12 Side Part Hairstyles, From a Subtle Shift to a Dramatic Deep Part
I wore a middle part for years, mostly because everyone else did. Then one rushed morning, I flipped my part to the side out of sheer laziness. Suddenly my hair had more volume, my cheekbones looked sharper, and a coworker asked if I’d had a haircut. I hadn’t. I’d just moved my part two inches.
That’s the magic of a side part. It’s one of the smallest changes you can make to your hair, and one of the most powerful.
So I’ve organized these 12 side part hairstyles by how deep the part is: a soft side part, a classic side part and a dramatic deep side part. For each style, you’ll see the best hair length, the effort level, the face-shape magic it creates and a hold tip. At the end: how to find your natural part, choosing a part for your face shape, training a new part and using your part to hide thinning or roots.
Why a Side Part Works
A side part does more than you might think:
- Adds volume. Flipping your part lifts the roots, so hair looks fuller.
- Creates asymmetry, which draws attention to your cheekbones and eyes.
- Softens strong features and balances face shapes.
- Feels polished. Side parts often look more intentional and grown-up.
And the best part? It costs nothing to try.
The Soft Side Part
Just slightly off center, about an inch from the middle. Subtle, natural and easy for everyday wear.
1. The Glossy Straight Lob
A shoulder-length lob, blow-dried smooth and shiny, with a soft side part. It’s sleek, polished and suits almost every age and face shape.
Hair length: shoulder length
Effort: medium (smooth blow-dry or flat iron)
Face-shape magic: The slight asymmetry softens a square jaw.
Hold tip: Finish with a drop of shine serum on the ends, not the roots.
2. The Bouncy Blowout
Big, voluminous waves with lots of movement and a soft side part. It’s the classic salon blowout look: glamorous, full and fun to swing around.
Hair length: medium to long
Effort: medium to high (round brush or hot rollers)
Face-shape magic: Volume at the sides balances a long face.
Hold tip: Let your hair cool completely in its curled shape before brushing out.
3. The Low Sleek Ponytail
Brush your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, with a soft side part at the front. Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic to hide it.
Hair length: medium to long
Effort: low
Face-shape magic: The sleek finish shows off your bone structure.
Hold tip: Smooth flyaways with a clean toothbrush and a little hair gel or wax stick.
4. The Side-Swept Bangs Bob
A chin-length bob with long, side-swept bangs that fall softly across your forehead from a slight side part. It’s flattering, soft and playful.
Hair length: short
Effort: low to medium
Face-shape magic: Side-swept bangs soften a high forehead.
Hold tip: Blow-dry your bangs in the direction you want them to fall.
The Classic Side Part
Placed in line with the arch of your eyebrow. The most balanced and timeless option.
5. Old Hollywood Waves
Glamorous, glossy S-shaped waves swept to one side, inspired by 1940s movie stars. They’re perfect for weddings, galas and special events.
Hair length: shoulder length to long
Effort: high
Face-shape magic: The waves frame your face and add instant glamour.
Hold tip: Curl all your hair in the same direction, pin each curl to set, then brush out gently with a boar bristle brush.
6. The Side Part Pixie
A short pixie cut with a classic side part and a little volume on top. It’s chic, confident and very low-maintenance.
Hair length: very short
Effort: low
Face-shape magic: Shows off your eyes and cheekbones beautifully.
Hold tip: Use a small amount of styling paste or pomade for texture.
7. The Side Part Low Chignon
A classic side part with hair smoothed back into a low, elegant bun at the nape of the neck. Leave a few soft pieces out at the front for a romantic touch.
Hair length: medium to long
Effort: medium
Face-shape magic: Balances round faces by adding height and asymmetry.
Hold tip: Secure the bun with U-shaped hairpins, which hold better than bobby pins for heavy hair.
8. Side-Parted Braids
Box braids, knotless braids or twists styled with a classic side part and swept to one side. It’s a beautiful way to change the look of a protective style.
Hair length: medium to long
Effort: low (once braids are installed)
Face-shape magic: The side sweep adds movement and frames the face.
Hold tip: Keep your part line moisturized and protected under a satin scarf at night.
The Deep Side Part
Placed far over, near the outer edge of your eyebrow or beyond. Bold, dramatic and glamorous.
9. The ’90s Deep Side Part Bob
A sleek, sharp bob with a very deep side part, so one side falls dramatically across the face. It’s bold, editorial and very fashion-forward.
Hair length: short to chin-length
Effort: medium
Face-shape magic: The dramatic sweep slims and lengthens a round face.
Hold tip: Use a strong-hold gel or cream at the part for a crisp line.
