Sideburn Styles for Men: How to Trim and Shape Them Properly

Sideburns don’t get the attention they deserve. We talk about beards and mustaches — even the soul patch gets a mention. But sideburns are overlooked. Yet, it’s these bushy bits of hair that connect your beard to your hair, framing your entire face. 

Instead of ignoring them, embrace them. Think of them as the bridge between your haircut, beard, and jawline. That doesn’t mean you have to go full Wolverine like some 19th-century butcher. Just giving them a little bit of thought can make an outsized difference.

Here’s a practical guide to trimming, grooming, and styling your sideburns.

What Exactly Are Sideburns and Why They Matter

Let’s start with the basics. The sideburns are the parts of your hair that connect your scalp hair to the beard on your chin. At their core, they come down to a few defining elements:

• Hair that runs from the hairline to the ear. Sideburns anchor the edges of your haircut. Too short and the face looks long; too long and everything droops. They’re tiny, but they change the whole silhouette.
• A defined length and width. Whether sharp and tight or longer and more natural, sideburns create structure. The line you choose — short, medium, long, tapered — influences how your face reads at a glance.
• A blend (or deliberate contrast) with your beard or stubble. Sideburns act as the “bridge.” They connect the haircut to the beard or standalone if you’re clean-shaven. Get the blend right, and the whole look snaps into place.

They might be small, but they’re not trivial. If they’re thin and wispy, your beard looks stranded on your chin. But too wild and woolly, and they attract too much attention for their own good. They’re the detail that separates “I got a haircut” from “I look sharp today.”

The Most Popular Sideburn Styles for Men

Almost every era gave sideburns a place. Only ours ignores them. They’ve been worn by soldiers, rockstars, politicians, and every bloke who’s ever wanted a cleaner, stronger-looking profile. In fact, during the 19th century, it became immensely popular. Everyone from the German Emperor, Wilhelm I, to U.S. General Ambrose Burnside sported immense sideburns (the latter giving his name to the style).

But what are the different styles? Try these out:

Short, Clean Sideburns

Short sideburns sit just above the ear and give you that neat, everyday look. They’re great if you want something low-maintenance that always looks intentional. Perfect for office cuts, faded sides, or anyone who hates fuss.

Medium Sideburns

These hit around mid-ear and work with pretty much any haircut. If you’ve got stubble or a short beard, medium burns help everything blend without looking too sharp or too soft. They’re the safe, reliable option that suits most faces.

Long Sideburns

Longer sideburns sit below the ear and lean into a more relaxed, slightly retro vibe. They work best with medium or longer hair, where they can balance out the extra length. Great if you want a bit more personality without going full Elvis.

Tapered Sideburns

A tapered sideburn starts fuller at the top and gradually narrows as it hits the ear. It’s the cleanest option for modern fades because it keeps everything flowing without harsh lines. Think of it as the “smooth transition” sideburn.

Square or Blocked Sideburns

This is where you cut the bottom straight across so it forms a crisp, squared-off edge. It gives your face a stronger, more structured finish, especially if you’ve got thick hair. Barbers love this one because it looks sharp instantly.

Curved or Rounded Sideburns

Rounded sideburns soften the face and avoid any hard right angles. They’re subtle, tidy, and ideal if you like a more natural-looking finish. Good for guys with angular features who want something gentler.

Modern Mutton Chops

Not Victorian theatre-level chops — the modern version is far more toned down. They’re fuller and extend lower along the jaw, pairing well with medium or long hair. When kept tight and groomed, they look bold without tipping into costume territory.

How to Trim Sideburns: Step-by-Step Guide

Sideburns don’t require circus-level upkeep. Unless you’re determined to become renowned for your sideburns — a latter-day mutton chop messiah — sideburns don’t require as much attention as your beard. 

Just a little attention adds that quiet, roguish confidence. Think old-school movie star or musician. More “guy sketching in a café window” than “strict military sergeant.”

What You’ll Need:

• A decent trimmer with guards
• A comb (yes, it matters)
• Small scissors (optional but helpful)
• Patience and a bit of mirror discipline

What To Do: 

1. Let them grow — seriously. You’re going to need something to work with. Unless you give them a few weeks of untouched growth, you won’t see their natural width and direction. Be patient.
2. Tidy up the surrounding areas. Once you’ve got a bit of growth, you can shave your cheeks and tidy around the ears. Just giving them a clean outline makes even messy sideburns look intentional.
3. Decide the length before you trim. Your ears form the boundary of your sideburns. You have three options: above the top, mid-ear, or below the lobe. Of course, a “proper” sideburn descends below the lobe into your chin — it’s the only option if you’ve got a beard.
4. Trim downward, not up. Always start at the temple and work your way down. Going up leads to angles and that weird “one side higher than the other” situation. 
5. Shape and blend the bottom edge. Now, it’s the finish. Do you go straight, square, gently rounded, or attempt to blend it into your beard? If you’ve got stubble or a beard, it’s best to lower your guard number as you reach the jawline. 

Sideburns for Different Face Shapes (and Haircuts)

Sideburns aren’t for everyone. Well, they are — but prominent sideburns are only for a few groups. As a rule, your sideburns should offset the worst aspects of your face. So, if you’ve got a square face, rounded, medium taper sideburns soften the jaw; similar to rectangular faces, although keep your sideburns slightly shorter here.

For round faces, long sideburns elongate the face, whereas for diamond or triangle faces, medium sideburns widen the face. Anyone with an oval face is in luck; pretty much anything goes.

Don’t base your haircut around your sideburns — it should always be the other way around. Generally, the longer your hair, the longer your sideburns. For shorter haircuts, avoid blocky shapes: go for short, tapered sideburns. Then, as your hair gets longer, your sideburns can as well.

Bring Your Sideburns Up to a Sorcerer Standard

Sideburns don’t get much glory, but when they’re neat, soft, and shaped properly, the whole face looks better.

If you want them to behave — whether you wear them short, tapered, or a bit longer — a good balm or oil goes a long way. Ours are simple, natural, and designed to keep the hair sitting where it should without turning stiff or shiny.

Have a look at the Beard Sorcery range and pick up what you need. A little maintenance goes a long way, and your sideburns will thank you for it.

Read Next:

• Mastering the Soul Patch Beard: A Professional Guide
• The 10 Best Beard No Mustache Styles