Featured Style: Side Part Pomp

The humble Side Part has been one of the most popular styles for men since the early 1900’s (and probably before that too). Yet, it has failed to ever really fall out of style.

Sure, it may have had a quiet patch for a bit, especially when free love reigned and the cut was mainly reserved for News Anchors, Politicians and Squares but there is no doubt that the Side Part is well and truly back.

This beautiful example of a Side Part, by Brandon Castaldi of Proper Barber Co, steps it up a notch. Finished with a Pomp in the front, a tidy taper around the ears, and dressed with a healthy dab of Matte Pomade.

Our favourite aspect of the classic Side Part has to be the versatility. Paired with the right product for the occasion, a Side Part is never out of place. This style can be worn anywhere be it in the office, at the bar, and even on the golf course (or so we’re told).

Of course, a well-dialled Side Part starts with a good cut. To make sure you’re going to get the look you are after, it’s always best to consult with your barber. Some variations of the Side Part, like the one featured, require a little more length, while others may need a tight fade to look their best. Maintaining your Side Part means you’ll be visiting your barber every 4-6 weeks to make sure you’re looking sharp.

Recreating your Side Part Pomp at home is relatively simple but may take some practise to nail. 

The most important thing you’re going to need is a solid styling product to pair with your Side Part. To achieve a nice matte finish, like in the featured cut, we’d recommend Matte Pomade. If you’re looking for a more polished finish, or if your hair is a little harder to control, try Deluxe Pomade.

Of course, you’ll also need a comb to help get your style into place- for this particular style we’d recommend out CT5 Tortoise Shell comb or CT9 Styling comb. These combs have a nice set of med length teeth to help control your hair without dominating it.

To style, there are three basic steps.

First, prep your hair. Your hair will be much easier to style if it has been freshly washed with Shampoo followed by Conditioner. At the very least rinsed to remove any product build-up or excess oils. Once washed or rinsed, give your hair a gentle towel dry.

The next step is what we refer to as ‘Pre Styling’, essentially getting your hair into the general overall shape. Depending on your routine, how hard your hair is to manage and the look you are after, this step may take some time or might be as simple as a quick comb.

If you like to take your time and are after the perfect finish, we’d recommend giving your hair a generous spray of Salt Spray to help maintain control and add some extra volume while blow-drying. Next, use the blow dryer to direct your hair into place, use your Quiff Roller to create tension in the hair and create volume in your Pomp.

If you’re tight on time, or one of the lucky ones with obedient hair, comb your hair into it’s a rough position.

Now it’s time to style. Take a scoop of you’re preferred Pomade and spread it thoroughly across your hands. Start by applying gently to your crown, getting this section into place first. Next, work the product through your fringe. Once these key sections have been addressed, start to apply the product to remaining areas.

Finally, use your comb to get your hair into the perfect position. 

It may take some time to perfect but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have the Side Part Pomp dialled in no time.

Looking for some tips on using Pomade?

• Dry Hair, Dry hands. The drier your hair, the drier the finish and the more hold you’ll get from the pomade
• Start Small. It’s easier to add more pomade than remove excess
• Clean Hair = Clean finish. Styling your hair is easier if your hair is clean!
• Close it Tight! Water in Pomade will eventually evaporate if you want to get the most out of your tin, close it tightly!