Let’s be real for a second. If you have natural curls, you've probably spent at least half your life fighting them. You’ve tried the gels that make your hair feel like crunchy plastic. You’ve tried buzzing it all off because it was "too much work." But right now, the short sides long top curly look is everywhere, and honestly, it’s the first time in years that curly-haired guys and women are actually winning the style game. It’s a high-contrast look. It’s bold. It’s also incredibly practical if you know what you’re doing.
Most people get this haircut wrong because they treat curly hair like straight hair. Big mistake. You can't just take a #2 guard to the sides and hope for the best. Curly hair has a mind of its own. It shrinks. It frizzes. It reacts to humidity like a mood ring. If you want that sharp, disconnected look where the curls on top actually look like curls and not a bird's nest, you need a strategy.
The physics of the short sides long top curly cut
Hair is basically a protein filament, but curly hair is shaped differently at the follicle level. It’s oval, not round. This means the natural oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. When you go for a short sides long top curly style, you are essentially removing the bulk from the areas that get frizzy first—the sides—and concentrating all the "personality" on the top.
Why does this matter? Because of the weight.
When your hair is long all over, the weight of the curls pulls everything down. It looks heavy. It looks sloppy. By shearing the sides close—whether that's a skin fade, a taper, or a classic undercut—you create a literal pedestal for your curls. You’re giving them room to breathe. But here is the thing: the transition point (the "parietal ridge") is where most barbers mess up. If they cut too high, your head looks like a mushroom. If they go too low, you lose that cool, modern silhouette.
It's all about the moisture balance
Curly hair is thirsty. Period.
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Because the sides are short, you don't have to worry about them getting dry and poofy. You only have to focus your energy on the top. This is where most people fail. They use the same shampoo for the whole head. Stop doing that. Your scalp needs cleaning, but your curls need hydration. If you’re stripping the natural oils out of the top every morning, your short sides long top curly look will end up looking like a dried-out sponge within three weeks.
Experts like Anthony Dickey, founder of Hair Rules, often talk about the "wash and go" method. For this specific haircut, that means using a sulfate-free cleanser. Sulfates are the detergents found in dish soap. You wouldn't put Dawn on your head, right? So don't do it with your curls.
Choosing the right fade for your curl type
Not all fades are created equal. You’ve got options.
The Drop Fade is a personal favorite for this style. It curves behind the ear, following the natural shape of the skull. It looks intentional. Then you have the High and Tight, which is more aggressive. It’s very "military meets runway." If you have tighter coils (Type 4 hair), a high fade looks incredible because the contrast between the skin and the dense texture on top is so sharp.
For those with looser, Type 3 curls, a Mid Taper often works better. It provides a bit more of a blend. It’s less "look at me" and more "I just happen to look this good." Honestly, the "Disconnected Undercut" is also making a comeback for people who want that 1920s-meets-2026 vibe. That’s where there is no blending at all. It’s just short, then suddenly long. It’s a vibe, but it’s high maintenance. You’ll be at the barber every two weeks to keep those lines clean.
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The "Length" trap
How long should the top be?
There’s a sweet spot. If it’s too short, the curls don't have enough room to complete a full "revolution." They just look like bumps. If it’s too long, they flop over and hide the fade. Usually, 3 to 5 inches is the "Goldilocks zone." Remember that curly hair has "shrinkage." What looks like 6 inches when wet might shrink to 3 inches when dry. Always tell your barber to cut it longer than you think you want it. You can always take more off. You can't put it back.
Styling without looking like a greaseball
We need to talk about products. The era of heavy pomades is over.
If you’re rocking the short sides long top curly look, you want movement. You want your partner to be able to run their fingers through your hair without getting a handful of wax.
- Leave-in Conditioner: This is your foundation. Apply it to soaking wet hair.
- Curl Cream: This defines the shape. It’s the difference between a "frizz cloud" and a "curl."
- Sea Salt Spray: If you have finer hair, this adds grit. It keeps the top from looking too flat.
Technique is actually more important than the brand. Use the "scrunch" method. Don't rub your hair with a towel. That's a death sentence for curls. The friction breaks the curl pattern and creates frizz. Use an old T-shirt or a microfiber towel. Pat it dry. Gently. Then, leave it alone. The more you touch it while it’s drying, the worse it will look.
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Dealing with the awkward growth phase
Your hair grows about half an inch a month. The sides will lose their "sharpness" long before the top gets too long. This is the struggle of the short sides long top curly life. To stay looking fresh, you basically have two choices: learn to do a basic "line up" at home with a pair of decent trimmers, or book a "neck clean-up" appointment between full haircuts. Many barbers will do this for a fraction of the price of a full cut. It takes ten minutes and makes you look like a functional human again.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the Nape: A messy neckline ruins a sharp fade. Keep it clean.
- Over-shampooing: Once or twice a week is plenty for the top. Rinse with water on the other days.
- Too much heat: Blow dryers are okay if you use a diffuser. If you use the concentrated nozzle, you’re just inviting a bad hair day.
- Wrong pillowcase: Cotton sucks the moisture out of your hair. Switch to silk or satin. It sounds fancy, but it actually keeps your curls from matting overnight.
Why this style is more than just a trend
The short sides long top curly hairstyle has stayed popular for so long because it balances the two things we all want: ease and style. It’s the "mullet" of the 2020s but, you know, actually attractive. It handles the "business" on the sides where things usually get messy, and keeps the "party" on top where you can actually show off your natural texture.
It’s also surprisingly versatile. You can wear it messy and "beachy" for a weekend away, or you can use a bit of gel to slick it back for a more formal look. It’s one of the few haircuts that looks just as good in a suit as it does in a hoodie.
Actionable steps for your next salon visit
If you're ready to commit, don't just walk in and say "short sides, long top." That’s how you end up with a disaster.
- Bring a photo: Barbers are visual people. Find a photo of someone who has a similar curl pattern to yours. Don't bring a photo of someone with wavy hair if you have tight coils.
- Specify the fade: Do you want skin showing? Or just a short taper? Be specific about how "high" you want the fade to go.
- Talk about the fringe: Do you want the curls falling over your forehead, or pushed back? This changes how they cut the front.
- Ask for a "dry cut": For the top, ask if they can trim it while it’s dry. This allows the barber to see exactly where the curls will sit.
Once you get the cut, invest in a decent "refresh spray." It’s basically just water and a little bit of conditioner in a spray bottle. On day two or three after washing, a quick spritz will reactivate the products already in your hair and bring those curls back to life. It takes thirty seconds and saves you from having to do a full wash.
Basically, the short sides long top curly look is about embracing what you have while keeping it under control. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to look like you actually tried. Just remember: moisture is your friend, friction is your enemy, and a good barber is worth their weight in gold.
Stop fighting your hair. Work with it. You'll be surprised how much better it looks when you just let the curls do their thing on top while the sides stay out of the way. It’s a classic for a reason. Keep the sides tight, keep the top hydrated, and you’re basically golden.