Side-Swept Men's Haircut with Volume on Top: Drew's Cut
Drew's side sweep: volume where it counts
Golden blond hair lifted at the front and swept to one side in a single smooth wave, with the sides cut short and clean around the ear. Drew's cut keeps the volume on top, where it counts.
It's a shape that suits men who want a polished look without long sides to manage. The top does all the work, so the cut on top has to be exact.
Below, Sergio Slavnov explains how the cut was built, why it follows Drew's natural part, and how to style a side sweep with foam at home.
The cut: long top, tapered sides, lifted crown
This is a scissor cut men's haircut and a layered men's haircut with a clean line and natural movement through the top.
- Top and front: length kept. Sergio Slavnov left the length through the top and front long enough to roll up and over to one side.
- Sides: tapered close. The sides were cut short and clean around the ear, so the shape stays tidy and the top does the talking.
- Crown: layered for lift. Layers through the crown lift the roots and let the front fall into a soft side sweep instead of lying flat.
The contrast between the short sides and the fuller top is what makes the volume look intentional.
Cutting with the natural part
Every head of hair has a direction it wants to fall. Cut against it, and the sweep fights you every morning. Cut with it, and the hair moves into place almost by itself.
Drew's cut was built around where his hair naturally wants to part. To find yours, comb damp hair straight back and push it forward gently with your palm. The line where it splits is your natural part, and that's the side your sweep should go to.
If a cowlick at the front pushes the hair the other way, tell your men's hairstylist. Leaving a little more length there gives the hair enough weight to lie down.
How to style a side sweep with Sculpting Foam
Avenue Man Sculpting Foam sets the shape. It adds body and hold at the roots, keeps the sweep in place and leaves a soft, natural finish, not a stiff or shiny one.
- Start with damp hair. Towel-dry until it feels damp, not wet.
- Apply foam to the top only. A small handful is enough. Work it into the roots at the front and crown. The short sides need little or nothing.
- Lift the front first. Blow-dry the front up and away from the forehead, using your fingers or a round brush under the roots.
- Sweep it over. Once the roots stand, direct the hair back and to the side of your natural part, on medium heat.
- Set with cool air. A few seconds of cool air locks the sweep in place.
It is one of the best men's hair products for men's medium length hair on top that needs shape and lift for a side-swept style.
Comb finish or finger finish?
The same cut can look sharp or relaxed, depending on how you finish it.
- Comb finish: comb the top back and to the side while drying. The sweep looks smooth and polished. Good for work, events and photos.
- Finger finish: rake it into place with your fingers. The top keeps more texture and looks lived-in. Good for weekends.
In the photo, Drew's sweep sits between the two: one smooth wave on top, with soft texture at the ends.
Side sweep or side part?
They sound alike, but they're different men's haircuts.
| Side sweep (Drew) | Side part | |
|---|---|---|
| Line | No visible part, the hair rolls over | A clear parting line |
| Look | Soft, modern, relaxed | Sharper, more classic |
| Sides | Short and tapered | Can be short or longer |
| Styling | Foam, blow-dry or fingers | Comb, often with more hold |
If you like the clean structure of a side part with more volume, see Daniel's side part haircut with volume.
Upkeep and growing it out
To keep this exact shape, plan a trim once every 2 months. The top keeps its length, and the sides are tidied around the ear.
The cut is also easy to grow out. Skip a few trims on the sides and let them catch up with the top, and it becomes men's medium length hair with a natural side sweep. Tell your stylist before you start, so the sides are shaped as they grow instead of cut back.
Frequently asked questions
What do I ask for to get this haircut?
A side-swept cut with length on top and at the front, short tapered sides around the ear, and layers at the crown for lift. Bring this photo.
How long does the top need to be?
Long enough that the front reaches about the eyebrows when combed forward. That gives it enough length to roll over.
Why does my side sweep fall flat by noon?
Usually the roots weren't lifted while drying, or there's too much weight on top. Foam at the roots, a lift-first blow-dry and crown layers fix it.
Foam or mousse: what's the difference?
Both add body. Sculpting Foam gives a bit more shape and control for a set sweep. Volume Lift Styling Mousse is about maximum lift at the crown.
How much does this haircut cost with Sergio Slavnov?
A men's haircut with Sergio Slavnov is $250.
Volume on top, clean on the sides
A side sweep like this is a creative men's haircut and a clear men's hair transformation. It's the kind of clean, modern shape Sergio Slavnov's private men's hair studio builds for clients who want volume on top without extra length on the sides. Easy to style, and easy to grow out.
More looks like this are on Instagram at @avenue.man, and you can watch the full process on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@bestmenshaircutsandstyling.
Sculpting Foam is at avenueman.com.
Looking for the best men's hairstylist for a side-swept cut? Book your cut with Sergio Slavnov