16 Hairstyles Side Part: Timeless Looks That Suit Every Face Shape
Ever stared at the mirror wondering why your hair just doesn’t look the way you imagined? I’ve been there. And honestly, the answer is often simpler than you think — a well-placed side part can completely transform your look. I’ve spent years experimenting with hairstyles, and I can tell you with confidence: side part hairstyles are one of the most underrated, versatile tools in the styling game.
So what exactly are hairstyles with a side part? A side part hairstyle is created by dividing the hair off-center — either slightly or dramatically — so that more hair falls to one side of the head. Side parts work on all hair lengths and textures, and they are known for elongating the face, adding volume, and creating a polished or effortlessly cool aesthetic depending on execution. They suit both casual and formal occasions.
Ready to dig deeper? In this guide, I’m breaking down 16 stunning side part hairstyles, complete with face shape matches, difficulty ratings, step-by-step tips, common mistakes to dodge, and hair care advice to keep your style looking sharp all day long.
What Makes the Side Part So Powerful?
Before we dive into the specific styles, let me explain why a side part is more than just “moving your hair to the side.” The placement of your part changes the visual geometry of your face. A deep side part on someone with a round face creates the illusion of length — suddenly your cheekbones look more defined. A soft side part on an oval face adds a romantic, asymmetric quality without doing too much.
The side part is also a statement. Think of the old Hollywood glamour era — actresses like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth made the deep side part an icon. Today it lives on in everything from sleek modern lobs to voluminous curly hair looks. Let’s get into all 16 of them.
16 Hairstyles with a Side Part
1. Classic Deep Side Part with Sleek Straight Hair
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The deep side part with pin-straight hair is the OG of sophisticated styling, and it never goes out of fashion. This look involves parting your hair significantly off-center — usually about two-thirds of the way across your head — and smoothing everything down with a flat iron or a strong-hold serum. The result is sharp, polished, and incredibly chic.
What makes this style work is contrast: the heavy fall of hair on one side versus the tight, close section on the other creates a dramatic visual line. It suits oval, oblong, and heart-shaped faces beautifully. For straight hair types, this is your low-effort, high-impact move. Simply apply a smoothing serum, blow-dry downward with a paddle brush, and seal with a flat iron pass. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to combat frizz and flyaways throughout the day.
Quick Tip: Use a rat-tail comb (not your fingers) to create a clean, precise part — this single step upgrades the entire look.
2. Side Part with Voluminous Blowout
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Sometimes a side part isn’t about sleekness — it’s about lift. A voluminous blowout with a side part gives you that retro, full-bodied glamour that makes you look like you just walked out of a salon, even if you did it yourself at home.
The key here is blow-drying in the opposite direction of your part first. Yes, really — blast your hair away from where you want it to fall, then sweep it back over once it’s cool. This builds root lift that lasts all day. Round brushes are your best friend for this technique. Use a medium-barrel brush and roll sections upward as you dry. This style flatters round and square face shapes particularly well because the volume at the crown visually lengthens the face. A volumizing mousse at the roots before drying makes a huge difference.
3. Side Part with Beach Waves
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This is the “I woke up like this” look that requires a bit more effort than it lets on — and that’s exactly what makes it fun. Beach waves with a side part give you effortless texture and movement with just the right amount of undone polish.
Start with a texturizing spray on damp hair, then scrunch and let air dry partially. Finish with a 1-inch curling wand, wrapping sections away from your face and leaving the ends out for that natural, undone tip. After curling, toss your head forward, scrunch everything, and flip back. The side part sets the whole look off — try a soft side part rather than a deep one here for a more relaxed result. This style is flattering on virtually every face shape and works beautifully on wavy and straight hair textures.
4. Side Part Pixie Cut
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Think a pixie cut means no styling options? Think again. A side part on a pixie is an absolute game-changer — it takes a short cut from androgynous to genuinely feminine and elegant in seconds.
The side-parted pixie works by sweeping the longer top sections to one side, often creating a gentle swooping effect over the forehead. This style softens angular features and is especially flattering for square and oblong face shapes. Style with a small amount of pomade or wax — not gel, which can look stiff — and use a fine-tooth comb to set the part. Finish with a light mist of flexible hold spray. If your pixie has longer, layered top sections, you have even more room to play with the sweep and volume on the parted side.
