HairIsEverything
Side Part

Side Part

The gentleman's classic. A defined part line with hair swept to one side, offering timeless elegance that transitions seamlessly from boardroom to wedding.

Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Low
Face shapes:OvalSquareRoundDiamondHeartOblong
Hair types:StraightWavyThickFine

How Side Part looks from different angles

Front angle showing the clean part line and how the top sweeps to one side.
Wavy hair variant where natural texture adds body to the swept top.
Side view revealing the taper and how the top flows away from the part.
Office-ready finish — matte clay keeps the part defined all day.
Three-quarter angle showing the volume on the swept side and clean blend.
Casual version — less product lets the natural texture show through.
Pomade finish — the side part's classic formal look.
Week-four grow-out — the part softens but the swept shape remains.

TL;DR

  • Best for: Literally everyone—the most universally flattering men's haircut
  • Avoid if: You want a trendy, statement-making look (this is classic, not edgy)
  • Ask your barber: "Classic side part, [left/right], 2–4 inches on top, [fade/taper] on sides"
  • Maintenance: Trim every 3–4 weeks

Who Does It Suit?

The side part is the Switzerland of haircuts—it works everywhere, offends no one, and flatters almost every face shape.

Ideal for:

  • Every profession from CEO to creative
  • All ages from 18 to 80
  • Job interviews, weddings, funerals, Tuesdays
  • Men who want reliability over experimentation
  • Anyone unsure what haircut to get

Hair types:

  • Straight: Shows the cleanest part line
  • Wavy: Adds natural texture and volume
  • Thick: Creates a full, substantial look
  • Fine: Part line helps create illusion of fullness

Avoid If...

  • You want to stand out → side part is classic, not conversation-starting
  • You prefer zero daily styling → requires basic maintenance (comb + product)
  • Looking for edgy or trendy → this style is timeless, not zeitgeisty

What is a Side Part?

A defined line (natural or cut in) separates hair into two sections. The larger section is swept across the forehead, the smaller section lies flat against the head. It's been the default "respectable haircut" for over a century.

Think Don Draper, Ryan Gosling, literally every US president. When in doubt, side part. For a bolder variation, try the slicked back — same polish, no part line.

Side Part Variations

Classic Side PartHard PartModern Side Part
Part lineNatural, combed inShaved/cut inSoft, less defined
SidesTaperedFadeFade or taper
FormalityVery formalModern formalCasual professional
MaintenanceEvery 3–4 weeksEvery 2–3 weeksEvery 3–4 weeks

Measurements

  • Top: 2–4 inches
  • Sides: #2–4 or gradual taper
  • Part line: Usually placed at natural part or temple
  • Trim: Every 3–4 weeks

Finding Your Part

Most people have a natural part—where your hair naturally falls when pushed back. But you can also choose:

Right side part: Classic, traditional choice Left side part: Equally classic, common choice Test method: Push wet hair back with both hands, see where it naturally splits

Face Shape Tweaks

The side part's secret weapon is adjustability.

  • Oval: Standard part placement, any height on top
  • Square: Softer edges, let it fall naturally to soften angles
  • Round: Add height on the swept side, creates elongation
  • Diamond: Keep sides a bit fuller to balance cheekbones
  • Heart: Part lower, fuller sides balance narrow chin
  • Oblong: Lower part, less height on top

Hair Type Tweaks

  • Straight: Pomade for hold and light shine
  • Wavy: Work with waves—don't flatten completely
  • Thick: May need thinning on the swept side
  • Fine: Use volumizing products, matte finishes
  • Curly: Keep slightly longer to show curl pattern

Classic vs Modern Side Part

Classic (Mad Men era):

  • Precise, defined part line
  • High shine pomade
  • Everything in place
  • More formal

Modern (Contemporary):

  • Softer, less defined part
  • Matte or low-shine products
  • Some texture and movement
  • More casual

What to Tell Your Barber

For classic:

"Classic side part, part on [left/right], 3 inches on top, tapered sides, clean neckline."

For modern:

"Soft side part, part on [left/right], leave texture on top, fade the sides to a #2."

For hard part:

"Hard part shaved in on [left/right], 2–3 inches on top, mid fade."

How to Style

Daily (2 minutes):

  1. Apply product to damp hair
  2. Comb part line into place
  3. Sweep larger section across
  4. Smooth smaller section flat
  5. Done

For volume:

  1. Blow dry while lifting at roots
  2. Direct hair to the side while drying
  3. Apply product once dry
  4. Finish with comb

Product Guide

For Hold + Shine: Classic pomade, gel

For Hold + Natural: Cream, styling lotion

For Hold + Matte: Clay, paste, fiber

General rule: Formal events = more shine. Daily wear = more matte.

Maintenance Timeline

  • Week 1: Perfect shape, clean lines
  • Week 2: Still sharp, minimal growth visible
  • Week 3: Softening, still presentable
  • Week 4: Time to book—shape is getting loose

Common Mistakes

  • Part line too severe Fix: Let some hair cross the part for a softer look

  • Too much product Fix: Start with pea-sized amount, build up

  • Fighting natural part Fix: Work with where your hair naturally wants to go

  • Neglecting the "short side" Fix: That section needs to lie flat—don't ignore it

  • Same style for 20 years Fix: Modern updates (texture, matte finish) refresh the classic

See the Side Part on your face

Upload a photo and preview it in seconds - no appointment needed.

Side Part FAQ

Which side should I part my hair on?

Most people have a natural part — push wet hair back with both hands and see where it naturally splits. There's no 'correct' side. Right and left are equally classic. Work with your natural part for the easiest styling.

What's the difference between a side part and a comb over?

Intent and length. A side part is a full hairstyle with 2–4 inches on top, swept to one side with a defined part line. A comb over typically refers to using longer hair to cover thinning areas. The side part is a style choice; the comb over is a coverage strategy.

Can I get a side part with curly hair?

Yes, but keep it slightly longer (3+ inches) so the curl pattern shows through the swept shape. The part line won't be as crisp as with straight hair, but the natural texture adds character. Use a strong hold product to maintain the direction.

Is a side part too old-fashioned?

Not at all. The modern side part uses softer part lines, matte products, and more texture than the rigid Mad Men version. It's been the default 'respectable haircut' for over a century because it genuinely flatters almost every face shape.

Variations

Different versions of the Side Part

Slicked Back

Slicked Back

Timeless power style. All hair combed straight back from the forehead, creating a polished, authoritative look that commands attention in any room.

Taper Fade

Taper Fade

The gentleman's fade. A gradual transition from longer to shorter hair that never touches skin, delivering a polished, professional look that works in any setting.

Crew Cut

Crew Cut

A timeless military-inspired cut that's clean, professional, and easy to maintain. The ultimate low-effort style that looks sharp in any setting.

Related Styles

Slicked Back

Slicked Back

Timeless power style. All hair combed straight back from the forehead, creating a polished, authoritative look that commands attention in any room.

Taper Fade

Taper Fade

The gentleman's fade. A gradual transition from longer to shorter hair that never touches skin, delivering a polished, professional look that works in any setting.

Textured Crop

Textured Crop

A modern, low-maintenance cut with choppy layers on top and tight sides. The go-to style for men who want effortless cool without the effort.