Michael Fassbender Haircut: The Classic 2016 Side Part

Product update: By Vilain Powermade has been improved and reformulated as By Vilain Flow Pomade. The original images have been retained and may show the former Powermade product.

Michael Fassbender’s side part in The Light Between Oceans is a softly graduated haircut with a longer front, a defined part and a controlled, glossy finish. This guide covers the 2016 film-inspired Slikhaar tutorial, rather than a claim about his current haircut.

What to ask your barber for

The original demonstration graduates the sides from approximately 5 mm low down to 4 cm higher up. The front is about 7 cm, reducing to about 5 cm towards the crown. Ask your barber for a connected shape rather than a sharply disconnected undercut. These are model-specific reference measurements; hair density and growth direction may require a different balance.

Prepare the hair and tools

Keep a reference photo, a suitable comb or brush, a dryer if you use one, and your chosen styling product nearby. Start with hair that is free of heavy buildup. If shampooing, follow with conditioner where your lengths need it and rinse as directed. Blot rather than rub with a towel.

Set the direction before adding the finish

Find the side where your hair parts most comfortably. Dry the shorter sides down and back, then guide the longer top across and backwards. Lift only enough at the front to avoid a flat fringe: this is a restrained side part, not a tall pompadour.

Choose the hold and shine

Comb the longer top across the part and back. Use a small amount of Flow Pomade for light control and natural shine. If your hair needs stronger support, set the shape with an appropriate stronger-hold product first; adding pomade changes the finish and does not automatically increase hold.

Adjust the result to your hair

If the part keeps splitting in a second place, work with the natural growth pattern rather than drawing a harder line. If the sides flare out, ask your barber to review the graduation before buying a stronger product.

Use the original tutorial as a reference

The retained Slikhaar images document the original version of this look. Show the haircut details to your barber and use the styling sequence as a starting point. Cutting, graduation and selective weight removal are barber decisions; home styling begins with the finished haircut.

Original videos and style references

• Watch the original video

Related guides

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s 2016 Hairstyle: A Soft Slick Back
• G-Eazy Slick-Back Haircut: Cut, Part and Styling Steps