5. Side Part Bob (The Classic Lob)
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The side-parted bob — particularly at lob (long bob) length — is one of the most requested salon looks for a reason. It frames the face beautifully, works for work AND weekends, and photographs extraordinarily well.
A bob with a side part creates a gentle asymmetry: one side of the jaw is more exposed while the other is softly framed by the fall of hair. This is genuinely flattering for heart-shaped faces (the fuller hair near the chin balances a wider forehead) and oval faces. For texture, a subtle C-curve blow-dry — where you roll the ends under with a round brush — gives just enough polish without looking overdone. Add a serum to the mid-lengths and ends for shine. The side-parted lob is also one of the most low-maintenance styles on this list.
6. Deep Side Part with Finger Waves
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Now we’re stepping into full vintage glamour territory. Finger waves with a deep side part are a nod to the 1920s and 30s, but they’ve made a powerful comeback in editorial and red-carpet looks.
Creating finger waves requires a styling gel or wave cream, a fine-tooth comb, and a bit of patience. Work the gel through damp hair, then use your fingers and the comb to create S-shaped wave patterns close to the scalp. Pin each wave in place with bobby pins or wave clips and let dry fully — either air dry or use a hooded dryer if you have one. The deep side part acts as the anchor for the entire pattern. This look works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and is especially striking on short and medium lengths. Expect admiring glances. A lot of them.
7. Side Part with Space Buns (Modern Twist)
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Space buns don’t have to be perfectly symmetrical — in fact, they look cooler when they’re not. A side-parted space bun look places one bun slightly higher or closer to the center than the other, giving the whole style an intentional, editorial edge.
Part your hair with a soft side part, then divide it roughly in half (not at the center). Twist each half into a messy bun and secure with a small elastic. Pull out a few face-framing pieces on the parted side for softness. This is a brilliant option for festivals, casual outings, or anyone who wants to look fun without trying too hard. It works best on medium to long hair and is surprisingly secure — great for active days.
8. Side Part Cornrows
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Cornrows with a side part bring together structure, cultural richness, and modern style in one look. The part itself becomes an integral design element — it’s crisp, deliberate, and often highlighted with a fade or close-cropped undercut if paired with shorter sides.
Side-parted cornrows can run straight back from the part, diagonally, or in curved patterns. The side part adds asymmetry that elevates the whole design. This style is protective (a win for natural hair health), long-lasting (3–6 weeks with proper care), and versatile — you can dress it up with gold cuffs or keep it clean and minimal. Ask your stylist to use a rat-tail comb for the sharpest part possible. Moisturize your scalp regularly during the wear period to prevent dryness and flaking.
9. Side Part Curtain Bangs
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Curtain bangs with a side part are essentially a soft, romantic look that feels both vintage and completely contemporary. The bangs sweep to either side from a center or slight side part, framing the face like — you guessed it — curtains.
The difference between curtain bangs with a center part and a side part is subtle but meaningful: the side-parted version creates more visual imbalance, which reads as artsy and effortless. Style curtain bangs with a round brush on low heat, rolling them outward from the face. Use a small amount of lightweight hair oil to add shine and separation without weighing the bangs down. Curtain bangs suit oval, heart, and long face shapes particularly well. They grow out gracefully, too — one of the few bang styles that doesn’t become awkward in the grow-out phase.
10. Side Part Slick Back (The CEO Look)
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This one means business. A slick-back hairstyle with a hard side part — often paired with a fade on the sides — is the ultimate power move for men (and increasingly popular for women, too, in editorial looks).
Apply a strong-hold pomade or gel to damp hair and use a fine-tooth comb to pull everything back from the part. The side part creates a clean visual “lane” that separates the slicked-back sections. For men, a high or low fade on the sides amplifies the contrast. For women, this works stunningly with an undercut. This is a high-impact, low-time hairstyle once you get the technique down. It’s best suited for straight to slightly wavy hair and works on medium to long lengths.
11. Side Part with Loose Updo
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A side-parted loose updo is elegance without effort — the kind of hairstyle you’d wear to a summer wedding or a rooftop dinner. Think a low bun, a loose chignon, or a soft twist, all anchored by a sweeping side part that lets a few face-framing pieces fall free.
The beauty of this style is in its intentional messiness. You’re not going for a tight, structured updo — you’re going for something that looks like it almost came undone in the best possible way. Tease the hair at the crown slightly before gathering it into the updo to add volume and prevent the whole thing from looking flat. Secure with pins and a flexible hold spray. This works on medium and long hair and is genuinely flattering on every face shape.
