A 4 on the sides haircut is a hairstyle where the hair is cut to a length of 13mm on the sides of the head. This haircut is popular among men as it is a basic style that looks good and is easy to maintain.
The hairstyle has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility. It can be easily combined with other hairstyles to create a unique look.
Whether combined with an undercut, slick back, or quiff, the 4 on the sides haircut can create a sharp and clean appearance.
The History of 4 On The Sides Haircut
The 4 on the sides haircut, also known as an “induction cut,” has a military background. It was a mandatory hairstyle for new recruits during World War II, and it has been popular in the armed forces ever since.
In civilian life, the haircut gained popularity in the 1950s and has been a classic men’s hairstyle ever since.
The hairstyle has evolved over the years, but its simplicity and versatility have remained popular with men. The look has been modernized and popularized by celebrities like David Beckham, Ryan Gosling, and Zac Efron.
Now a classic look, this haircut is still the go-to style for men who want a clean-cut and straightforward hairstyle.
4 On The Sides Haircuts: 2023 Trends
The classic and timeless 4 on the sides haircut has been popular for decades, but it’s always evolving. In 2023, we can expect to see some new trends emerge for this hairstyle.
Natural Texture
Gone are the days of slicked-back, high-shine styles. In 2023, the 4 on the sides haircut with natural texture will be all the rage.
This means keeping hair shorter on the sides and using product to enhance curls or waves on top. The result is a low-maintenance, effortlessly cool style.
Disconnected and Undercut
The disconnected and undercut styles have been popular for a few years, but in 2023 they will be incorporated into the 4 on the sides haircut. This means keeping hair longer on top, with a clear disconnect between the sides and top.
The undercut takes this a step further by shaving the sides to a shorter length, creating a more dramatic contrast.
Buzzed and Blended Taper
For a more dramatic look, the buzzed and blended taper style will be popular in 2023. This involves keeping the hair much shorter on the sides, with a gradual fade up to longer hair on top.
The result is a modern, sleek look that’s easy to maintain.
The Textured Crop
The textured crop is a versatile style that works well with the 4 on the sides haircut. This style involves keeping hair short on the sides and textured on top, with a slightly messy, natural look.
The crop is perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance style that can be dressed up or down.
The Classic Pompadour
While new trends emerge every year, the classic pompadour will always have a place in men’s hairstyles. In 2023, we can expect to see the 4 on the sides haircut paired with a modern twist on the pompadour.
This involves keeping hair shorter on the sides and longer on top, with plenty of volume and texture.
The Four Different Types of 4 On The Sides Haircut
The number 4 haircut is a simple yet classic hairstyle suitable for those who prefer a short and low maintenance look. But did you know that there are different types of 4 on the sides haircut that you can choose from?
Here are the four varying types:
Bald Fade
The bald fade is a popular type of 4 on the sides haircut that provides a clean and sharp look. It is characterized by gradually transitioning from shaved hair at the sides and back to longer hair at the top.
This style is perfect for those who want to emphasize the hair on the top while still maintaining a short and neat style on the sides.
Taper
The taper haircut is versatile and can suit many face shapes and hair textures. It entails short hair at the sides that gradually gets longer towards the top.
The hair on the top can also be styled in various ways, providing an abundance of options for versatility. This is a great type of 4 on the sides haircut if you prefer a well-groomed and professional look.
Classic
If you look at old photos from the 1920s and ’30s, you’ll see men sporting the classic 4 on the sides haircut. This timeless and iconic look entails short hair on the sides, combed back or slicked back with longer hair at the top.
It is a great type of 4 on the sides haircut that never goes out of style and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Undercut
The undercut is a popular contemporary version of the 4 on the sides haircut that involves shaving the sides and back, leaving only long hair on the top. This type of 4 on the sides haircut is perfect if you are looking for something trendy and modern.
It is a great style if you want to make a bold statement and have the confidence to attract attention.
Now that you know the four different types of 4 on the sides haircut, you can confidently choose which type best suits your style and personality.
How to Style 4 On The Sides Haircut
If you have recently gotten a 4 on the sides haircut, you might be wondering how you can style it to stand out. While a #4 might seem short, it still allows for quite a few versatile styling options.
One popular way to style this haircut is by opting for a classic and clean hairstyle. This look can be achieved with a low side part and some gel or pomade to hold your hair in place.
Another trendy hairstyle for those with a #4 on the sides is a textured crop. This style involves leaving the hair on top longer while keeping the sides and back at a #4 length.
To create this look, use a texturizing product like sea salt spray or a volumizing powder to add some volume and definition to your hair. You can then style your hair with your fingers or a comb to achieve the desired texture and volume.
If you are feeling bold, you can also try a classic pompadour, comb over, or french crop hairstyle with a #4 length on the sides. These looks involve leaving more length on top and styling it in a specific way to create a dramatic and stylish look.
Use a styling wax or pomade to hold your hair in place and add some shine to the finished product.
When styling your hair with a #4 on the sides, it’s important to remember to use the right products and techniques. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your hair type and desired look.
Don’t be afraid to try different hairstyles and techniques to find what makes you feel confident and stylish.
Pros and Cons of 4 On The Sides Haircut
The 4 on the sides haircut, which entails trimming the side and back hair to a length of 13mm or ½ inch with the number 4 guard, has become a popular hairstyle among men. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this haircut:
Pros
- Low Maintenance: The 4 on the sides haircut requires minimal maintenance due to its short length. As such, it is perfect for those who are regularly on-the-go and do not want to spend much time on hair styling.
- Face-Shape Friendly: This haircut works well with most face shapes, especially those with round or oval faces. The hairstyle helps to create a balanced look by accentuating facial features such as the cheekbones.
- Styling Versatility: The 4 on the sides haircut can be styled in different ways depending on the top hair length. It can be paired with various hairstyles such as the pompadour, comb-over, and French crop.
Cons
- Limited Styling Options: Although the 4 on the sides haircut provides styling versatility when paired with different top hair lengths, it offers limited options for those who want to keep the hair length consistent throughout.
- Requires Frequent Trimming: As with most short haircuts, the 4 on the sides requires frequent trimming to maintain the desired length, which can be inconvenient and costly for some individuals.
- May Not Suit Everyone: While the 4 on the sides can work with most face shapes, it may not be suitable for those with longer face shapes as it can make the face appear longer.
Ultimately, the 4 on the sides haircut is a great option for those who want a low maintenance and versatile hairstyle that works well with most face shapes. However, it may not be suitable for those looking for consistent length or who cannot commit to frequent trims.
