20 Side Part Hairstyles That Flatter Every Hair Type

Picking a new hairstyle can feel exciting and a little scary at the same time. You scroll for hours, save dozens of photos, and still wonder what will actually suit you.

Maybe you have had a bad salon day where the cut looked nothing like the picture. Or your hair falls flat by lunch, or heat styling has left it dry and tired. Many of us also struggle to know which look works with our face shape.

Here is the good news. Side part hairstyles are one of the easiest ways to change your look without a big chop. Moving your part just an inch or two can add lift, frame your face, and make your hair look fuller.

In this guide, you will find 20 side part hairstyles, from sleek buns and tiny pixies to glossy waves and bouncy curls. Each one comes with a simple description, a reason it works, and a pro tip you can use right away. You can show these photos to your stylist or recreate them at home.

I also share advice for fine hair, thick hair, curls, and humid days. By the end, you will know which side part hairstyles fit your hair type, your face, and your daily routine. Let’s find your next favorite look together.

Why Side Part Hairstyles Are Always in Style

A side part is simple, but it does a lot of work. It adds asymmetry, and asymmetry makes a face look more interesting and balanced.

A deep side part also creates natural volume at the roots. The hair on the heavy side lifts up and over, which gives you that glamorous swoop you see in salon photos.

Side part hairstyles work on every length. You can wear one with a tiny pixie, a chin length bob, or hair that reaches your waist. They also work for every texture, from pin straight to tight curls.

Another big plus is the price. You do not need a new cut to try a side part. You only need a comb, a mirror, and about two minutes.

How to Find Your Perfect Side Part

Not every part line is the same. Some people look best with a deep part, and others prefer a soft one that sits just off center. Here is an easy way to find yours.

• Start with the arch of your brow. Draw a straight line up from the highest point of your eyebrow. This gives you a natural, soft side part.
• Try a deep part for drama. Place the part above the outer corner of your eye or even further out. This creates big volume and a glam look.
• Use a comb, not your fingers. A tail comb makes a clean, straight line. Your fingers can leave a zigzag.
• Flip your part to the other side. Most of us have a natural side where the hair falls well. If your hair keeps flopping back, switch sides.

Test your part on damp hair, then see how it looks once it is dry. If you love it, keep going. If not, shift it half an inch and try again.

Sleek Side Part Buns and Short Cuts for a Polished Finish

If you want a look that says “I have it all together,” start here. These three side part hairstyles are smooth, shiny, and full of confidence.

1. (Sleek Low Side Part Bun)

A crisp side part leads into smooth, glossy sides and a low twisted bun at the nape. Think boardroom ready with a soft, feminine finish.

Why It Works: This look suits straight and wavy hair and shows off your cheekbones. Oval and heart face shapes love the gentle asymmetry.

Pro Tip: Brush a pea sized dab of styling cream through damp hair before you pull it back. It tames flyaways without making your hair stiff.

2. (Bold Slicked Bun with Dramatic Glam)

Here the side part is razor sharp and the hair is slicked tight into a low bun. Winged liner, a deep plum lip, and a big silver stud turn it into a party look.

Why It Works: Pulling hair back puts your eyes and jawline on center stage. It flatters round and square faces because the height at the crown adds length.

Pro Tip: Use a firm gel along the hairline and a boar bristle brush for mirror shine. Make the bun last, then pin it flat.

3. (Short Sleek Side Swept Crop)

This short cut sweeps across the forehead from a deep side part and tucks neatly behind the ears. The hair stays smooth and shiny with a modern feel.

Why It Works: Short, fine hair looks fuller when it sweeps to one side. Oval and heart faces shine here, and styling takes only minutes.

Pro Tip: Blow dry the hair toward the direction of the part with a small round brush. Lock it in with a light shine serum.

Long and Medium Side Part Hairstyles with Glam Waves and Layers

Long hair and a deep side part are a dream team. These six looks bring volume, movement, and a little red carpet energy.

4. (Glossy Long Waves with a Deep Side Part)

A deep side part, a big sweep of volume at the front, and soft waves roll over one shoulder. A curling iron and a smoothing serum give the rich, glossy shine.

Why It Works: Thick, long hair holds these waves well, and the deep part adds lift for fine hair too. It softens round and square faces.

