There’s a reason the side part keeps circling back every few seasons: it’s flattering, versatile, and it photographs beautifully. The demand (in my seat) is something along the lines of: Give me cheeks and a bit of drama. Mid part can do all of that, provide a side part releases the inward shapes, softens a jawline, and adds volume where it is desired most. Beauty editors at Allure and Byrdie have been calling out the return of glossy, brushed-out waves, while celebrity pros like Nai’vasha, Ursula Stephen, and Tokyo Stylez keep sending side-part glam down red carpets.
Below are 28 real-life ideas you can copy now—timed perfectly for 2025—whether you’re working with leave-out, a lace Frontal, a Wig, or a protective install. I have important notes that show how to do long hair, medium, and at-home hair- styling at home and salon upgrades. Where relevant, you’ll see bolded keywords for quick scanning.
Old-Hollywood Side Part Waves
This look is pure screen-sirene energy: a deep side part with uniform, brushed Deep wave ridges and mirror shine. The profile grows up the thicker side and then dissolves into tumbling strands pulled long. It’s timeless on oval and heart-shaped faces and especially striking for black women because the luster and definition make the cheekbones pop.
How to style at home: Create a clean side part, mist heat protectant, then curl away from the face with a 1″–1¼” iron. Twist each curl to cool them and release, brush with a boar bristle to interlink those S-waves. Spray in a flexible finish and a light serum at the ends so the Hair holds, not hardens. If you wear a lace Frontal, set the part while the lace is still slightly tacky for a razor-sharp line.
Pro tip: For Medium length cuts, switch to a ¾” iron and keep curls higher on the shaft to maintain wave continuity.
Swoop Side Part With Glossy Curls (Soft “Bang” Effect)
Think classic glam with a modern sports-luxe twist: a sculpted swoop that behaves like a side-swept piece with bangs, then long, plush curls through the back. The front edgework is sleek but soft, showing off precise detail typical of a lace Frontal install.
How to style: Press the top smooth first, roll the front over a large Velcro roller (or a 1½” iron) to set that swoop, then curl the lengths. Lock a bit of touch of working spray on the front and flatten into position. Edge brush + lightweight gel is all you need for those baby curves—less is more to keep everything glossy, not crunchy.
Good to know: If you prefer a protective approach, this translates perfectly to a glueless Wig. For weekend warriors, a neatly molded Quick weave gives a similar silhouette on a budget.
Quiet-Luxury Side Part With Soft Barrel Waves
Understated, healthy, and ridiculously wearable. The side parting is sharp yet not harsh; waves are looser and bigger than a glamorous volume set and, therefore, the motion is perceived as effortless. It’s a great everyday option for black women who want polish without the “event hair” vibe.
How to style: Curl mids-to-ends with a 1¼” iron, alternating directions for natural flow. Comb the curls out with a wide-tooth comb and set the finish off with a fine mist oil. Keep the ends blunt-to-soft for density on long hair; add internal layers if your Hair feels heavy.
Adapt it: Works on Medium length lobs too—just start your first bend at cheek level to maintain face-framing.
Sculpted Edges + Side Part Waterfall
All about detail: an ultra-clean part, curved baby hairs, and glossy lengths that fall like a curtain. The balance of sleek up top and plush movement through the bottom gives that subtle Baddie energy without going overboard.
How to style: Set the part, lay edges with a small amount of edge tamer (tap the product on the brush, don’t dip), then curl the bottom half only so the roots stay sleek. In the case a lace Frontal is of low-density hairline, the protectiveness of a season should also be built-in, without making it seem unrealistic. Wear it down for day, then tuck the light side behind the ear for evening.
Maintenance: Sleep in a side-part wrap and large pin curls to preserve wave pattern and protect your Hair.
Icy-Blonde Side Part Bombshell
A cool-toned blonde with a sculpted side part and soft ridges—perfect when you want lightness without losing fullness. The front is molded into a retro dip, giving a hint of pin-up while the lengths stay touchable and down.
Color & care: Keep the tone fresh with a violet mask once a week and always use heat protectant—light shades show damage first. If you love to switch shades, do this on a high-quality Wig or Frontal unit to spare your natural Hair.
Styling note: This shape flatters round and square faces by adding height at the part and length through the sides.
Sleek Swoop + Cascading Waves
A sleek, lacquered swoop on top with fluid lengths below—simple, expensive, and incredibly wearable for work or date night. The hairline artistry hints at a lace Frontal, and the overall silhouette screams modern glamour for black women.