12. Side Part with Box Braids
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Box braids are a protective style staple, and giving them a side part transforms them from a standard look into something more dynamic and personalized. The part itself is usually shaved or very precisely combed in, making it one of the most defined elements of the entire style.
Side-parted box braids allow the braids on one side to drape dramatically over the shoulder or frame the face, while the other side is cleaner and more exposed. You can accessorize the parted side with gold rings, colored thread, or beads. This style lasts 6–8 weeks with proper care, and the side part can be freshened up with a rattail comb if it starts to look fuzzy. Moisturize your scalp with a light oil spray every few days to keep your natural hair healthy underneath.
13. Side Part with Curly Natural Hair
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If you have natural curls, a side part is honestly one of the most flattering things you can do. It asymmetrically frames your face while letting the full volume and personality of your curls do the talking.
For type 3 and type 4 curls, define your part while your hair is wet (this is when the part will be most visible). Use a moisturizing cream or curl-defining gel and work it through in sections. Allow to air dry or diffuse on low. Once dry, gently fluff at the roots with a pick for volume — especially on the side with less hair. The side part gives a beautiful, natural-looking imbalance to curly styles that feels intentional rather than random. This approach works especially well for wash-and-go routines.
14. Side Part with Braided Crown
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A braided crown with a side part is the ultimate “effortlessly put-together” look. Instead of a symmetric crown braid (which can look a bit formal), the side part gives the crown an asymmetric start that feels more modern and editorial.
Begin your braid from behind one ear on the parted side, then carry it across the top of the head and pin it on the opposite side. The remaining hair can cascade down in waves or curls. This is a perfect style for outdoor events, weddings as a guest, or days when you want to keep hair off your face without sacrificing style. It works best on medium to long hair and holds better when the hair has a bit of texture (second-day hair is ideal).
15. Side Part with Pompadour
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The side-part pompadour is a bold, confident style with serious personality. Originally a men’s classic, it’s been widely adopted as a unisex power look — and for good reason. The volume at the front combined with the clean side part creates a silhouette that’s both retro and completely fresh.
To build the pompadour, blow-dry the front section upward and backward using a round brush. Apply a medium-hold pomade or paste to keep the volume in place. Use the comb to set the side part sharply, and smooth the sides down flat or into a fade if working with a barber. The contrast between the sculptured top and the sleek sides is what gives this style its drama. Oval and oblong face shapes carry this look best, though it can work with any face shape when scaled appropriately.
16. Side Part with Half Up Twist
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Last but absolutely not least: the half-up twist with a side part. This is an accessible, everyday style that takes about five minutes but looks like you put in real effort — my personal favorite category of hairstyle.
Take a section of hair from the parted side (the fuller side), twist it back and across toward the crown, and pin it with bobby pins or a decorative clip. Leave the rest of the hair down. The side part gives the whole look direction and intention. You can wear this style with straight hair, waves, or curls — it adapts beautifully to all textures. It’s especially useful for growing out bangs or keeping hair off your face during warm weather without fully committing to an updo.
Quick Reference: Side Part Hairstyles at a Glance
Hairstyle Comparison Table
| # | Hairstyle | Best Face Shape | Hair Length | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classic Deep Side Part | Oval, Heart, Oblong | Medium–Long | Work, Formal |
| 2 | Voluminous Blowout | Round, Square | Medium–Long | Dates, Events |
| 3 | Beach Waves | All | Medium–Long | Casual, Beach |
| 4 | Pixie Cut | Square, Oblong | Short | Everyday |
| 5 | Side Part Bob/Lob | Heart, Oval | Short–Medium | Work, Weekend |
| 6 | Finger Waves | Oval, Long | Short–Medium | Formal, Events |
| 7 | Space Buns | All | Medium–Long | Casual, Festivals |
| 8 | Side Part Cornrows | All | Short–Long | Protective, Casual |
| 9 | Curtain Bangs | Oval, Heart, Long | Medium–Long | Everyday, Casual |
| 10 | Slick-Back CEO Look | All | Medium–Long | Work, Formal |
| 11 | Loose Updo | All | Medium–Long | Weddings, Dinners |
| 12 | Box Braids | All | Medium–Long | Protective, Casual |
| 13 | Curly Natural Hair | All | Any | Everyday |
| 14 | Braided Crown | All | Medium–Long | Weddings, Events |
| 15 | Pompadour | Oval, Oblong | Medium | Statement, Events |
| 16 | Half-Up Twist | All | Medium–Long | Everyday, Work |
Common Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them
This is where most articles leave you hanging. Let’s fix that.
