A clean side part hairstyle on display

The Side Part Hairstyle For Gentlemen Of All Ages

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Last updated on February 11th, 2024 at 10:14 am

The side part haircut has long been revered as a timeless and classic look for gentlemen of all ages. It can be created on any hair length or texture.

With its origins dating back to the early 20th century, this hairstyle has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among gentlemen.

In the world of men’s fashion, hairstyles play a significant role in defining one’s overall appearance and style.

They have the power to convey personality, confidence, and even social status.

This article explores the enduring appeal of the side part style and how it transcends generational boundaries, making it a versatile option for men of all ages.

Recommended: Introduction To Men’s Grooming

Table of Contents

What is the Side Part Hair Style?

Side part haircut

It is a classic men’s hairstyle that involves creating a clear, sharp parting on one side of the head.

It is characterized by a neat and polished appearance, with the hair combed to one side.

It involves having longer hair on the top that is smoothly combed to one side while the hair on the sides and back is shorter.

The parting is usually created with a comb, and the hair is styled with a neat and clean appearance, with no stray hairs.

This hair styling is typically placed around the temple area and can be either closer to the center or towards the side of the head.

It is a versatile style that can be adapted to different hair types, lengths, and face shapes.

Related: The Crew Cut Haircut and its Variants

Historical Background of the Side Part

The style gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, during the golden age of Hollywood.

It was a common hairstyle among actors and gentlemen at that time. The hairstyle became particularly iconic, thanks to the influence of movie stars like Clark Gable and Cary Grant.

It was seen as a sophisticated and stylish choice, accentuating a gentleman’s facial features.

Related: Haircuts And Styles For Older Men

4 Variations and Types of the Side Part Haircut

1. Classic Side Part

The classic side part is a timeless variation of the side part hairstyle that has been popular for decades.

It involves creating a clean and distinct part on one side of the head, usually aligned with the natural parting of the hair.

The hair on one side is brushed or combed over to the opposite side, creating a sleek and sophisticated look.

This style is known for its versatility and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.

To achieve the classic side part, one needs to have medium-length to long hair.

The hair on the shorter side of the part is trimmed shorter, while the hair on the longer side is left longer.

This creates a gradual length difference between the two sides, enhancing the classic appeal.

The part itself is usually sharp and straight, adding structure to the overall hairstyle.

The classic side part is a polished and refined look that suits various face shapes and hair types, making it a popular choice among men and women alike.

Also Read: The Buzz Style Haircut for Trendy Men

2. Undercut Side Part

The undercut side part hairstyle is a modern take on the classic side part.

This style features a shaved or very short undercut on one side, with the rest of the hair length left on top.

It is a combination of undercut hairstyle, where the sides and back are shaved or cut very short while leaving the top longer to create contrast.

The hair on top is then styled to create a sleek and sharp side part.

The contrast between the shaved undercut and the longer hair on top creates a bold and edgy look.

This hairstyle is versatile and can be customized to fit different preferences – the length and texture of the hair on top can be tailored to achieve various effects, such as a more polished or voluminous look.

Pairing this hairstyle with a clean-shaven face or facial hair can enhance the overall aesthetic.

3. Textured Side Part

This variation adds more texture to the hair on top, creating a tousled look.

It adds a contemporary twist to the classic style, providing a more relaxed and casual appearance.

The textured side part creates a deep side part and adds texture to the hair for a modern and edgy look.

The hair is usually cut shorter on the sides and longer on the top, allowing for more styling versatility.

To achieve the textured effect, the hair is typically styled using products such as texture spray, wax, or pomade to create a tousled and messy appearance.

This variation is popular among men who want a less polished and more relaxed hairstyle while still maintaining the sophisticated and sleek look of a side part.

Also Read: Rocking the Buzz Cut Taper

4. Deep Side Part

The deep side part is a variation of the side part hairstyle that is defined by a more pronounced and exaggerated parting, creating a bold and striking look.

Unlike a regular side part, which usually falls near the temple, the deep side part is positioned closer to the eyebrow or further towards the center of the head, depending on personal preference.

This style is achieved by parting the hair deeply on one side and combing it slickly along the scalp, giving the hair more volume and texture on one side.

