These short sides long top hairstyles for men are leading the biggest hair trends of 2026. From textured crops and modern quiffs to slick backs, pompadours, messy styles, and fade variations, these haircuts offer the perfect balance of clean structure and stylish volume.
28 Best Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles for Men in 2026
Whether you prefer a professional look, a trendy street-style vibe, or a low-maintenance haircut, these men’s hairstyle ideas provide plenty of inspiration. They’re versatile, modern, and flattering for different hair types, making them some of the best haircut choices for 2026. Check out 28 Best Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles for Men in 2026 below:
#1 Side-Swept Hair Long on Top
Imagine a sleek and stylish look where you sweep your hair to one side, creating a cool, asymmetrical vibe. This undercut style is all about contrast, with short sides and longer hair on top – and the best part is, it works for any hair texture. Whether you’ve got straight, curly, or wavy locks, this side-swept style is a great way to add some edge to your everyday look.
#2 Longer Haircut with High Drop Fade
Imagine a haircut that’s both stylish and edgy – that’s what you get with this look. It’s a cool combination of short sides and longer hair on top, mixed with a drop fade that creates a lot of texture and visual interest. The wavy top adds a laid-back vibe, while the overall style is still polished and put-together, giving you tons of options for how you want to wear it.
#3 Undercut with Shaved Sides
This undercut style is a cool blend of classic and modern looks. I’m obsessed with how it combines old-school vibes with a fresh, contemporary twist. It’s all about pairing short, sleek sides with a longer, stylish top – and I love how it lets me put my own modern spin on a timeless combover pomp look.
#4 Short Hair with Long Front Strands on Top
Imagine a haircut that’s short all over, but has some extra length on top – especially in the front. This classic look is perfect for guys with wavy, textured hair, as it adds a cool, polished touch to their overall style.
#5 Long Pomp with High Skin Fade
Imagine a hairstyle that’s equal parts edgy and stylish – that’s what you get with a long pompadour featuring curly ends and a high skin fade. To pull off this look, you’ll need some length to work with, so make sure your hair is long enough to achieve the desired style. For styling, try using a bit of matte clay to keep everything in place, and add some powder for extra volume if your hair is lacking. Finally, set your style with a spritz of hairspray to keep it looking fresh all day.
#6 Tapered Mohawk and Side Designs
Imagine a mohawk with a twist. The tapered mohawk and side designs are a cool spin on the classic look. The hair is cut close to the head around the ears, while the top stays darker and blends seamlessly into the mohawk. To take it to the next level, adding a few simple lines to the design can make a huge difference, turning this haircut into a real showstopper.
#7 Messy Textured French Crop with Mid-Fade Haircut
Imagine a haircut that’s perfect for guys with thinner hair or a higher hairline. The messy textured French crop with a mid-fade haircut is a great choice because it draws attention away from these areas. To pull off this look, you’ll need to add some texture to the top layer of your hair. Try using a sea salt spray while your hair is damp, and then finish it off with some texture dust for a cool, piecey look that’s easy to maintain.
#8 Medium-Length Faux Hawk with Drop Fade
Shake up your look with this medium-length faux hawk style. Start with a cut that’s short on the sides and longer on top, then use your favorite styling product to add some serious hold and texture – the result is a cool, eye-catching look that’s sure to turn heads.
#9 Man Bun for Shoulder-Length Hair with High Temp Fade
Imagine rocking a super sleek man bun that’s perfectly placed on top of your head, paired with a high temp fade that adds some serious edge. With this look, you’ll definitely be the center of attention – it’s perfect for making a statement and turning heads at any party or gathering.
#10 Comb Over with Skin Low Fade
This look is all about contrast – the super-short, shaved sides pair perfectly with a stylish comb-over on top. The result is a seriously cool hairstyle that’s even more awesome when paired with a bold beard.
#11 Spiky Hair with High Fade
Imagine having hair that’s styled to perfection with cool, edgy spikes pointing upwards. To rock this look, keep the hair on top and pair it with a high fade cut. For a style that lasts all day, use a strong hair gel or wax that your stylist recommends – it’ll give you the hold you need to keep your spikes looking sharp.
#12 Slicked Back Hair with Mid Drop Fade
This style is a total winner – it’s sleek, it’s smart, and it’s super easy to pull off. Imagine having neatly shaved sides and a head full of hair that’s slicked back, creating a lot of depth and dimension on top. It’s a classic look that’s hard to beat, and the best part is, it’s really simple to achieve.
#13 Disconnected Undercut with Mid Bald Fade
This men’s haircut is perfect for guys who want a bold, edgy look. It’s called a disconnected undercut, which means the short sides and back are cut super close, while the hair on top is left longer. The best part? You can style it however you want – sweep it forward for a mysterious vibe, slick it back for a sleek, sophisticated look, or add some texture for a more laid-back feel. The possibilities are endless, making this haircut a great choice for anyone who likes to mix things up.
#14 Thick Hair with Burst Fade
Imagine a super sleek look that’s perfect for guys with thick hair. A burst fade haircut with a medium crop and defined edges can create a really cool, modern style that’s all about brushing your hair up and out of your face. This look is especially great for boys with really dense hair, as it helps show off a smooth, put-together vibe.