How to style: Press the top smooth, set the swoop on a roller while you curl the rest, then release and direct everything toward the fuller side. Seal with a disco-reflection cot higher, but you do not want anything left on your skin. If you’re installing at home, a molded cap Quick weave can mimic this profile; just keep the parting clean and the tracks low on the crown.
Wear it your way: On humid days, skip full curls and opt for looser Deep wave bends for frizz insurance on long hair.
Honey-Caramel Side Part With Money Piece
Dimensional honey and caramel ribbons frame the face while a clean side part and sculpted edges keep everything sharp. It has a texture which is more on the softer side Deep wave its not as consistent so it shines up easily and reads effortlessly particularly the black woman seeking brightness around the brow and cheekbones without needing to lighten everything everywhere. Length is past the chest, worn down, which helps the color melt from root to tip.
How to style: Define the face-framing “money piece” with a round brush, then enhance the lengths with a large-wave iron or crimper set on low for ripples—not tight Crimps. When protective styling, make sure you request a lace Frontal where the parted area will be clean, and the clipped-out pieces to look natural. Finish with a glossing serum to spotlight the color and protect the Hair from frizz.
Side Part Rod-Set Curls With Soft Edgework
A side part with swooped edges meets plush ringlets for a look that’s equal parts studious and glam. The curls are elastic and swirled, with black women who desire to have Curly hair that is defined but still falls in neat manner around glasses and jewelry. The density sits between medium and full, so it frames the face without overwhelming it.
How to style: Set on Flexi-rods or a small barrel wand, alternating directions for a natural cascade. Are you taking the DIY approach in which case applying a glueless Wig is easy to maintain; or are you after durability then a neat Quick weave provides the same profile. Wear it down the first few days, then separate curls slightly for volume as the week goes on.
Glam Side Swoop With Barrel Curls
This is everyday red-carpet: a lacquered swoop over the brow with glossy, oversized curls through the mid-lengths and ends. The roots are slim also–almost Straight hair, so the curls appear that much fuller in comparison. The finish is ultra-polished for black women who love drama without the stiffness.
How to style: Press the crown smooth, set the front on a large roller to mold the swoop, then curl with a 1¼” iron. Comb over to connect waves to be able to direct all everything towards the fuller side. With lace Frontal, place the part with the adhesive tacky so you can have a sharp line. Best on long hair, worn down.
Waist-Length Wet-Set Waves With Clean Part
Long, liquid ripples and a super-precise side part create that “mermaid but polished” vibe. The texture is uniform Deep wave from crown to hem, which gives incredible length and movement for black women who love a sleek top and flowing ends.
How to style: After washing, layer mousse and a curl-defining gel, comb through, and diffuse on low. In case you are using extensions, a low density lace Frontal will ensure that the hairline appears natural. Twist the two front pieces while drying to enhance the ripple near the face, then scrunch in a lightweight oil to seal the Hair.
Lounge-Set Glam With Cascading Waves
Soft, romantic curls meet athleisure—proof that side-part glam isn’t just for events. It is long and plush, had a gentle uplift at the part and look light airy bends doing the ends. It’s a go-to when you want casual Baddie energy without heavy product.
How to style: Curl from mid-shaft down using a 1″ iron, alternate directions, and break up with a wide-tooth comb. Both a molded Quick weave and a glueless Wig provide this shape quickly; the tracks on both should be kept low at the crown in order to make the part look blended. Wear down during the day, then clip one side back for evening.
Shoulder-Skimming Side Part With Flipped Ends
A chic, shoulder-grazing cut with a crisp side part and airy, flipped ends. The length is really Medium length-modern, workable and maintainable. The top lies sleek like Straight hair, while the bottoms flick outward for movement, making it perfect for work-to-dinner schedules.
How to style: Blow-dry smooth with a round brush, then bevel the ends away from the face. It uses a light hold spray that maintains the flip yet it does not compound on the Hair. If you’re growing out short hair, this is the sweet spot; and if you’re protective-styling, a soft-density Wig or lace Frontal keeps the parting immaculate.
Swooped Side Part With Plush Waves
A clean side part and sculpted edgework lead into plush, brushed Deep wave bends that skim the waist. The cut has a hot-comb top to get that shiny sleek swoop, and the lengths remain fluffy and romantic: simple day-to-night glam without any stiffness that black gals want but loathe to actually invest in. Worn down, this shape lifts the cheekbones and softens the jaw.
