Pouya Zoghipour

The Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles are some of the most versatile and stylish options for men today. This haircut, known for its sleek, contrasting lengths, offers plenty of room for creativity, with options ranging from polished and formal looks to relaxed, casual styles. Whether you’re new to the short sides long top style or looking for fresh ideas on how to elevate your look, this guide will cover everything you need to know about styling it to perfection.

In this article, we’ll break down the steps for styling short sides long top hairstyles, the best products to use, and how to choose the perfect variation to suit your face shape and hair type.

Why Choose a Short Sides Long Top Hairstyle?

Before we dive into the styling tips, let’s explore why this haircut has become such a staple in men’s fashion.

1. Versatility: The contrast between short sides and a long top allows you to experiment with different styles and finishes. Whether you want a sleek, formal look or a textured, messy vibe, this haircut can adapt to suit any occasion.
2. Low Maintenance: The short sides require minimal upkeep, while the longer top provides a variety of styling options.
3. Trend Appeal: Many of today’s trending men’s hairstyles fall under the short sides long top hairstyles umbrella, making it a fashionable choice.

Now, let’s dive into the practical side: How exactly do you style this haircut?

Essential Steps for Styling a Short Sides Long Top Haircut

Styling a short sides long top haircut involves a few key steps to ensure your hair looks polished and stays in place throughout the day. Here’s how you can get the most out of your haircut.

1. Start with Clean, Towel-Dried Hair

Before you begin any styling, make sure your hair is clean. Use a good shampoo and conditioner tailored to your hair type. If you have thin hair, look for volumizing products, while thicker hair types may benefit from smoothing or moisturizing formulas.

• Pro Tip: Towel-dry your hair until it’s slightly damp, not soaking wet. This will make it easier to work with your styling products.

2. Choose the Right Product Based on Your Desired Look

The product you use plays a major role in achieving the style you want. Here’s a breakdown of what to use based on the look you’re going for:

• Pomade: Ideal for sleek, classic looks like the pompadour or slicked-back styles. Pomade gives a shiny, smooth finish and works best for straight or slightly wavy hair.
• Wax or Clay: Perfect for adding texture and volume. If you’re aiming for a more casual, messy quiff or faux hawk, these products will give you a matte, natural-looking finish.
• Mousse or Sea Salt Spray: Great for enhancing natural waves or curls. If you’re going for a beachy or voluminous style, these products can help create lift and texture without making your hair feel too heavy.

3. Blow Dry for Volume

To achieve maximum volume, use a blow dryer after applying your styling product. Blow drying helps set the style in place and adds height, which is particularly useful for pompadours, quiffs, and other voluminous looks.

• Pro Tip: For the best results, use a round brush while blow-drying. Pull the hair upward from the roots to create lift and direct the airflow towards the roots to lock in volume.

4. Style with a Comb or Your Fingers

Depending on the style you’re aiming for, you can either use a comb for a sleek, defined look or your fingers for a more textured, casual appearance.

• For a Slick Back: Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth the hair back, making sure the sides lay flat against your head.
• For a Textured Quiff or Pompadour: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to create separation and texture, working in upward and backward motions to achieve volume and shape.

5. Set with Hairspray (Optional)

If you want to ensure your hairstyle stays in place throughout the day, a light mist of hairspray can lock everything in without weighing your hair down. Choose a flexible-hold hairspray for styles that require movement or a firm-hold spray for styles that need extra staying power.

Popular Styling Options for Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles

Now that you know the basic steps, let’s explore some popular short sides long top hairstyles you can try.

1. The Slick Back

The slick-back is a classic style that never goes out of fashion. It’s perfect for formal occasions or a sharp, polished look for the office.

• How to Style It: Apply a strong-hold pomade or gel to damp hair, then comb the top back until it’s sleek and smooth. Use a blow dryer on a low setting to lock the style in place.

2. The Textured Quiff

The quiff is one of the most popular variations of the short sides long top hairstyle, offering a balance of volume and texture.

• How to Style It: Apply a lightweight mousse or wax to damp hair, then use your fingers or a round brush to lift the front section while blow-drying. The result is a voluminous, textured look that’s perfect for casual and formal settings alike.

3. The Pompadour

The pompadour is a retro-inspired hairstyle characterized by its height and smooth, polished finish.

• How to Style It: Use a volumizing product to lift the hair from the roots, then shape the top into a rounded, voluminous style using a blow dryer and round brush. Apply pomade to add shine and hold.

4. The Faux Hawk

The faux hawk is a great way to add some edge to your look without committing to a full mohawk. It’s versatile enough for both casual and dressy occasions.

• How to Style It: Apply a texturizing product like clay or wax to damp hair, then use your fingers to create height and texture along the middle of your head, pushing the hair upwards towards the center.

5. The Modern Undercut

The undercut features a dramatic contrast between the short sides and long top, offering a clean, edgy appearance.

• How to Style It: Use a pomade or wax to style the long top in any direction you prefer—slicked back, textured, or tousled—while leaving the sides and back sharply defined.

How to Maintain a Short Sides Long Top Haircut

To keep your short sides long top hairstyle looking sharp, maintenance is key. Here are some tips:

1. Regular Barber Visits: The sides of your haircut will grow out faster than the top, so regular trims (every 2–4 weeks) are essential to maintain the contrast.
2. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner: To keep your hair healthy and manageable, choose a shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair type.
3. Touch-Up Products: Keep a small amount of product with you for touch-ups throughout the day, especially if you’re using waxes or clays, which may need reshaping.

Conclusion

Styling a short sides long top haircut is all about finding the right balance between the longer top and the shorter sides. Whether you’re going for a sleek, classic look or a more textured and casual style, the key is to use the right products, tools, and techniques. From slicked-back styles to voluminous quiffs, the short sides long top hairstyles offer endless possibilities for personal expression.

With regular maintenance and the proper products, you can enjoy a look that’s versatile, stylish, and perfectly suited to your personality and lifestyle.