Which type of haircut is characterized by very short sides and longer hair on top?

The undercut is a specific haircut that is defined by having very short hair on the sides and back while maintaining longer hair on the top. This style creates a distinct contrast between the lengths, emphasizing the longer hair on the top while the sides and back are clipped down to a much shorter length, often to the skin.

This type of haircut is popular because it allows for versatility in styling the longer top section, enabling various looks such as slicked back, tousled, or textured hairstyles. It is a contemporary choice, frequently seen in modern barbering and hairstyling trends.

In contrast, other hairstyles mentioned do not embody the same characteristics. For example, a buzz cut features uniformly short hair all over the head, lacking the length differentiation present in an undercut. A fade similarly involves shorter sides, but the transition blends into the length on the top rather than maintaining a stark contrast, which is a defining feature of the undercut. Lastly, a bob cut is typically a uniform length around the head, which also does not fit the description of having shorter sides and longer hair on the top.