Pro Tip: Curl away from your face in two inch sections and let each curl cool before you touch it. Then rake through with your fingers, not a brush.

5. (Sleek Straight Lob with Flipped Ends)

This smooth, shoulder grazing lob has a deep side part and ends that flip out slightly. A flat iron and heat protectant keep it silky and sharp.

Why It Works: Blunt lines make fine hair look thicker. Oval faces and strong jawlines look beautiful with this length.

Pro Tip: To flip the ends, press the flat iron and turn your wrist outward as you slide down. Finish with a mist of shine spray.

6. (Silky Brunette with Root Lift and Soft Waves)

Rich chocolate brown hair falls past the shoulders with a high swoop at the root and soft waves through the lengths. A round brush blowout does most of the work.

Why It Works: The lift at the part adds height, which helps round faces look longer. Fine hair gets extra body right from the roots.

Pro Tip: Mist root lift spray at the part, then dry the roots upward with a round brush. Hit them with the cool shot to set the lift.

7. (Hollywood Waves with a Sparkle Clip)

Glamorous brown waves are brushed to one side and held by a jeweled hair clip. It feels like a classic movie star moment.

Why It Works: The deep part and big waves soften angular faces. It is a great pick for weddings, proms, and formal dinners.

Pro Tip: Brush the curls out gently with a wide tooth comb, then pin the sleek side behind your ear with the clip. A flexible hairspray will hold it all night.

8. (Long Feathered Layers with Honey Highlights)

Long layers feather around the face with a deep side part and soft honey highlights. The ends flick out for easy movement.

Why It Works: Layers remove weight from thick hair and create shape in fine hair. Round and square faces enjoy the face framing pieces.

Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for long layers that start at the chin. Add a texture spray to the mid lengths for a lived in feel.

9. (Retro Flicked Bob with a Curved Side Bang)

Shoulder length bronze brown hair curves into a side swept bang and flips out at the ends. It has a fun, 70s inspired feel.

Why It Works: The volume at the root adds body to fine and medium hair. Long and oval faces love the extra width at the sides.

Pro Tip: Roll the ends outward on a large round brush while blow drying. Press the cold button to set the curve.

Short Side Part Hairstyles for a Bold, Low Maintenance Look

Short hair can be playful, chic, or edgy. A side part gives it shape, and these three prove it.

10. (Ultra Sleek Pixie with a Micro Fringe)

A short pixie is slicked across the head from a deep side part, with a tiny fringe at the forehead. A little gel gives that glossy, wet look shine.

Why It Works: This low maintenance style suits fine or straight hair and shows off your cheekbones. Oval and heart faces look especially chic.

Pro Tip: Apply a water based gel to damp hair and comb it flat. Trim the fringe every four weeks to keep the edges clean.

11. (Bouncy Bob with Soft Volume)

This brunette bob with soft highlights is blow dried big and curved under at the ends. The side part adds a face framing swoop across the forehead.

Why It Works: The bouncy shape adds fullness to fine hair. Round and square faces get a softer look.

Pro Tip: Blow dry with a large round brush and let the hair cool before you move it. A light mousse at the roots gives lasting hold.

12. (Chic Chin Length Bob Tucked Behind the Ear)

Honey brown hair is cut into a smooth, chin length bob with a gentle side part. One side tucks behind the ear for a clean, runway style finish.

Why It Works: A blunt bob makes fine hair look thick and healthy. It flatters long and oval faces and takes five minutes to style.

Pro Tip: Ask for a blunt cut with a slight angle for a modern shape. A light smoothing cream keeps the ends sleek.

Voluminous Layered Side Part Hairstyles for Movement

If you love big hair and lots of bounce, this group is for you. Layers and highlights make these looks feel fresh and full of life.

13. (Layered Brunette with Face Framing Highlights)

Medium length layers with chunky caramel highlights flow away from a deep side part. The top has airy lift while the ends are softly flicked.

Why It Works: Layers lighten thick hair and add movement to straight hair. Round and heart faces get nice definition from the highlights near the face.

Pro Tip: Ask for highlights around the face only to save money and brighten your skin. A volumizing spray on damp roots adds lift.

14. (Long Butterfly Layers with Big Volume)

Butterfly layers create bouncy volume across long hair. Caramel highlights add dimension, and a deep side part sweeps hair away from the eyes.

