13 Ways to Style Side Part Hair for Guys

From low fades to mohawks, we've got 13 ways to spice up your side part style

Written by Kelsey Morey | Edited by Savannah Vold

Last Updated: July 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Side parts are the most popular men’s hairstyle for a reason. In all its minimal-effort variations, this classic cut makes it easy to wake up looking like a rockstar no matter your hair texture– what’s not to love? If you’re in the market for a cool new 'do, we’ve got you covered with 13 awesome side-part haircuts and the best products to style them with. Read on for great hair!

This article is based on an interview with our professional hair and makeup artist, Kelsey Morey, owner and founder of Haus of Pretty. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

A side part + low fade is a popular look that keeps the top of your hair long for styling a quiff while the sides and back fade gradually from hair to skin.
Go for a side part + pompadour if you’re looking for a voluminous, lifted crown and swept-back shorter sides.
Edgy and modern, a side part + undercut keeps the hair on the back and sides of your head buzzed while the top is long enough to swoosh over.

1

Classic Side Part

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A classic side part gives you a clean, polished look. Side parts, sometimes called the “Ivy League,” usually require around 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair on the top of your head, and the good news is you don’t have to run to the barber to achieve this look.^{[1]
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Research source} Part your hair to the side, sweeping the hair over with a wide-toothed comb. Allow the hair to fall naturally, and rub a nickel-sized amount of matte pomade through your strands to add hold.
- Pomade provides a matte finish, so if you’re going for a glossy look, use a dime-sized amount of hair gel instead.
- Find your side part by parting your hair at the highest point of your eyebrow.

2

Side Part + Low Fade

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A low fade puts a modern, edgy spin on the classic side part. A low fade has a buzzed back and sides but a longer top that allows opportunities for styling. Ask your barber for a low fade with 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair on top for an easy-to-maintain haircut. For a tousled look, rub a nickel-sized amount of texturizing clay through your hair, scrunching it upwards with your fingers until you achieve your desired level of messiness.
- Get the best of both worlds with this clean-cut look featuring short sides without sacrificing length or styling options, thanks to the 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair on your crown.

3

Soft Side Part

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A soft side part is a low-effort, relaxed look. Unlike a hard side part, a soft side part is more subtle and can be achieved with minimal effort and styling. Rake your fingers through your hair upwards and outwards to the side you’d like your hair to lie on.
- If you want your soft side part to hold, give your hair 3-5 spritzes of hairspray throughout to tame flyaways. As the spray dries, run a boar bristle brush through your hair in the direction you want your side part to be to maintain your style and keep those pesky hairs in place.
- If you’re not into a stiff hold, but want a little extra shine and frizz protection, try using 1-2 drops of anti-frizz oil. Rub the oil in your palms and run your hands through your hair, maintaining upward and outwards hand motions as you part your hair to one side.

4

Side Part + Skin Fade

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Bring out your inner bad boy with a side part + skin fade. A skin fade is achieved by using a foil shaver or a straight razor to gradually take your hair down to the skin, while the top is left between 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) long for styling. Ask your barber for a side part with a 0.5 into 2 on the sides for an obvious hair-to-skin fade.^{[2]
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- To style your look, start with clean, damp hair and take a nickel-sized amount of matte pomade in your fingers, evenly applying it throughout the top section of your hair. Using a wide-toothed comb, drag your hair up and over to the side you’d like your hair to be parted on.

5

Side Part + Pompadour

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Ask for a pompadour for a voluminous, sophisticated style. A side part with a pompadour is the ultimate modern pairing for this traditional style. Like most other side part styles, you’ll especially want to have around 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair up top to maximize volume and poof.
- To create a pompadour, start with clean, damp hair and spray 3-5 spritzes of a heat protectant throughout. Blow dry your hair using a round brush, brushing your hair up-and-over on top and swept back on the sides.
- Keep your hair in place by running a nickel-sized amount of matte pomade throughout your hair to maintain the shape you achieved during the blow-drying process.^{[3]
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6

Slicked-Over Asymmetric Side Part

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Get retro with this 20s inspired slick-over. We’re talking comb-over but in the best way possible! Start by applying a dime-sized amount of strong-hold hair gel throughout the hair. As the gel begins to set, use a wide-toothed comb to slick back the top part of your hair across your forehead, so the hair is tilted asymmetrically over one eye. Then, use the comb to sweep back the sides.
- A slicked-over side part is a classic, high-fashion hairstyle suitable for fancy events. Wherever you decide to rock this look, you’re sure to make a statement.

