Side part hairstyles have stayed popular for decades because they work almost everywhere. A clean part gives instant structure, and the sides can be styled sharp or soft depending on your mood. This guide covers the best side part hairstyles men can try in 2026, from classic looks to modern fades and textured versions.

You will find styles here for every hair type and face shape, along with tips on how to ask your barber for the exact look you want and how to keep it neat between visits.

Best Side Part Hairstyles Men

These are the timeless versions of the side part. Each one leans classic but still works in 2026 with the right styling.

The Classic Side Part

The classic side part uses a clean, defined line with hair combed neatly to one side. It works with a light pomade or cream on damp hair. This style suits almost every face shape and stays sharp for formal or professional settings.

The Old School Side Part

This version leans into vintage grooming, with a slicked, smooth finish and a hard part line. It uses more product than the classic version for extra hold and shine. It suits men who want a retro, polished look.

The Don Draper Style

This style is inspired by mid century business grooming, with hair swept back and to the side using a strong hold pomade. The sides stay short and neat, while the top holds its shape all day. It works well for formal events and office settings.

The Side Part Ivy League

The Ivy League cut keeps the top slightly longer with a soft side part, while the sides stay short but not faded. It gives a clean, collegiate look with less shine than the old school version. This style suits straight or slightly wavy hair.

Fade and Taper Variations

Adding a fade or taper to the sides gives the side part a sharper, more modern edge.

Low Fade Side Part

The low fade keeps the fade close to the ears, creating a soft transition from the top to the sides. It suits square and oval face shapes well. This is a good option for men who want structure without a bold contrast.

Mid Fade Side Part

The mid fade sits higher than the low fade, giving more visible contrast between the top and sides. It works with straight, wavy, or curly hair. This version balances a classic feel with a slightly more modern edge.

High Fade Side Part

The high fade creates the strongest contrast on this list, with the fade starting well above the ears. It gives a bold, confident look. This version suits men who want their side part to stand out clearly.

Taper Fade Side Part

The taper fade blends gradually instead of creating a hard line, giving a softer overall finish. It pairs well with facial hair and works in both casual and professional settings. This is one of the most versatile fade options for a side part.

Undercut and Disconnect

These versions create a bigger contrast between the top and sides for a bolder look.

Side Part Undercut

The undercut keeps the sides very short, almost shaved, while the top stays long enough to sweep into a defined part. This creates a sharp, dramatic contrast. It suits men who want a bold, modern take on a classic style.

Disconnected Side Part

The disconnected version skips the gradual fade entirely, cutting straight from short sides to long top with no blend. It gives an edgy, high contrast look. This style needs regular trims to keep the disconnection line clean.

Textured and Casual

These styles trade a slick finish for movement and texture, giving the side part a more relaxed feel.

Textured Side Part

This version keeps the part line but adds texture through the rest of the top instead of a smooth finish. A matte clay or paste separates the strands for a natural look. It suits men who want structure with less shine.

Messy Side Part

The messy side part follows the same part line but styles the rest of the hair loosely, with a just finished look rather than a perfect comb. A matte paste worked through dry hair with your fingers creates the right texture. It works well for casual days and relaxed settings.

Textured Quiff Side Part

This style combines a side part with extra height and texture at the front, similar to a quiff. Blow dry the top up and forward before setting with a light hold product. It suits men who want more volume alongside their part.

Modern and Trendy

These are the boldest and most current takes on the side part.

Wolf Cut Side Part

The wolf cut adds heavy layering and shag inspired texture to a side part base. It gives a rougher, more textured finish than a classic part. This style suits men with thick or wavy hair who want a trendier look.

Side Part Mullet

This style pairs a clean side part on top with extra length left at the back. It mixes old school structure with a modern mullet silhouette. It works best for men comfortable with a bolder, more distinctive haircut.

Deep Side Part

The deep side part moves the part line further to one side than usual, creating a more dramatic sweep across the top. It adds extra width and structure to narrower face shapes. This version pairs well with a low or mid fade.

How to Ask Your Barber for a Side Part?

Getting the exact look you want starts with clear communication before the cut begins.

Share a Visual Reference First

Bring one or two photos that show the part line, top length, and fade you want. Photos remove any guesswork and give your barber a clear target. Choose reference photos with hair similar to your own for the best match.

Communicate With Precise Language

Describe the fade height, part depth, and finish you want using specific terms rather than vague descriptions. Mention if you want a slicked, textured, or messy finish. Clear, specific requests lead to results that match your expectations.

How to Maintain a Side Part?

A side part needs a bit of daily care and regular trims to stay sharp.

Establish a Simple Daily Routine

Comb your part into place on damp hair each morning, then apply a light product to hold the shape. This takes just a few minutes and keeps the look consistent. Adjust the amount of product based on how much hold or texture you want.

Commit to Regular Professional Trims

Book a trim every two to four weeks depending on how sharp you want the part and fade to stay. Fades and undercuts need more frequent visits than looser, textured styles. Regular trims keep the whole style looking intentional rather than grown out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a side part still in style in 2026?

Yes. The side part remains one of the most popular men’s hairstyles in 2026, with a shift toward relaxed, textured finishes over slicked back styles.

What face shapes suit a side part best?

Oval, square, and round face shapes tend to suit a side part best, since the part adds structure and balance to the face.

How often do I need to trim a side part?

Most side part styles need a trim every two to four weeks, especially versions with a fade or undercut.

What product works best for a side part?

A light pomade or cream gives a classic, defined finish, while a matte clay or paste works better for textured or messy versions.

Can a side part work with curly hair?

Yes. Curly hair can hold a side part well, especially with a taper or mid fade and a curl friendly cream to define the top.

Final Thoughts

Side part hairstyles stay popular because they adapt to almost any hair type, face shape, and setting. Whether you want a classic, slicked finish or a modern, textured look, there is a version here that fits your style. Talk to your barber about the exact fade height and top length you want, and this cut can stay sharp with very little daily effort.