The Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles are one of the most popular and versatile men’s hairstyles today. This haircut features a striking contrast between the shorter sides and the longer hair on top, offering a wide range of styling possibilities. Whether you prefer a sleek, polished look or a more textured, casual vibe, maintaining this hairstyle requires regular upkeep, especially when it comes to trimming the sides.
But how often should you trim the sides to keep your short sides long top hairstyles looking sharp and fresh? In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that influence how frequently you should visit the barber, tips for maintaining your hairstyle between trims, and why regular maintenance is key for a polished look.
Why Regular Trims Matter for Short Sides Long Top Hairstyles
Before diving into the ideal trimming schedule, let’s explore why regular trims are essential for this style. The key characteristic of short sides long top hairstyles is the contrast between the short sides and the longer top. As the sides grow out, this contrast diminishes, and the hairstyle can quickly lose its sharpness and definition.
Here are some reasons why regular trims matter:
- Maintaining the Look: The appeal of the short sides long top hairstyle comes from the clean, crisp lines and the difference in length between the top and sides. Overgrown sides can make the haircut look untidy and blur the intended style.
- Keeping the Shape: Trimming the sides regularly helps maintain the overall shape of the haircut, ensuring it retains its structure and style.
- Easy Styling: As the sides grow out, they can interfere with the styling of the longer top. Regular trims prevent the sides from getting in the way, making it easier to style your hair.
Now that you understand why regular trims are important, let’s move on to how often you should schedule those trips to the barber.
How Often Should You Trim the Sides?
On average, most men with short sides long top hairstyles should plan to trim the sides every 2 to 4 weeks. However, this timeframe can vary based on several factors, including hair growth rate, the type of hairstyle you have, and your personal grooming preferences.
1. Hair Growth Rate
Hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, but this can vary depending on your genetics, age, and overall health. If your hair grows faster, you may need to visit the barber more frequently to keep the sides short and the contrast sharp.
Recommendation:
- Fast Hair Growers: If your hair grows quickly, aim to trim the sides every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the clean look of the style.
- Average Hair Growers: For most men with average hair growth rates, a trim every 3 to 4 weeks should be sufficient to keep the sides neat and the overall hairstyle well-defined.
2. Type of Fade or Undercut
The type of fade or undercut you have will also impact how often you need to trim the sides. There are several variations of short sides long top hairstyles, including:
- Skin Fade: The sides are shaved close to the skin, with a gradual fade toward the top.
- Low Fade: The fade starts lower on the sides, providing a more subtle transition.
- Undercut: The sides are cut short without any blending, creating a sharp contrast with the longer top.
The shorter and more dramatic the fade or undercut, the quicker the sides will lose their crispness as they grow out.
Recommendation:
- Skin Fades: For skin fades, aim for a trim every 2 to 3 weeks, as even a small amount of growth can disrupt the sharpness of the fade.
- Low Fades or Tapered Cuts: Low fades and tapered cuts can be maintained with trims every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Undercuts: Since there is no blending required for undercuts, you can stretch your trims to every 4 weeks, depending on your hair growth.
3. Desired Look and Personal Preferences
The frequency of trims can also depend on the specific look you want to achieve and your personal grooming preferences. Some men prefer a super sharp, clean look, while others don’t mind a bit of growth and prefer a slightly longer, more laid-back vibe.
Recommendation:
- Clean, Sharp Look: If you prefer a neat, crisp appearance, schedule trims more frequently, about every 2 to 3 weeks.
- More Relaxed Look: If you like a slightly grown-out look and don’t mind a bit of extra length on the sides, you can extend your trims to every 4 weeks.
Tips for Maintaining Your Hairstyle Between Trims
While regular trips to the barber are essential for keeping your short sides long top hairstyle looking fresh, there are a few things you can do at home to maintain the style between trims.
1. Use Styling Products
The right styling products can help keep your hair in place and maintain the overall shape of your hairstyle. If the sides are starting to grow out, you can use a light pomade or gel to smooth them down, keeping them neat until your next trim.
2. Trim the Sideburns Yourself
The sideburns can start to look scruffy between trims. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can touch up your sideburns at home with a pair of clippers or a razor to keep your look clean.
3. Use a Blow Dryer for Volume
If your hair on top is losing some of its volume or shape, using a blow dryer can help give it a lift and maintain the structure of your style. A round brush and some lightweight mousse or styling cream can also enhance the volume on top.
Why Skipping Trims Can Be a Mistake
If you go too long between trims, you may notice that the overall shape of your short sides long top hairstyle starts to break down. Here’s what happens when you skip trims:
- The Contrast Fades: The hallmark of this hairstyle is the contrast between the short sides and the long top. As the sides grow out, that contrast diminishes, and the style can look unkempt.
- Harder to Style: Longer sides can interfere with the styling of the top, making it harder to achieve the look you want.
- Messy Appearance: Overgrown sides can give the appearance of a messy or unpolished haircut, especially if you’re aiming for a sharp, defined style.
Conclusion
To keep your short sides long top hairstyle looking sharp and well-maintained, regular trims are essential. While the exact frequency of trims depends on factors such as your hair growth rate, the type of fade or undercut you have, and your personal preferences, most men should aim to trim the sides every 2 to 4 weeks.
By staying on top of regular maintenance and using the right products, you can ensure that your hairstyle remains fresh, stylish, and easy to manage.