. Long Slick Back

Long Back-Brushed Top With Moderately Short Sides

If you have fine textured hair and a broad face, you will definitely rock this look! Keep the top hair super long and brushed backward. The sides can be trimmed moderately short. This fine look works best for any type of conference or formal affair.

28. Rounded Fringe with a High Fade

Thick Front Fringe With Voluminous Top And Short Sides

Yes, fringes for men look great too! Go for a unique look with thick fringes in the front and keep the hair voluminous towards the top. The sides should be trimmed short with a gradual increase as they move towards the top.

29. Side-Parted Cut with a Loose Forelock

men's haircut long on top short on sides

If your hair has a lighter hue, you should definitely try this one: men’s long top and short sides hairstyle. The top hair gets a slight curl naturally as they fall towards one side. The hair on the side grows in their natural direction, making it look subtle.

30. Topknot with a Wavy Shaved Design

Sleek dark topknot with a wavy shaved side design

For this hairstyle, grow your sleek black hair long enough to form a top bun. For the sides, go a little creative and create abstract curvy lines that are sharp and edgy. These lines on the sides bring out a very cool look.

31. High Coily Puff with Faded Sides

Curly Top Tied In High Ponytail With Trimmed Sides

For those of you with natural frizz or curls, opt for this forest look. The hair on top can be tied into a high ponytail, taming them a little but at the same time, leaving them wild on top. The sides need to be super trimmed for the ideal look.

32. Braided Bun

Side Braid Into Tiny Bun With Faded Sides

Keep both the sides as well as back with a fade cut. For the top, go for braids that start from the side of the head and move towards the top and behind. Tie the ends of the braid into a tiny bun to complete the look. Undoubtedly, a neat and professional long top and short sides haircut!

33. Long Dreads on Top 

short side and long dreads on top

Wish to look cool and on-trend? Try out this dread hairstyle to give yourself that classy Rock star look. Shave the sides as well as the back of your head very short. Go for sexy dreadlocks for the top hair. Bead them up at the ends for an authentic feel.

34. Notched Geometric High Top

Wild Bushy Long Top With Geometric Cut And Faded Sides

Let your top hair grow long and wild towards the top. Keep the top bushy and thick with a geometric cut finishing the top. For the sides, go for a fade or complete shaven look. This hairstyle is better for men with frizzy hair texture.

35. Shaggy Blonde Waves

long on top short on side haircut for men

Men’s casual long top and short side haircut to set a new trend is this shaggy cut with waves. You need medium length blond hair to rock this perfect cute look. An ideal look with a cool t-shirt and even when you are suited up.

We hope that these long on top short on sides hairstyles for men conquered your heart and gave you some inspiration for your next hairdresser visit. Take a few pictures with you and make a choice once you get into the chair.