Sideburns – 3 tips for trimming, caring & styling
Sideburns - A timeless classic with modern interpretations
What do Wolverine, Elvis, and Kaiser Wilhelm I have in common? Right. Their preference for the most eccentric beard style: sideburns. Some find them antiquated, others consider them timeless and incredibly elegant. As with all beard styles , the rule is: whatever you like and suits you is a good style. In this article, you'll learn how to find the perfect sideburn style for you and your face shape, how to properly trim and care for sideburns, and which mistakes to avoid.

Sideburns – A timeless beard style in various variations
In the world of fashion, trends come and go – but sideburns have enjoyed enduring popularity for many years. This distinctive facial hair has not only made history but has also enjoyed a major comeback in recent years. Sideburns, also known as "burnsides," are a special type of facial hair that has adorned men's faces for centuries. Essentially, they are elongated, triangular, or narrow strips of facial hair that run in front of the ears, along the cheeks, and along the lower jaw.

But not all sideburns are created equal: This beard style not only boasts a distinguished history dating back to the early 19th century, but is also incredibly versatile. From classic sideburns to modern interpretations, the world of sideburns is as diverse as the men who wear them:
Short sideburns
Elegant and modern: Short sideburns are defined as hair that reaches no more than mid-ear. This style is perfect if you're just getting started or don't usually have facial hair. Here, too, your creativity is unlimited: tapered, angled, or wide, you decide. This style is particularly well-suited for men with a narrow forehead and a relatively broad chin.

Medium-length sideburns
This style of sideburns should reach no more than the earlobes. These sideburns are particularly well-suited for square and angular, as well as round, face shapes. Make sure the sideburns aren't too thick, otherwise they'll quickly compete with your facial contours. The width of your index finger can serve as a guideline.

Long sideburns
Long sideburns make a statement and look particularly masculine. Of course, sufficient beard growth is a prerequisite. Whether narrow or slightly wider, you can choose according to your own taste. This style visually frames and lengthens your face—the perfect choice for wide, round, and square face shapes.

Classic sideburns
Do you fancy sideburns all the way or are you looking for an extravagant, masculine look? This is the way to go. Classic sideburns are especially suitable if you want to emphasize your cheekbones and also underline your chin. They run from the hairline across the cheeks to the jawline. This shape is very long and widens towards the corners of the mouth. This shape visually lengthens your face – the perfect choice for round and square face shapes.

The perfect sideburns in 3 steps: trim, care for and style sideburns correctly
Before you can properly shape your sideburns, you should give your beard a few days to grow. Have you found the perfect sideburn style for your face shape? Perfect. Now you can start trimming and shaving. While in the past, sideburns were worn as long as possible and ideally curly, today you should definitely get a good beard trimmer and a razor or safety razor to create a uniform and well-groomed look.

1. Clean trimming
For best trimming results, start with washed and dried facial hair. Clean hair allows the beard trimmer to cut evenly without being hindered by dirt or styling products. You should also definitely consider how long you want to wear your beard: long and bushy, medium-length, or very short. Unsure? Then work your way up slowly and trim until you feel comfortable. As a guideline: Sideburns with a classic 3-day beard length of 0.5-2.5mm look the best.
2. Precise contours
For a well-groomed look, one thing is especially important: precise contours! Use either a beard trimmer , a straight razor, or a safety razor to define sharp contours. If you're shaving wet, shaving oil is particularly effective. Follow the natural line of your cheekbones and lower jaw.
3. Proper care and styling
Care for your sideburns with a high-quality beard oil or cream . These products help keep the hair soft, add shine, and prevent the skin underneath from drying out. Apply the beard oil to your sideburns and massage it in gently to condition the hair. A beard cream can be used for extra moisture and to keep the sideburns in shape. Depending on the length of your sideburns, you can also use some beard wax to shape them.
3 mistakes you should avoid with sideburns
Mistake 1: Your sideburns are not symmetrical.
Symmetry is crucial for an aesthetic look. Make sure your sideburns are even on both sides of your face. Use clean lines and create precise contours to achieve a perfect look.
Mistake 2: Your sideburns don't match your hairstyle or beard.
Is it a match? For a harmonious and stylish look, your hair, beard, and sideburns should all be coordinated. First of all, you should obviously take your face shape into account to choose a beard style that optimally emphasizes or balances it out. The secret to a really good sideburn look? Match your sideburns not only to your beard, but also to your hairstyle . If you wear your hair neatly, you should opt for short, less noticeable sideburns. If your hair is long, has a lot of volume, or is even curly, you can go for a little longer. Another tip: your sideburns should never be longer than your beard. Trust us on this.

Mistake 3: Lack of or incorrect care
Lack of proper care can lead to dryness, frizz, and uneven contours, making you look unkempt. Skin irritation and itchiness can also occur. Without regular trimming, sideburns lose their shape and definition, while a lack of smoothness and shine ruins the overall look.
FAQ
Where does the name sideburns come from?
The name "sideburns" for this beard style originates from the French word "côtelette," which translates to "little bone." This term refers to the shape of the sideburns, which are elongated and triangular, reminiscent of bone structure. The use of the term "sideburns" for facial hair originated in the 19th century and became popular over time. Another name for this style of facial hair is 'Burnsides' (especially in English-speaking countries), which in turn derives from Ambrose Burnside, a 19th-century U.S. general during the Civil War, who was known for his distinctive, bushy facial hair on his cheeks.
Should you trim sideburns?
The decision to trim or cut sideburns depends on your individual preferences, desired style, and other factors. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the desired shape and length of the sideburns and ensure a well-groomed look. The timing of trimming depends on your personal hair growth rate, but many men choose a rhythm of 1 to 2 times per week to keep the contours clean. Proper trimming prevents sideburns from growing out of control and promotes a neat, professional beard style. When it comes to sideburn care, it's important to consider individual preferences and the desired beard style.
Discover more beard care articles in our Academy
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