Styling & Trimming Sideburns for Men
Expert advice on growing trimming and styling your sideburns - whatever your cheeks' hair growth is like.
Sideburns draw attention to your facial features and need to be given as much consideration as the rest of your mug. Just as there are men who can't grow a full beard, there are those who face the same issues with their sideburns. But there are remedies to every situation.
Tapering
For many short to medium hairstyles the best way to cover the lack of sideburn growth is to fade or "taper" the sideburns. The taper can range from subtle to severe, depending on the preferred style. Either way, it creates a sense of individuality in an otherwise common hairstyle or can camouflage a lack of sideburns.
Growing
The other option is to "grow" a pair of sideburns. This trick works best for men that enjoy wearing hairstyles anywhere from medium length to long. Here's how: Separate a small portion of hair that grows just in front of your ears and trim to your desired sideburn length.
Growing Length
Determining the length of sideburns should be based on two things: face shape and personality. Sideburn lengths can range anywhere from short (top of the ear), extra-long (bottom of the ear), to mutton chops, and anywhere in between. If the look is more conservative the width of sideburns shouldn't exceed 1 ½". Wider (greater that 1 ½") sideburns can create a more dynamic look. The face shape is another factor to consider. The longer the face, the shorter the sideburns should be. Similarly, the shorter the face the longer the sideburns can be (within reason). Medium length sideburns (just above the center of the ear) and penciled (or pointed) styles are among the most common and popular. Mutton chops can be found in smaller, more creative circles. But, it’s up to you on what style works best.
Maintenance
Determining the length of sideburns should be based on two things: face shape and personality. Sideburn lengths can range anywhere from short (top of the ear), extra-long (bottom of the ear), to mutton chops, and anywhere in between. If the look is more conservative the width of sideburns shouldn't exceed 1 ½". Wider (greater that 1 ½") sideburns can create a more dynamic look. The face shape is another factor to consider. The longer the face, the shorter the sideburns should be. Similarly, the shorter the face the longer the sideburns can be (within reason). Medium length sideburns (just above the center of the ear) and penciled (or pointed) styles are among the most common and popular. Mutton chops can be found in smaller, more creative circles. But, it’s up to you on what style works best.