Most men have tried a side part at some point. Most have also gotten it slightly wrong and never known why.
The side part is one of the most searched men’s hairstyles on Pinterest because it works across ages, face shapes, and hair types. It reads classic without being old-fashioned and scales from a weekend look to a boardroom look with nothing more than a product swap.
The problem is always execution. The part is in the wrong place. The product is too heavy or too light. The fade does not match the length on top. One of those three things stops a great hairstyle from actually looking great.
Here are 15 side part hairstyles for men with barber instructions, the right product, and the one detail that makes each one land.
What Works Best?
The side part works on almost every hair type but placement matters more than most men realize. A natural part follows the grain of your hair and sits above the arch of your eyebrow. In 2026 the trend is toward softer, more relaxed parts rather than hard razor lines. Work with your hair’s natural direction and it holds all day.
1. The Classic Hard Part
The hard part is the most precise version of the side part. A razor cuts a defined line into the scalp, creating a clarity no comb alone achieves.
3 to 4 inches on top, medium-hold pomade. Sides fade from skin up. Maintain the part line weekly with a trimmer at home.
Best for: Formal settings / Office / Weddings
Product: Layrite Natural Matte Cream or Suavecito Original Hold.
Pro tip: Ask your barber to cut the hard part slightly above where your hair naturally separates so it stays visible all day without touching up.
Tell your barber: “Hard part left side, skin fade on the sides and back, 3 to 4 inches on top.”
Best face shape: Oval and square.
2. The Modern Slick Back Side Part
The slick back side part pushes the top backward rather than flat across. More volume, more height, more editorial feel than the traditional version.
4 to 5 inches on top. High-hold pomade on damp hair, comb back and slightly to one side. Mid to high fade. Blow-dry while brushing back to create the lift.
Best for: Smart casual / Evening events / Date night
Product: American Crew Forming Cream or Reuzel Blue Strong Hold.
Pro tip: Blow-dry before applying product for more lift and volume. Applying product to dry hair gives more control over where the hair sits.
Tell your barber: “4 to 5 inches on top, high fade on sides, slicked back with a left side part.”
Best face shape: Oblong and oval.
3. The Textured Side Part
The textured side part is the 2026 version of the classic. Movement and separation instead of a smooth combed finish. The most wearable everyday version on this list.
2.5 to 3.5 inches on top. Matte clay worked through damp hair with your fingers, not a comb. Rough-dry with a diffuser then define the part. Medium fade on the sides.
Best for: Weekend / Casual office / Creative industries
Product: Baxter of California Clay Pomade or American Crew Fiber.
Pro tip: Work the product in from the back forward so the texture builds at the front where it shows most rather than being buried at the roots.
Tell your barber: “Textured side part, medium fade, 3 inches on top, matte finish.”
Best face shape: Round and heart.
4. The Low Fade Side Part
The low fade side part is the most balanced version of the style. Fade starts just above the ear, gentler transition than a high fade. Less severe, more versatile.
3 to 4 inches on top, medium-hold cream. Works well with thicker hair because the extra weight on the sides prevents a top-heavy look.
Best for: Professional settings / Any occasion / All hair types
Product: Hanz de Fuko Claymation or Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay.
Pro tip: Ask your barber to blend the fade into the part line rather than stopping it abruptly. A blended transition is what separates a professional cut from a standard one.
Tell your barber: “Low fade starting just above the ear, 3 to 4 inches on top, defined left part.”
Best face shape: Square and diamond.
5. The High Fade Side Part
The high fade side part is the boldest version of the classic. Dramatic contrast between tight sides and longer top. One of the most requested men’s cuts globally in 2026.
3 to 5 inches on top. Fade to skin or a small amount at the crown. Firm-hold pomade keeps the part clean. Best on straight to wavy hair.
Best for: Bold everyday look / Younger aesthetic / High contrast style
Product: Suavecito Firme Hold or Got2b Ultra Glued Styling Gel.
Pro tip: High fades grow out faster than low fades and need a trim every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the contrast that makes the style work.
Tell your barber: “High fade from the temple to skin, 4 inches on top, hard left part.”
Best face shape: Oval and oblong.
6. The Side Part with Undercut
The undercut side part disconnects the top from the sides with no fade. Sides cut short or to skin, top left long enough to fold into a dramatic comb-over.
4 to 5 inches on top minimum. High-hold pomade, comb over in one motion. The undercut line runs from the temple around the back. Worn hidden or visible, both are correct.
