The Classic Side Part: Timeless Style Guide

Few haircuts have lasted a hundred years without going out of style. The side part is one of them. Worn by presidents, athletes, actors, and just about every professional who wants to look pulled together, the side part is the most reliable men's haircut you can get.

## What Is a Side Part?

The side part is a haircut with a defined parting line on one side of the head, with hair swept across the part toward the other side. Sides are kept shorter, top stays medium length, and the part sits over your natural hair growth direction.

There are two versions: - **Soft side part**: a natural part line, swept and tousled. Casual. - **Hard side part**: a razor-shaved part line. Sharp and formal.

## Why It Still Works

- **Universally professional**: works in any workplace. - **Hair type flexible**: straight, wavy, even loose curls. - **Face shape friendly**: balances most face shapes. - **Easy to style**: 60 seconds with a comb and a small amount of product. - **Photographs well**: shows up in formal photos, weddings, headshots.

## Modern Versions

The 2026 side part is not your grandfather's side part. Today's version usually pairs with:

- **Skin fade or taper fade on the sides**: cleaner than the old "short back and sides". - **Hard part line**: razored for definition. - **Slightly longer top**: 3 to 5 inches gives the sweep movement. - **Matte products**: low-shine pomades or clays instead of greasy oils.

## What to Ask Your Barber

- "Side part, parted on the [left or right]" (use your natural growth direction) - "Tapered or faded sides, medium length on top" - "Hard part with a razor" (only if you want the razored line) - "Long enough on top to sweep across with a comb"

Bring a photo. Cary Grant, Don Draper, Cillian Peaky Blinders, modern Brad Pitt all carry variations of this cut.

## Styling Step by Step

1. Shower or dampen hair. 2. Towel dry until damp, not soaking. 3. Comb to find your natural part line. 4. Apply a dime-sized amount of matte pomade or cream from roots to tips on the top. 5. Comb the hair across the part toward the heavier side. 6. Optional: blow dry on low while combing for extra volume. 7. Comb once more for the final clean line.

Total time: 90 seconds.

## Product Recommendations

- **Matte pomade**: medium to strong hold, low shine. The default product. - **Hair cream**: for a more natural, lived-in finish. - **Classic pomade**: high shine, slick finish, formal events. - **Avoid**: heavy gels, anything wet-look unless you specifically want that retro vibe.

## Maintenance

- Sides: every 2 to 3 weeks for a faded version, every 3 to 4 weeks for a tapered version. - Top: every 5 to 6 weeks to keep length manageable. - Hard part line: re-razored every visit.

## Face Shapes

- **Oval / round**: ideal. The part adds asymmetry that flatters most features. - **Square**: softens a strong jaw. - **Oblong**: keep the top medium height to avoid lengthening the face. - **Heart**: works well with a soft part swept off the wider forehead.

## Hair Type Notes

- **Straight hair**: cleanest result. - **Wavy hair**: blow drying smooths the part line. - **Curly hair**: possible with a hair cream, but the part will read softer. - **Thin hair**: shorter on top with a defined hard part creates the illusion of density.

## Side Part in Denver

At Alfani's Barbershop, the side part is one of the most-requested cuts. Whether you want a soft, lived-in version or a razored hard part with a skin fade, our barbers can deliver. Book online through Square or walk in on Colfax.

Men's haircuts from $37. First-time clients save $10.