Sideburns have been an inherent attribute of the most masculine, rebellious and attractive characters throughout history, both fictional and real. Take, for example, Logan, a savage wolverine that was incredibly powerful and brutal, or Edward Cullen, the iconic obsession of several generations of girls and women all around the world. General officers and rock n’ roll stars also sported this facial accessory with success. Today, it’s one of the most notorious men trends to reemerge, and it’s definitely here to stay.

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Sideburns History

Originally, the sideburn hair was called burnsides, after General Ambrose Burnside. His merit as the general wasn’t outstanding, unlike his magnificent facial hair. Bushy strips of facial fur, going down the cheeks, connected the hair on the head with the full mustache. Plenty of officers sported beards and lengthy side-whiskers those days. Thus, the combination of Burnside’s mustache with side-whiskers was named Burnside whiskers, which eventually corrupted into side burns. Today, you don’t have to be a fictional character or a military serviceman to harness sideburns as they are highly adjustable to any hairstyle, from coiled-curly to spiky hair.

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Sideburns Today

Of course, we don’t say that you can wear Burnside’s side burns with any hairstyle you like. Nowadays, there are so many variations of the side-whiskers that you are expected to match them with the haircut you’re harnessing. For instance, Mutton Chops look balanced with the undercut, or side part or fade. Just don’t be afraid of experimenting.

Source: @nickthebarber via Instagram

Why Do You Need To Have Side Burns?

There are many reasons for having side burns, actually. First, they create a frame for your face, so it looks more manly and defined. Then they accentuate your jawline, thus making you instantly look slenderer. Also, they create the image of dense thatch, so unless you have thick Asian hair, they’re obligatory for you. Life with no sideburns is full of hardship, don’t you think?