20 Shaved Side Hairstyles That Look Incredibly Cool

Are you ready to completely refresh your look and add some serious edge? If you are tired of playing it safe with boring cuts, you need to check out these shaved side hairstyles.

As a stylist, I have noticed that a buzzed side is the ultimate secret weapon. It instantly removes heavy bulk from thick hair and gives you a fiercely confident vibe without spending hours in the mirror.

Whether you want a hidden undercut for the office or a bold cropped pixie, this guide has the perfect match. Keep reading to find the exact cut that will make you feel totally unstoppable!

1. Classic Pixie Cut With Shaved Side

This bold look completely changes the game for short hair lovers. By keeping the top slightly longer, you get a beautiful contrast that naturally frames your face. It is an amazing way to show off your confidence without needing hours in front of the mirror every morning.

I really love how easily this short cut works for busy mornings. You can wake up, add a little texturizing spray, and immediately head out the door looking perfectly put together. Plus, the close crop on the side keeps you super cool during those really hot summer days.

• Best For: Straight or slightly wavy hair / Oval and heart face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (needs a trim every 3 to 4 weeks to keep the side tight)
• Time Needed: 5 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Use a matte pomade on the longer top section for messy, piecey texture.

2. Long Bob Shaved Side Hairstyles

If you want an edgy vibe but aren’t ready to chop all your hair off, this style is exactly what you need. It gives you the best of both worlds. You can flip your hair over to hide the buzz cut or tie it up to show it off.

Keeping most of your length means you still have plenty of styling options for different events. I have noticed this look is really popular for girls who work in creative jobs. It feels incredibly fresh and adds an unexpected twist to a regular shoulder-length haircut.

• Best For: Medium to thick hair / Round and square face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (the side needs shaving, but the length grows out easily)
• Time Needed: 15 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Sweep all your long hair to the opposite side and secure it with hidden bobby pins.

3. Curly Mohawk Fade

Natural ringlets and coils look absolutely incredible when paired with a faded, tight crop on the sides. The volume sits right on top, giving you a beautiful shape that draws all the attention upward. It completely removes the heavy bulk that sometimes makes thick curls hard to manage.

This is easily one of my favorite options because it celebrates natural texture while keeping the routine super simple. You spend way less time detangling and more time actually enjoying your look. The contrast between the soft curls and the sharp fade creates a really cool balance.

• Best For: Type 3 and 4 curly hair / Diamond and oval face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (keep the curls moisturized, fade needs touch-ups monthly)
• Time Needed: 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Apply a lightweight curl cream while your hair is still soaking wet to lock in moisture and definition.

4. Hidden Undercut With Braids

This secret shave sits right above your ear or at the nape of your neck. When you wear your hair down, nobody even knows it is there. But the magic happens when you pull your hair back into neat braids. It instantly transforms into a total statement piece.

Adding braids into the mix gives you a really sporty and fun look that holds up all day long. It is perfect for hitting the gym or going out for a casual weekend trip. You get that fierce energy without fully committing to a massive chop.

• Best For: Long, thick hair / All face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Low (the hidden section grows out cleanly without looking awkward)
• Time Needed: 20 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Use a small amount of edge control gel to make the parted lines for your braids super sharp.

5. Textured Choppy Mullet

The modern mullet has made a massive comeback, and adding a buzzed section makes it look even better. You get lots of shaggy, rock-and-roll layers in the back and on top. It gives off a very relaxed, effortless energy that naturally grabs attention wherever you go.

I really suggest this for anyone who loves playing with a messy, undone aesthetic. The harsh line of the razor cut against those choppy layers creates a deeply interesting visual mix. Plus, you literally just wake up and rough it up with your hands to style it.

• Best For: Wavy and fine hair / Square and heart face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (layers need reshaping every 6 weeks)
• Time Needed: 5 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Spray sea salt texturizer into dry hair and scrunch the back layers for an instant messy finish.

Also Visit : 20 Wash and Go Hairstyles for Natural Hair You’ll Love

6. Short Asymmetrical Bob

This uneven cut is perfect if you want a bold change but still want hair to frame your face. One side stays beautifully long and sleek, while the other side is closely clipped. It instantly makes your jawline look incredibly sharp and defined.

In my experience, this asymmetrical look brings a massive confidence boost. You get to play with deep side parts and lots of volume on top. It is a fantastic choice for anyone trying to add some edge to their everyday professional look without going too crazy.

• Best For: Straight, fine hair / Round and oval face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (frequent trims needed to keep the uneven length sharp)
• Time Needed: 15 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Use a flat iron on the longer side to create a perfectly sleek, glass-like finish.

7. Faux Hawk Fade

The faux hawk is an absolute classic for short hair. By buzzing the sides down to the skin, you push all the focus straight to the center. It gives you a fierce, punk-rock energy while still feeling completely modern and fresh.

