The short back & sides haircuts men is more than just a style; it’s at the centre of the entire men’s hair universe. This classic look is timeless and versatile, fitting seamlessly into various lifestyles and personalities.
It’s a haircut that remains unconstrained by age, race, or hair type. While the term might seem like a broad term covering a myriad of haircuts, only a core selection of these variations are truly worthy of consideration.
Admittedly, when you take a closer look at the five key variations, you’ll see how each can be tweaked to lend a contemporary edge.
Staying well-groomed often doesn’t appear as effortless as it should. With the official list of requirements for looking good seeming to grow longer every day, the short back and sides offer a simple solution.
It’s like wearing an impeccably tailored suit but at a fraction of the effort. Opting for this king of the cuts is the quickest route to looking good without even trying, making it a standout choice in the realm of men’s haircuts. Also know about 90s hairstyle for men.
What is short and sides haircuts Men?
The short back and sides haircut, as the name unsurprisingly suggests, is a style that’s easy to identify. It is loosely defined as a short-length haircut where the hair at the back and sides of the head is cut shorter than the top.
This key detail allows for a considerable amount of variation in styles. For instance, the hair on the top can be cut short and tight, worn combed to the side, or left slightly longer and slicked back.
All these styles fall under the banner of short back and sides. The style’s popularity comes from its clean, smart looks and low-maintenance nature. It offers a way to look sharp with the least possible effort.
Many men live by the four words short back and sides for a quick and effective grooming solution. It’s a haircut that fits seamlessly into busy lives while still looking great.
Is A Short Back And Sides Right For You?
The good news is that the short back and sides haircut is incredibly versatile and can complement a whole spectrum of face shapes.
Whether you have a round, square, oval, or otherwise shaped face, there’s a cut that can fit you perfectly. Typically, the hair at the sides of the head is kept short, while the variations in the particular cut depend on what’s happening on the top just like salt & pepper.
For those with a long, slim face, the primary goal should be to avoid making it look any longer, so opting for close-cropped cuts is wise.
Conversely, those with round or heart-shaped faces can benefit from the short sides and longer hair styled up and away from the face to add height.
Short hairstyles are particularly great for square faces with angular, masculine features, as they can really show off the jawline.
A buzz cut or a classic crew cut can highlight your bone structure and works wonders—just think back to Brad Pitt’s buzzed ‘do for some solid evidence.
Top 5 Short Back & Sides Haircuts Men
The Crew Cut Experience
When you head to a local, no-frills barbershop and order a £5 or $5 short back and sides, you’re likely to walk out in just 20 minutes with a classic crew cut.
This timeless trim has its roots in American college campuses from the early 19th century and was later adopted as a regulation military cut.
The cut features sides that taper up to marginally longer hair on the top, which can be styled to one side or worn up at the front. It gives a neat, tidy, and conservative look that your grandmother would surely approve of.
Ivy League Style
The Ivy League haircut, as the name suggests, has a rich collegiate background and was even adopted by the military, becoming particularly popular among officers and higher-ranking military personnel during the Second World War.
This style shares similarities with the crew cut but is generally short with a taper at the back and sides. The hair on the top is left long enough to comb over into a side parting, giving it a polished look that suits many occasions.
High And Tight
In case you hadn’t noticed, the high and tight is a classic among short back and sides haircuts and has strong military connections, making it no exception to the rule.
This style is arguably the definitive trim for the armed forces. When you picture a Marine Corps soldier in your mind’s eye, chances are you’re imagining this haircut.
The hair is shaved at the back and sides, with only a small patch of slightly longer hair left on the top, creating a clean and disciplined look that’s both practical and stylish. Image gallery for short back and sides
French Crop
When we think about the French crop, we remember how achingly cool it has been over the decades, from the mods of the 1960s and 1970s to the Madchester bands of the late 1980s and 1990s.
