12 Side Part Hairstyles That Will Transform Your Look Completely
Ever feel like your hairstyle needs a quick refresh, but don’t want to commit to a dramatic change? The answer might be simpler than you think. Just changing the way you part your hair, yes, something as small as switching to a side part can completely transform your appearance. From adding instant volume to framing your face flatteringly, side part hairstyles have long been a timeless beauty trick. And here’s the best part it works for all hair types and face shapes.
Deep Side Part with Soft Waves
The deep side part with soft waves represents the epitome of feminine elegance and sophistication. This timeless side part hairstyle creates an asymmetrical balance that instantly adds drama and allure to any look. The key lies in creating that perfect deep part – approximately 80% of your hair should fall to one side, while the remaining 20% sweeps gracefully across your forehead.
To achieve this stunning look, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse from roots to tips. Using a large barrel curling iron, create loose waves throughout your hair, ensuring each section is wrapped away from your face. The magic happens when you brush through these waves with a paddle brush, creating that soft, romantic texture that photographs beautifully and moves naturally throughout the day.
This side part hairstyle works exceptionally well for special occasions, professional settings, and romantic dinners. The soft waves frame your face beautifully, creating shadows and highlights that enhance your natural bone structure. For those with fine hair, this style adds much-needed volume and body, while those with thick hair will appreciate how the deep part helps distribute weight and creates a sleek silhouette.
Classic Side Part Bob
The classic side part bob has been a fashion staple since the 1920s, and for good reason – it’s versatile, chic, and incredibly flattering on virtually every face shape. This side part hairstyle combines the timeless appeal of a bob cut with the sophistication of a well-defined part, creating a look that’s both professional and playful.
The beauty of the side part bob lies in its adaptability. Whether you prefer a chin-length bob that grazes your jawline or a longer version that hits just below your shoulders, the side part adds instant polish and refinement. The asymmetrical nature of this hairstyle creates visual interest and helps balance facial features, making it particularly flattering for those with round or square face shapes.
Styling this look requires precision and the right tools. Begin with freshly washed hair and apply a heat protectant spray throughout your strands. Using a round brush and blow dryer, create smooth, sleek sections while directing the hair away from your part. The key is to maintain that crisp, clean line that defines where your hair naturally wants to fall.
Textured Side Part Pixie
For those brave enough to embrace shorter lengths, the textured side part pixie represents the perfect marriage of edginess and femininity. This bold side part hairstyle challenges conventional beauty standards while maintaining an undeniably chic appeal that turns heads wherever you go.
The textured side part pixie works by creating contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top section, which is then styled to one side with plenty of texture and movement. This hairstyle is particularly striking because it frames the face beautifully while showcasing your facial features in a way that longer styles simply cannot achieve.
Creating texture in a pixie cut requires specific techniques and products. After washing, apply a texturizing cream or sea salt spray to damp hair, then use your fingers to scrunch and tousle the hair while blow-drying. The goal is to create pieced, separated strands that move naturally and catch the light beautifully.
Sleek Side Part Lob
The sleek side part lob (long bob) has become the go-to hairstyle for celebrities and style icons who want to maintain length while embracing modern sophistication. This side part hairstyle hits that sweet spot between a traditional bob and longer hair, typically falling somewhere between the chin and collarbone.
What makes the sleek side part lob so appealing is its incredible versatility. During the day, it can be worn straight and polished for professional settings, but with a few quick styling changes, it transforms into a tousled, beachy look perfect for casual outings or evening events.
The sleek version requires a flat iron and high-quality heat protectant to achieve that mirror-like shine and perfectly straight texture. Start with completely dry hair and work in small sections, ensuring each pass of the flat iron creates a smooth, frizz-free result. The side part should be clean and precise, creating a sophisticated asymmetrical frame around your face.
Romantic Side Part Updo
The romantic side part updo elevates the traditional updo by incorporating the elegance of a side part with the sophistication of an elevated style. This side part hairstyle is perfect for weddings, formal events, or any occasion where you want to look effortlessly glamorous.
This style begins with creating a dramatic side part, then gathering the hair into a low, loose chignon or twisted bun at the nape of the neck. The key is to maintain some softness and texture rather than pulling everything back too tightly, which can look severe and unflattering.
To create this look, start with day-old hair that has some natural texture and grip. Tease the crown section gently for volume, then begin twisting and pinning sections of hair into place. Leave a few strategic pieces loose around the face to soften the overall look and create that romantic, effortless appeal.
Edgy Side Part Undercut
For those who want to make a bold statement, the edgy side part undercut combines the classic sophistication of a side part with the modern rebelliousness of an undercut design. This side part hairstyle is perfect for individuals who want to express their personality through their hair while maintaining some level of professionalism.
The undercut portion can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your comfort level and lifestyle requirements. Some people opt for a small shaved section hidden beneath longer layers, while others choose more dramatic designs that are clearly visible when the hair is styled to one side.
