The hard part has been popular for a while now, especially with an undercut and/or fade included. We’re gonna show you some hard part haircut ideas that can go well with a beard and discuss some advantages and disadvantages. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on styling and maintaining your ’do.
What Even Is a Hard Part Haircut?
Hard Part Haircuts
Think of this haircut as a classic side part but with some modern flair. Where you part your hair on one side becomes a shaved line to sharply magnify your part. That line is shaved down to the scalp.
There are several variations to the hard part haircut, with many being trimmed much closer below the part line, so there’s a straight line clearly and neatly separating longer hair and shorter hair for strong contrast. This kind of cut is also sometimes called a razor line or a shaved part.
Pro: It Looks Phreaking’ Awesome
Let’s be honest, hard parts look phreaking’ badass. They help your overall style pop with a strong, clean, modern look. Enough said.
Pro: Easy Daily Styling
When the part is so clearly sculpted, you can’t really go wrong styling your hair. It goes into place easily and you usually won’t need a comb to define that line. You just need some first-rate hair pomade to hold it in place while keeping it all soft and pliable. This makes daily styling super easy and fast! Wham, bam, done!
Pro: Great Style Choices When You Have a Beard
The hard part haircut style suggestions below work great with a wide variety of beards that aren’t too out of control. When you trim hair from your head, it can be balanced out by the addition of styled hair on your face.
By the way, you’ll need stellar hair pomade and beard balm to keep these great looks in place.
Basic Hard Part with Comb Over
A classic look. It’s essentially a regular side-parted cut with the hard part line included. Hair above the part is combed to the side, while hair below the part is combed down or back to work with your beard.
High Fade with Slicked Hair
The top hair above the part line gets slicked to the side or back. The tapering or fading begins below the part line and gradually gets shorter. This creates a super slick and professional look with a full beard.
Low-Fade Hard Part with High Top
This is a perennial favorite with a full beard. Very sleek for business or social purposes. It’s called a low-fade because the close tapering occurs within an inch or so of the bottom hairline along the neck and sides. You can either disconnect the beard from fade or blend it all in around the sideburns.
Pompadour Hard Part
A modern twist on a 1950s classic. Above the hard part line, give that longer hair a voluminous swoosh to the side and back. Meanwhile, fade the sides and back downwards to draw some of the focus to your beard as well.
Hard Part Mohawk
Get two hard parts and shave everything below them really close, while letting the top strip grow longer. Slick it back, stand it up, or let it run wild. This is a striking look when combined with a long, angular full beard.
Con: You Need a Professional
For some, this might be a pro, but for most, it’s a con. It’s best to get a hard part haircut done by a professional barber. We do not recommend DIY hard parts. The technique requires advanced skill that is beyond doing it yourself in your own bathroom.
The part needs to be straight and have an even width. It requires a sharp instrument and a steady hand. One slip and your hair will get a much bigger shave than you were counting on.
Your barber will work out with you a placement and “pathway” for your hard part line that will be to the side, not down the center of your head. Then he’ll wet your hair and comb out the part line. He’ll apply some shaving gel and use a straight razor to create the hard part. Last, the barber will trim the hair on either side of the part based on your style preference.
Con: Regular Touch-Ups Needed
Your hard part line will develop stubble and begin to grow out pretty quickly. Therefore, you’ll likely be entering a solid relationship with your barber grow because you’ll be visiting every couple of weeks to get your hairdo touched up.
This can add up to quite a bit of money as well as time. But if you’re looking to turn a con into a pro, use your regular barber visits to get your beard trimmed and/or have a luxurious hot towel shave.
Con: If Your Beard is Wild and Woolly…
Hard Part Haircuts
If your beard is a big one that runs wild, like ZZ Top, we’ll give you fair warning that the hard part haircut may not be the ideal look to complement it. Next to a big, untamed beard, such a clean-lined haircut can clash.
You’ll need to get creative with your hairdo and your beard—such as a long-topped hard part cut paired with a Viking beard. Just know this will require a fair amount of maintenance each day. It’s definitely not a quick “style and go” situation.
As you devote a little more attention to styling your hair up top, be sure to continue caring for your beard below so its shape and condition are just as awesome.
Conclusion
A hard part haircut can elevate your style to new heights, especially when paired with a well-groomed beard. While it requires professional skills and regular maintenance, the striking look it provides is well worth the effort. From classic comb-overs to edgy Mohawks, there’s a hard part hairstyle that can suit any beard and personal style. Make sure to consult with your barber to find the best version for you and keep both your hair and beard in top-notch condition.
FAQs
Q1:How Often Do I Need to Touch Up a Hard Part Haircut?
You should expect to visit your barber every two weeks to maintain a clean, sharp hard part line. The stubble from regrowth can quickly diminish the crisp look of the hard part.
Q2:Can I Do a Hard Part Haircut Myself?
It’s not recommended to do a hard part haircut yourself. The precision required for a straight, even line is best left to a professional barber to avoid any mishaps.
Q3:What Products Should I Use to Style My Hard Part Haircut?
You’ll need a high-quality hair pomade to keep your hair in place and looking sharp. For your beard, use a good beard balm to maintain its shape and condition.
Q4:Will a Hard Part Haircut Suit My Beard?
A hard part haircut can complement many beard styles, but if your beard is very wild and untamed, it might clash with the clean lines of the hard part. Consider a more styled and groomed beard to match the sharpness of the haircut.
Q5:Is a Hard Part Haircut High Maintenance?
Yes, a hard part haircut is relatively high maintenance. You’ll need regular visits to the barber for touch-ups and daily styling to keep the look sharp and clean.