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Guy with a side parting.

Hairstyle

THE SIDE PARTING

MILITARY STYLE. MODERN TWIST.

The side parting haircut is a military-inspired hairstyle and a true classic that’s super-easy to maintain. Push it to one side for 1920s, Prohibition-style sophistication. Or wear it slightly messed up for a more modern look.

Sleek as this look is, pulling it off at all depends on getting your parting right. Don’t fret: it’s easy when you know how. The trick is to look for your cow-lick. That’s the spiral of hair at the back of your head. 

If hair from the spiral moves clockwise, part left. If it’s counter-clockwise, part right. There. Told you it was easy. 

Perfect for:

How it began

The history

The side parting started out as a cut for formal military events. Then Prohibition came, and the style took on a new distinction. The side parting was a symbol of sophistication, even in the era’s speakeasies and backstreet distilleries. 

A guy with a side parting.

Side partings have been style staple for years. If your hair doesn’t part easily, get your barber to shave a parting in.  

Kieron Webb - The London Barber


Learn the fundamentals

HOW TO

Learn the fundamentals

  • 01

    WET

    While your hair is wet, take a comb and create a hard parting on one side.

  • 02

    DRY

    Blow-dry your hair in one direction. Smooth it over with a comb as it dries.

  • 03

    RAKE

    Rake Axe Clean Cut Look: Classic Pomade through the hair, continuing in the same direction.

  • 04

    DEFINE

    Smooth down any wispy bits of hair with your comb. Done and dusted.