The side part has been a staple hairstyle for generations. While fashion trends come and go, the side part’s appeal endures, suiting every hair type, face shape, and styling preference. This guide offers a complete look at the side-part hairstyle, covering everything from its history and benefits to step-by-step styling methods, product recommendations, and expert tips to help readers perfect this versatile look. Whether you’re curious about how a side part might look on you or searching for tips to style it flawlessly, this guide has you covered.
What is a Side Part?
A side part is a hairstyle where the hair is divided unevenly, with a visible parting closer to one side of the head rather than centered. Unlike a middle part, which is symmetrical, a side part creates an asymmetrical look that can range from a slight off-center placement to a bold, dramatic sweep. Typically, a side part starts near the outer edge of one eye and angles across the scalp, providing a flattering frame for the face.
Types of Side Parts
- Classic Side Part: A gentle off-center part, adding subtle volume and shape without being too bold.
- Deep Side Part: A more extreme part that creates a striking look, often accompanied by sweeping bangs or curls.
- Soft, Natural Side Part: Where the hair falls naturally, giving an effortless, low-maintenance appearance.
- Hard Side Part: A shaved or closely cropped line that distinctly divides the hair, creating a modern, edgy style often seen in men’s hairstyles.
The Benefits of a Side Part
Side parts are universally flattering, thanks to their ability to complement different face shapes and hair types. Here’s why a side part is worth trying:
- Adds Volume: Ideal for thin or fine hair, a side part gives lift to the roots, making hair look fuller.
- Face-Framing: The asymmetry softens facial features, making it a popular choice for those wanting to emphasize cheekbones or jawlines.
- Flexible Style: Side parts can be casual or formal, making them suitable for any setting.
- Timeless Appeal: From Hollywood icons to modern celebrities, side parts have been popular for decades.
For those over 60 who want a hairstyle that brings out their best features, a soft side part with layers is a fantastic option.
Side Part Hairstyle Inspiration: Styles for Every Occasion
The side part is an incredibly versatile hairstyle, offering endless options for every event and mood. Whether you’re heading to a formal event, a casual gathering, or just looking for an everyday look, there’s a side-part style that can make your hair stand out. Here’s a guide to various side-part hairstyles for different lengths, textures, and occasions, so you can find the perfect style no matter where you’re going.
1. Loose Waves with a Side Part: Romantic and Effortless
For a soft, romantic vibe, loose waves combined with a side part are the way to go. This style is ideal for both casual outings and special events, as it gives your hair a natural bounce and volume.
- How to Style: After washing your hair, part it on one side while damp. Apply a heat protectant, then use a large-barrel curling iron or wand to create loose waves. For a more relaxed, beachy look, alternate the direction of each curl and gently finger-comb the waves.
- Best for: Medium to long hair. This style works well with all hair textures, from fine to thick.
- Occasions: Perfect for weddings, date nights, or any event where you want a soft, flowing style.
2. Sleek, Low Ponytail with a Side Part: Polished and Professional
A sleek, low ponytail with a side part gives you a chic and professional look that works beautifully for both work settings and formal events. This style is easy to achieve yet elegant enough to make a statement.
- How to Style: Part your hair deeply to one side and apply a smoothing serum to prevent frizz. Brush the hair back into a low ponytail, securing it with an elastic at the nape of the neck. To elevate the look, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic and pin it in place. Finish with a high-shine hairspray.
- Best for: Straight or slightly wavy hair of any length. Fine hair can benefit from a volumizing mousse at the roots.
- Occasions: Ideal for job interviews, meetings, or any formal occasion where you want a refined look.
3. Side-Parted Hollywood Waves: Glamorous and Timeless
Channel old Hollywood glamour with deep, structured waves paired with a defined side part. This iconic style is perfect for red carpet events, galas, or any time you want to feel like a movie star.
- How to Style: After parting hair to the side, apply a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush. Use a 1- to 1.5-inch curling iron to create tight curls, pinning each one to cool for added hold. Once cooled, release the curls and gently brush through with a paddle brush for smooth, continuous waves. Finish with a glossy hairspray.
- Best for: Medium to thick hair that’s shoulder-length or longer. This style works best with smooth, straight, or relaxed hair.
- Occasions: Great for weddings, formal events, and photo shoots.
4. Side Part with Face-Framing Layers: Casual and Flattering
Adding face-framing layers to a side part gives your hair shape and movement, highlighting your facial features. This style is perfect for everyday wear, as it requires minimal maintenance but looks effortlessly stylish.
- How to Style: Part your hair to one side, then blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on curling the face-framing layers away from your face. If needed, use a flat iron to polish the ends.
- Best for: All hair lengths, especially those with layered cuts. Works well for oval and round face shapes.
- Occasions: Perfect for everyday wear, brunch dates, or any occasion where you want a laid-back yet polished look.
5. High Ponytail with Deep Side Part: Bold and Playful
This side-parted high ponytail combines sleekness with a hint of volume, making it an ideal style for a fun night out or even the gym. The deep side part adds a unique edge to the classic high ponytail.
- How to Style: Start by parting your hair deeply to one side, then comb it all up into a high ponytail, smoothing out any bumps. Secure with an elastic. For an added touch, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic. Apply a bit of hairspray for hold.
- Best for: Medium to long hair of any texture, especially thick hair. Works well with straight or slightly wavy hair.
- Occasions: Perfect for athletic events, nights out, or any occasion where you want a fun, youthful look.
6. Side Part with Bangs: Soft and Youthful
Pairing a side part with bangs can completely transform your look, adding softness and a modern touch. Side-swept bangs can enhance a side part, while blunt bangs with a side part create an interesting contrast.