Best for: Fashion-forward / Creative settings / Statement looks
Product: O’Douds Standard Pomade or Layrite Super Hold.
Pro tip: Grow the top to at least 4 inches before asking your barber for this cut. Anything shorter and the comb-over will not have enough length to reach cleanly across the head.
Tell your barber: “Disconnected undercut, no fade on the sides, 4 to 5 inches on top to comb left.”
Best face shape: Oval and square.
7. The Natural Side Part
Not every side part needs product. The natural side part lets the hair fall where it wants with minimal intervention. Best for straight or wavy hair with a preferred natural direction.
2 to 3 inches on top, low to medium fade. Rough-dry toward the natural part line and let it settle. A few drops of hair oil keeps the part visible.
Best for: Everyday casual / Low-maintenance / Natural hair texture lovers
Product: American Crew Grooming Cream or Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade.
Pro tip: Sleeping on the same side as your part every night trains the hair to fall there naturally, reducing the time it takes to style in the morning to almost nothing.
Tell your barber: “Natural side part, 2 to 3 inches on top, low to medium fade on sides.”
Best face shape: Any face shape.
8. The Pompadour Side Part
The pompadour side part combines pompadour volume with side part structure. The front is brushed upward and back, creating height. High effort, high payoff in photographs and formal settings.
Top needs 4 to 5 inches minimum. Strong-hold pomade on damp hair, blow-dry upward from the roots with a boar bristle brush, comb back into shape. Medium to high fade on the sides.
Best for: Formal events / Weddings / High-impact occasions
Product: Murray’s Superior Pomade or Reuzel Pink Strong Hold.
Pro tip: A boar bristle brush creates more volume when blow-drying than a paddle brush because the natural bristles grip each hair strand individually and lift from the root.
Tell your barber: “Pompadour with left side part, medium to high fade, 4 to 5 inches on top.”
Best face shape: Round and square.
9. The Side Part with Taper
The taper side part uses a gradual reduction in length from the top down. No abrupt transition, no skin showing. The most conservative version and best for men new to the side part.
2.5 to 3.5 inches on top. Taper runs to a short but not shaved length at the neckline. Medium-hold cream defines the part.
Best for: Conservative workplaces / Formal dress codes / Classic professional look
Product: Jack Black Sleek Finish Taming Balm or Kiehl’s Silk Groom.
Pro tip: Ask your barber specifically for a taper rather than a fade if you want a more conservative result. The two words are not interchangeable and the difference in the finish is significant.
Tell your barber: “Side part with a taper, not a fade. 3 inches on top, clean left part.”
Best face shape: Oblong and oval.
10. The Side Part with Beard
Pairing a side part with a beard creates one of the most complete looks in men’s grooming in 2026. The clean part on top contrasts against the fuller beard below.
Keep the part clean. A medium fade on the sides connects into the beard line. Use a medium-hold product that does not compete visually with the beard.
Best for: Full lifestyle look / Year-round / Statement masculine style
Product: Beardbrand Styling Balm or Brickell Men’s Grooming Clay.
Pro tip: Ask your barber to fade the haircut into the beard line on the sides so the two connect cleanly rather than ending abruptly at different lengths.
Tell your barber: “Side part left, medium fade connecting into the beard line, 3 to 4 inches on top.”
Best face shape: Round and square.
11. The Curly Side Part
Curly hair and side parts are a combination most men have been told will not work. That is wrong. The curly side part works well with 2C to 3B curl patterns and is one of the most saved natural styles on Pinterest in 2026.
3 to 4 inches on top. Curl cream on damp hair, define the part by separating curl clusters on either side before diffusing dry.
Best for: Natural curl patterns / Casual and smart casual / Unique everyday look
Product: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or DevaCurl SuperCream.
Pro tip: Define the part on damp hair before diffusing. Trying to create a part on dry curls pulls the curl clusters apart and creates frizz rather than definition.
Tell your barber: “Curly hair, side part left, medium fade, 3 to 4 inches on top.”
Best face shape: Heart and oval.
12. The Comb Over Side Part
The comb over refers to the dramatic sweep of longer hair across the top of the head. In 2026 the modern version is worn with texture rather than the hard flat finish of older versions.
4 to 6 inches on top, medium to high fade. Medium to strong hold product on damp hair, sweep across in one motion, blow-dry in the same direction.