#15 Edgar Cut with a Bald Fade
Imagine a hairstyle that’s super on-trend and easy to pull off – that’s the Edgar cut with a bald fade. This cool style features a fade on the sides, with hair on top that’s cut short and textured, or even pointy. It often includes a fringe (or bangs) to frame your face. To keep your new ‘do looking its best, choose a styling product that’s right for your hair type. For a sleek, shiny finish, try a hair gel like Johnny B’s MODE. If you prefer a more piecey, matte look, a matte clay could be the way to go.
#16 Curly Mess on Top with Tapered Sides
Imagine having gorgeous, bouncy curls on top of your head, paired with sleek, tapered sides that add a cool edge to your look. If you’re lucky enough to have natural curls, this style is perfect for you – and the best part is, you get to keep your length. The sides are cut close to the head, creating a seamless blend into the curly top section. To keep this style looking its best, you’ll need to put in a bit of effort – try scrunch-drying your hair with a volume spray and some pomade to make those curls pop all day long.
#17 Surgical Line with High Bald Fade
Imagine a haircut that’s both edgy and stylish – that’s what you get with this look. It’s a short-on-the-sides, long-on-top style that’s perfect for making a statement. The top layer is cut to add lots of texture and volume, and it’s separated from the sides by a sharp part. The best part? The sides seamlessly fade into a super-clean, bald finish that’s sure to turn heads.
#18 Modern Short Sides with Textured Long Top
This hairstyle is all about contrast – think short sides paired with a longer, piecey top that adds tons of volume and texture. If you’ve got straight or wavy hair, and an oval or square face shape, this cut is made for you. The medium thickness of the hair makes it super easy to style, and with just a bit of light mousse or pomade, you can achieve a sleek, put-together look without much fuss. The short sides and longer top create a really cool, eye-catching silhouette that’s perfect for anyone who wants a modern, low-maintenance style.
#19 Brushed Back Hair with Mid Skin Fade
Imagine taking a classic look and giving it a fresh twist – that’s exactly what you get with this brushed back hairstyle paired with a modern mid-skin fade. The combination of the sleek, brushed back hair and the faded undercut is already a winner, but add a neatly shaped beard to the mix and you’ve got a truly unforgettable style.
#20 Mid-Length Haircut and Beard with Mid Taper Fade
Imagine a hairstyle that’s equal parts cool and laid-back. A mid-length haircut paired with a taper fade and a beard is a winning combo that’s perfect for guys who want to look stylish. To take it to the next level, add some subtle waves to the front of your hair – it’ll create the illusion of thicker locks and look even better with a mid-fade that adds a nice touch of edge.
#21 Hard Part with High Taper Fade
This cut is a winner for guys who want a sleek, put-together look without a lot of fuss. The high taper fade paired with a hard part gives off a cool, retro vibe that’s perfect for anyone who wants a stylish, low-maintenance haircut that’s great for everyday life.
#22 High Pompadour with Bald Fade and Sharp Hairline
This pompadour style is a total game-changer, with a cool contrast between the textured top and faded sides. The sharp hairline adds a sleek touch, while the long beard and smooth, styled hair on top create a stylish combo that’s perfect for making a statement. It’s a classic “long on top, short on the sides” look that’s sure to turn heads.
#23 Quiff with Low Skin Fade
Imagine pairing a sleek quiff with a low skin fade – it’s a total showstopper. This style is perfect for guys with longer hair who want to keep it under control while still looking super stylish. To really make the look pop, add some subtle facial hair to complete the package – trust us, you’ll be turning heads.
#24 Short Sides Long Top Fade
To pull off this sharp style, it’s all about finding the perfect balance. Think short, neat sides paired with a longer, piecey top layer – and don’t be afraid to add a bit of messy texture to give it some edge. The result is a sleek, put-together look that’s perfect for guys who want to look stylish and polished.
#25 Short Sides Long Top Haircut with Low Drop Fade
Look like a total rockstar with this classic cut that’s sure to turn heads. This style, where you have short hair on the sides and longer hair on top, is perfect for guys with medium to long hair – it’s a timeless look that’s easy to pull off and always in style.
#26 Textured Hair with Taper Fade
Give your classic short-back-and-sides haircut a cool update with this textured look and taper fade. This style is all about contrast, with super short sides and a longer, piecey top layer that’s just begging to be styled however you like.
#27 Long on Top with Short Sides for Older Men
This hairstyle is a total winner for older men, and the best part is that it works with most hair and face types. The sides are cut super short, almost to the skin, and then it gradually gets longer towards the top, giving you plenty of hair to style and play with. The result? A versatile look that lets you switch up your style whenever you want, keeping you looking sharp and stylish all the time.
#28 Long Man Bun with Dreads and Mid Temp Fade
Imagine a hairstyle that’s both edgy and stylish – that’s what you get with a long man bun paired with dreads and a mid temp fade. This look is perfect for guys who want to rock a hipster vibe, and it’s even cooler when you add a beard to the mix. The contrast between the short sides and long top hair creates a rugged, yet sophisticated look that’s sure to turn heads.