How to style: Set the front on a jumbo roller while you curl the rest with a 1¼” iron, then brush through to connect the waves. A lace Frontal (or a glueless Wig) keeps the part razor-sharp. Seal the Hair with a light serum; sleep in two large pin curls to preserve the pattern on long hair.
Ultra-Sleek Side Part Press
Poker-straight lengths with a crisp part and subtle edge detail—minimalist and undeniably chic. The ends are beveled so as to move and the root is flat and reflective. It’s the perfect office-to-cocktails look for black women who love Straight hair and clean lines.
How to style: Use the chase method with a titanium iron and a heat protectant that adds slip. Curling and keeping the crown tight with a hot comb (and setting the part) when adhesive is freshly tacky in the case of a Frontal. The Quick weave may be shaped so it resembles the same outline quickly, however. Wear it down to showcase shine on long hair.
Barrel-Set Volume With Side Swoop
Think “quiet luxury”: a shallow side part, polished roots, and buoyant barrel curls through a true Medium length cut. The density reads plush but not heavy, so it flatters everyday wardrobes from zip-ups to blazers.
How to style: After a smooth blowout, curl away from the face with a 1¼” iron and clip to cool. Use boar bristle brush out and create ridges, and mist with pliable spray. This shape is great on a soft-density Wig; it preserves your natural Hair and makes weekly maintenance simple.
Classic Swoop Fringe With Velvet Waves
A dramatic side “swoop” that behaves like a fringe with bangs meets velvet-soft waves through the mid-lengths and ends. The part is etched sharp for contrast, delivering that refined, timeless glamour editors at Allure keep championing.
How to style: Roll the front on a jumbo roller while you curl the rest; release, then direct everything toward the fuller side. They give space to move the part without stripping the tracks, and a 13×6 Frontal can be installed in place of a more protective install. Keep the Hair touchable—finish with a lightweight shine mist rather than heavy oil.
Architectural Parting + Curtain Flips
Precision parting with curved baby hairs and sleek mids that spill into curtainy flips. The roots sit close to the head (almost Straight hair), so the movement at the ends feels modern instead of pageant. It’s subtly Baddie and works for brunch, work, or date night.
How to style: Press the top smooth, then flip the ends away with a round brush or 1″ iron. A quick weave that can be molded can provide this fast; a non-glue Wig can make it easy to travel. Use a humidity shield on the front so the Hairline stays crisp all day.
Mocha Gloss Side Part With Cascading Waves
Warm mocha brown color, a clean side part, and long, cascading bends that read soft and luxe. The texture lightens the skin color and the outline narrows the face the blend of both is an easy victory when black women want to see richness without the time consuming effect of highlights. Length is generous and worn down, ideal for weekend plans or dinner reservations.
How to style: Blow-dry smooth, curl from mid-shaft down, then break up with a wide-tooth comb. You may end up regularly color-switching, in that case, keep this color on a Wig of your own construction (or a lace Frontal) to save your natural Hair. Finish with a glossing spray for camera-ready shine on long hair.
Glass-Press Side Part Lob
A razor-sharp part carves through a mirror-finish lob, then tapers into blunt, shoulder-grazing ends. Its roots are creamy–that Straight hair–and the baby hairs give the effect of roundedness and counterbalance. Length reads Medium length and is worn down, the sweet spot for black women who want polish without high maintenance.
How to style: Use the chase method with a titanium iron and a lightweight heat shield. Sculpt to shape with hot comb; a lace Frontal can maintain the crease perfect and also helps to keep your natural Hair safe when you style in a protective-style. Wrap at night to preserve the press.
Buttery Blonde Side-Part Bob
A silky, neck-skimming bob in warm blonde with a crisp side part and beveled ends. It’s chic, minimal, and super wearable for busy weeks. The airy density and compact shape make it a flattering short hair option that still feels grown and luxe.
How to style: Smooth with a round brush, then pass a flat iron once for a polished bend. Are you a fan of changing tones? then this color is best applied to a Wig or you can use a molded Quick weave to save your real Hair. Wear it down with a clean ear tuck for structure.
Side-Swept Swoop With Soft Flips
A sculpted swoop drapes across the forehead—behaving like a side fringe with bangs—before flipping into airy, shoulder-skimming bends. The silhouette bridges glam and everyday, perfect for meetings by day, dinner by night.
