The Art of the Side Part: From Barber's Chair to Yours

The side part hairstyle is a classic and timeless men's hairstyle that has been popular for over a century. This hairstyle is characterized by a clean and precise side part line, which separates the hair on one side of the head from the other. The side part can be worn in many different ways and can suit a variety of face shapes and hair types. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of the side part hairstyle, provide instructions on how to achieve the perfect side part, discuss variations of the side part hairstyle, and offer styling tips and product recommendations.

History and Origins of the Side Part Hairstyle

The side part hairstyle has a long history and can be traced back to the early 20th century. It was a popular hairstyle among men in the 1920s and 1930s, and was often worn with a slick and polished finish. The side part was seen as a sophisticated and stylish hairstyle, and was worn by many prominent figures of the era, including politicians, businessmen, and actors.

In the decades that followed, the side part hairstyle fell out of fashion, but has since made a comeback in recent years. Today, the side part is once again seen as a stylish and timeless hairstyle, and is worn by men of all ages and professions.

How to Achieve the Perfect Side Part

Achieving the perfect side part requires finding your natural part line and creating a clean and precise line with a comb. The steps to achieving the perfect side part are as follows:

1. Wet your hair: Start by wetting your hair, either by showering or applying water with a spray bottle.

2. Find your natural part line: Run your fingers through your hair to find the natural part line on your head. This is the line where your hair naturally separates.

3. Comb your hair: Use a fine-toothed comb to comb your hair and create a clean and precise part line on one side of your head.

4. Style your hair: Once the part line is in place, you can style your hair as desired, using products such as pomade, hair wax, or gel to achieve a slick and polished finish, or a more relaxed and messy look.

Variations of the Side Part Hairstyle

The side part hairstyle can be worn in many different ways, depending on your personal style and the occasion. Some popular variations of the side part hairstyle include:

1. The Slick Side Part: This variation of the side part hairstyle is characterized by a slick and polished finish, achieved by using pomade or hair wax to style the hair. This look is perfect for formal occasions or for creating a sophisticated and polished appearance.

2. The Messy Side Part: This variation of the side part hairstyle is characterized by a more relaxed and messy look, achieved by using a small amount of hair wax or pomade to style the hair, and then running your fingers through it to create a tousled and disheveled look.

3. The Classic Side Part: This variation of the side part hairstyle is characterized by a clean and precise side part line, with the hair on top styled in a classic and timeless way. This look is perfect for any occasion and can be achieved with a small amount of hair wax or pomade.

4. The Textured Side Part: This variation of the side part hairstyle is characterized by a textured, layered look, achieved by using a small amount of hair wax or clay to style the hair and create volume and texture.

Celebrity Inspirations

Many celebrities have sported the side part hairstyle over the years, and it can be a great source of inspiration for men looking to try the side part hairstyle. Some popular celebrity side part hairstyles include:

1. Ryan Gosling: The actor is known for his sharp and polished side part hairstyle, which he often wears on the red carpet.

2. Brad Pitt: Brad Pitt's side part hairstyle has evolved over the years, but he often sports a classic and timeless look with a clean and precise side part line.

3. George Clooney: George Clooney is known for his suave and sophisticated style, and his side part hairstyle is no exception. He often wears his hair with a polished and sleek finish, perfect for formal occasions.

4. David Beckham: David Beckham's side part hairstyle is often short and textured, with a messy and relaxed finish, perfect for a more casual look.

5. Daniel Craig: Daniel Craig's side part hairstyle is often short and textured, with a messy and relaxed finish, perfect for a more casual look.

Suitability and Face Shape

The side part hairstyle can suit many face shapes and hair types, but it is especially flattering for men with oval or rectangular face shapes. Men with round or square face shapes may also find that the side part hairstyle works well for them, but they may need to experiment with different variations of the hairstyle to find the right look.

Styling Products and Tools

To achieve and maintain the side part hairstyle, you will need a few key styling products and tools, such as:

1. Pomade: Pomade is a versatile styling product that can be used to create a slick and polished finish, or a more relaxed and messy look.

2. Hair Wax: Hair wax is a versatile styling product that can be used to create a textured and layered look, and is perfect for men with short hair.

3. Comb: A fine-toothed comb is essential for creating a clean and precise side part line.

4. Hair Dryer: A hair dryer can be used to dry your hair after you have created the side part, and to style your hair as desired.

5. Hair Spray: Hair spray can be used to hold your hairstyle in place and to maintain the shape of your side part throughout the day.