This style adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any haircut and can be styled with various lengths, textures, and hair types, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a fashionable and polished appearance.

The Side Part for Younger Men

Side part for young people

The hairstyle has gained popularity among younger men due to its versatility and ability to suit various face shapes, hair types, and personal styles.

Let’s take a look…

Popularity Among the Younger Generation

It has become increasingly popular among the younger generation as it combines a timeless charm with a modern twist.

It offers a sophisticated and elegant appearance while still maintaining a youthful vibe.

Many young men appreciate its versatility, as it can be easily dressed up or down for various occasions.

Effortless and Classic Look for School or College

This hairstyle is an ideal choice for school or college because it offers a neat and put-together look without requiring too much effort.

It gives a sense of maturity and professionalism while still being low-maintenance.

With just a few minutes of styling, young men can achieve a polished appearance that is suitable for their academic environment.

Styling Tips and Product Recommendations

To achieve a perfect side part, follow these styling tips:

Start with clean, dry hair: Ensure your hair is clean and dry before styling to achieve the desired sleekness.

Find your natural part: Determine which side your hair naturally falls on and use that as your starting point for the parting.

Use a comb: Invest in a fine-toothed comb to comb the hair smoothly and create a defined part.

Apply a styling product: Use a small amount of pomade, hair wax, or styling cream to add hold and shine to your hair. Avoid using too much product to prevent a greasy appearance. Find a product that suits your hair type and desired level of shine.

Comb the hair into place: Comb the hair from the parting side and direct it towards the opposite side. Smoothly comb the hair down and tuck it behind the ears if desired.

Set with hairspray: For added hold and longevity, finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the style in place.

Recommended products for styling this hairstyle include American Crew Pomade, Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade, or Baxter of California Clay Pomade.

The Side Part Haircut for Middle-Aged Men

A wavy side part hairstyle for middle age men

The hairstyle for middle-aged men is a classic and timeless hairstyle that is widely popular in the corporate world.

Here’s an explanation of the various aspects associated with this haircut:

Professional and Polished Appearance for the Corporate World

It exudes professionalism and a polished look, making it perfect for the corporate world.

It is often considered a standard hairstyle choice for men working in professional settings such as offices, meetings, or any environment that requires a formal appearance.

The clean and structured nature of this haircut can help create a serious and reliable impression, presenting oneself as dedicated and well-groomed in the corporate setting.

Enhancing Maturity and Authority

As men enter middle age, the side part haircut can enhance their appearance by adding maturity and authority.

The sleekness and precision of the cut convey a sense of control and experience, which can be beneficial when aiming to establish credibility and leadership.

It can lend a distinguished and sophisticated look, helping middle-aged men appear more confident and authoritative.

Maintaining a Stylish Look as One Age

The haircut allows men to maintain a stylish and fashionable appearance as they age.

It is a versatile hairstyle that can adapt to different hair types, lengths, and textures, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals.

By carefully selecting a length and style that suits one’s facial features and personal preferences, middle-aged men can create a refined look that suits their identity while embracing the natural changes that come with age.

To maintain the stylishness of this haircut, regular visits to a professional barber or hairstylist are recommended.

These visits ensure that the haircut stays well-trimmed, the hair is healthy, and the form remains sharp and defined.

Additionally, using high-quality hair products and styling tools can help keep the hair looking its best, adding to the overall stylishness and keeping up with grooming standards.

The Side Part Haircut for Older Men

Side part for older gentlemen

The haircut for older men is a classic and timeless hairstyle that is both versatile and flattering.

This style has been popular for decades and continues to be favoured by older men due to its traditional and sophisticated appeal.

Continuity and Familiarity in a Rapidly Changing Fashion World

In a rapidly changing fashion world, where trends come and go quickly, the side part haircut provides a sense of continuity and familiarity.

It is a style that has stood the test of time, making it a reliable choice for older men who may not want to constantly experiment with new and trendy hairstyles.

It offers a classic and refined look that can transcend the ephemeral trends of the fashion industry.

Embracing a Distinguished and Refined Image

The hairstyle can help older men embrace a distinguished and refined image.

As men age, it is common for hair to start graying or thinning. It can work well with gray or thinning hair, giving a polished and elegant appearance.

