From soft fades to slick finishes and modern mullets, there’s more than one way to wear a side part.

The side part is a men’s grooming classic for a reason. It works as short hair, longer lengths, straight textures, and plenty in between. Plus, it can move easily from clean-cut and classic to edgy and contemporary.
But the part itself is only half the story. Change the fade, add a few layers, play with the proportion, or switch from a matte finish to pomade, and the same basic idea can look completely different. A sharp 80:20 split works for professional or dressy settings, while a softer 60:40 part on longer hair gives an effortless vibe..
For anyone looking for a new haircut without completely reinventing their look, these side-part hairstyles offer plenty of ways to make the classic feel current.

Popularized by Korean grooming trends, the Guile Cut gives the side part a softer, more relaxed shape. The key is in the layering around the front, which allows the hair to fall naturally around the face instead of looking too rigid or styled. It’s often worn with an exaggerated 80:20 part, with the longer front sections swept to one side and gradually blended into the rest of the cut.

If you want a side part that still feels appropriate for the office, weddings, and practically everything in between, the Soft Taper Fade is one of the easiest options. Its taper gradually reduces the length around the temples and nape instead of something dramatic. Pair it with an 80:20 part and sweep the top backward or slightly to the side to open up the face.

Nothing cleans up quite as well as a Slick Side Part. Instead of relying on the haircut alone, this version gets most of its character from the styling: pomade or gel is worked through the hair before it is combed neatly to one side.&nbsp;It also works especially well with tailoring or smart-casual dressing, when a messier texture might feel out of place.

A side part can also make longer hair look considerably more neat. Instead of letting everything fall straight down the middle, try a looser 70:30 or 60:40 split and lift the roots slightly for volume.&nbsp;Allowing one side to fall naturally keeps the movement of longer hair intact while opening up the face.

For something less expected, the Soft Mullet Side Part combines the structure of a side part with the longer, more fluid silhouette of a modern mullet.&nbsp;Sweeping the front to one side opens the face, while the extra length through the back keeps the cut loose and slightly rebellious. Compared with a traditional mullet, the transitions are softer and the styling more natural.

Emilio Daez. Courtesy of Dreamscape Entertainment.

Side-Part Hairstyles Are Men’s Most Versatile Hair Look Right Now

L'OFFICIEL PHILIPPINES AUGUST 2026 - Tia Lee ₱600

Side-Part Hairstyles Are Men’s Most Versatile Hair Look Right Now

Recommended posts for you

Hommes

Side-Part Hairstyles Are Men’s Most Versatile Hair Look Right Now

Fashion

What to Know About MNL Fashion Week 2026

Culture

Where to Find Your Next Book Club in Manila

Culture

BIGBANG Returns With New Music Video for “BiiiG”

Fashion

The New Generation Is Making Lingerie Dressing Cool Again

Hommes

It’s Almost the End of 2026—Do You Still Not Own a Ringer Tee?

Hommes

Mingyu Goes Full Comfort Mode in the Brightest Blue Dior Sweater

Hommes

A Deep Dive Into Tom Holland's Iconic Watch Collection