Side Haircut Checklist: 7 Styles to Try This Season

Looking to switch up your look this season? A side haircut might just be your next obsession. These versatile styles work magic on pretty much every face shape and hair type, making them the perfect choice for anyone wanting to try something fresh without going too dramatic. From classic fade haircut options to trendy undercut styles, side haircuts offer that perfect balance between polished and edgy. Whether you're after a subtle change or ready to make a statement, we've curated seven side haircut styles that are absolutely worth a try this season.

Understanding Side Haircuts: A Primer

Real talk – what exactly counts as a side haircut? Simply put, it's any hairstyle where the hair is cut significantly shorter on the sides compared to the top. This creates a lovely contrast that frames your face beautifully. The genius of side haircuts lies in their versatility – they can be subtle and professional or bold and fashion-forward, depending on how dramatic you want to go. The benefits are pretty brilliant too. Side haircuts are surprisingly easy to style once you get the hang of them, they help elongate round faces, and they're perfect for showing off your bone structure. Plus, they work with most hair types, from thick and curly to fine and straight.

Essential Tools and Products for Side Haircuts

Before diving into the styles, let's chat about what you'll need to keep your side haircut looking fresh. Your barber will use professional clippers and scissors to create those crisp lines, but at home, you'll want some quality hair styling products to maintain the look. For styling, consider these essentials: • A good pomade or styling cream for hold and shine • Texturing spray for that effortless, tousled finish • A quality hair dryer for volume and direction • A fine-tooth comb for precise parting Choose your products based on your hair type. Fine hair loves lightweight mousses, while thicker hair can handle heavier creams and waxes.

7 Trendy Side Haircut Styles to Consider This Season

Ready to explore your options? These seven styles are having a major moment right now, each bringing something different to the table. From timeless classics to modern twists, there's definitely something here that'll catch your eye.

1. Classic Side Part with Fade

This is your go-to professional look that never goes out of style. The fade haircut gradually blends from longer hair on top to shorter sides, creating a clean, polished appearance. It works brilliantly on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. Style it with a light pomade, comb the hair to one side, and you're sorted. Perfect for both boardroom meetings and weekend brunches.

2. Textured Crop with Short Sides

The textured crop is all about that effortless, slightly messy finish that looks like you just rolled out of bed (but in the best way possible). The short sides create a lovely contrast with the textured top. This cut flatters most face shapes, especially round and oval ones. Use a texturing cream and scrunch it through damp hair for that perfectly imperfect finish.

3. Pompadour with Tapered Sides

Channelling vintage vibes with a modern twist, the pompadour features volume swept back from the forehead with neatly tapered sides. This dramatic style works particularly well on oval and square faces. The taper cut on the sides keeps it contemporary. You'll need a strong-hold pomade and a blow dryer to achieve that signature volume and sweep.

4. Disconnected Undercut

This edgy option features a stark contrast between the longer top and very short sides, with no gradual blending. The disconnected haircut creates a bold, modern look that's perfect if you want to make a statement. It suits angular faces beautifully and works with various hair textures. Style the top section with your favourite product while keeping the sides neat.

5. Short Sides Long Top

The ultimate versatile cut – short sides long top gives you endless styling possibilities. You can slick it back, style it forward, or create texture throughout. This approach works on virtually every face shape and hair type. It's the perfect foundation for experimenting with different looks using various hair styling products, from matte clays to glossy pomades.

6. Side-Swept Fringe with Taper Cut

This softer approach combines a gentle taper cut on the sides with longer hair swept across the forehead. It's particularly flattering for those with high foreheads or angular features. The side-swept fringe adds a youthful touch while the tapered sides keep it modern. Use a lightweight styling cream to maintain movement and natural flow.

7. Edgy Hard Part with High Fade

For those ready to commit to something bold, the hard part features a sharp, defined line shaved into the hair, paired with a high fade. This precise cut requires skilled barber techniques and regular maintenance. It works brilliantly on square and oval faces. Style with a strong-hold product to keep everything in place and show off those sharp lines.

Maintaining Your Side Haircut: Tips and Tricks

Let's be honest – a great side haircut needs regular upkeep to look its best. Most styles need a trim every 3-4 weeks to maintain those clean lines and prevent the sides from growing out. Between salon visits, keep your cut looking fresh with the right products and techniques. For at-home maintenance, invest in a good quality trimmer for touch-ups around the ears and neckline. Use your styling products consistently – they're not just for special occasions. A little product each morning helps maintain the shape and prevents your hair from looking flat or messy throughout the day.

Side Haircut Suits Your Face Shape

Choosing the right side haircut for your face shape makes all the difference. Oval faces are lucky – they can pull off pretty much any style. Round faces benefit from styles that add height on top, like pompadours or textured crops. Square faces look great with softer styles that don't emphasise harsh angles too much. Heart-shaped faces work well with styles that add width at the jawline, while long faces benefit from cuts that don't add too much height. When chatting with your barber, bring photos and be specific about what you like. Good barber techniques can adapt any style to suit your unique features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get my side haircut trimmed?

Most side haircuts need a trim every 3-4 weeks to maintain their shape. If you have faster-growing hair or a very precise cut like a hard part, you might need touch-ups every 2-3 weeks.

Can I style a side haircut at home?

Absolutely! With the right hair styling products and tools, most side haircuts are quite manageable at home. Start with damp hair, use your chosen product, and style according to your cut's requirements.

What's the difference between a fade and a taper in side haircuts?

A taper gradually decreases in length but doesn't go down to the skin, while a fade can blend right down to skin level. Fades tend to be more dramatic, whilst tapers offer a subtler transition.

Are side haircuts suitable for all hair types?

Yes, side haircuts work with most hair types. Your barber can adjust the technique and length to suit whether you have thick, fine, curly, or straight hair.

How do I choose between a disconnected and connected side haircut?

Disconnected cuts create a bold, edgy look with stark contrast, while connected cuts (like fades and tapers) offer a smoother, more traditional appearance. Consider your lifestyle and personal style preference.

Final Thoughts

From classic side parts to edgy disconnected styles, these seven side haircut options offer something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the professional polish of a fade haircut, the textured appeal of a crop, or the vintage charm of a pompadour, there's definitely a style here worth trying. Remember, the best haircut is one that makes you feel confident and suits your lifestyle. Don't be afraid to discuss modifications with your barber – they can help adapt any of these styles to work perfectly with your face shape and hair type. With the right cut and proper maintenance, your new side haircut might just become your signature look.

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