Why It Works: It works for straight and wavy hair and removes bulk from thick hair. Oval and square faces both look great.

Pro Tip: Blow dry your hair upside down for extra lift at the crown. Finish by curling the front layers away from your face.

15. (Wet Look Waves with a Deep Side Part)

Long dark brunette waves with a deep side part have a damp, slightly tousled finish. A bit of gel or serum gives the glossy, beachy shine.

Why It Works: It is a smart option for humid days because it embraces frizz instead of fighting it. Wavy and curly hair does best, and any face shape can wear it.

Pro Tip: Scrunch a curl cream or light gel into soaking wet hair and let it air dry. Use a diffuser if you are in a rush.

16. (Polished Flicked Ends with a Soft Side Part)

Shoulder length golden brown hair has a soft side part and flicked out ends. The finish is smooth and polished, perfect for events.

Why It Works: Medium length is easy to manage and suits most face shapes. Fine hair gets lifted ends, which add fullness.

Pro Tip: Wrap the ends around a one inch curling iron and turn away from your face. Set the look with a medium hold hairspray.

Curly, Bold, and Colorful Side Part Hairstyles

These last four side part hairstyles bring out texture, color, and personality. They are perfect if you want a look that gets noticed.

17. (Big Bouncy Curls with a Side Part)

Voluminous black curls fall around the face with a side part that adds a little lift. The spirals look full, healthy, and glossy.

Why It Works: Curly hair holds volume naturally, and the side part adds shape at the top. Round, oval, and heart faces all look balanced.

Pro Tip: Use a leave in conditioner and curl cream on damp hair. Diffuse on low heat and do not touch your curls until they are fully dry.

18. (Layered Lob with Caramel Highlights)

This brown lob with caramel highlights has long layers and a swept side part. The volume at the crown and soft ends give an easygoing look.

Why It Works: It is perfect for medium hair that needs shape. Square and round faces benefit from the softness around the jaw.

Pro Tip: Ask for long, subtle layers and soft ends. Blow dry the top section back and away from your face for lift.

19. (Silvery Ash Blonde Blowout)

Ash blonde hair is blow dried with a big sweep across one side and soft layers at the ends. The color looks bright and modern.

Why It Works: Light color adds dimension to fine hair, and the big sweep adds volume. It suits heart and oval faces nicely.

Pro Tip: Use purple shampoo once a week to keep the ash tone fresh. Always use a heat protectant, since lightened hair is more delicate.

20. (Long Glossy Body Waves)

Long black hair is styled in smooth, deep body waves with a side part. The shine is rich, and the waves look expensive.

Why It Works: Thick, long hair holds these waves well. Oval and round faces look elegant, and the length adds balance.

Pro Tip: Use a 1.25 inch curling iron and alternate the direction of each section. Brush the waves out with a soft brush for a smooth finish.

Best Side Part Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

Your face shape does not limit you, but it can guide you. Here is a quick way to pick the best side part hairstyles for your face.

Oval faces can wear almost anything. A soft side part with waves, like looks 4, 7, and 16, is a great place to start.

Round faces look best with height at the crown and a deep part. Try looks 2, 6, or 18, which add length and keep the sides from looking wide.

Square faces love softness. Waves, layers, and curved ends, as seen in looks 8, 9, and 11, soften a strong jaw.

Heart shaped faces shine with a side swept look and fullness at the bottom. Try looks 1, 3, or 19, which balance a wider forehead and a narrow chin.

Long faces work well with width and a blunt bob. Looks 5, 12, and 17 add fullness at the sides and make the face look shorter.

Side Part Hairstyles for Fine, Thick, Curly, and Frizzy Hair

Every hair type has its own needs. Here is how to get the most from your side part, whatever your texture.

If You Have Fine Hair

Fine hair needs lift, so a deep side part is your friend. It moves the weight to one side and makes the top look fuller.

Try a blunt bob like look 12 or a short crop like look 3. Avoid heavy oils and creams, because they weigh fine hair down.

Use a root spray and blow dry your roots upward. A light texture spray at the end will keep that volume all day.

If You Have Thick Hair

Thick hair can feel heavy and hard to style. Layers are the answer, as shown in looks 8, 13, and 14.

