Cool and casual, there are few styles that compare to side swept hair. For many years, the side swept hairstyle has proven to be a striking and popular look, most recently in the form of the side swept undercut and side swept fade. Trendy and modern, this haircut starts with the sides and back trimmed short and can be styled with short, medium length and long hair on top. Also known as the one side hairstyle, this sexy style is achieved when the hair is swept and parted with volume and flow.
To inspire you with ideas, we’ve compiled examples of the best side swept hairstyles for men. Whether you have straight, thick, thin, curly or wavy hair, these side-swept haircut styles can be combined with a taper fade or undercut to create an effortlessly cool look.
What Is A Side Swept Haircut?
The side swept haircut is a cut that requires short hair on the sides and back with longer hair on top. The central theme of these side swept hairstyles is that the definition between top, back, and sides are always prominent.
The most popular haircuts come with a fade or undercut on the sides and back with short to medium length hair on top. The style can also be worn with long hair for a striking look.
Ultimately, the long fringe in front is then swept to one side to achieve a cool parted hairstyle. Great for men with all hair types and lengths, side swept hair is versatile and stylish.
How To Get Side Swept Hair For Guys
The easiest way to get side swept hair is to ask your barber for a short haircut on the sides while leaving the top longer. The shorter you want your hair on top, the shorter you’ll need to ask your stylist to cut the hair on the sides and back.
A range of fades can achieve the side-swept look, all of which should be common and easy for a skilled barber to perform. With so many different fade haircuts, guys can choose between a low, mid and high fade.
For an edgy look, some guys prefer a mid or high skin fade. This bald fade blends the hair into the skin for a very short cut. Otherwise, the classic taper fade is universally flattering.
For a more hipster haircut, get the undercut hairstyle and leave the top long. The buzzed sides can be trimmed very short or tapered for a soft finish.
One reason that the side-swept undercut is so popular is that the hair on top can be anything from short to very long for you to achieve this look. This variation makes the haircut accessible to many different men.
Any experienced barber will know how to cut a men’s side swept haircut to perfection.
Side Swept Hairstyles
Side Swept Undercut
The side swept undercut is the most popular variation of the swept hairstyle, combining longer side-parted hair with a short undercut on the sides. This haircut can be achieved with a traditional or disconnected undercut, and most guys style the look with a side swept fringe for an asymmetrical look.
This masculine edgy finish comes with minimal upkeep to maintain the look. Modern and fashionable, the hottest version of this style leaves the medium length to long hair on top flowing and loose.
Whether you leave it messy and tousled with just the front swept over or all the hair on top combed to one side depends on which look you prefer.
Side Swept Fade
The side swept fade is a trending haircut that offers a stark contrast for a bold look. With a taper fade on the sides and back, the hair on top can be cut short or long to accommodate any style.
Whether you start the tapered cut high, mid or low will determine how short the buzzed sides will look. Paired with faded sides, all eyes will be on the side swept hair on top.
While the side swept taper fade is a fresh and rugged hairstyle, it also offers the flexibility to change up your look any time during the week. Add a line up for a clean hairline and grow a beard for some flair.
Side Part Undercut Fade
The side part with an undercut fade continues to be trending in barbershops around the world. By combining an undercut and fade haircut on the sides and back, this hairstyle creates a trendy yet classy look for teens, young guys, and older men to emulate.
Side Swept Skin Fade
The side swept skin fade allows for a very short haircut on the back and sides while still maintaining the prominent side sweep on top. You can start by requesting a standard side swept undercut from your barber, before deciding if you want to take it to the next level by adding a skin fade.
Styled nicely with a matte product for a textured look, sweep all your hair to one side or slick it back to try a different finish.
Short Side Swept Hair
Short side swept hair is great for men who want a cool hairstyle with minimal styling required. As a low-maintenance haircut, you’ll want a short fade (e.g. high bald fade) or undercut on the sides to create enough contrast. The short hair on top should be thick, layered, and brushed to one side when styled.
Clean-cut and perfect for summer, short swept hair is a simple and sexy hairstyle if you want just a little length on top but plenty of style.
Long Side Swept Hair
If you want to maintain some length on top, then you can’t go wrong with long side swept hair. Whether you have several inches, shoulder length hair, or really long hair, a flowing side swept hairstyle will elevate your locks and make girls swoon.
You can achieve this long hairstyle by either growing out all your hair and then tapering the back and sides, or maintaining your fringe every time you go for a trim and eventually sweeping over your long bangs.
Use sea salt spray on wet hair for a light hold with natural shine. If you want to be one of those hot guys with long hair, this style is for you.
Short Sides with Swept Hair
The short sides with swept hair look is ideal if you are looking for a more volume-layered style with personality. While short hair on the sides for guys usually means a fade or undercut, you do have the option of a scissored taper haircut that will leave extra length.
This classic hairstyle is usually paired with medium length to long hair on top. Generally styled into a rugged messy look with long strands of hair hanging in the front, this men’s side swept hairstyle offers a unique bad-boy image.
Side Swept Wavy Hair
Wavy side swept hair provides an amazing texture and finish that few guys without waves can pull off. While thick straight hair can be easy to work with, a side swept undercut with wavy hair just drips of sex appeal. Make sure to use a light to medium styling product like clay, mousse or cream to help tame but not overwhelm your waves.
Side Swept Curly Hair
Side swept curly hair is also an option that is becoming ever more popular. As men with curly hair will attest to, it can be difficult to manage and style curly hair. One solution is a short haircut with a fringe that you sweep to the side. Rocking an undercut hairstyle allows you only to have to focus on styling the top, pulling it all to one side to finish the look.
Side Swept Bangs For Men
Side swept bangs are fashionable and bold, no matter the occasion. Hairstyles for men with side swept bangs utilize either a fade or undercut while maintaining some length at the front. With endless styling options, an angular fringe can perfectly match any style, texture and length.
Long Fringe Undercut
One trim that is starting to become more prevalent with stylish men is the long fringe undercut. In general, a long fringe creates a distinctive look that will stand out. The undercut will keep the sides short and simple so you can focus on styling the hairstyle on top.
Side Swept Hair with Shaved Sides
Side swept hair with shaved sides is one of the most daring variations of this haircut. By shaving one or both sides of your head and sweeping the hair on top, you’ll achieve a badass style. Grow a thick beard and enjoy a striking look that will turn heads.
How To Style Side Swept Hair
You may be surprised to know that there are several different ways to style side swept hair for men. Once you have the proper haircut and quality hair products, it should be quick and easy to sweep your hair to one side and style the look.
To style side swept hair, start by applying a good styling product and working it in throughout. For a textured hairstyle with volume, flow and natural shine, you’ll want a light to medium-hold pomade, wax, clay or mousse with a matte finish. For thick hair that’s hard to manage and control, use a high-hold product.
To create a neat and classy look, comb or brush your hair to one side. If you prefer a casual messy style, sweep your hair with your hands and fingers. The longer your hair is on top, the more you will be able to style it. The extra layers create more volume and a distinct difference between the top, back, and sides of your cut.
If you have short hair on top with a long fringe, you’ll want to use a strong pomade to sweep the bangs to the side.