- How to Style: Part hair to one side, then blow-dry the bangs and style them slightly to the side. Use a round brush to create a bit of volume and curl at the ends for a softer look.
- Best for: All hair lengths. This style suits most face shapes, especially round and square.
- Occasions: Ideal for work, school, or casual days when you want a soft, approachable look.
7. Side-Swept Updo: Elegant and Romantic
A side-swept updo is perfect for weddings, formal dinners, or any occasion where you want to feel sophisticated. It combines the structure of an updo with the flowing style of a side part.
- How to Style: Create a deep side part, gather hair over one shoulder, and pin into a low bun or chignon. For extra texture, leave some face-framing pieces loose. Curl these pieces slightly for a softer effect, and finish with hairspray.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, any texture. This style is especially suited for those with wavy or curly hair.
- Occasions: Best for formal events or romantic dates.
8. Side Part with Pixie Cut: Bold and Modern
For those with shorter hair, a side part on a pixie cut can add dimension and edge. The side part adds interest and shape, giving this style a trendy, sophisticated look.
- How to Style: Part your hair to one side and use a bit of styling wax or pomade to create definition, particularly around the bangs. Sweep the front section over to one side and tousle slightly for added texture.
- Best for: Short hair, particularly pixie cuts or crops.
- Occasions: Perfect for day-to-day wear, parties, or any time you want to make a fashion-forward statement.
9. Side Part with Loose Braids: Bohemian and Relaxed
For a carefree, boho look, try pairing a side part with loose, textured braids. This style is casual and comfortable, making it perfect for festivals or outdoor events.
- How to Style: Create a deep side part, then braid one side loosely, securing it with a clear elastic. For added texture, tug at the braid gently to create a fuller, messier look. For an extra touch, add small hair accessories like pins or flowers.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, especially wavy or curly textures.
- Occasions: Ideal for beach days, outdoor festivals, and casual gatherings.
For those looking to add a twist to their side-part style, try combining it with a half-up, half-down hairstyle for a laid-back look with added volume.
10. Side Parted Bob with Volume: Classic and Polished
For a sophisticated, classic look, a voluminous bob with a side part is the way to go. This style is polished and professional, yet stylish and chic.
- How to Style: Part your bob to one side, then use a round brush while blow-drying to create volume at the roots. For a sleek finish, run a flat iron over the ends and apply a shine serum.
- Best for: Short to medium hair, especially those with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair.
- Occasions: Great for work, formal events, or anytime you want a polished look.
How to Choose the Best Side Part for Your Face Shape
To get the most flattering side part, consider the shape of your face:
- Round Face: A deep side part elongates the face, adding structure and angles.
- Square Face: A softer side part (not too deep) will soften a strong jawline.
- Oval Face: This balanced shape suits any part, so try different styles to see what you prefer.
- Heart-Shaped Face: A side part with bangs helps to balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.
How to Style a Side Part: Step-by-Step Guide
Styling a side part can be simple or detailed, depending on the look you want. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide:
- Determine the Parting Side: Use a comb to find where your hair naturally falls to one side. For a more defined look, choose a deep side part about an inch from the hairline.
- Prep with Products: Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots if you want lift, or a smoothing serum if you’re going for sleekness.
- Dry and Set: Use a blow-dryer with a round brush to direct hair toward the chosen side. Start at the roots for volume or comb it flat for a polished finish.
- Set with Spray or Pomade: Lightly spray with hairspray for hold or apply a small amount of pomade at the part line for a more defined look.
Best Hair Products for Side-Part Styling
To achieve the perfect side part, choose products that match your hair type and desired style:
- Volumizing Mousse: Adds lift to roots, ideal for fine or flat hair.
- Texturizing Spray: Perfect for a tousled, casual look.
- Smoothing Serum: Adds shine and controls frizz, great for sleek styles.
- Flexible Hairspray: Holds the part in place without stiffness.
- Pomade or Wax: For defining the part line, particularly in men’s styles.
FAQs
Yes, repeated styling over time can train your hair to naturally fall to one side.
A side part generally creates a youthful effect by adding volume and framing the face, especially with soft waves or bangs.
Despite trends favoring middle parts, the side part remains a timeless, flattering style. It’s coming back strong in 2024 as more people rediscover its versatility.
A hard part involves shaving a line into the hair, creating a sharp division. A side part, in contrast, is achieved simply by parting the hair with a comb.
Consider your natural hair growth, face shape, and hair type. Testing different part placements and seeing how they complement your features is a great approach.
Styling Tips: Elevate Your Side Part
Here are some quick tips to perfect your side part hairstyle:
- Add Layers: If you want more volume, ask your stylist for layers that enhance the look of your side part.
- Experiment with Parting Depth: Try a deep side part for more drama or a soft part for a natural look.
- Play with Texture: Add curls or waves for a fuller, romantic look, or straighten for a sleek, sophisticated finish.
- Try Heat-Free Styling: Part hair while damp and let it air dry in the desired position for a natural, low-maintenance part.
Side Parts: Timeless, Adaptable, and Here to Stay
The side part continues to be a popular hairstyle choice, thanks to its adaptability and face-flattering properties. It’s a simple but effective way to add style, volume, and balance to any haircut. Whether you want a casual, beachy look or a formal, polished appearance, a side part can enhance your style with minimal effort.
So, don’t hesitate to experiment with this classic look! With the right techniques, tools, and tips, the side part can become a go-to hairstyle for anyone looking to add a timeless touch to their routine.