It adds a touch of maturity and enhances the facial features, allowing men to exude confidence and sophistication.

Tips on Adapting the Side Part to Gray or Thinning Hair

Choose the right length: Opt for a slightly longer length for thinning hair to create an illusion of volume. For gray hair, shorter lengths can often be more flattering and modern.

Use products for texture: Apply some styling products such as volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to add volume and texture to thinner hair.

Avoid harsh lines: Ask your barber for a softer and more natural-looking part, as harsh lines can emphasize thinning hair. A gradual fade or blended transition can help create a more seamless and natural appearance.

Consider a side-swept fringe or bangs: If you have a receding hairline, incorporating a side-swept fringe or bangs can provide a flattering look while still maintaining the classic side part style.

Regular maintenance: To keep the hairstyle looking sharp, schedule regular visits to your barber or stylist for trims and touch-ups. This will help maintain the structure and neatness of the hairstyle.

By adapting the haircut to gray or thinning hair, older men can still enjoy the timeless and sophisticated appeal of this classic hairstyle while accommodating changes in their hair.

Celebrities and Icons Sporting the Side Part Haircut

Many famous personalities, both past and present, have embraced the haircut.

Some notable examples include actors like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio, who have consistently sported this style throughout their careers.

Other celebrities such as David Beckham, Ryan Gosling, and Ryan Reynolds have also been seen rocking the hairstyle.

Their Influence on the Haircut’s Popularity and Appeal

Celebrities and icons have a significant influence on popular culture and fashion trends.

When high-profile personalities like those mentioned above sport a particular hairstyle, it often leads to increased popularity and appeal.

The side part hairstyle has long been associated with a classic, timeless, and sophisticated look.

Celebrities embracing this style reinforce its appeal, making it more attractive to the general public.

Lessons to be Learned from their Styling Choices

Embrace classic and timeless looks: The hairstyle has remained a popular choice for decades, mainly because it exudes a classic and sophisticated vibe. Emulating this approach to styling can help create a timeless look that stands the test of time.

Adapt the style to suit your personal features: Celebrities and icons often customize their hairstyle to complement their specific face shapes, hair textures, and personal styles. Learning from their choices, individuals can tailor the hairstyle to suit their unique features and enhance their overall appearance.

Confidence is key: One thing that famous personalities exhibit when sporting any hairstyle, including the side part, is confidence. Confidence in one’s chosen hairstyle can make a significant impact on how it is perceived by others. Embracing the hairstyle with confidence can elevate its overall appeal.

Experiment with variations: While the style is a classic, there is still room for experimenting and adapting it to modern trends. Celebrities often add their personal twists to the traditional style, whether it’s by incorporating fades, undercuts, or different hair lengths. This willingness to experiment can inspire individuals to be creative with their styling.

How to Achieve and Maintain the Perfect Side Part

  • Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is freshly washed, make sure it is thoroughly dried before styling.
  • Brush your hair thoroughly to eliminate any tangles or knots.
  • Apply a styling product, such as mousse or gel, to add hold and control to your hair.
  • Using a fine-toothed comb, create a sharp part by starting from the center of your forehead and combing back towards the crown of your head.
  • Once you have created the part, use the comb to smooth down the hair on each side of the part.
  • If desired, use a hairdryer and a round brush to add volume or shape to your hair on the opposite side of the part.
  • Finish off by applying a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.

Essential Tools and Products Needed

Fine-toothed comb: This will help in creating a clean and precise part.

Styling product: Choose a product that suits your hair type and desired hold, such as mousse, gel, or pomade.

Hairdryer and round brush (optional): These tools can be used to add volume or shape to your hair.

Hairspray: Opt for a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place without making it stiff or crunchy.

Tips for Ensuring a Long-Lasting and Impeccable Style

Choose the right products for your hair type: Different hair types require different products for better hold and control. Experiment with various products to find what works best for your hair.

Avoid over-styling: Excessive heat and product usage can damage your hair. Use hot tools sparingly and don’t overload on styling products.

Touch up throughout the day: Keep a small comb or brush with you to touch up the hair if it gets disheveled throughout the day.

Protect your hair while sleeping: To maintain the hairstyle overnight, consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve the style.

