Side Part Hairstyle for Men: Slick Back, Old Money and Curtains
24 looks Men's cuts by style Updated 8 Oct 2026
A side part hairstyle is the easiest way to look neat with very little effort. This page covers 24 parted and combed looks: classic side parts, slick backs, the old money hairstyle, middle part curtains, one side sweeps and formal office cuts.
For each photo we give the top length to grow, the face shapes that wear it well and a short note for your barber. Most of these need 4 to 12 cm on top, so check the length before you book. For shorter options, see our textured crop styles.
Parted styles do best on straight and wavy hair. If your hair is very curly, a part still works, but keep it short and ask for a shaved line.
Classic Side Part Hairstyle for Men
The side part hairstyle is the most trusted classic hairstyle in any barber's book. The part should sit where your hair naturally falls, usually on the side your crown swirl points to.
- Hair
- Short, straight
- Best for
- Oval, square, oblong
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 to 5 weeks
Scissor-cut sides grow out gently, so this classic side part hairstyle suits men who visit the barber less often.
Stylist note: Scissors over comb at the sides, 6 cm left on top, parted on your natural side.
- Hair
- Short, straight, fine
- Best for
- Oval, round
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 weeks
A shaved line keeps this side partition hairstyle crisp for weeks. Best on straight hair that will not hold a part.
Stylist note: Ask for a mid taper from #1 and a thin hard part shaved with a trimmer.
- Hair
- Medium, wavy
- Best for
- Round, square, heart
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 weeks
Wavy hair gives a side part natural lift. Blow dry the front up before you comb it across.
Stylist note: Ask for 7 cm at the front, sides tapered with #3, and light layering on top.
- Hair
- Short, straight
- Best for
- Oval, round, heart
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 weeks
This side part hairstyle boy students wear for college and functions takes two minutes with a comb and water.
Stylist note: Get #2 at the sides with 4 cm up top, then a light part combed with water.
Slick Back Hairstyle Men Can Wear
A slick back hairstyle needs 7 to 12 cm on top and a pomade or cream. Choose the shine level: glossy for weddings, matte for daytime. For more short-sided options, see fade and undercut styles.
- Hair
- Medium top, straight
- Best for
- Oval, square
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 weeks
A glossy slick back over an undercut is bold and sharp. It suits square and oval faces with a strong jaw.
Stylist note: Ask for a #1 undercut with no blending and 10 cm on top to slick back.
- Hair
- Medium, straight or wavy
- Best for
- Oval, diamond, oblong
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 weeks
A matte slicked back hairstyle looks softer and less formal. It works for daily wear in humid weather.
Stylist note: Ask for a low taper and 9 cm on top, then use matte cream on damp hair.
- Hair
- Long, wavy
- Best for
- Oval, square, oblong
- Upkeep
- Trim every 6 to 8 weeks
Longer hair slicked back gives a relaxed, grown up look. Let the ends curl at the collar.
Stylist note: Grow the sides to cover the ears, ask for layers, then comb back with a cream.
- Hair
- Short top, thick
- Best for
- Round, oval
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 weeks
A short slick back with a skin fade is easy to grow into. It is good for guys moving on from a crop.
Stylist note: Ask for a high skin fade and 7 cm on top, combed back with light pomade.
Old Money Hairstyle Men Choose
The old money hairstyle is quiet and well kept. Think soft side parts, scissor-cut sides and no harsh fades. It is a gentleman hairstyle that looks expensive without trying.
- Hair
- Medium, straight or wavy
- Best for
- Oval, square, oblong
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 to 6 weeks
Soft, full and a little loose at the front. This old money hairstyle looks like it was cut last week, not today.
Stylist note: Ask for scissor-only sides, 8 cm on top, and a soft natural part.
- Hair
- Medium, wavy
- Best for
- Oval, heart, diamond
- Upkeep
- Trim every 6 weeks
This swept back wave looks relaxed and polished at once. It is best on natural waves that do not frizz much.
Stylist note: Ask for long top layers, with the sides tucked behind the ears and a soft back.
- Hair
- Short, straight
- Best for
- Oval, square, round
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 5 weeks
The ivy league is the short version of the old money look. It is neat for office and easy in the heat.
Stylist note: Request a #3 at the sides plus 4 cm on top, with a soft part brushed over.
- Hair
- Medium, thick
- Best for
- Round, oval, heart
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 to 5 weeks
Thick hair makes this look full without much product. A blow dryer and a paddle brush do most of the work.
Stylist note: Ask for weight removed from the sides, 9 cm on top, and a deep left part.
Middle Part Hairstyle and Curtain Hairstyle for Men
A middle part hairstyle splits the fringe into two curtains. The curtain hairstyle men like most suits thick hair with a little wave. See Korean hairstyles for softer middle part ideas.
- Hair
- Medium, thick, straight
- Best for
- Oval, square, diamond
- Upkeep
- Trim every 5 to 6 weeks
Thick hair holds curtains best. The two sides fall softly and frame the face.
Stylist note: Ask for a centre part, the fringe left at cheekbone length, and light layers.
- Hair
- Medium, straight, fine
- Best for
- Oval, heart, long
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 to 6 weeks
The Korean middle part is softer and rounder. It suits fine straight hair and younger faces.
Stylist note: Ask for a rounded shape, a thinned fringe, and a centre part blow-dried inward.
- Hair
- Medium, wavy
- Best for
- Oval, square
- Upkeep
- Trim every 5 to 6 weeks
A messy middle part hairstyle looks casual and young. Sea salt spray adds grip and keeps the waves loose.
