Let’s be real for a second. If you have curls, you’ve probably spent at least one morning staring in the mirror, fighting the "triangle head" effect where your hair poofs out at the sides but stays flat on top. It’s frustrating. It's why shaved sides with curly hair has transitioned from a bold "alternative" look into a genuine hair hack for anyone dealing with high-density coils or waves. By removing the bulk from the temple and parietal ridge, you’re not just making a style statement; you’re literally re-engineering how your hair sits.
It works.
Think about the physics of it. When you have thick curls, the hair on the sides pushes against the hair on top. This creates width instead of height. By buzzing those sides down—whether it's a subtle taper or a high skin fade—you're removing the "scaffolding" that makes your hair look wider than it is long.
The actual science of the silhouette
Texture behaves differently when it’s isolated. Most people think a haircut is just about length, but with curls, it’s about weight distribution. Stylists like Mizani Global Artistic Director Tasha Turner often talk about the "internal shape" of a haircut. When you opt for shaved sides with curly hair, you are shifting the focal point of your face.
If you have a rounder face shape, the bulk on the sides usually emphasizes that width. Cutting it close to the scalp creates an immediate vertical line. This elongates the face. It's why the "curly mohawk" or the "frohawk" has remained a staple in Black hair culture for decades—it provides height and drama without the overwhelming maintenance of a full-head shape.
But there’s a catch.
You can't just go into a shop and ask for a "shaved side." Do you want a disconnected undercut? A burst fade? A temple taper? If you have a looser Type 2 wave, a shaved side might look a bit disconnected and "punk rock" because the hair lacks the structural integrity to stand up on its own. However, for Type 4 coils, the hair naturally defies gravity. This means you can get away with a much more aggressive shave on the sides while the top stays perfectly sculpted.
Why the "fade" matters more than the shave
The word "shaved" is a bit of a misnomer. Most people aren't taking a Bic razor to their scalp. Usually, we’re talking about a grade 0 or 1 on the clippers. The magic happens in the transition.
A "drop fade" is particularly popular for curly textures right now. It follows the natural curvature of the ear, dipping down toward the nape of the neck. This leaves more hair at the crown, which is where most curly-haired people have their best definition. Honestly, if your barber doesn’t know how to work with your specific curl pattern, a shaved side can look like a literal mistake. You want the transition from the skin to the bulk of the curls to be seamless, not a harsh shelf.
Dealing with the maintenance reality
Look, let's be honest about the upkeep. A full head of curls might only need a trim every three months. But shaved sides with curly hair? You’re looking at a barber visit every two to three weeks if you want to keep it looking crisp.
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Hair grows about half an inch a month. On a shaved side, that half-inch is the difference between "freshly groomed" and "fuzzy and unkempt." If you’re someone who hates the salon chair, this isn't the move for you.
On the flip side, your morning routine becomes incredibly fast.
- You use half the amount of product.
- Drying time is cut in half (literally).
- You only have to focus on defining the curls on the top of your head.
Styling the top usually involves a heavy-duty leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream. Since the sides are gone, you don't have to worry about the "crunchy" side-hair or flyaways near your ears. You can just focus on the "crown." Brands like SheaMoisture or Ouidad have specific lines for high-porosity hair that work wonders here because you can really load up the product on the top section without it looking greasy or weighed down.
Common misconceptions about the "Disconnected" look
People often think that shaving the sides means you're stuck with one look. That's just wrong. You can tie the top into a man-bun (if it’s long enough), let it flop over one side for an asymmetrical vibe, or pick it out into a voluminous cloud.
The "undercut" variation is a great middle ground. This is where the sides and back are shaved, but the long hair on top falls over them. From the front, it looks like a standard curly cut. But when you move or tie your hair up, the shaved detail is revealed. It’s a "business in the front, party underneath" situation that works surprisingly well in professional environments.
The scalp health factor
We need to talk about scalp exposure. When you shave the sides, skin that has been protected by hair for years is suddenly hitting the air and the sun.
Sunburn on the scalp is real, and it’s painful. If you’re going for a high fade or a total shave on the sides, you need to apply SPF to your scalp. Also, dandruff becomes much more visible. Using a scalp scrub or a salicylic acid treatment can help keep the shaved area clear of flakes, which otherwise stand out against the short hair.
Real-world inspiration: Who’s doing it right?
You see this everywhere in entertainment because it’s so photogenic. Think of stars like Lupita Nyong'o, who has mastered the architectural side-shave, or Odell Beckham Jr., whose high-tapered curls became a global trend. These aren't just haircuts; they are ways to manage the sheer volume of textured hair while keeping a sharp, intentional silhouette.
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Even in the world of professional sports, the "burst fade" with curls is the dominant look. Why? Because it keeps the hair out of the eyes and off the neck while letting the natural texture shine on top. It’s functional.
Practical steps for your first time
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on shaved sides with curly hair, don't just walk into a random shop.
- Find a texture specialist. Not every barber is comfortable with curls. Look for portfolios that show "crossover" work—people who can do both sharp clipper fades and hand-sculpted curl cutting.
- Determine your "fade line." Do you want the shave to stop at your temples? Or do you want it to wrap all the way around the back? If you have a flat occipital bone (the back of your head), you might want to keep some hair back there to create a better profile.
- Invest in a "refresh" spray. Since you’ll be focusing all your styling energy on the top, you need a way to wake those curls up on day two or three. A simple water-and-conditioner mix in a spray bottle usually does the trick.
- Buy a silk pillowcase. Seriously. With shaved sides, the long hair on top is more prone to leaning in one direction. A silk or satin pillowcase prevents the "matted" look on one side that happens when you sleep on cotton.
- Be ready for the grow-out phase. If you ever decide to go back to a full head of hair, the "in-between" stage where the sides are 2 inches long and the top is 6 inches long is awkward. You’ll need a lot of hats or a very patient stylist to blend it back together.
At the end of the day, this style is about control. It’s about taking a hair type that often feels like it has a mind of its own and giving it a definitive, clean border. It’s bold, sure, but it’s also one of the most practical ways to wear curls in a modern way.