A bona fide classic, the side part haircut is a timeless style that has been a staple in men’s grooming seemingly forever. Ageless and brilliant, marked by its clean defined lines and sophisticated look, the side part is comfortable in the context of both traditional and contemporary aesthetics - the tasteful asymmetry adds a subtle point of visual interest.
Key Features of the Side Part Haircut
- Defined Parting: The hallmark of this style is a clear, defined parting. The part can be placed naturally - along the natural growth pattern where the hair tends to fall to one side on its own, or with more precision and intention, creating an emphatically more noticeable, polished, and sharper line with a comb.
- Contrasting Lengths: The hair on one side is slightly over directed - combed, styled, and directed against its natural fall and inclination, while the other side is shorter or tapered and left natural, creating a distinct contrast.
- Neat and Polished: This haircut is characterised by its clean and polished appearance, often styled with products for a sleek finish. Oftentimes a medium-to-high hold product is required to keep thick and unruly hair types in place. Younger Days Gel Pomade is Shear Revival’s take on a traditional, barbershop style styling product. Worked well into the hands and then in the hair, it offers effective hold and gorgeous gloss, further improved when styled into slightly damp hair.
- Versatile Lengths: The side part works with various hair lengths on top, from short to medium or even longer. The hair that is combed over in a side part is always longer than the hair left to sit naturally, while the fringe can be styled in a number of ways - potentially with a quiff, following the comb-over, or left to hang.
Variations of the Side Part Haircut
- Classic Side Part: The traditional version features a medium length on top with neatly tapered or faded sides, creating a timeless, tight, and elegant look. This is precisely an image of mid-century elegance.
- Modern Side Part: This variation includes a more dramatic contrast between the lengths on either side of the part, often paired with a fade or undercut for a contemporary twist. This might be disconnected at the part, to various degrees.
- Side Part with Quiff: Combining the side part with a quiff (also known as a pompadour) adds height and volume to the top, resulting in a bold, stylish look. A true pompadour lends a retro appeal, while a slight quiff adds contrast.
- Textured Side Part: For a more relaxed appearance, the textured side part incorporates natural waves or curls, giving the style a modern edge. Similarly, deliberate wide-toothed comb work or the use of one’s fingers ‘raking’ through the hair for lift and body are key to this variation. This is improved with texturising products - a soft and malleable clay, or a texturising paste - such as Firsthand Supply’s Clay Pomade or Texturising Paste, are designed to offer a textured and interesting finish.
- Short Side Part: A shorter take on the classic style, this version is easy to maintain while still offering a sharp and refined look - keeping the length of the hair short all around, with the sides and back kept tight and close to the skin.
Styling Tips for the Side Part Haircut
- Precision is Key: Use a fine-tooth comb to create a precise part. For a great sense of exaggeration, consider using a wide-toothed comb or bristle brush as you over-direct the hair. A razor can be used to perfectly shape and define the parting line, too.
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Selecting the Right Styling Products: Your choice of product depends on your hair type and desired finish - and so the choice is ultimately yours. Adapt accordingly. For a sleek look, opt for a high-shine pomade. Younger Days Gel Pomade is Shear Revival’s take on a traditional barbershop pomade - and was seemingly made for this hairstyle exactly. For a more natural finish, choose a matte product. For something in the middle, try Crystal Lake Styling Pomade, which is easy to apply and reshape throughout the day, and washes out with shampoo. Its main ingredient is aloe vera, making it the perfect everyday, all-day workhorse.
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Blow-Drying for Volume: To achieve great volume and lift, start by applying a salt spray like Shear Revival Amity Texture Spray to your hair. Then, using a hairdryer, over-direct your hair in the opposite direction of where you want it to naturally fall. Once dried, comb your hair back into its natural direction. This technique creates a subtle lift and adds volume, particularly along the part line. For those who prefer a defined part, you can create it with a trimmer instead of a razor blade. To finish the look, use a wide-tooth comb for a looser, more textured style, or a fine-tooth comb for a sleek, polished finish.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep the side part looking sharp with regular trims every 3-4 weeks to maintain the contrast in lengths and overall neatness.
Who Will This Haircut Suit?
- Hair Type: The side part haircut is versatile and works well with straight and wavy hair, thick and thin. Even curly hair can be parted with careful styling and the right products.
- Face Shape: The side part complements a variety of face shapes, enhancing different features depending on the placement and style of the part.
- Oval Face: The balanced proportions of an oval face work well with any side part style, allowing for flexibility in length and texture.
- Square Face: The side part can soften the strong jawline of a square face, adding sophistication and balance.
- Round Face: A side part can create the illusion of length, adding definition to a round face by breaking up the natural circular shape.
- Heart Face: For heart-shaped faces, a side part can add width to the narrower chin area, balancing the wider forehead.
The side part haircut offers a blend of classic charm and modern sophistication, making it a versatile choice for men seeking a refined and stylish look.