Ask your stylist to remove bulk from the inside with point cutting or thinning shears. This keeps your side part lying flat and smooth.

A smoothing serum and a good blow dry will cut your styling time in half.

If You Have Curly Hair

Curls look amazing with a side part, as you can see in look 17. Part your hair when it is damp so the curls form around the part line.

Do not brush dry curls, because this causes frizz. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb instead.

Moisture is the key. Use a leave in conditioner and a curl cream, then let your hair dry without touching it.

If You Live in a Humid Place

Humidity can make a sleek style puff up. Choose looks that welcome texture, like look 15, or seal your hair with an anti humidity spray.

A smoothing serum on the ends and a light gel on the part line will keep things neat. Always finish with a flexible hairspray.

Tools and Products You Need for Side Part Hairstyles

You do not need a bathroom full of products. A few smart tools can create every look in this guide.

• Tail comb: Makes a clean, sharp part line every time.
• Round brush: Adds lift at the roots and curves the ends.
• Flat iron: Creates sleek lobs and flipped ends. Choose one with adjustable heat.
• Curling iron or wand: Makes waves and curls. A 1.25 inch barrel is the most flexible size.
• Heat protectant: This protects your hair from damage. Never skip it.
• Styling gel or cream: Gel for slicked looks, cream for soft control.
• Root lift spray: A must for fine hair and big volume looks.
• Flexible hold hairspray: Keeps your style in place without making it crunchy.

Heat is the biggest cause of dry hair. Keep your tools under 350 degrees if you have fine or bleached hair, and give your hair a rest day each week.

How to Ask Your Stylist for a Side Part Look

Showing a photo is a great start, but words help too. Here is how to get the cut you really want.

First, bring two or three pictures. Tell your stylist what you love about each one, such as the length, the layers, or the color.

Second, describe your daily routine. If you only have five minutes in the morning, say so. A good stylist will adjust the cut to match.

Third, talk about your hair texture honestly. A style that looks smooth in a photo may need a lot of heat on thick or curly hair.

Finally, ask your stylist where your natural part falls. Cutting your hair with that part in mind makes it lie better every day.

Common Side Part Mistakes to Avoid

• Parting dry, tangled hair. This gives you a crooked line. Comb through first, then part.
• Going too deep too fast. A very deep part can look strange if your hair is thin. Start soft and move it over little by little.
• Fighting your natural direction. If your hair wants to fall one way, work with it.
• Using too much product. Heavy products flatten the lift that makes a side part special.
• Skipping trims. Split ends make sleek styles look messy. Trim every eight to ten weeks.

How to Keep Your Side Part Looking Fresh

A good style starts with healthy hair. Wash with a gentle shampoo and condition the ends every time.

Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, especially if you color or heat style. This keeps your hair shiny, which is the secret to looking expensive.

Change your part every few weeks. Parting your hair in the same spot can leave a flat line and a visible scalp. Switching sides gives your roots a break and adds fresh volume.

At night, sleep on a silk pillowcase or tie your hair loosely. This protects your waves, curls, and blowouts so they last another day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Part Hairstyles

Which side should I part my hair on?

Choose the side where your hair falls most naturally. Most people have a cowlick or growth pattern that makes one side easier. You can also look at the mirror and pick the side that looks best on your face.

Do side part hairstyles make you look younger?

Many people feel they do. The lift at the roots and the soft framing around the face can brighten your look. It also draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.

Can I wear a side part with a thin hairline?

Yes. Try a soft part rather than a very deep one. Volumizing powder at the roots can help fill in the part line.

Are side part hairstyles good for fine hair?

They are one of the best choices. A side part lifts the roots and makes hair look fuller, especially in a bob or a layered cut.

How do I keep my side part from falling flat?

Blow dry your roots in the opposite direction first, then flip the hair back over your part. Add a light root spray and finish with cool air to set the lift.

Final Thoughts on Side Part Hairstyles

A side part is a small change with a big payoff. It adds shape, volume, and style to any cut, and you can try it today.

Whether you love a sleek bun, a short pixie, glossy waves, or bouncy curls, there is a side part hairstyle on this list for you. Pick two or three favorites, save the photos, and take them to your next salon visit.

Most of all, have fun with it. Hair grows back, and every new look teaches you something about your own style. Which of these 20 side part hairstyles will you try first?