How to style: After a smooth blowout, set the front on a jumbo roller while you flip the ends away from the face with a 1″ iron. A low-density Frontal gives room to adjust part depth. Finish with flexible spray so the Hair moves.
Modern Old-Hollywood S-Curve Waves
Glossy, brushed waves stack into an S-curve along a precise side part—classic Hollywood, updated. The style slopes Deep wave through mid lengths with smooth and clean roots to give a desire instead of letting it come off as frizzy. Length sits between medium and long, styled down for maximum shine.
How to style: Curl away from the face, pin to set, then brush through with a boar bristle to connect the ridges. Edgework stays soft; a lace Frontal helps the part read seamless for black women who prefer protective installs.
Polished Mid-Length With Barrel Waves
A shallow side part and plush barrel waves give this Medium length cut a quiet-luxury finish. The roots are smooth and the ends are rounded and buoyant–raised but easy. It’s a reliable “looks expensive” choice for packed weeks.
How to style: Curl from mid-shaft down with a 1¼” iron, alternating directions for natural flow. Comb apart with a wide tooth and spray light gloss through to make the Hair reflect with no sense of coated. Wear it down or sweep the light side behind the ear.
Soft-Glam Cascading S-Waves
A deep side part opens into long, cascading S-waves that frame the collarbones and chest—romantic, camera-ready, and endlessly versatile. The texture is more plush, not crunchy, which has that slight Baddie edge to it in case black women want that bit of glam but not much. Ideal on long hair, worn down.
How to style: Press the crown smooth, curl with a 1¼” iron, then brush out to connect the pattern. Assuming that you are going through a protective season use a 13 x 6 Frontal or glueless Wig that helps keep the part sharp, and your natural Hair intact. Pin-curl at night to stretch the style.
Velvet S-Waves and Precision Edgework
A deep side part is etched clean, then molded into a glossy swoop that behaves like a soft fringe with bangs. Below the temple there are open lengths of plush, brushed S-waves, a.k.a. glamorous Deep wave, but not stiff at all, worn down below the chest. It’s the kind of silhouette that flatters round and oval face shapes and reads luxe for black women thanks to the high shine and sculpted baby hair.
How to style: Press the top smooth, set the swoop on a jumbo roller, then curl mids-to-ends away from the face with a 1¼” iron. Apply a light gloss with a brush through and saturate the ridges together. If you prefer a protective install, a lace Frontal keeps the part immaculate while safeguarding your natural Hair on long hair.
Hollywood Blonde Side Part With Swoop
Cool, bombshell blonde meets a crisp side part and bouncy, uniform curls. The front panel drapes into a swoop with bangs energy, then the lengths tumble down in symmetrical coils—timeless, high-impact, and weekend-ready.
How to style: After a smooth blowout, set the front on a jumbo roller while you curl the rest with a 1″–1¼” iron. Brush lightly so the pattern stays intact. Keep tone bright with a violet mask and do this shade on a premium Wig or lace Frontal to protect your natural Hair, especially on long hair.
Side Part Barrel Waves, Mid-Length
A shallow side part and airy barrel waves give this cut a polished, everyday glamour. Roots sit sleek-so, almost Straight hair-it really reads the movement at the ends. True Medium length makes it versatile for the office or dinner, worn down with a soft, face-skimming bend.
How to style: Blow-dry smooth with a round brush, curl from mid-shaft down, and brush out with a boar bristle to sculpt those “velvet” bends. Finish with a flexible spray so the Hair moves instead of crunches.
High-Contrast Money Piece With Luxe Flips
Chunky caramel highlights frame the face against a glossy dark base, all split by a sharp side part. The lengths flip and roll into plush curves for that quiet-luxury bounce with a hint of Baddie drama—best worn down to show off the contrast on long hair.
How to style: Press the crown flat, curl in large sections away from the face, then brush through for round, salon-level volume. A 13×6 lace Frontal helps the color blocking and part look seamless while protecting your natural Hair during color play.
The side part’s real magic is how personal it feels. Move it a half inch and you alter the mood-soft and romantic on long hair, sharp and modern on short hair and effortless on the Medium length cuts. It suits all textures, glassy Straight hair, brushed-out Deep wave, airy Curly hair, it will toy perfectly with today protective installs-a tidy lace Frontal, a non-glued Wig even a sleek Quick weave when you have no time. With a good wrap at night, heat protection, and a light gloss, the look stays luxe without the fuss.
