3 on the Sides Haircut: Everything you need to know
3 on the Sides Haircut is a classic hairstyle that has been around for decades. It’s a popular choice for men who want a clean, neat, and stylish look that’s easy to maintain. The haircut gets its name from the fact that the hair on the sides is trimmed to a length of 3 millimeters, while the hair on the top can be styled in different ways.
Over the years, the 3 on the Sides Haircut has evolved and can now be customized to suit different face shapes, hair textures, and personal styles. Whether you prefer a short, medium, or long haircut, there’s a 3 on the Sides style that can work for you.
In recent times, the 3 on the Sides Haircut has become increasingly popular, with many celebrities and influencers sporting the style. Its simplicity and versatility make it a favorite among men who want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut.
What is a 3 on the Sides Haircut?
The 3 on the sides haircut is a haircut where you trim the sides and back of your hair with the number 3 clipper guard to 10mm (3/8 inch). The result is short but not completely shaved hair on the sides and back. With the top hair, you can do anything you like, and this is why I told you it can be styled in many ways.
How 3 on the Sides Haircut Look Like?
After explaining the details of the 3 on the sides haircut, let’s look at a picture to get a better idea of how this haircut appears.
Here in the photo a guy with a 3 on the sides with some wavy hair on top. As you can see, the top has been left longer, and the sides have been buzzed shorter with a number 3 clipper guard as we discussed above. He now has a relaxed appearance that is ideal for men who don’t want to fuss with their hair.
Getting the 3-on-the-sides haircut is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to find a skilled and experienced barber or stylist who can help you achieve the look you want. Here are the steps involved in getting the 3-on-the-sides haircut:
- Choose the right length: The first step is to decide how short you want the sides to be. Typically, the sides are cut to a length of 3/8 inch or shorter, depending on your preference. You may also want to consider whether you want a faded or tapered look, as this can affect the length of the sides.
- Decide on the length of the top: The length of the top can vary depending on your hair type and face shape. Generally, the top is left longer than the sides, and can range from 1 inch to 3 inches in length. You may also want to consider whether you want a textured or slicked-back look, as this can affect the length of the top.
- Communicate your preferences to your barber: Once you have decided on the length of the sides and top, it is important to communicate your preferences to your barber or stylist. They can help you determine the best approach to achieve the look you want, and can make adjustments as needed to ensure a customized and flattering result.
- Maintain the haircut: The 3-on-the-sides haircut is a low-maintenance style, but it still requires regular upkeep to look its best. You may need to schedule touch-up appointments every 4-6 weeks to maintain the length of the sides and top. Additionally, using a high-quality hair product can help you achieve the desired texture and hold for your hair.
Overall, getting the 3-on-the-sides haircut is a straightforward process that can be customized to suit individual preferences. By finding a skilled barber or stylist, communicating your preferences clearly, and maintaining the style regularly, you can enjoy a classic and timeless look that is both practical and stylish.
History of 3 on the Sides Haircut
The 3-on-the-sides haircut has a rich history that dates back to the Ivy League schools in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. It was a popular choice among college students who wanted a sophisticated and elegant look. The haircut was characterized by short sides and a longer top, which gave it a classic and timeless appeal.
Over the years, the 3-on-the-sides haircut has evolved and become a popular choice among men of all ages. It is a versatile style that can be customized to suit individual preferences and hair types. Despite the many new haircut trends that have emerged over the years, the 3-on-the-sides remains a favorite among men who appreciate its simplicity, low-maintenance, and classic appeal.
Today, the 3-on-the-sides haircut continues to be a popular choice in the world of men’s grooming. Its timeless appeal and versatility make it a go-to style for many men who want a classic and sophisticated look that never goes out of fashion.
Why “3 on the Sides haircut” is so Popular?
We have seen now a days the 3-on-the-sides haircut has great boom among men. This can be attributed to several factors, including the versatility of the style, its simplicity, and the fact that it is a low-maintenance haircut that requires minimal styling.
With our observations: One of the reasons why the 3-on-the-sides is so popular is because it is a low-maintenance style that requires minimal upkeep. It is easy to maintain and can be styled in a variety of ways, making it a convenient option for men who are short on time but still want to look their best.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of the 3-on-the-sides haircut is its timeless appeal. Unlike many trendy haircuts that come and go, the 3-on-the-sides has stood the test of time and remains a classic and sophisticated look that never goes out of fashion.
