How can you tell if sideburns are even?

To check if sideburns are even, use the finger test: facing a mirror, put each index finger below the cut line of your sideburns to spot unevenness quickly. If there is a discrepancy between your finger heights, you'll need to level up.

How should men wear sideburns?

You can style or shave your sideburns as you wish. If you keep them, generally it's best to trim them so that they don't appear any lower than the mid-point of your ear.

What is the purpose of sideburns?

As with all hair, sideburns trap heat and keep you warm. In modern beard styling the point of sideburns is to give your face a frame and bridge the gap between your crowning hair and the lower half of your facial hair.

How to Trim Sideburns Properly for a Polished Look

Whether you style, shave, or fade your sideburns – learning how to care for and cut this facial hair is a useful skill when it comes to smartening up your look. In this guide we explain the types of sideburns, how to style sideburns, and how to maintain the look.

Importance of styling sideburns

If you want to balance out your facial features and frame them in the most attractive way possible, styling your sideburns should be a priority when it comes to personal grooming. A well-styled sideburn, whatever the length, can square off your jawline, enhance your hairline and minimise or maximise your cheeks.

Types of Sideburns

Classic

Classic sideburns stop at the mid-point of your ear and are trimmed to look full, neat and tidy.

Young man with dark messy hair and green eyes wearing a white shirt, looking intensely at the camera against a light gray background

Short

Short sideburns stop a little higher up than the mid-point of your ear.

Smiling young man with dark hair styled upward, short stubble beard, wearing a white t-shirt, touching his cheek

Long

Long sideburns extend below the midpoint of your ear.

Young man with dark spiky hair and short stubble beard wearing a white shirt, photographed against a light gray background

Tapered

Tapered sideburns are trimmed from a full volume gradient to a low volume gradient, when the sideburn gradually tapers off into a skin fade.

Man with undercut fade hairstyle, slicked-back top, full reddish-brown beard, wearing white shirt and suspenders, side profile view

Connected

Connected sideburns are grown all the way down to your jawline where they connect with your beard and/or moustache.

Young Black man with natural afro hairstyle and beard, eyes closed, wearing a blue t-shirt, photographed against a light background

Choosing the Right Length for Sideburns

Except for those with a bald look, sideburns suit everyone. Choosing a natural design that suits your face shape is important. For a square face, a longer sideburn can work quite nicely in narrowing your jawline for a more chiselled look.

Long sideburns work well on men with round faces too, as they can help you appear more angular and help to define facial features.

If you have an oval, oblong, or diamond shaped face, sticking to mid-point sideburns is ideal. Use the finger test in the mirror, holding one index finger beneath each sideburn to see if they are even or need levelling up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Sideburns

1. Start by washing and drying your facial hair, then brushing it in preparation for the fade or shave.

2. Trim longer hairs with your beard trimmer on its longest setting to tame the overall appearance of your sideburns and create shape. The width of the sideburns is up to personal preference. However, a good starting point is to have sideburns that are roughly the same width as your ear and taper gradually towards the bottom. This creates a natural and balanced look.

Man with brown stubble beard trimming his neck with a black electric beard trimmer featuring a silver dial

3. Clip hair with your trimmer on its second shortest setting towards your sideburns. For a fade, use the shortest setting at an angle to create a gradual skin fade gradient. The Braun Precision Trimmer can be a great choice. This versatile trimmer has different length settings and can be used to create various styles.

4. Repeat the process until your sideburns are styled as desired.

Man trimming his brown beard with a black electric beard trimmer featuring a dial length adjuster

How to Maintain Sideburns

Trimming your sideburns with short clippers every 3 - 5 days is the best way to keep them sharp, but it's best to adjust the timing to your own facial hair growth rate.
Don't leave the upkeep too long.
Wash your facial hair as part of your beard care routine for a sleek look.
Apply a beard oil or balm to condition hair or skin once you're finished.
Brush or comb your facial hair to keep it tidy and knot-free.

How to Trim & Style Sideburns: Step by Step Guide