Short back and sides is more than just a style. In fact, we’d argue that it’s the centre of the entire men’s hair universe. Admittedly, a lot of that is down to the fact that ‘short back and sides’ is a rather broad term. But of the myriad close-cut and cropped variations that fit into this category, a core selection of bonafide classics stands out.
Short back and sides can be loosely defined as any short-length haircut in which the hair at the back and sides of the head is cut shorter than that on the top. For example, the hair on the top of the head can be cut short and tight, worn combed to the side, or left slightly longer and slicked back. Much of this style’s popularity is due to its clean, smart looks and low-maintenance nature. The good news is a short back and sides is versatile enough to complement the whole spectrum of face shapes.
Core classics and how they shape your look
We already know that the hair on the sides of the head is kept short in all short back and sides variations. If you have a long, slim face, your primary goal should be to avoid making it any longer. That means avoiding lofty styles like pompadours and opting for close-cropped cuts instead. Short hairstyles are great for those with square faces and angular, masculine features. If you really want to show that jawline off, go for something like a buzz cut or a classic crew cut to highlight your bone structure. It works wonders.
This timeless trim has its roots in the American college campuses of the early 19th century and was later adopted as a regulation military cut. Give the classic crew cut an update by opting for a skin fade instead of the traditional taper. As the name suggests, the Ivy League is another style with a collegiate background. The Ivy League has many similarities with the crew cut but is slightly longer all over. To bring the Ivy League up to date, ask your barber for it disconnected. In case you hadn’t noticed, quite a few classic short back and sides haircuts have strong military connections. The high and tight is arguably the definitive armed forces trim. Picture a Marine Corps soldier in your mind’s eye and chances are this is the haircut you’re imagining him with.
We’re trying to think of a time when the French crop wasn’t achingly cool and, frankly, we’re drawing a blank. It consists of a short back and sides with a taper and longer hair on the top, which is worn textured, forward, and with a short fringe. The Peaky Blinders look has been a key men’s hair trend for the best part of the last decade. This clipped style is the holy grail of low-maintenance hairstyles. The buzz cut is a short style in which hair all over the head is buzzed down with clippers - no scissors involved. The buzz cut’s timeless appeal lies in its simplicity.
Have you ever seen a celebrity like Cara Delevingne with a shaved head and wondered if you could try the style, too? These styles and cuts lend an offbeat look without the permanence of a full shave. For those with a stricter workplace dress code, don’t run away yet! There is an alternative for everyone - whether you want a bold or understated look with long or short hair.
Creative directions and modern twists
1. By keeping a bob and getting a clipped section, you can tap into the undercut bob trend while still looking professional. 2. Express your individuality by getting a shaved side or back of your head with a haircut design. 3. For a low-maintenance option, choose a pixie fade haircut with both sides faded and style it by brushing the front center of your hair to the back. 4. Keep it simple and chic with a straight, blunt bob that features a side part. 5. For women choosing more discreet styles, this peek-a-boo will make a statement with every updo!
If you’re unsure about committing to cropped sides, an undercut design at the bottom of your nape is a route you can consider. 6. A detailed side shave is a bold choice that shows off your creative side. 7. Pigtails and space buns are one of the most popular hairstyles of the moment. 8. Extra-long, thick hair with a short side is perfect for anyone who loves a fearless twist on feminine style. 9. If subtlety isn’t your thing, choose a complicated style. 10. The butterfly design makes a nice contrast to the powerful buzz cut. 11. This shaved hairstyle, inspired by Kelly Osbourne and her iconic undercut style, brings out your features and creates a soft frame for your face shape. 12. If you like to stick to the regular style with bangs and mid-length or long hair, next time you go to the hair salon, why not get a shave underneath? With this occasional visibility, you have nothing to lose and spontaneity to gain!
13. This gives a beautiful contrast between curly hair and angular designs. Washing curly hair is a process that is done once or twice a week, and you can show off your cool hair on those in-between days when you throw it up in a bun or pony. 14. Unconventional placement takes this hairstyle to the next level. It’s like a semi-permanent headband, with a strip section of closely cropped hair above your forehead. With it, your facial features will stand out against a cleaner outline. 15. Clip all around the sides and back of your head and leave your top hair longer for extra drama! Drawing the eyes upwards, this cool haircut is perfect to elongate your face shape. 16. Fade along the nape of the neck from side to side and amp up your edge factor with a spiky, choppy pixie. This twist on the typical short pixie features piecey layers up top and a tapered bottom. 17. A medley of short, sweet, bold, and soft, here is a no-fuss cut with one side trimmed short. 18. If you want to show off your jawline, this sleek bob with all-around undercut will definitely complement your face!
