A bit of background

Side partings have been a mainstay in men’s grooming since the invention of Pomade over 100 years ago, and thanks to their sleek and polished nature, whether it’s for everyday or special occasions, a side parting is a fantastic style choice for looking sharp. 

Why choose a Side Parting

In the world of classic styles, side partings are one of (if not the most) wearable, meaning you can achieve a refined look without spending the day upkeeping and maintaining your do. Alongside this, the side parting also matches well with a wide range of styles, not only pairing well with an overall refined style, but also providing interesting contrast with more modern, rugged, and punk styles. What more could you want from a style… 

However, the versatility behind the style leaves you with a couple of options to choose from.

The Classic

High shine for a sleek finish, this is your classic side parting. Working with almost any hair type (apart from the thickest of locks), and super easy to style, with this option, you can’t go wrong. Just a small amount of your favourite water-based pomade (we recommend the Dapper Dan Deluxe Pomade) worked through evenly and combed into place is enough to guarantee great hair all day.

The Vintage

Exactly the same as the classic style of side parting, but with a super glossy finish, this is ideal for an authentic vintage look to maximise the style's refinement. To achieve this, you’ll need an oil-based pomade since water-based pomades can’t offer the unique oil-based glossiness, and to us, the Dapper Dan Heavy Hold Pomade is the no-brainer option, thanks to its petrolatum-free formulation that helps to prevent build-up, being easy to wash out at the end of the day.

The Modern

A classic brought to the modern day, this version incorporates the matte finish products we see so commonly used in barbershops day-to-day for a more natural look. Whilst this undoubtedly has the side parting refinement, it’s by far the most casual of the side parting options you can choose. When it comes to the modern, there’s no better choice than the Dapper Dan Matt Paste.

To Quiff or not to Quiff

Aside from the level of shine and finish to your side parting, one of the main styling considerations is whether to part hair simply across or add a small quiff element to the look. Naturally, this depends on your personal style preference, but for some additional guidance in case you’re undecided, a quiff adds an extra layer to the look, making it further refined and a touch more unique; however, this comes at the cost of being trickier to style and restyle during the day.

Let us know which style you want us to dissect next in the comments.