7

Side Part + Natural Curls

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A side part enhances your curls and lets your natural texture shine. Side parts are an awesome haircut option because you can make it happen regardless of your texture or hair length. Start by applying a dollop of moisturizing hair mousse and disperse it throughout your hair. Then, use your hands to scrunch and position your curls up and back to one side.^{[4]
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- Protect and preserve your curls by sleeping in a silk or satin bonnet at night to prevent breakage and frizz.
- If you have short, afro-textured curly hair close to your scalp, you can ask your barber to cut in a side part using a razor or shaver to create a visible line on your scalp in whatever direction you’d prefer.
- Afro-textured hair is awesome for side part looks because the hair stays in place and holds its shape.

8

Side Part + Long Hair

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Part your long hair to the side for a stylish, laid-back vibe. Ask your barber to cut long, face-framing layers to add dimension and keep your hair at least shoulder-length. Styling couldn’t be simpler– spritz 3-5 pumps of sea salt spray and scrunch to add texture, or use a dollop of styling cream distributed throughout for hold and body.
- Tucking your hair behind one ear is a great way to keep your hair out of your face and add more style to the look.

9

Hard Side Part

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A hard part adds definition and makes your side part easier to style. A hard side part is achieved when a barber uses a razor to cut down into your natural parting for a more defined look.^{[5]
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Research source} Ask your barber for a hard side part so you don’t have to struggle to find the right place to part your hair—the hard indented line makes it foolproof!
- This is a great option for those who love a clean, obvious line of definition in their hair.
- Styling a hard side part is the same as styling any other side part style. Depending on your preference, use either a nickel-sized amount of matte pomade or a dime-sized amount of hair gel through dry hair with up-and-out hand motions to the side of your choosing.

10

Side Part + High Fade

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A high fade from hair to skin adds interest to the classic side part. Unlike a low fade, a high fade starts higher on the sides and back of the head, as the name suggests. Ask your barber to start your high fade at your temple, and leave 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair up top for your side part.
- To style, use a nickel-sized amount of matte pomade through slightly damp hair, sculpting it into a quiff with up-and-over hand motions.

11

Side Part + Voluminous Waves

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Get full, tousled hair with some voluminous waves. This look is a great option for those who want to amp up the drama. To style this look, use a round brush and a blow dryer to blow dry clean, damp hair in the opposite direction that it grows to lift the roots and add volume.
- When using heat, it’s always a great idea to use 3-5 spritzes of heat protectant.
- Spray 3-5 spritzed of sea salt spray, scrunching and pinching the hair for a wavy texture.
- Keep your style preserved by finishing off with 2-3 spritzes of hairspray, keeping the can 12 inches (30.48 cm) away from your head.

12

Side Part + Undercut

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Adding an undercut is a cool and edgy way to modernize the side part. An undercut is a close 1-inch (2.5cm) buzz cut to everywhere but the top of the head, so you still have room for styling that side part! Ask your barber for an undercut with 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) on top to achieve this look.^{[6]
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- For a daring and defined look, distribute a dime-sized amount of hair gel throughout your locks, and as the gel sets, use your wide-toothed comb to slick your hair up and over to the side of your choosing.
- For a more relaxed look, spritz in 3-5 pumps of sea salt spray and scrunch upwards to add texture. From there, let your hair hang naturally to one side, and you’re good to go.

13

Side Part + Fauxhawk

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Show off your edgy vibe with a fauxhawk. The best part is, it’s no big commitment! This style works best with cropped sides and 2-4 inches (5.08cm-10.16cm) of hair up top, but you can work with what you’ve got. Part your hair to the side and rub about a dime-sized amount of heavy-duty gel in your palms. With your hands, rub in the gel, sculpting upwards to form that classic mohawk look.^{[7]
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- If you want to make a statement at a party or event, mix things up and experiment with this fauxhawk ‘do. All the fun of a mohawk with none of the awkward grow-out period once your mohawk days are over.