10. Voluminous Swept Curls
Big, bouncy curls swept over to one side with a deep side part. It’s glamorous, full of volume and perfect for curly or textured hair.
Hair length: medium to long
Effort: medium
Face-shape magic: Volume on one side adds balance to narrow faces.
Hold tip: Flip your curls to the side while they’re still damp, then let them dry in place.
11. The Tucked Side With Statement Earrings
A deep side part, with the shorter side tucked neatly behind your ear and the fuller side falling loosely. Add bold statement earrings on the tucked side.
Hair length: any
Effort: low
Face-shape magic: Draws attention to your jawline and earrings.
Hold tip: Secure the tucked side with a couple of hidden bobby pins.
12. The Faux Undercut Pin-Back
A deep side part, with the hair on the smaller side pinned or braided flat against your head, creating the look of an undercut without cutting anything.
Hair length: medium to long
Effort: medium
Face-shape magic: Bold and edgy, with lots of volume on one side.
Hold tip: Braid two small cornrows or flat twists on the pinned side for extra hold.
How to Find Your Natural Part
Your hair often has a natural direction where it wants to fall:
- Wet your hair or dampen it slightly.
- Comb it all straight back from your forehead.
- Gently push your hair forward with your palm, or shake your head.
- Watch where it naturally splits. That’s often your natural part.
Your natural part is usually the easiest to style, but it’s not the only option.
Choosing a Part for Your Face Shape
- Round face: A deep side part creates asymmetry and makes the face look longer.
- Square face: A soft side part softens strong angles at the jaw.
- Heart-shaped face: A classic side part balances a wider forehead.
- Long face: A soft side part with volume at the sides adds width.
- Oval face: Lucky you! Almost any part works.
These are just guidelines. Try different parts in the mirror and see what makes you smile.
How to Create a Crisp Side Part
- Use a rat-tail comb for a precise line.
- Start at the arch of your eyebrow for a classic part, or at the outer edge for a deep part.
- Draw the comb straight back toward the crown of your head.
- Flip the hair to either side of the line.
- Smooth with a little gel, cream or hairspray to hold it in place.
How to Train a New Part
If your hair keeps falling back into its old part, try these tricks:
- Blow-dry your roots in the opposite direction first, then flip them to the new side.
- Use a little root-lifting spray at the new part.
- Clip your hair in place while it dries or overnight.
- Be patient. It can take a week or two for hair to adjust.
Using Your Part to Hide Thinning or Roots
Your part can be a secret weapon:
- Switch your part to the other side to reveal fuller, less-styled hair underneath.
- Choose a zigzag part to hide thinning or regrowth along the part line.
- Try a root touch-up powder or spray in a shade close to your hair color.
- Add volume at the roots with a light mousse or volumizing spray.
If you notice sudden or significant thinning, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or dermatologist.
Side Parts and Glasses
If you wear glasses, a side part can help balance your frames:
- Bold frames look great with a soft or classic side part.
- Delicate frames pair beautifully with dramatic deep side parts.
- Side-swept bangs should sit just above or below your frames, so they don’t rest on them.
The Middle Part vs. Side Part Debate
A few years ago, social media declared the side part “out” and the middle part “in.” But hair trends come and go, and there’s no right answer. The best part is the one that suits your face, your hair and your personality. Many people switch between both depending on the style.
Your Side Part Toolkit
- A rat-tail comb for precise parting
- A boar bristle brush for smooth, glossy styles
- Bobby pins and U-shaped hairpins
- A strong-hold gel or cream for sleek styles
- A light hairspray for all-day hold
- A root-lifting spray for volume
- Shine serum for a polished finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side should I part my hair on?
Try your natural part first, then experiment. Many people find one side gives them more volume or flatters their face more.
Does a side part make your hair look thicker?
Often, yes. Flipping your part lifts the roots and creates more volume.
What is a deep side part?
A deep side part is placed far to one side, usually near or beyond the outer edge of your eyebrow, creating a dramatic sweep of hair.
How do I keep my side part in place all day?
Use a little gel or cream at the part, blow-dry the roots in the new direction, and finish with a light hairspray.
A Small Change With a Big Impact
Sometimes the easiest way to refresh your look isn’t a new haircut or a new color. It’s simply moving your part. Whether you choose a soft shift, a classic part or a dramatic deep sweep, you might be surprised how different you feel.
Try a new part tomorrow morning. It takes 10 seconds, and you might just fall in love with your hair all over again.
Which side part are you trying first: soft, classic or deep? Tell me in the comments, and let me know if anyone noticed the change.