Regularly trim your hair: Keeping your hair healthy and free from split ends will make styling and maintaining the style easier.

Experiment with different looks: While this hairstyle is timeless, feel free to experiment with different variations, like a deep side part or a tousled variation, to keep your style fresh and versatile.

Breaking Stereotypes: Side Part Haircut for All Hair Types

Breaking stereotypes is always a step forward, and the notion that the side part only suits certain hair types is no exception.

It’s time to dispel this myth and embrace this hairstyle for all hair types.

First and foremost, let’s discuss the adaptations that can be made for curly, wavy, and textured hair.

Many believe that this style only works well with straight hair, but that’s simply not true. With a few adjustments and techniques, anyone with any hair type can rock the style look.

Side part for Curly and Wavy Hairs

For those with curly hair, it’s essential to consider the natural patterns and springiness of the curls.

To achieve this classic style, hairstylists recommend creating a deep part that follows the curl pattern, allowing the curls to fall gracefully.

This technique ensures that the style seamlessly blends with the curly texture, making it a flattering choice for those with curly hair.

Wavy hair also offers versatility for the style. By enhancing the natural waves and incorporating soft layers around the face, the style can create a stunning, effortlessly chic appearance.

The key is to find the right balance between defined waves and a relaxed part, resulting in a casually elegant vibe.

Textured hair, including coils, can also successfully embrace this hairstyle.

For this hair type, it’s important to focus on moisture and definition. Well-moisturized hair is crucial to maintain elasticity and prevent frizz.

The side part can be accentuated by finger-coiling or twisting the hair, thus enhancing the defined texture.

This adaptation showcases the beauty of the natural hair texture while still adding a touch of sophistication to the hairstyle.

To inspire and challenge the stereotype further, there are countless examples of individuals with different hair types rocking the hairstyle.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are filled with inspirational photos and videos, showcasing how this hairstyle can be tailored to suit various hair textures.

From celebrities to influencers and everyday individuals, the style proves to be a versatile option for all.

Side Part on the Kinky Hair

Kinky hair or wooly hair is the African hair which is quite tough to handle.

A side part on kinky hair is a specific hairstyling technique where the hair is parted to one side of the head, most times by barbing the hair along the desired path.

This hairstyle can be achieved on kinky hair by using various methods such as finger parting, combing, or as described above barbing the hair along the desired part.

To achieve the style on kinky hair, follow these steps:

Start with clean and conditioned hair: Wash and condition your hair with products suitable for kinky hair to ensure that it is clean, moisturized, and manageable.

Detangle the hair: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, removing any knots or tangles. This step is crucial to ensure that the hair is smooth and easier to part.

Decide where you want it: Determine which side you want your part to be on. Generally, on kinky hair, it can be on either side of the head, depending on your preference and desired style.

Section the hair: Using the tail comb or your fingers, create a clean part starting from the hairline at the front of your head and extending towards the back. Apply a small amount of styling gel or edge control to help define the part and keep it in place.

Style the hair: Once the part is created, you can style your hair as desired. For example, you can leave the rest of the hair loose, create cornrows or braids, or even style the hair into an updo.

Maintain the part: To maintain the hairstyle throughout the day, you can use bobby pins or a small amount of hair gel or edge control to keep the hair in place and prevent the part from shifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a side part out of style men?

No, it is not out of style for men. It is a classic and versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit various looks.

Which side part is more attractive for guys?

The attractiveness of the style depends on individual preference and facial structure. Many find the deep variant to be more attractive for guys.

What hair parting makes you look younger?

It is subjective, but a middle part can often make someone look younger as it creates a more youthful and relaxed vibe by softening the features.

Which hair parting is best for men?

The best hair parting for men varies based on personal style and facial features. Experimenting with different partings can help find the most flattering option.

Conclusion

The side part has proven to be a timeless and versatile look for men of all ages.

Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it has endured through various fashion trends, making it a safe choice for gentlemen seeking a classic and polished appearance.

Whether it’s for a professional setting or a casual event, this timeless hair style exudes confidence and sophistication.

Its adaptability allows it to suit different face shapes and hair types, ensuring that men of all ages can effortlessly achieve a timeless and distinguished look with this hairstyle.

References:

  1. The Allure of the Side Part Haircut
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