Best for: Versatile everyday / Formal and casual / Classic with a modern edge
Product: Uppercut Deluxe Pomade or Suavecito Original Hold.
Pro tip: Comb in the direction your hair naturally grows rather than against it. The comb over holds longer and looks more natural when you work with the hair’s own movement.
Tell your barber: “Comb over side part, 5 inches on top, medium high fade, textured finish.”
Best face shape: Square and round.
13. The Side Part with Fringe
The side part with fringe keeps the front longer so it falls across the forehead rather than being pushed back. Softer version of the classic, best for finer hair.
3 to 5 inches at the front. Low to medium fade. Light hold product that allows movement.
Best for: Casual everyday / Finer hair types / Softer aesthetic
Product: Bumble and bumble Surf Spray or Verb Sea Spray.
Pro tip: A small amount of sea salt spray on the fringe section adds texture that makes fine hair look significantly thicker and keeps the fringe sitting with movement rather than lying flat.
Tell your barber: “Side part with longer fringe at front, low to medium fade, 4 inches at the front.”
Best face shape: Oblong and oval.
14. The Military Side Part
The military side part is the shortest and most precise version on this list. Top at 1 to 2 inches, combed flat. Sides tapered tight. Disciplined, clean, masculine.
Very light pomade keeps the top flat. No volume, no texture. The power of this style is in precision, not length.
Best for: Low maintenance / Professional and formal / Military or conservative environments
Product: American Crew Pomade or Lab Series Grooming Gel.
Pro tip: Use a fine-tooth comb dipped in water to define the part on short hair. Product alone on very short hair often shifts throughout the day and a water-set part holds longer than a product-set one.
Tell your barber: “Military side part, tight taper, 1 to 1.5 inches on top, flat left comb over.”
Best face shape: Square and oval.
15. The Long Side Part
The long side part is for men at 5 inches and above. Sides at a medium trim, longer top sweeps to one side. Rewards well-moisturised, healthy hair.
Lightweight oil or cream to smooth and define. Blow-dry toward the part line. Works best with straight to wavy hair.
Best for: Longer hair / Creative environments / Relaxed elegant aesthetic
Product: Moroccanoil Treatment or Oribe Gold Lust Hair Oil.
Pro tip: A few drops of hair oil on the top section before blow-drying reduces frizz and adds the surface smoothness that makes a long side part look intentional rather than just long.
Tell your barber: “Long side part, medium trim on sides no fade, 5 to 6 inches on top.”
Best face shape: Round and heart.
Quick Comparison Table
| Style | Length on Top | Fade Level | Maintenance | Bold Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Hard Part | 3 to 4 inches | High | Weekly trim | 4/5 |
| High Fade Side Part | 3 to 5 inches | Very high | Every 2 weeks | 5/5 |
| Undercut Side Part | 4 to 5 inches | Disconnected | Every 3 weeks | 5/5 |
| Pompadour Side Part | 4 to 5 inches | Mid to high | Every 3 weeks | 5/5 |
| Textured Side Part | 2.5 to 3.5 inches | Medium | Every 3 weeks | 3/5 |
| Natural Side Part | 2 to 3 inches | Low to medium | Every 4 weeks | 2/5 |
| Taper Side Part | 2.5 to 3.5 inches | None | Every 4 weeks | 2/5 |
| Military Side Part | 1 to 2 inches | Tight taper | Every 2 weeks | 2/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side part hairstyle works best for a round face?
The pompadour side part and the high fade side part both add vertical height that lengthens round faces. Any version that creates volume at the top rather than the sides will work in your favour.
What product should I use for a side part that lasts all day?
A water-based pomade with medium to strong hold such as Suavecito Original or Layrite Natural Matte Cream. Apply to damp hair, comb into place, and allow to dry before touching.
How often do I need a haircut to maintain a side part?
High fades need a trim every 2 to 3 weeks. Medium fades every 3 to 4 weeks. Taper and longer styles every 4 to 6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
The side part is fifteen different looks sharing one principle: the intentional separation of hair into two sections to create structure and shape. Every version here suits a different face shape, hair type, and lifestyle.
The most important decision is finding the right barber to execute it. A side part done precisely is one of the sharpest men’s hairstyles available. Done carelessly it is just a comb through damp hair.
The side part has never gone out of style because it is built on structure, proportion, and intention. Those three things are always correct.
Save this to your Pinterest boards and share it with any man who is still figuring out which side part is his.
