What hairstyle is characterized by longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides?

The hairstyle characterized by longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides is known as the undercut. This style creates a stark contrast between the longer, styled top and the much shorter sides, which can be clipped down to the skin or left a bit longer depending on the specific approach to the undercut. This design allows for various styling options on the longer top, while maintaining a clean and sharp appearance on the sides.

In contrast, a fade gradually shortens the hair from the top to the bottom, blending the longer hair into the shorter lengths rather than having a distinct separation. The pompadour also features longer hair at the front, but it is typically styled back and up, rather than being cut short on the sides. A buzz cut consists of hair that is cut very short all over, leaving no significant length differences between areas of the scalp.