Shorter sides complement mostface shapesand accentuate the jaw-line orfacial hairhandsomely.
But narrow edges don’t mean your choices are narrowed, too.
But be sure to keep your lifestyle in mind.
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Other than that, it’s all about personality and what bang out of look you want to wear.
Meet the Experts
Wayne Wildrickis a stylist and barber atScruff’s Barbershopin Austin, Texas.
Just how short you go on the sides is best determined by natural bone structure.
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Henry Golding’s long quiff is scissor-cut on the sides, with extra length at the top for styling.
Combover Taper Fade
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One of the trendiest cuts amongst athletes?
Mid-Length Layers
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Brad Pitt’s medium-length strands are dubiously narrowed at the edges.
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In this shot, Liam Hemsworth’s longer hair is styled in a loose, spiky style.
Joaquin Phoenix’s effortless waves showcase the cut perfectly, with close-cropped sides ascending to longer, loose waves.
Modern Fade
Singer Khalid’s modern curly fade brings out his texture.
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The result (balanced with a slightly grown-out beard) is the perfect natural look.
Be sure to invest in a hydrating conditioner to ensure the hair on top stays moisturized.
Donald Glover’s short Afro retains its height without adding bulk around the face.
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“It looks good on most men and most textures.”
To replicate the look, he recommends “keeping the sides wispy but not super tight.”
In other words, “no barber fades here.”
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Will Smith’s version is accompanied by a well-groomed goatee, to balance the look.
The hair on top is worn a bit loose with separation for a more casual look.
Byrdie Tip
As with any style, keep in mind that some looks are better on specific face shapes.
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This particular style looks best on a narrower face.
The key here is to keep hair on the sides faded, so the look accentuates his locs.
It’ll help maintain the integrity of your natural wave while reducing unwanted frizz.
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A slight taper on the sides lends trendiness and a longer goatee adds extra style.
The top and front are cut with a razor to create movement, texture, and separation.
Braids
Copy Travis Scott’s braids for a high-contrast, high-impact look.
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To replicate this look, you’ll want to get a trim every four to six weeks.
A low fade allows for more gradience, which you cant get with a mid or high fade.
A bit of styling paste enhances the suave style.
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Pomade will help to add shine and control.
The temple-to-beard gradient is especially superb.
The look errs on the retro edge of the spectrum but particularly flatters Alwyn’s bone structure.
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This style of fade lands below the temples and just above the ear.
“Suitability is always the word,” he says.
If you go in for a skin fade, it will show signs of growing out within a week.
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The style is especially low maintenance, typically air-drying into formation.
The resulting look is masculine with a bit of an edge.
Perfectly Disheveled
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Robert Pattinson effortlessly pulls off this perfectly tousled hairstyle.
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In fact, hes known for it.
He alsobleachesthe ends to give it a bit more drama.
Work in a light hold styling balm to provide moisture and a natural finish.
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To copy his look, use a light hand with products to retain the no-fuss style.
Work in some hair paste or hairspray for more volume on top, but keep it slightly messy.
(Hair bleach and sunglasses are recommended, but optional.)
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A taper is when the stylist cuts hair in a way that the length gradually gets shorter.
A fade also gradually gets shorter, however it eventually fades into the skin.
A fade is good if you want a short and tight style, while a taper is more natural.
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If you have a round face, avoid hairstyles that have too much volume on the sides.
A pompadour hairstyle also works well with cowlicks.
For a low-maintenance style, grow your hair out for a cool, shaggy look.
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