NYC HAIR GUIDE
A Guide to Down Perms and Cuts for Hair That Sticks Out on the Sides
Understand your options for controlling unruly side hair, from chemical services to precision haircuts, with NYC salon examples.
Every image you see is a bookable style. Click any photo to view details and book an appointment with a stylist.
If the hair on the sides of your head grows outwards instead of down, you have two main paths to a sleeker silhouette: a chemical service like a down perm, or a strategic haircut. A down perm chemically relaxes the hair to make it lie flat, while haircuts with fades or tapers physically remove bulk. The right choice depends on your desired hair length on the sides and your commitment to either chemical upkeep or more frequent trims.
High-Contrast Styles: Texture on Top, Flat on the Sides
These looks pair voluminous or textured tops with sides that are kept very short or are chemically flattened for a sharp, modern shape.
This approach creates a strong silhouette by contrasting a full, often permed, top with sides that are pressed down or faded close to the scalp. Some looks achieve this with a down perm on the sides, which relaxes the hair to redirect its growth pattern. Others rely on a sharp fade or undercut from a haircut. Discuss with your stylist whether a chemical service or just the cut is needed to get the sides to lie this flat.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- To get my sides this flat, would you recommend a down perm, a specific type of fade, or both?
Best For:
- • Creating a defined, angular shape and highlighting texture on top.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
A down perm will grow out, requiring touch-ups. Fades need frequent trims to stay sharp. Ask your stylist about the grow-out process for your specific hair.
Tapered Cuts for a Blended, Natural Shape
For a softer look, a tapered cut gradually shortens the hair on the sides and back, following the natural shape of the head.
Unlike a high-contrast fade, a taper provides a more subtle and blended way to control sides that stick out. The hair is gradually cut shorter from the top to the neckline, which helps it lay closer to the head without a stark line. This technique works well for a wide range of styles, from wavy crops to softer looks, and avoids the need for chemical processing on the sides.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- How short would the taper need to be to control my side hair, and what will the grow-out look like?
Best For:
- • Softer, more classic silhouettes and avoiding chemical services on the sides.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Tapered cuts generally require regular trims every few weeks to maintain their shape and prevent the sides from puffing out as they grow.
Longer Styles That Still Control the Sides
Even with longer styles like mullets or wolf cuts, managing the hair above the ears is key to a polished shape.
Maintaining length in the back or on top doesn't mean you have to let the sides grow wild. Modern mullets, shags, and wolf cuts often incorporate shorter, tapered, or even shaved sides to create a deliberate shape and prevent a bulky, triangular silhouette. This allows for the dramatic effect of a longer style while keeping the profile clean and controlled.
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
- I like the length of this style, but my sides stick out. How can we adapt the cut to control that area?
Best For:
- • Achieving a trendy, longer hairstyle without unwanted volume on the sides.
NYC Price Range:
Ask the salon for a current quote
Maintenance:
Depends on the style. Shaved sides require very frequent upkeep, while tapers can be maintained with regular haircut appointments. Discuss the specific needs with your stylist.
Consultation Tips
Bring photos of what you don't want.
Showing your stylist haircuts where the sides look too puffy or triangular can be just as helpful as showing your goal photos. It clarifies the specific problem you're trying to solve.
Talk about your daily routine.
Be honest about how much time you're willing to spend styling. A down perm might reduce daily styling time, while a precision cut might require specific products or blow-drying to look its best.
Before You Book
Assess your side hair length.
Decide how much length you want to keep on the sides. A down perm works on hair that has some length, while a fade or taper involves cutting it shorter. This is a key first decision.
Compare relevant portfolio photos.
Look for reference photos on Kiri with a starting hair texture and growth pattern similar to yours. In your consultation, explain how you want to adapt that look to control your sides.
Compare portfolio photos and discuss your goals with a stylist.