I have noticed this style works wonders for adding the illusion of extra height to your face. It is remarkably easy to style in the morning. Just grab your favorite styling wax, push the top section upward, and you are ready to tackle the day.

• Best For: Thick, straight or wavy hair / Round and square face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (top can grow out a bit, but sides need regular buzzing)
• Time Needed: 5 to 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Warm a dime-sized amount of styling wax in your hands before applying to avoid white clumps.

8. Braided Top Knot

Taking a buzzed look and adding a top knot creates a beautifully fierce aesthetic. You gather all the longer hair on top into a tight bun, leaving the buzzed sections completely exposed. Adding a small braid into the knot makes it look so much cooler.

This is a huge lifesaver on days when you do not want to deal with washing your hair. It keeps every single strand out of your face, making it the best option for busy working days or intense workout sessions. You always look totally put together.

• Best For: Medium to long hair lengths / Oval and diamond face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Low (very forgiving as the buzzed section slowly grows out)
• Time Needed: 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Spray hairspray onto a clean toothbrush and gently brush down any flyaways around your face.

9. Pastel Colored Crop

Mixing a closely shaved cut with a soft pastel color is a brilliant move. The harshness of the razor cut completely balances out the sweetness of pink, lavender, or baby blue dye. It creates a really fun, artistic look that stands out in any crowd.

If you love experimenting, bleaching the top section gives you a perfect blank canvas. You can change your pastel shade every few weeks. It takes a little extra care in the shower, but the head-turning results are absolutely worth the extra effort.

• Best For: Light colored or bleached hair / All face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (color fades quickly and roots need constant touch-ups)
• Time Needed: 15 minutes daily (plus coloring time)
• Pro Tip: Always wash with cold water and use a color-depositing conditioner to keep the pastel bright.

10. Shaggy Layered Lob

This long bob uses lots of textured layers to create movement, with one side neatly buzzed underneath. When the wind blows, you get a quick peek of the short section. It feels incredibly rebellious but easily hides when you need a more traditional style.

I totally recommend this if you are dipping your toes into edgy cuts for the first time. The messy layers give off a deeply relaxed, surfer-girl vibe. It requires very little styling effort because the natural messy texture is the whole point of the look.

• Best For: Wavy, medium thickness hair / Heart and square face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Low (layers grow out beautifully and hide the buzzed section)
• Time Needed: 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Use a lightweight dry shampoo at the roots to build volume without weighing the layers down.

11. Geometric Pattern Undercut

Adding shapes and lines to your buzzed section takes your look to a whole new level. A skilled barber can carve stars, zig-zags, or simple stripes right into the short hair. It is a fantastic way to wear art every single day without committing to a permanent tattoo.

In my experience, these fun designs grow out in about two weeks, giving you a fresh canvas fast. You can switch up the pattern every time you sit in the barber chair. It adds such a cool, personal touch to an already bold and exciting haircut.

• Best For: Any hair type / All face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (the design fades quickly as hair grows back)
• Time Needed: Zero daily styling (but requires frequent barber visits)
• Pro Tip: Take a clear reference photo to your barber to ensure you get the exact design you want.

12. Natural Afro Fade

Keeping a beautiful, round afro on top while buzzing the sides creates an amazing silhouette. The tight skin fade highlights your cheekbones and really makes your facial features pop. It is a gorgeous way to wear natural hair while keeping your daily routine incredibly simple.

I love recommending this style because it completely removes the hassle of detangling the back and sides. You focus all your moisture and care right on the top section. It looks incredibly fresh, deeply modern, and handles hot weather like an absolute dream.

• Best For: Type 4 coily hair / Oval and round face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (fade needs upkeep, but daily styling is fast)
• Time Needed: 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Sleep with a silk bonnet to keep your coils hydrated and prevent unwanted frizz overnight.

13. Slicked Back Pompadour

This retro style borrows a lot of inspiration from classic barbershop cuts but adds a feminine, powerful twist. Pushing all the volume straight back over a tight buzz cut looks incredibly commanding. It is perfect for girls who want a polished, boss-energy vibe at the office.

I have noticed this heavily styled look stays in place perfectly from morning until late at night. You just need a strong hold gel and a good comb. It gives you a really clean, sharply dressed appearance that pairs perfectly with sharp blazers and leather jackets.

• Best For: Straight, thick hair / Oval and square face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (requires daily product washing)
• Time Needed: 15 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Comb the hair backward while blow-drying to train the roots to stand up straight.

14. Messy Grunge Shag

Channel your inner rockstar with heavy bangs and deeply textured layers on top. Leaving one side completely buzzed adds an unexpected heavy metal energy to this popular haircut. It looks best when it is slightly messy, making it the ultimate low-effort choice for busy mornings.

Honestly, the less you try with this cut, the better it turns out. Just let it air dry and let your natural wave do all the heavy lifting. It frames the face beautifully while keeping that wild, untamed spirit that everyone wants right now.

