In the third part of our series we zoom in on a detail that can completely change the geometry of a man's face – the parting. Search online for trendy men's hairstyles and you'll immediately land between two extremes. This time we look at a fascinating evolution: from strict, neat asymmetry to a relaxed, symmetrical style that's back at the top of the trends straight from the 90s. Here's the battle over how to part your hair: the polite, classic Side Part versus the laid-back, centred Middle Part.
Side Part: asymmetrical discipline and business class
For decades the rule was simple: if you were looking for the best office hairstyle and wanted to look fully professional, you chose a classic men's haircut with a side part. The Side Part is a haircut that won't take no for an answer. The hair is precisely divided by an asymmetrical line, combed smooth and kept in check. It's a style associated with the elegance of Golden Age Hollywood and an impeccable dress code.
In its classic form this haircut needs the right foundation – the sides are usually neatly faded, while the top keeps enough length to be combed smoothly. There's no room for stray strands. Traditional men's hair styling here relies on a classic shiny pomade and precise strokes of the comb. It's the image of a man who has his finger on the pulse and everything under control. It may seem a bit "well-behaved" today, but as an elegant men's haircut it remains an absolute monument of business class.
Middle Part: symmetrical ease and a new definition of freedom
What happens when you move that perfect side part to the very centre of the head and swap heavy pomade for a natural finish? You get the Middle Part – today searched en masse as curtain bangs for men (the popular "curtains"). It's a complete rejection of office rigour in favour of freedom, movement and natural texture in the spirit of messy hair.
The shift towards the Middle Part reflects today's more relaxed approach to men's image and the huge comeback of 90s hairstyles. Parting naturally in the middle, the hair falls symmetrically to both sides of the face. This simple trick softens sharp features, visually hides a higher forehead and adds a touch of nonchalant character.
So how do you style your hair this way? This haircut lives in motion. Instead of a flat surface, you get a big dose of volume. A few sprays of sea salt prestyler and a loose blow-dry with your head upside down are enough for that effortless look currently dominating the streets and social media.
The barber chair verdict
- Side Part is the choice for traditionalists and professionals. If you wear a shirt every day and value classic men's haircuts, asymmetrical order and a high shine, this foundation will never let you down.
- Middle Part is for men looking for modern freedom. If you want to break with convention, love matte volume and are after the hottest trend in trendy men's hair, a symmetrical centre parting will hit the mark.
Wondering which parting will flatter your features best? We'll advise you during your visit to Muzyk Barbershop in Lublin. Book a visit with a barber in Lublin.
The Middle Part is also one of the faces of the Flow haircut – read Slick Back vs Flow. Next in the series: Textured Crop vs Edgar Cut.