What Is a Side Part Hairstyle?
The side part is exactly what it sounds like — a hairstyle where the hair is divided by a part on one side of the head, with the larger section combed across the top and the smaller section combed neatly to the side. The part can be placed anywhere from just above the temple to closer to the center, depending on your hair's natural growth pattern and the look you want.
This style has been a staple of men's grooming since the early 1900s and has never truly gone out of fashion. It's been worn by presidents, movie stars, business leaders, and everyday men for generations. The beauty lies in its simplicity — a natural, logical way to organize your hair that creates a clean, balanced appearance with almost no effort.
Who Should Get a Side Part?
The short answer: almost everyone. The side part is one of the most universally flattering hairstyles because you can adjust placement and proportions to suit any features:
- Round faces — a side part creates asymmetry that adds angles and makes the face appear longer
- Square faces — the soft lines complement and balance strong angular features
- Oval faces — the ideal shape for a side part, it looks effortlessly natural
- Heart-shaped faces — a deeper side part adds visual width at the jaw level
It works with straight, wavy, and curly hair. Straight hair gives the sharpest look, wavy adds natural volume, and curly hair pulls it off with the right length and product.
How to Style a Side Part
Start by finding your natural part — push your hair forward and let it fall. Where it naturally splits is your ideal parting line. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a clean line from front to back along this division.
For a classic look, apply medium-hold pomade or cream to damp hair. Comb the larger section across the top and slightly back, then comb the smaller section flat. For a modern, relaxed take, use matte paste and finger-style for a less rigid finish. Blow-drying while combing sets the style with better hold — direct the dryer in the direction you're combing to train the hair to stay in position all day.
What to Tell Your Barber
When requesting a side part, specify these elements:
- Top length — typically 2 to 4 inches for a classic side part, longer for a more dramatic look
- Part placement — ask your barber to find your natural part, or specify left or right
- Side treatment — tapered, faded, or scissor-cut, usually #2 to #3 guard or shorter
- Whether you want a hard part (shaved line) or natural part
- Back and neckline — tapered for classic, faded for modern
A good barber will cut the hair to support the part, layering the top so it lies flat when combed across and blending the transition seamlessly.
Maintenance and Upkeep
A side part needs trimming every 3 to 5 weeks. The sides grow out faster, so focus on keeping those clean. The top can go longer between trims since extra length just adds to the style. Daily styling takes 3-5 minutes with a medium-hold product — pomade for shine, paste for matte, cream for natural. Carry a comb for midday touch-ups. Wash every other day and condition regularly.
Side Part Variations
The side part is incredibly versatile. A classic side part keeps things clean with medium length and a natural part. The hard part variation adds a razor-shaved line for bold definition. A side part with a fade modernizes the look with a skin or low fade on the sides. The textured side part skips the slicked finish for casual, piece-y texture on top. For formal occasions, a deep side part with high-shine pomade creates old-Hollywood glamour that turns heads at any black-tie event.