The Ultimate Sideburns Guide for Men (2025 Styles, Grooming & Trends)

Sideburns never really go out of style—they just keep evolving. From the bold mutton chops of the ’70s to the sharp tapered sideburns you see in 2025 barbershops, this little strip of hair can completely change the way your face looks.

Whether you’re rocking a beard, keeping it clean-shaven, or just experimenting with short stubble, the right sideburns can balance your features and give your style some serious personality.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best sideburn styles for men, how to maintain them, and which trends are making a comeback this year.

Why Sideburns Matter

• They frame your face and affect how long or wide it appears.

• They can make a beard look intentional instead of patchy.

• They give clean-shaven styles more character.

• They’re one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to switch up your look.

Even if you think of them as small details, sideburns are like the punctuation mark of your haircut and beard combo.

Popular Sideburn Styles in 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the top sideburn styles you’ll see this year.

1. Classic Sideburns

• Timeless, medium-length, straight down.

• Works with almost any haircut.

• Great for men who want balance without making a loud statement.

2. Tapered Sideburns

• Starts thick at the top and thins as it goes down.

• Clean, modern look—especially good with fades and short haircuts.

• Perfect for professionals who want sharp lines without going too bold.

3. Mutton Chop Sideburns

• Wide, full sideburns that flare out.

• A throwback to the ’70s—think Elvis, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and classic rock icons.

• Pairs well with thicker beards or bold personalities.

4. Shaved Sideburns

• Some men opt for little-to-no sideburn at all.

• Popular with high fades and bald cuts.

• Clean and minimalist—makes your haircut stand out.

5. Long Sideburns

• Drop down past the ear, sometimes connecting with stubble or a goatee.

• Creates a vintage, retro vibe.

• Best if you’ve got thicker facial hair growth.

6. Sideburns with a Beard

• Blending sideburns into your beard is one of the most natural looks.

 

• The connection needs to be seamless for a polished finish.

 

• Keep the lines sharp with a trimmer and use beard oil to keep things healthy.

 

 

Grooming & Maintenance Tips

Keeping your sideburns sharp doesn’t take much effort, but there are some rules to follow:

1. Trim Regularly – Even if you’re growing them long, clean the edges weekly.

2. Match Your Haircut – Don’t let your sideburns live in a different era than your hairstyle.

3. Fade into Beard (if applicable) – If you’ve got a beard, taper sideburns into it.

4. Use the Right Tools – A quality trimmer with adjustable guards is your best friend.

5. Condition & Moisturize – Treat sideburns like part of your beard. A few drops of beard oil (like our Viking Beard Oil) keep them soft and itch-free.

Sideburns by Face Shape

Just like beard and haircut choices, your face shape affects which sideburns look best.

• Round Faces → Longer, tapered sideburns help elongate.

• Square Faces → Keep them mid-length with sharp angles.

• Oval Faces → Almost any style works.

• Oblong Faces → Avoid very long sideburns; stick to shorter, balanced cuts.

Trends: What’s Coming Back in 2025

• 70s sideburns are trending again with retro fashion.

• Mutton chops are niche but gaining attention on TikTok and Instagram.

• Tapered blends remain the most popular barber request.

• Minimal sideburns paired with fades are a go-to for younger men.

  Sideburns with a Beard

  When it comes to sideburns, it’s not just about the hair by your ears—it’s about how they flow into your beard. That transition can be the difference between looking 🔥 sharp and intentional, or a little patchy and unfinished.

  So why does the connection matter?

  • ✂️ A clean, sharp transition makes your beard look professional.

  • 🌊 A blended sideburn gives that smooth “flow” from haircut to beard.

  • 🚫 A disconnected style (shaved sideburns) can work, but if it’s not deliberate, it might look like your beard is floating.

  Popular Ways to Wear Them

  • Tapered Blend → The barber fades your sideburn gradually into the beard so there’s no hard line. Works best with fades, undercuts, or short hairstyles.

  • Full Connection → Keep sideburns just as thick as the beard for a bold, rugged look. Great if you’ve got strong growth, but needs regular trimming so it doesn’t go wild.

  • Disconnected Style → Shave the sideburn off and let the beard start lower. Creates an edgy, modern look. ⚡ Best for longer face shapes since it shortens the face visually.

  Grooming Tips

  • 🪒 Line up weekly—even if you’re growing it out, keep the edges clean.

  • 💧 Use beard oil on sideburns too (try our Viking Beard Oil) to keep them soft and itch-free.

  • 🪮 Comb daily so hairs train downward instead of sticking out sideways.

  • 🎯 Keep lengths balanced—sideburns way shorter or longer than your beard can look uneven.

  Mistakes to Avoid

  • Patchy blending (sometimes shorter is cleaner).

  • Over-trimming (thin sideburns can make the beard look disconnected).

  • Asymmetry (one side higher or thicker than the other 👀).

  👉 If you want the pro look, ask your barber for a fade into the beard. At home, keep it fresh with Viking Foaming Beard Wash 🍁 and a few drops of beard oil for that soft, healthy finish.

Sideburns on Women

While sideburns are most often talked about for men, many women also deal with sideburn hair due to genetics, hormones, or natural growth patterns. For some, it’s just light peach fuzz, while for others it can be darker or thicker.

Options for managing sideburns as a woman include:

• Threading or trimming for lighter growth.

• Waxing or laser treatments for longer-term results.

• Styling or shaping if they prefer to keep them as part of their look.

It’s not just about removal—some women embrace their sideburns and make them part of their personal style.

Celebrity Sideburn Inspiration

Sometimes the best way to figure out what works for you is by looking at iconic examples:

• Elvis Presley – His thick, sweeping 70s sideburns were legendary and helped define rock ‘n’ roll style.

• Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) – His rugged mutton chop sideburns brought back an old-school look in a modern way.

• David Beckham – Known for sharp, tapered sideburns that blend seamlessly into clean fades.

• John Travolta (Grease era) – A perfect example of retro long sideburns paired with slicked-back hair.

Celebrities prove that sideburns can be bold, subtle, or refined depending on how you wear them.

Trends for 2025

Sideburns have made a surprising comeback in men’s grooming this year. Here’s what’s hot right now:

• Retro styles like 70s sideburns are back in fashion.

• Mutton chops are showing up on TikTok and Instagram with a cult following.

• Tapered blends remain the most popular request in barbershops.

• Minimalist sideburns paired with fades are especially trendy among younger men.

The bottom line: whatever your look, there’s a sideburn style that fits.

FAQs About Sideburns

Q: How long should sideburns be?
A: A safe rule is to stop mid-ear, but experiment with your haircut and face shape.

Q: Can sideburns make my face look slimmer?
A: Yes—longer, tapered sideburns can elongate round faces.

Q: Do women like sideburns?
A: Style preference varies, but clean, intentional sideburns always look better than patchy or neglected ones.

Q: How do I grow thicker sideburns?
A: Genetics play a big role, but regular grooming, good nutrition, and using beard oils/conditioners can maximize growth.

Final Thoughts

Sideburns might seem like a small detail, but they play a huge role in your overall look. Whether you’re going for classic, tapered, mutton chops, or a clean-shaven fade, the right sideburns can transform your style.

Experiment with length and thickness, match them to your haircut and beard, and don’t forget to maintain them with proper grooming tools and products.

👉 Pro tip: Keep a bottle of Viking Beard Oil or our Foaming Beard Wash on hand—it works just as well for sideburns as it does for your beard.