Mistake 1: Using your fingers to create the part. Your fingers give you a rough, imprecise line that telegraphs “rushed.” Always use a rat-tail comb — the pointed end creates a clean, sharp line in seconds.
Mistake 2: Choosing a part that fights your natural hair growth. If your hair grows with a natural cowlick or growth pattern, working against it takes constant effort and spray to maintain. Look at where your hair naturally wants to fall and work with it whenever possible.
Mistake 3: Placing the part in the wrong position for your face shape. A very deep side part on someone with a long face can make it look even longer. Conversely, a center part on a round face eliminates the slimming asymmetry that a side part provides. Use the table below for guidance.
Mistake 4: Using too much product. Heavy gel or thick pomade can weigh the hair down, make it look greasy, and even cause buildup on the scalp. Start with a small amount — about a dime-size — and build up only if needed.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to set the part. Blow-dry your hair in the direction of your part first to train it into place. Without this step, the part often shifts or closes up throughout the day, especially in humidity.
Mistake 6: Ignoring maintenance between washes. The side part can look disheveled by mid-afternoon if you don’t do a quick touch-up. Keep a small comb and a travel-size light-hold spray in your bag for a 30-second refresh.
Similar Variations to Explore
If you love the side part aesthetic, here are some closely related styles worth exploring:
- The Hard Part: A shaved or razored line instead of a combed part — popular in fade haircuts and extremely sharp in appearance.
- The Zigzag Part: A playful, textured alternative to a straight line — more casual and creative.
- The Off-Center Part: A very slight deviation from center that reads as a middle part from a distance but adds subtle asymmetry up close.
- The Double Part: Two parallel parts creating a section between them — an editorial, avant-garde move.
- The Diagonal Part: A part that runs at a slight angle rather than straight back — gives a dynamic, sculptural quality to the hairstyle.
Face Shape Guide for Side Parts
Which Part Placement Works Best for You?
| Face Shape | Recommended Part | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Deep side part (creates length) | Center part |
| Oval | Any — most versatile | Nothing to avoid |
| Square | Soft side part with waves | Hard, angular parts |
| Heart | Soft side part below temples | Very deep part at temple |
| Oblong/Long | Moderate side part with waves | Very deep or center part |
| Diamond | Side part with curtain bangs | Severe deep parts |
Hair Care Tips for Side Part Hairstyles
Side parts are only as good as the hair they’re working with. Here’s how to keep your hair in the best possible shape:
Hydrate from the inside out. Drinking enough water genuinely affects hair moisture levels. Pair this with a weekly deep conditioning mask — focus the product on mid-lengths and ends, not the roots.
Protect your heat-styled hair. If you’re regularly flat-ironing or blow-drying for your side part styles, always apply a heat protectant spray before any tool touches your hair. Aim for tools with ceramic or tourmaline plates, which distribute heat more evenly and cause less damage.
Scalp health is non-negotiable. A side part reveals your scalp along the part line, so scalp health is literally visible. If you notice dryness, flaking, or oiliness at your part line, switch to a scalp-focused shampoo and consider incorporating a scalp serum into your weekly routine.
Minimize tension at the part. If you always wear your hair in the same side part, the repeated tension on that same area can cause gradual thinning along the part line. Alternate sides occasionally, or switch to a slightly shifted part every few days.
Trim regularly. Split ends travel upward and make even the best styling look ragged. Schedule a trim every 8–12 weeks to keep your lengths clean and your style looking intentional.
Use silk or satin pillowcases. Cotton pillowcases create friction that can roughen the hair cuticle, lead to frizz, and even cause breakage over time. A silk or satin pillowcase preserves your style overnight and keeps your hair smoother come morning.
Outro
Side part hairstyles are genuinely one of the most transformative, timeless choices you can make — whether you’re going for polished and professional, casual and carefree, or bold and editorial. From the classic slicked-back CEO look to loose beach waves that frame your face effortlessly, the 16 hairstyles side part options covered in this guide prove that a simple part placement carries more power than most people realize.
Now you have the face shape guide, the difficulty ratings, the common pitfalls, and the care tips to actually make these styles work for you — not just look good in a photo. Go find your part, own it, and let your hair tell the story you want it to.
