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.

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.

Learn the
fundamentals

How to

WET

01
While your hair is wet, take a comb and create a hard parting on one side.
DRY

02
Blow-dry your hair in one direction. Smooth it over with a comb as it dries.
RAKE

03
Rake Axe Clean Cut Look: Classic Pomade through the hair, continuing in the same direction.
DEFINE

04
Smooth down any wispy bits of hair with your comb. Done and dusted.