19. Shaving a part of your hair isn’t restricted to short hair only! For a look that says I’m feminine with a wild side, long hair with a shave underneath is your next request when you visit the salon. 20. Shaved hairstyles for Black women work great for those who prefer to keep their hair short. Spice it up by shaving the outlines of your haircut with an artistic design. 21. The stark contrast between the closely cropped sides and a textured modern mullet gives this style a confident edge. 22. Adding a shaved area to your hairstyle, both the nape and temple, can transform your bob from a basic cut into a sassy style. 23. Here, the tightly trimmed bottom half with a chevron stripe detail that separates the undercut from the crown adds a bold and contemporary touch to the appearance. 24. Hair tattoos are a great way to spice up any haircut with a graphic accent. 25. 26. Playing with both color and cut can result in a dynamic and captivating hairstyle, allowing for a bold statement. 27. Buzzing off a larger part of your hair for an undercut provides more space to play with intricate patterns like this lotus design. 28. If you aim to infuse some personality and trendiness into your everyday ponytail, shaved hairstyles are worthy of consideration. 29. Short hairstyles with clean-cut sides and distinctive layers are perfect for thick hair. 30. Long pixie haircuts provide more versatility than you may think of, making them suitable for almost all face shapes. 31. For a style that is both sleek and structured, consider this smooth lob with a subtle design hidden behind the strands. 32. This style perfectly balances rebellion with a chic and polished look. 33. The sides buzzed to the scalp create a sharp contrast with long, messy mullet, allowing you to emphasize your boldness. 34. A geometric undercut pairs perfectly with hair swept up in pigtail buns or pulled in a high pony, resulting in more volume. 35. Can’t decide between long, luscious curls and a fierce skin-close look? Remember that hair gives your image so much character; don’t be afraid to let your personality shine with more adventurous haircuts!
Shaved hairstyles for women are everywhere, so if it’s a style you’ve always considered, there are many variations to try. Before I shaved my side, I did a lot of careful research, trying to find out how it would look worn in other ways aside from down. Examples are out there, but its a hard thing to find on purpose. So now that I’ve had my side shave for awhile, I decided to do a provide a public service by collecting some of the different ways I have worn my hair recently. These are not from a carefully planned and controlled photoshoot; these are just real-life photos of how I actually wore my hair on various days. The waves are done with a Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver, and the technique involves starting waves lower on the hair and holding each bite longer toward the ends. The top buns and ponytails shift with the styling, showing how a shaved side can be integrated into everyday looks.
- By keeping a bob and getting a clipped section, you can tap into the undercut bob trend while still looking professional.
- Express your individuality by getting a shaved side or back of your head with a haircut design.
- For a low-maintenance option, choose a pixie fade haircut with both sides faded and style it by brushing the front center of your hair to the back.
- Keep it simple and chic with a straight, blunt bob that features a side part.
- For women choosing more discreet styles, this peek-a-boo will make a statement with every updo!
If you’re unsure about committing to cropped sides, an undercut design at the bottom of your nape is a route you can consider. A detailed side shave is a bold choice that shows off your creative side. Pigtails and space buns are one of the most popular hairstyles of the moment. Extra-long, thick hair with a short side is perfect for anyone who loves a fearless twist on feminine style. If subtlety isn’t your thing, choose a complicated style. The butterfly design makes a nice contrast to the powerful buzz cut. This shaved hairstyle, inspired by Kelly Osbourne and her iconic undercut style, brings out your features and creates a soft frame for your face shape. If you like to stick to the regular style with bangs and mid-length or long hair, next time you go to the hair salon, why not get a shave underneath? With this occasional visibility, you have nothing to lose and spontaneity to gain!
40 Shaved Side Hairstyles For Men
Shaving a part of your hair isn’t restricted to short hair only! For a look that says I’m feminine with a wild side, long hair with a shave underneath is your next request when you visit the salon. Shaved hairstyles for Black women work great for those who prefer to keep their hair short. Spice it up by shaving the outlines of your haircut with an artistic design. The stark contrast between the closely cropped sides and a textured modern mullet gives this style a confident edge. Adding a shaved area to your hairstyle, both the nape and temple, can transform your bob from a basic cut into a sassy style. Hair tattoos are a great way to spice up any haircut with a graphic accent. Playing with both color and cut can result in a dynamic and captivating hairstyle, allowing for a bold statement. Buzzing off a larger part of your hair for an undercut provides more space to play with intricate patterns like this lotus design. If you aim to infuse some personality and trendiness into your everyday ponytail, shaved hairstyles are worthy of consideration. Short hairstyles with clean-cut sides and distinctive layers are perfect for thick hair. Long pixie haircuts provide more versatility than you may think of, making them suitable for almost all face shapes. For a style that is both sleek and structured, consider this smooth lob with a subtle design hidden behind the strands. This style perfectly balances rebellion with a chic and polished look. The sides buzzed to the scalp create a sharp contrast with long, messy mullet, allowing you to emphasize your boldness. A geometric undercut pairs perfectly with hair swept up in pigtail buns or pulled in a high pony, resulting in more volume. Can’t decide between long, luscious curls and a fierce skin-close look? Remember that hair gives your image so much character; don’t be afraid to let your personality shine with more adventurous haircuts!
Shaved hairstyles for women are everywhere, so if it’s a style you’ve always considered, there are many variations to try. Before I shaved my side, I did a lot of careful research, trying to find out how it would look worn in other ways aside from down. Examples are out there, but its a hard thing to find on purpose. So now that I’ve had my side shave for awhile, I decided to do a provide a public service by collecting some of the different ways I have worn my hair recently. These are not from a carefully planned and controlled photoshoot; these are just real-life photos of how I actually wore my hair on various days. The technique I usually use now is to start the waves lower on the hair, and hold each “bite” longer as I go towards the ends. I’ve always done my top buns canted to the side, even when I wasn’t bald on the side. I just like that look better. The part in the back has to be fudged to keep the buns of near equal size. This is the pony tail way to hide the side shave. You can see it, if you look closely, but generally people don’t expect to see it, and they just see what they expect. Its great for getting pulled over, court dates, trying to look respectable when picking up your child from all the best preschools, etc.