Stylist note: Ask for textured layers on top, a loose centre part, and scissor-tapered sides.
- Hair
- Medium long, straight
- Best for
- Oval, oblong, square
- Upkeep
- Trim every 6 to 8 weeks
This middle part flow is for guys growing their hair. Tuck the sides behind the ears in the awkward stage.
Stylist note: Ask for even length, a centre part, and only the ends dusted.
One Side Hairstyle for Men
A one side hairstyle sweeps all the top hair to one side. A one side haircut adds a short or shaved side for more contrast. Pair it with ideas from our messy hairstyles for weekends.
- Hair
- Medium, straight
- Best for
- Oblong, oval, heart
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 to 6 weeks
A full side sweep hides a high forehead and adds movement. It suits straight hair with a natural fall.
Stylist note: Ask for a long fringe, layers on top, and a #2 taper on the sides.
- Hair
- Medium top, thick
- Best for
- Oval, square, diamond
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 weeks
One side short, the other side longer. This one side cut hairstyle is bold and suits young guys with thick hair.
Stylist note: Ask for #1 on one side only and 10 cm on top swept across.
- Hair
- Short, straight or wavy
- Best for
- Round, oval, square
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 weeks
A comb over with a low taper is the tidy middle ground. It suits office and casual days.
Stylist note: Ask for a low taper, 6 cm on top, and comb everything to one side.
- Hair
- Medium, wavy
- Best for
- Oval, square, heart
- Upkeep
- Trim every 6 weeks
A side part flow is relaxed and lets waves do the work. It is good for college and weekend outings.
Stylist note: Ask for length kept on top and sides, with long layers for the flow.
Professional Hairstyle for Men and Formal Office Looks
A professional hairstyle for men should look neat in a meeting and survive a long commute. These formal hairstyle for men ideas suit offices, interviews and weddings. See more on our hairstyle for men page.
- Hair
- Short, straight
- Best for
- Oval, round, square
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 weeks
This formal hairstyle for office male staff uses short hair that will not move in a crowded train.
Stylist note: Clipper #2 around the sides, keep 4 cm on top, and set a neat part with a little cream.
- Hair
- Short to medium, any
- Best for
- Oval, oblong, diamond
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 weeks
A brushed back top with a classic taper is the businessman hairstyle. It looks calm and in control.
Stylist note: Ask for a classic scissor taper, 6 cm on top, and brush back with light pomade.
- Hair
- Short, thick
- Best for
- Round, square, heart
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 weeks
Texture stops a side part from looking stiff. It suits formal days that end with dinner out.
Stylist note: Ask for point cutting on top, a mid taper, and a soft side part.
- Hair
- Short, any type
- Best for
- Oval, round, square
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 weeks
In peak summer, go shorter. A cropped side part keeps the formal look and stays cool under a helmet.
Stylist note: Ask for a low fade, 3 cm on top, and a light side part combed with water.
Side Part, Slick Back or Middle Part: How to Choose
| Style | Hair on top | Best face shapes | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic side part | 4 to 7 cm | Oval, round, square | Light cream |
| Slick back | 7 to 12 cm | Oval, square, diamond | Pomade or cream |
| Old money | 7 to 10 cm | Oval, oblong, square | Very little |
| Middle part curtains | 10 to 15 cm | Oval, square, diamond | Sea salt spray |
| One side sweep | 8 to 10 cm | Oblong, heart | Light wax |
Round faces should keep some lift at the front. Long faces should avoid tall slick backs and pick a fringe or curtains. See face shape hairstyles for men for more.
What to Tell Your Barber
- Say which side you part on, or ask the barber to find your natural part from the crown swirl.
- Give the side length as a guard number: #2 is 6 mm, #3 is 10 mm, #4 is 13 mm.
- Say whether you want a taper, a fade or scissor-only sides. Old money styles skip fades.
- For slick backs, ask the barber to leave the top heavy so it lies flat.
- For a hard part, ask for a thin line, not a wide shaved stripe.
Daily Styling and Upkeep
Towel dry, add a small amount of cream or pomade, and comb the part while the hair is damp. A 2 minute blow dry sets the shape for the day. In humid weather, use a matte product so it does not get greasy.
Short tapered sides need a trim every 2 to 4 weeks. Longer slick backs and curtains can go 4 to 6 weeks. If you see hair fall or dandruff, see a dermatologist.
Common hairstyle questions
How do I find my natural side part?
Comb wet hair straight back and push it forward with your palm. It will split on its own at your natural part. Most men part on the side their crown swirl points to.
Is a slick back hairstyle bad for hair?
No, if you wash the product out each night. Heavy pomade left in for days can clog the scalp and look dull. Use a water-based pomade and comb gently.
Which is better, a middle part hairstyle or a side part?
A side part is safer for offices and suits most faces. A middle part looks younger and suits oval and square faces with thick hair. If your forehead is broad, curtains help hide it.
What is an old money hairstyle?
It is a soft, well kept cut with scissor-cut sides, a natural side part and no sharp fade. The top is full and a little loose. It looks neat but not freshly cut.
Can I get a curtain hairstyle with thick hair?
Yes, and thick hair holds curtains best. Ask the barber to take weight out of the sides and leave the fringe at cheekbone length. A light blow dry stops it from puffing up.
What is the best professional hairstyle for men with thin hair?
Keep it short with a light side part and a #2 or #3 taper. Avoid long slick backs, which show the scalp. A matte cream adds a little body without shine.
