The Side Part — deep-dive
- Evgenii Solod
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Origins & early roots
Dividing hair to one side goes back to ancient Greece and Rome, where a groomed side division signaled order and status. The style resurged in the mid-19th century as men’s fashion became more structured and “tailored.”
1920s–1930s: the gentleman’s default
In the interwar years the side part became the dominant men’s haircut: longer top, tapered sides and nape, finished with pomade or wax. Think Hollywood—Clark Gable and contemporaries. Products shifted from wet, high-shine in the 1920s to more matte finishes by mid-1930s.
Military & “old-money” respectability
WWI/WWII grooming pushed short, tapered sides with a neat, distinguished part; later U.S. regs codified “tapered appearance on both sides and back,” reinforcing the side-part silhouette as regulation-friendly. The cut also read as conservative/affluent in business and “old-money” circles.
Postwar to Rat Pack
Mid-century businessmen and entertainers kept the look as an elegant default, evolving into cleaner tapers or light fades; “executive contour” became a barbershop staple.
Modern era: fades & hard parts
Today you’ll see side parts paired with low/mid/high fades, or a hard part (razor-etched line) for extra contrast. Hard parts are essentially a modern spin on the classic division.
Side part vs. comb-over (quick distinction)
Side part: focuses on the line of separation along/near the parietal ridge.
Comb-over: usually longer on top, emphasizing volume swept to the side; the two overlap, but emphasis differs.
Cutting & styling notes (pro tips)
Find the natural part first (cowlick/whorl dictates it), then decide if you’ll keep it soft (scissor) or etch a hard part with razor/trimmer. Keep the line thin and crisp.
Taper the perimeter (temples/nape) for a classic look; upgrade to fade for a modern profile. 1930s references = tapered, not skin-shaved.
Product: cream or clay for matte vintage, pomade/gel for glossy boardroom/mafia vibes. 1930s moved toward more matte by mid-decade.
Face shapes: near-universal; adjust part depth (deeper part lengthens the face) and top length (more height for round faces, flatter for long faces).
Comments