Sideburns – 3 Tips for Trimming, Care & Styling

Sideburns - A Timeless Classic with Modern Interpretations

What do Wolverine, Elvis, and Kaiser Wilhelm I have in common? That's right. Their preference for the absolute eccentric among beard styles: sideburns. Some find them antiquated, others consider them timeless and incredibly elegant. As with all beard styles, 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 you should avoid.

What to expect:

Discover Different Sideburn Variations 3 Steps to Perfect Sideburn Style 3 Mistakes You Should Avoid FAQ

Sideburns – A Timeless Beard Style in Various Forms

In the world of fashion, trends come and go – but sideburns have enjoyed lasting popularity for many years. This striking facial hair has not only made history but has also celebrated an absolute comeback in recent years. Sideburns, also known as "Burnsides" in English, are a special form of facial hair that has adorned male faces for centuries. Essentially, they are elongated, triangular, or narrow strips of facial hair that run from the front of the ears along the cheeks and lower jaw.

But sideburns are not all the same: This beard style not only looks back on a considerable 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 considered to be those where the hair extends a maximum of halfway down the ear. This style is perfect if you want to ease into it or if you don't usually wear facial hair. Here, too, your creativity knows no bounds: whether tapered, angled, or wide is up to you. This style is particularly suitable for men with narrow foreheads and a relatively wide chin.

Medium-Length Sideburns

This form of sideburns should extend a maximum of to the earlobes. These sideburns are particularly suitable for angular and sharp as well as round face shapes. Make sure that the sideburns are not too thick, otherwise they will quickly compete with your facial contours. As a small guide, the width of your index finger can serve.

Long Sideburns

Long sideburns make a statement and look particularly masculine. Of course, sufficient beard growth is a prerequisite. Whether narrow or a bit wider, you can decide according to your own taste. This style visually frames your face and elongates it – the perfect choice for broad, round, and square face shapes.

Classic Sideburns

Do you fancy sideburns aaaall the way or want an extravagant, masculine look? This is the way to go. Classic sideburns are especially suitable if you want to emphasize your cheekbones and simultaneously accentuate your chin. They run from the hairline over the cheeks to the jaw. This shape is very long and widens downwards towards the corners of the mouth. This shape visually elongates your face - the perfect choice for round and square face shapes.

The Perfect Sideburns in 3 Steps: How to Trim, Care for, and Style Sideburns Correctly

Before you can properly shape your sideburns, you should let your beard grow for a few days. Have you found the perfect sideburn variation for your face shape? Perfect. Then you can start trimming and shaving. While sideburns were previously worn as long and ideally curly as possible, today you should definitely get a good beard trimmer and a razor or safety razor to create a consistent and well-groomed look.

1. Clean Trimming

Start with washed and dried facial hair for optimal trimming results. 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 facial hair: long and bushy, medium-length, or very short. Unsure? Then approach it slowly and trim until you feel comfortable. As a guideline: sideburns with a classic 3-day beard length of 0.5-2.5mm look particularly well-groomed.

2. Precise Contours

For a well-groomed look, one thing is particularly important: precise contours! Use either a beard trimmer, a straight razor, or a safety razor to define sharp contours. If you're wet shaving the contours, a shaving oil is particularly suitable. Follow the natural line of your cheekbones and jawline.

3. Proper Care and Styling

Care for your sideburns with a high-quality beard oil or cream. These products help keep the hair supple, add shine, and prevent the skin underneath from drying out. Apply the beard oil to the sideburns and gently massage it in to nourish the hair. A beard cream can be used to provide additional moisture and keep the sideburns in shape. Depending on the length of the sideburns, you can also use some beard wax to style them.

3 Mistakes to 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 be coordinated. First, you should naturally consider your face shape to choose a beard style that best accentuates or balances it. The secret to a really good sideburn look? Don't just match your sideburns to your beard, but also to your hairstyle. If you wear your hair neatly, you should opt for short and less prominent sideburns. If you wear your hair long, have a lot of volume, or even curls, you can go for a bit more. Another tip: Your sideburns should never be longer than your beard hair. Trust us on this.

Mistake 3: Lack of or incorrect care

Lack of care can lead to dryness, frizz, and unclean contours, making you appear unkempt. Additionally, skin irritations and itching can occur. Without regular trimming, sideburns lose their shape and definition, while a lack of smoothness and shine ruins the entire look.

FAQ

Where does the name "Koteletten" (sideburns) come from?

The name "Koteletten" for this beard style originates from the French word "côtelette", which translates to "small bone". This term refers to the shape of sideburns, which are elongated and triangular, resembling bone structure. The use of the term "Koteletten" for facial hair emerged in the 19th century and became popular over time. Another name for this form of facial hair is 'Burnsides' (especially in English-speaking countries), which in turn refers to Ambrose Burnside, an American general during the 19th-century Civil War, known for his distinctive, bushy facial hair on his cheeks.

Should you trim sideburns?

The decision to cut or trim sideburns depends on your individual preferences, desired style, and preferences. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the desired shape and length of the sideburns and to ensure a well-groomed look. The timing of trimming depends on personal hair growth speed, but many men choose a rhythm of 1 to 2 times per week to keep contours clean. Proper trimming prevents sideburns from growing uncontrollably 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.