Is side parting old fashioned

Honestly? No, not really. But here's the thing—the way people think about side parts has shifted a lot over the years. Remember those ultra-deep, slicked-down parts from the 2000s and early 2010s? Yeah, those look pretty dated now. But the modern side part? Totally different animal. It's softer, more natural, and often blends into other styles like pompadours, quiffs, or textured crops. So no, it's not old-fashioned. It's more like a classic that got a serious refresh.

What is the difference between a modern side part and an old-fashioned one?

It mostly comes down to how you execute it. An old-fashioned side part tends to be this harsh, straight line—lots of gel or wax, flat and stiff looking. Like your hair's been glued in place. The part itself is deep and sharp, creating this obvious contrast.

Modern side parts are way more subtle and dynamic. They're all about texture and movement. The part line isn't razor-sharp—it's softer, sometimes just the natural flow of your hair. You'd use lighter products like sea salt spray or matte clay, not heavy goop. The goal is this piecey, lived-in look. Volume on top, faded or tapered sides. It just feels more balanced, you know?

How to style a modern side part that doesn't look outdated?

Getting that contemporary side part isn't rocket science. Just follow a few steps. First, ask your barber for a cut that supports texture and volume—like a textured crop or modern pompadour. And get those sides faded or tapered for contrast.

Second, towel-dry your hair till it's damp. Hit it with some sea salt spray or volumizing mousse at the roots. Then blow-dry with a round brush, directing hair away from the part line to create lift.

Third—and this is key—don't use a comb to draw a sharp line. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to naturally separate the hair. The part should sit about 1-2 inches above your eyebrow. Finally, work a little matte clay or texturizing paste through the top section, focusing on the ends. That's how you get that piecey, lived-in look. And for God's sake, skip the gel or heavy wax.

Is the side part still in style for men and women in 2024?

Yeah, it's still very much a thing for both men and women—but with those modern tweaks. For guys, the modern side part is a barbershop staple, often paired with a fade or undercut. Works for professional settings but doesn't feel stiff. For women, it's a classic that never really went away. You can wear it with sleek straight hair, soft waves, or even a high ponytail. Just avoid that weird "triangle" shape from the 2000s. Go softer, more voluminous.

"The side part is not a trend; it's a classic. The mistake people make is wearing it the same way they did a decade ago. The modern version is all about texture and a relaxed finish. It's a haircut that says you care about your look without trying too hard."

What hairstyles are replacing the side part?

Even though side parts are still around, some other styles have been getting more attention. The messy fringe is huge—hair pushed forward and textured. The French crop too—short sides, textured top with a fringe. And the slicked-back look, often with a middle part, is trendy for something more polished. For women, the middle part has made a massive comeback, especially with long straight hair or soft waves. And curtain bangs—those face-framing pieces—often feature a very soft, subtle side part.

How to choose the right side part for your face shape?

You can totally tailor a side part to flatter your face shape. Here's a quick checklist:

• Round face: Go deeper (about 2 inches above the eyebrow) to create the illusion of length. Add height on top.
• Oval face: Lucky you—most flexibility here. A standard side part (1-1.5 inches above the eyebrow) works fine.
• Square face: Keep it soft and shallow to soften a strong jawline. Avoid deep, sharp parts.
• Heart or Diamond face: A slightly deeper part can balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.
• Long face: Don't add too much height. A shallow part with volume on the sides can make your face look wider.