Once divisive part makes sense again.
There was a time when just looking at how someone parts their hair, you could safely assume what generation they were from. Growing up among emo sweeps, Victoria Beckham’s “posh bob,” and numerous spin-offs of the Rachel cut, it seems that millennials had no choice but to wear an off-center part.
With Gen Z, the pendulum swung far back. If it wasn’t dead-straight and right down the center, it was “millennial-coded.” The era of middle‑part curtain bangs, slick‑back buns, and that unwavering belief that symmetry equals taste was so deeply cemented in beauty culture that it was hard to imagine it ever budging.
But like any pendulum, when it reaches its height, it swings back. And it seems we’re at the beginning of the side part revival.
It seems like only yesterday we were writing about how to nail a center-parted look inspired by the celebrity hairstyles at the Critics Choice Awards 2025. This year’s award season is barely past the opening credits, but as the Golden Globes 2026 showed, celebrities have resolutely pushed their sculpted waves and plush bobs to the side.
Off-center parts made an appearance on a catwalk, too. New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 was adamant about building side-parted silhouettes, especially conspicuous in romantic and casual settings.
Stylists saw the side part creeping back long before the rest of us did. In her predictions for 2026 hair trends, Nicole Petty, brand director at Milk & Blush, lauded the return of deep side parts: “The added root lift and face-framing sweep make simple styles feel more polished.” She points out that this switch is zero-commitment, as you can easily go back to the center.
If you’ve lived in the middle part forever, start by examining where your hair wants to part naturally when it’s freshly washed and unstyled. If a deep side part feels like too big a step out of your comfort zone, nudge the line just a finger’s width off‑center. You can use your finger or a rat-tail comb for more precision.
Then train the hair to fall that way by blow‑drying it in the new direction and adding a bit of lift at the roots. With every blow-dry, your hair will cooperate better, and your mirror reflection will feel more familiar. A hair clip can be both functional and decorative, holding the mass of hair in place and adding to your outfit.
If you’re in the mood to explore, here’s a roundup of modern hairstyles that carry a side part exceptionally well.
A side part gives the layers a bit of movement and creates a natural lift at the roots.
@yukistylist
Shifting the part to one side creates an easy focal point and makes even simple braids look more sculptural.
@tranca_firme
Dial up the glam fully with the bombshell root volume and a mysterious swoop.
@ericchairstylist
The shorter length benefits from a directional part because it adds definition and a touch of attitude.
@akira__sato
A side part lets curls fall in a more dynamic pattern and shows off their shape.
@hikmetorhan
It’s hard to imagine an asymmetrical bob without a side part; these two were created for each other.
@littlebrokenthings
A deep side part sets up the classic S‑curve and gives the waves a more dramatic line.
@diva_hairstyles
The part helps the fringe blend into the rest of the hair and creates a smooth, natural sweep.
@lissalopezhtx
A side part strengthens the signature cascade and makes the wave pattern look more sculpted and festive.
@emsbridalhair
The side part’s return proves hair trends are rarely final. Still undecided? Our article Middle Part vs. Side Part: Which Hair Part Suits You Best? breaks down what truly works for your features and hair type.
