From Cristiano Ronaldo to Justin Bieber, every male celebrity seems to be sporting a hard part haircut. This trend begs the question: what is a hard part?
What Is a Hard Part?
A shaved line determines a hard part haircut. This style is a twist on the classic side part trend. Only 25 percent of men regularly experiment on their hair. But if you know what is a hard part, you may be tempted to try it.
The hard part will instantly give you an edgy and fresh look. There is also a plethora of ways you can style your hair to give it a fresh twist.
Many guys sport the popular side part which divides the hair into two sections. However, this style can get quite boring. When you look and see all men sporting the same hairstyle as you, that’s when you know it’s time to step up your game.
So what is a hard part? A hard part is quite similar to a side part, but instead of simply dividing the hair, the hard part trims the hair all the way to the scalp. Also referred to as the side part line or razor line, the hard part requires little effort to style.
Why Should You Try the Hard Part Haircut?
Now that you know what is a hard part, it’s time to figure out if you’re game to try it. There are countless reasons why you should try this sleek haircut. Not only can it make you look more trendy, but a hard part will also add more definition to your style.
A hard part will instantly make you look more stylish, neat, and sharp. This haircut suits any hair texture. Because of this, it is now becoming a top choice even for men with afros.
This type of haircut is also perfect for different face shapes, making it one of the most versatile cuts.
How to Get the Perfect Hard Part
If you cut your hair at home, you might want to skip picking up your tools this time. Pulling off a hard part is tricky since it requires absolute precision when shaving right down to your skin. If you make a small mistake, it can result in a hair disaster. Or worse — you can hurt yourself.
The best way to get a hard part is to contact a local barber or hairdresser. If you do not know a local hair expert, ask for a recommendation from your friends. Don’t forget to show a photo of the look you want to achieve. But before you visit your barber, try to find your part first.
How can you find your part?
You can’t expect to pull off this style if your part does not suit you well. There is a way to find out the correct side to part your hair. To do this, feel the swirl near the crown of your head.
Try to distinguish whether the direction of the swirl goes clockwise or counterclockwise. If it is the former, part your hair to the left. If not, your hair should part on the right.
Make sure to part your hair lower on the head. This way, you can create a square shape which will frame your face better.
You can always ask your barber for hair length suggestions. After you’ve done this, all you have to do it sit back, relax, and wait for the fantastic result.
Then comes the challenging part – styling it.
How to Style a Hard Part
You can’t simply ask your barber for a hard part haircut and leave it at that. To look good, you have to style it properly. Although there are many types of hairstyles that suit the hard part, there is a universal rule to style it correctly.
First, you should thoroughly clean your hair. And then pat it dry with a towel. If you want to add volume to your locks, a good quality blow dryer can help. The Professional Ionic Hair Dryer is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
There are many products to choose from to help you establish a defined part. This step will help you look like you’ve spent hours styling your hair even though it only took you a minute.
Comb
You need more than your fingers to style your hair. This grooming tool does not only help untangle your locks, but it also adds shape to your hairstyle so you can nail it every time.
However, not all combs are created equal. By knowing what is a hard part, you know that you need a coarse-toothed pocket comb like the Kent The Handmade Comb. It is a great idea to start with this styling comb since it features two sets of teeth used for coarse or fine hair.
Pomade
There are two types of pomade, water-based and petroleum-based. Water-based is a good option if you want less shine. The Tip Top Original Water Based Pomade is a great choice.
On the other hand, a petroleum-based pomade offers higher shine and a stronger hold. Although the water-based pomade does not give the same quality of hold as its petroleum counterpart, it is easier to wash out and is better for your scalp. Both options can be reshaped at any time of the day.
Pomade is best used for pompadour haircuts or slicked back hairstyles.
Wax
Wax is an excellent option for normal to oily hair. It also works well for short to medium length hair. Although wax does not last as long as pomade, wax can be reapplied more easily. However, wax does not work well with wet hair so you might have to use a blow dryer.
The consistency of wax is thicker than gel. However, it does not feel sticky. Using wax also gives you a more matte appearance and is great for adding thickness and texture. This feature makes it a fantastic choice for men with frizzy hair or ends that stick up. Vogarte Hair Styling Clay Wax effectively manages even the frizziest hair for guys.
Gel
You might be intimidated to use gel. But the trick to using gel is to apply it in moderation. Gel gives the best hold and will turn your hair rock solid. However, its finish might look unnatural compared to wax or pomade. Using gel is effective for styling wet hair. However, you cannot reapply gel unless you wash your hair first. Sexyhair Style Hard Up Hard Holding Gel is a great choice for styling gel for men.
Hairstyles That Suit Hard Part
The sky is the limit with what you can do with your hair. A hard part haircut is dynamic, so it can pair with a variety of styles. There are various tried and tested style options available to pair with your hard part.
Hard part with fade
Now that you’ve figured out what is a hard part exactly, you might have guessed that it pairs perfectly with a fade. There are many different types of fades you can try. For example, high, mid, low, skin, or even low bald fade.
The shaved part on the side will be a great contrast to whatever texture you want for the top of your hair, such as messy or smooth. You can even grow your stubble and get highlights if you want to be the center of attention.
Undercut hard part
An undercut is one of the most popular haircuts today. Pair it with a hard part, and you’d look like a celebrity. This style is an amazing alternative to fade.
It works best if you want to focus on the hairstyle on top. The best thing about this cut is you can easily change your look by creating a spiky texture or slicking back your hair.
Double hard part
Since the hard part is not only limited to your hairline, you can be unique and creative by also putting it on the side. Simply ask your barber for a double hard part haircut.
Hard part with quiff
Quiffs have been popular since the 1950s.
The quiff is a blend of the flat top, pompadour, and even a mohawk. This haircut is a perfect hairstyle combination of the hard cut since it highlights volume.
A quiff suits a wide range of face shapes and personal styles. Whether you are a teen or in your 50s, this style is worth considering.
Curly hair
Men with curly hair are in luck because a hard part gives them a wonderful contrasting texture. By adding a fade, men can highlight the varying length of their hair.
Maintaining the Hard Part Haircut
Now that you know what is a hard part, you can spice it up even more by making the line more defined. But understand that maintenance is key. Otherwise, the hard part quickly disappears, and all your styling efforts are for nothing.
Shaved hair only stays for a few days. A hard part looks best in the first week so you should make regular appointments with your barber every two weeks or so.
Rock This Haircut
Any man can add a striking hard part to their haircut to divide their hair into two sections. Its thickness just depends on your preference. By styling your hair with pomade, wax, or gel, and with the help of a comb, you can look your best. Just remember to visit your barber more regularly to ensure that the line stays sharp.
When your part is trimmed to the scalp, you will look more contemporary. This feature makes the hard part a great option to achieve a trendier and sharper look. Undeniably, the hard part is ideal if you want a fresh haircut that is extremely trendy today.
So now you know what is a hard part. All is left is for you to get your own!
Have your own experience with a hard part haircut? We’d love to read about it in the comments below.
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