men · haircuts
Short Back and Sides: The Classic Cut and How to Askfor It
Short back and sides is the classic British men's haircut: short at the back and sides, longer on top. See the versions, clipper numbers, and what to tell your barber.
Hairover Team
A short back and sides is the classic British men’s haircut: the back and sides are cut short, and the top is left longer so it can be combed, parted, or pushed forward. It is the most requested cut in UK and Irish barbershops and the base for many modern styles, from the side part to the textured crop. In the US the same idea is usually called a classic taper or a regular men’s cut.
The main versions
1. Traditional. Scissor-over-comb or a number 3 or 4 on the sides, tapered at the neckline, with a few inches on top. Smart and timeless.
2. Tight. A number 1 or 2 on the sides, blended into a short top. Lower maintenance and very neat.
3. With a side part. The top is long enough to comb into a parting. Ideal for work. See side part vs. comb over.
4. With a textured top. The top is point-cut and pushed forward or messed up with clay. See the French crop.
5. With a fade. Modern barbers often take the bottom down to the skin. That becomes a fade. See fade vs. taper.
Clipper numbers
| Number | Length (approx.) | Look on the sides |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 mm | Very short, scalp visible |
| 2 | 6 mm | Short and neat |
| 3 | 10 mm | Classic, soft |
| 4 | 13 mm | Longer, very soft |
See the full haircut numbers and guard sizes guide.
Who it suits
Almost everyone. A few tips:
- Round faces: keep the sides tight and leave some height on top.
- Long faces: keep the sides a little longer and the top flatter.
- Thinning on top: a shorter top with tight sides makes the top look fuller. See haircuts for thinning hair in men.
- Thick hair: ask for the top to be thinned so it lies flat.
How to ask your barber
“Short back and sides, number [2] on the sides and back, tapered at the neck. Leave about [two inches] on top, and blend it in. I’ll wear it [parted / pushed forward].”
Also say whether you want the neckline squared, rounded, or tapered. A tapered neckline grows out best. More phrases are in what to tell your barber.
Styling
- Parted: a little cream or pomade, combed into a side part.
- Textured: matte clay, worked in with your fingers.
- Natural: towel-dry and push into place. No product.
See pomade vs. clay vs. wax for which product to use.
Related guides
See the length on your own face
The difference between a number 2 and a number 4 is easier to judge on your own photo. Hairover lets you upload a clear picture, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio before you see your barber.
FAQ
What is a short back and sides haircut?
A men's haircut where the back and sides are cut short, usually with clippers or scissors, and the top is left longer. It is the classic British barbershop cut and the base for many modern styles.
What clipper number is short back and sides?
There is no fixed number. A common starting point is a number 2 or 3 on the sides and back, blended into scissor-cut length on top. Say the number you want.
Is short back and sides the same as a fade?
Not exactly. A traditional short back and sides is tapered but not taken down to the skin. A fade goes much shorter at the bottom, often to bare skin.
How often do you need a short back and sides?
Every three to five weeks keeps the sides looking neat. Tighter versions need a trim sooner.