This classic cut is a true pop-culture icon that features short back and sides with a taper and longer hair on the top. The hair is usually worn textured and forward, complemented by a short fringe.
For anyone looking to add a bit of rock ‘n’ roll attitude, the French crop is as good as it gets, effortlessly blending style and simplicity.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is often considered the holy grail of low-maintenance hairstyles. If you want to spend an extra 10 minutes in bed every morning and still look good, this clipped style is perfect for you.
In a buzz cut, hair is cut short all over the head, buzzed down with clippers—with no scissors involved. For a bit of contrast, you can wear it with slightly different grades on the top, back, and sides, although this is not a requirement.
Whether you keep it uniform or play with variations, the buzz cut ensures you always look sharp with minimal effort.
How to get a short back and sides
Consider Your Overall Look
When choosing a short back and sides, it’s important to believe it or not, there are quite a few different iterations. Understanding what you actually want can make a good idea for a successful style.
For example, a classic pompadour like Elvis Presley gives a very different vibe than a choppier style reminiscent of David Beckham. Both fall into the short back and sides box but offer wildly different vibes.
To be armed with the best knowledge, take a scroll through Google Images or TikTok before visiting the barbershop. This way, you’ll be more likely to leave happy and have less chance of any crossed wires in communication about your desired end result.
Selecting Your Tools
When most guys think of a typical short back and sides haircut, they often envisage the sides being neatly trimmed with clippers to give off a crisp, even finish.
However, if you prefer a more natural look, you might choose a full scissor cut, which can result in a style that’s a little less precise and works well for those who like a looser, more textured look.
It’s also worth remembering that during the heyday of this style, icons like Steve McQueen often sported cuts that weren’t just about getting the clipper treatment.
For a more personalized touch, consider using scissors to keep your locks from being shorn too tight, while a fade can add an extra layer of style that helps to stick with the latest trends, using reliable machinery.
Keep Gradual Approach
If you’re thinking of doing it yourself at home, you need to ensure that your hair graduates from the shortest lengths around your ears and neckline to the longest on the back and sides.
This way, you can achieve a nice blend into the top, which results in a more structured aesthetic that looks better right away. Starting with a down to the bone ultra tight skin fade can be tempting, but using scissors allows for a softer, more natural finish.
For the best results, always opt for a graduated cut to help your hair look good as it grows out.
Neatly Tapering the Neckline
You know that a hard square neckline can finish off a haircut with all the subtlety of a car hitting a brick wall, so it’s best to avoid a perfectly straight line, especially with hairlines that can look rubbish.
Instead, ask your favourite barber for a neckline taper that blends down to progressively shorter lengths. This way, the taper disappears to nothing, giving your barnet a much more flattering appearance.
A well-executed taper looks better straight away and works equally well for shorter clipper cuts or more classic scissored looks, leaving pesky neck hairs looking neat as they grow out.
Gallary of Short Back & Sides Haircuts Men:
FAQs
The short back and sides haircut is more than just a style; it’s a classic and timeless choice that fits into the entire men’s hair universe. In fact, we’d argue that it’s versatile enough to suit anyone, regardless of age, race, or hair type. This haircut is largely unconstrained, making it a great option for anyone looking to keep their look sharp and well-groomed while still enjoying the freedom to express personal style.
When you visit the barber, it’s helpful to be clear about what you want. For a classic style, you can simply say, “I would like a short back and sides with a #2 clipper guard on the back and sides.” If you prefer a little length on top, you can add, “Please leave about two inches on the top for a bit of styling.” For a more modern look, mention if you want an undercut or fade. Giving specific examples will help ensure you get the haircut you desire.
The short back and sides haircut is a popular style that goes by several names. It’s also known as a taper cut, regular taper cut, or even a businessman cut. In some places, you might hear it called a side-part or a standard haircut. While the basic idea remains the same, the specifics can vary based on regional or local interpretations. Typically, this style features a specific taper at the back and sides, making it a versatile choice for many men.
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