This hairstyle requires regular maintenance from a professional stylist who understands how to blend the undercut seamlessly with the longer sections. The contrast between the closely cropped sides and the longer top creates visual interest and allows for multiple styling options depending on the occasion.
Vintage Side Part Finger Waves
The vintage side part finger waves transport you back to the glamorous 1920s and 1930s, when Hollywood stars like Veronica Lake made this side part hairstyle synonymous with elegance and sophistication. This look requires patience and skill but creates a stunning result that’s perfect for themed events, formal occasions, or when you simply want to channel old Hollywood glamour.
Finger waves are created by molding wet hair into S-shaped curves using your fingers, a comb, and strong-hold gel or setting lotion. The side part is crucial to this style, as it provides the starting point for the dramatic waves that cascade across the forehead and down the sides of the head.
This technique requires practice and the right products to achieve authentic-looking waves that hold their shape throughout the day. The result is a hairstyle that photographs beautifully and creates an air of vintage sophistication that’s impossible to replicate with modern styling tools alone.
Messy Side Part Beach Waves
The messy side part beach waves capture that effortlessly chic look that appears casual but actually requires some skill to perfect. This side part hairstyle is ideal for those who want to look put-together without appearing overly styled or formal.
The beauty of beach waves lies in their imperfection – they should look like you’ve just spent a day by the ocean, with natural texture and movement that catches the light beautifully. The side part adds structure to what might otherwise be chaotic, creating a focal point that grounds the entire look.
To achieve this style, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair, then scrunch sections while blow-drying with a diffuser attachment. The key is to avoid over-styling – the waves should look natural and lived-in, with plenty of texture and movement.
Sophisticated Side Part Chignon
The sophisticated side part chignon represents the pinnacle of elegant hairstyling, combining the classic appeal of a side part with the timeless sophistication of a low chignon. This side part hairstyle is perfect for black-tie events, professional presentations, or any occasion where you want to project confidence and refinement.
Unlike more casual updos, the chignon requires precision and attention to detail. Every strand should be carefully placed and secured, creating a smooth, polished result that looks effortless despite the skill required to achieve it.
The side part in this style serves multiple purposes – it creates asymmetrical interest, helps frame the face beautifully, and provides a sophisticated starting point for the elegant twist and tuck technique that creates the chignon itself.
Modern Side Part Shag
The modern side part shag brings contemporary edge to the classic shag haircut by incorporating a dramatic side part that adds structure and sophistication to what might otherwise be a wild, untamed style. This side part hairstyle works particularly well for those with naturally wavy or curly hair who want to embrace their texture while maintaining some level of control.
The shag cut features layers of varying lengths that create movement and texture throughout the hair. When combined with a side part, these layers fall naturally to one side, creating an asymmetrical silhouette that’s both edgy and feminine.
Styling the modern side part shag requires embracing imperfection and working with your hair’s natural texture rather than fighting against it. The result is a hairstyle that looks effortlessly cool and works beautifully for both casual and dressy occasions.
Sleek Side Part Ponytail
The sleek side part ponytail elevates the simple ponytail into something sophisticated and polished. This side part hairstyle is perfect for professional settings, workout sessions, or any time you want to look put-together while keeping your hair out of your face.
The key to this look is achieving perfect smoothness from the part all the way back to the ponytail elastic. This requires a flat brush, strong-hold gel or pomade, and careful attention to detail to ensure there are no bumps or flyaways disrupting the sleek silhouette.
The height of the ponytail can be adjusted based on your preference and the occasion – a low ponytail creates a more professional look, while a high ponytail adds energy and youthfulness to your appearance.
Boho Side Part Braids
The boho side part braids combine the free-spirited appeal of bohemian styling with the structure of a well-defined side part. This side part hairstyle is perfect for festivals, casual outings, or any time you want to channel your inner bohemian goddess.
This style typically incorporates multiple small braids or one large side braid that begins at the deep side part and flows gracefully over one shoulder. The contrast between the sleek parted section and the textured braided portion creates visual interest and allows you to showcase both smooth and textured styling techniques.
The beauty of boho braids lies in their imperfection – they should look slightly undone and natural, with pieces strategically left out to frame the face and create that effortlessly chic bohemian appeal.
Conclusion
These twelve side part hairstyles prove that something as simple as changing where you part your hair can completely transform your entire look. From the classic elegance of vintage finger waves to the modern edge of an undercut design, each style offers unique benefits and appeals to different personalities and lifestyles.
The beauty of side part hairstyles lies in their universal appeal – regardless of your face shape, hair texture, or personal style preferences, there’s a side part variation that will enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or a subtle update to your current look, experimenting with different side part techniques can help you discover new sides of your personality and style.
Remember that the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different side part hairstyles until you find the ones that work best for your lifestyle, hair type, and personal preferences. With practice and the right techniques, you’ll master these looks and always have the perfect hairstyle for any occasion.