• Best For: Wavy hair / Oval and heart face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Low (looks better as it gets a bit messy and overgrown)
• Time Needed: 5 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Use a matte styling paste to pinch the ends of your layers for a spiky, piecey finish.

15. Neon Buzz Cut

If you want to go all out, taking the clippers to almost your entire head is incredibly freeing. Leaving just a tiny bit of peach fuzz allows you to bleach it and add wildly bright neon colors. It is the ultimate statement of total confidence.

I think everyone should try a super short crop at least once in their life. You literally roll out of bed ready to go, without needing a single brush. The bright green, pink, or yellow colors make sure you stand out in the best way possible.

• Best For: Any hair texture / Oval and diamond face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (needs bleaching and clipping every few weeks)
• Time Needed: 1 minute daily
• Pro Tip: Use sunscreen on your scalp when going outside to protect your newly exposed skin from burning.

16. Two Tone Split Dye

Adding two completely different colors to your half-buzzed look makes a massive visual impact. You can keep your natural shade on the longer top section while bleaching the buzzed part platinum. This creates a really fun contrast that instantly grabs attention everywhere you go.

In my experience, playing with high-contrast colors adds so much depth to short haircuts. It feels very modern and brings out your playful side. Plus, when the short part grows out a little, the dark roots make the bright dye look even cooler.

• Best For: Straight to wavy hair / All face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (requires regular root touch-ups and bleaching)
• Time Needed: 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Wash the two colored sections separately if you use bright dyes to prevent bleeding.

17. Braided Crown Undercut

Wrapping a thick braid around the top of your head while leaving the sides tightly buzzed creates a beautiful contrast. You get the soft, romantic feel of the braid right next to the sharp razor fade. It is an amazing way to mix tough and sweet styles together.

I highly suggest this look for summer festivals or big outdoor parties. It keeps heavy locks completely off your neck while looking highly detailed. Even better, a tight plait will stay secure all day long without needing any extra pins or holding sprays.

• Best For: Long, medium-thick hair / Oval and round face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (requires braiding skills but hides regrowth well)
• Time Needed: 15 to 20 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Gently pull at the edges of your braid to make it look thicker and more relaxed.

18. Choppy Bowl Cut

This is not the awkward haircut from your childhood. The modern version features heavy, blunt bangs that circle the head, paired with a super tight buzz underneath. It is highly fashion-forward and gives you an incredibly artsy, independent vibe that stands out immediately.

I think this shape works perfectly for girls with very straight hair who want something undeniably unique. The blunt lines frame your eyes and cheekbones beautifully. You literally just blow dry it flat with a round brush, making your morning routine incredibly fast and easy.

• Best For: Straight, thick hair / Oval and heart face shapes
• Maintenance Level: High (needs frequent trims to keep the blunt edge sharp)
• Time Needed: 10 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Use a smoothing serum on damp hair before drying to eliminate frizz and boost shine.

19. Long Dreadlock Fade

Pulling heavy dreadlocks up into a thick ponytail or bun reveals a clean, tight fade underneath. This reduces so much weight from your head, making long locs way more comfortable to wear daily. It is a fantastic mix of cultural pride and modern street style.

I always tell clients that shaving the sides makes washing and retwisting locs a lot easier. You have less surface area to manage overall. The sharp lines of the fade create a really neat, polished finish that makes your locs look healthier and more defined.

• Best For: Mature dreadlocks / Round and square face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (regular barber visits for the fade, standard loc care)
• Time Needed: 5 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Rub a light scalp oil onto the faded areas to prevent dryness and flaking.

20. Voluminous Curly Shag

Leaving maximum bounce on top while shaving one panel right above the ear creates an amazing shape. Your curls get to fall naturally without overwhelming your face. It is a really clever trick to remove bulk from very thick, unruly hair while keeping tons of personality.

In my experience, this look brings so much life to tired curls. Because you lose the heavy bottom weight, the top ringlets spring up much higher. You get an effortless, highly textured finish that looks like you just walked off a high-fashion photo shoot.

• Best For: Type 2 and 3 curly hair / Diamond and oval face shapes
• Maintenance Level: Medium (keep the curls defined and trim the buzzed patch monthly)
• Time Needed: 15 minutes daily
• Pro Tip: Diffuse your curls on medium heat with your head flipped upside down for massive root volume.

Conclusion 

Taking the big leap and buzzing a section of your hair is incredibly freeing. These beautiful shaved side hairstyles prove you do not have to sacrifice your personal style to look completely badass. From hidden fades to bright neon crops, your new haircut will definitely turn heads.

Make sure to Pin your absolute favorite cuts to your Pinterest board so you can easily show your barber! I’ve seen how the right style can massively boost your daily confidence, and I know this bold change will do exactly that for you.