Social media has also played a role in the popularity of the 3-on-the-sides haircut. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it is easier than ever for men to discover new hairstyles and grooming trends, and the 3-on-the-sides is frequently featured on these platforms as a popular and stylish option.
Overall, the 3-on-the-sides haircut has remained a popular choice among men of all ages due to its versatility, simplicity, and timeless appeal.
The ideal hair type for the 3 on the Sides Haircut
The 3 on the Sides Haircut is suitable for most hair types, but it works best for those with thick and straight hair. The reason for this is that the hair on the sides needs to be short and tight to create the desired effect, and thick hair holds its shape well when cut short.
If you have curly or wavy hair, you can still get a 3 on the Sides Haircut, but you may need to use some hair products to keep your hair in place. Additionally, if you have very fine hair, a 3 on the Sides Haircut may not be the best choice for you, as the short length can make your hair look even thinner.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your hairstylist about your hair type and ask for their opinion on whether a 3 on the Sides Haircut will work for you. They can also suggest variations of the haircut that may better suit your hair type and personal style.
Top 3 on the side haircut styles With PHOTOS
The 3 on the sides haircut is a versatile and classic style that can be adapted to suit a variety of personal preferences and styles. Here are some popular variations of the 3-on-the-sides haircut:
- Textured Crop
- 3 on the sides all over
- 3 on the sides with a fade
- 3 on the sides with a quiff
- Slicked-Back Undercut
- 3 on the sides with 4 on top
- 3 on the sides with a man bun
Textured Crop:
The textured crop features a short, layered cut on top with a slightly longer fringe, creating a messy and textured look. The sides are typically tapered or faded, while the back is cut short and neat.
This style is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance look that can be dressed up or down.
3 on the sides all over
This haircut, which is actually a buzz cut with a #3 clipper guard all over, is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance yet fashionable appearance.
This hairstyle is very low-maintenance option for men who want a 3 on the sides haircut, so we’ve decided to start with it. Your hair will all be the same length when you have a buzz cut, giving you a very clear and simple looks that is simple to style and doesn’t call for any specific products.
3 on the sides with a fade
This is the style for you if you love fades. The fade begins in this style with a lower number clipper and gradually transformation into the number 3 length.
For guys who want a haircut with a little edge, this is a great option.
Low, mid, or high fades are all options, and you can style the top hair however you like. Unsurprisingly, as you can see, there are numerous styles to choose from depending on your preferences.
3 on the sides with a quiff
This is a more stylish and trendy version of 3 on the sides haircut. In this style, the sides are trimmed with a number 3 clipper guard, and the top is left longer to allow you to style it into a quiff.
This is an amazing option for men who enjoy experimenting with their hairstyle and desire a fashionable and sophisticated appearance.
The only “con” of this hairstyle is that it takes some morning styling time to attain the quiff.
Slicked-Back Undercut
The slicked-back undercut features longer hair on top that is slicked back and styled with a high-shine product.
The sides and back are cut short and tapered or faded, creating a sharp and clean contrast with the longer hair on top. This style is ideal for those who want a polished and modern look that is both bold and sophisticated.
3 on the sides with 4 on top
Yet another option for men who love to have a low-maintenance hairstyle with some height on top is this one. In this cut, the top is trimmed to 1/2 inch length with a number 4 clipper guard, and the sides are buzzed short with a number 3 clipper guard.
The hair on top will be so short that you won’t be able to style it even if you wanted to, making this easy and simple and elegant hairstyle ideal for men who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling their hair.
3 on the sides with a man bun
A popular hairstyle right now is the man bun and I personally love this haircut, which looks fantastic with three on the sides. In this cut, the top is left long enough to be pulled into a man bun, and the sides are finished with a number 3 clipper guard.
This is a perfect style if you want to rock the man bun but don’t like showing your scalp on the sides.
How to get the 3 on the sides haircut?
Here in this part, we will completely guide you how to achieve the 3 on the sides haircut. We’ll also give you some styling advice.
ADVICE if you are trying at HOME
First, I would recommend, if you are thinking about trying this haircut at home, go for a simple style like the 4 on top with 3 on the sides. This will be a good starting point because it is not too difficult to do and doesn’t require special skills or techniques.
If you want a more complex style like the quiff, the bun or the fade, I recommend you to visit your barber or a hairstylist. They will be able to give you the haircut you want and show you how to style it properly.
Anyways, now let’s move forward into the details of cutting the 3 on the sides haircut.
1. Get your clippers ready.:
The first thing you need to do is to prepare your clippers. You will need a pair of clippers with the following guards:
a. Number 3 guard
b. Number 4 guard (optional)
If you don’t have a number 4 guard, then you can just use the number 3 guard all over. Just make sure to have a clean and fully charged pair of clippers before starting trimming.
2. Wash and dry your hair
Cleaning is an Ideal starting point so wash it and then dry your hair. By doing this, it will be simpler for you to see what you are doing and avoid any mistake. Towel-dry your hair until it is damp after washing it.
3. Start trimming the sides
Now it is time to start with cutting the sides. Place the number 3 guard on your clippers, then starts trimming upward from the bottom.
Take your time and be extra cautious around the ears. When you are finished with the sides, now you can move on to the top.
4. Trim the top hair
If you want a different style, talk to a barber or hairstylist since I will only discuss the 4 on the top haircut.
Put the number 4 guard on your clippers and start trimming your hair from the front to the back to get the “4” on top. Again Be careful around the temples and take your time.
5. Finish with the details
It’s time to finish with the details after cutting the sides and top. Utilize your clippers to even out any hair that might be longer than other hairs.
Finally, since it can be challenging to do the neckline yourself, ask someone for help. If no one is available, you can use a template to give it a neat and professional appearance.
* Neckline templates are rubber bands that you can place around your neck to guide your clippers.
That’s all! You now know how to cut the 3 on the sides haircut. Just remember never be hurry always take your time, be careful, and use sharp clippers for the amazing results.
How to ask a barber for a 3 on the sides haircut?
You should go to a barber if you are confused whether you can get 3 on the sides haircut at home or not.
When you are at the barbershop, you should not just tell the barber that you want a 3 on the sides haircut. As you know, this haircut has many variations, so you need to be very specific about what you want.
If you want to ask a barber for a “3 on the sides” haircut, you can use the following steps to communicate clearly and effectively:
- Be specific: Use clear and specific language to describe the haircut you want. For example, you can say “I would like a ‘3 on the sides’ haircut.”
- Use visual aids: If you have a picture or a reference of the style you want, bring it with you to show the barber. This will give them a better idea of what you are looking for.
- Ask for clarification: If you are not sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask the barber to clarify. For example, you can ask “Will a ‘3 on the sides’ be short enough to show my scalp?”
- Communicate your preferences: Let the barber know if you have any specific preferences, such as a certain length or style on top. You can say “I want to keep the length on top, but just trim the sides to a ‘3’.”
- Trust the barber’s expertise: Finally, trust the barber’s expertise and let them know if you are open to their suggestions or recommendations. They may be able to offer advice on how to best achieve the look you want.
By following these steps, you can ensure clear communication with your barber and increase the chances of getting the haircut you want.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting the 3 on the Sides Haircut
Avoid these mistakes when you are visiting to a barber:
A. Not Communicating with your Stylist
Tell him exactly what to do with the sides and back of your hair.
B. Choosing the Wrong Hair Texture
Don’t forget about the details!
When you tell your barber what to do with your hair, don’t forget that the little details can make a big difference. For example, tell him whether you want a hard or soft line on the sides, how you want your neckline to be, and if you want him to style the top hair with a product or not.
These are just a few tips to help you get the most out of your next barber visit. If you take the time to communicate your desired look and maintain open communication with your barber, you’ll surely walk out of the shop looking sharp!
FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions about 3 on the Sides Haircut:
Conclusion
You now have all the information you require about the 3 on the sides haircut. Simply pick a style you like, then play around with it until you find your desired one. And don’t forget to tell your barber exactly what you want when you go!
I honestly hope you enjoyed and learned from this article. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and I will be more than happy to assist you.