Gen Z tried to kill it. They really did. A few years ago, TikTok was flooded with teenagers claiming that if you wore a side part, you were basically ancient. It was the "middle part or bust" era. But honestly? Trends are cyclical, and the side part haircut women have relied on for decades is currently having a massive, high-fashion resurgence that has nothing to do with being "dated."
It’s about geometry.
If you look at recent red carpets—think Florence Pugh or Zendaya—the side part isn't just a default setting. It’s a strategic choice. A middle part requires near-perfect facial symmetry to pull off effectively. Most of us don't have that. One eye is slightly higher, or our nose leans a millimeter to the left. A deep side part creates an asymmetrical frame that masks those tiny imbalances. It adds instant volume at the roots without needing a gallon of hairspray.
The science of the "Good Side"
Most people have a natural cowlick or a growth pattern that dictates where hair wants to fall. When you force a middle part against a strong cowlick, you get that weird, flat "mall hair" look. Stylists like Chris Appleton have often noted that shifting the part just an inch to the side can visually lift the cheekbones. It’s a non-invasive facelift.
Does it work for everyone? Sorta.
If you have a very long face shape, a super-deep side part can sometimes elongate it further, which might not be what you’re going for. But for round or square face shapes, that diagonal line created by the hair crossing the forehead is a godsend. It breaks up the width of the face. It adds angles where there are curves.
Why the side part haircut women are wearing now looks different than 2010
We aren't talking about the "Millennial Side Part" that was plastered to the forehead with heavy gels. That 2010s look was very flat. Very 2D. Today’s version is all about "The Flip."
You’ve probably seen it on Instagram: hair that looks like it was just tossed to one side with zero effort. This is actually a highly intentional side part haircut women use to create "shouty" volume. By parting the hair on the opposite side of its natural growth, the roots are forced upward. This creates a natural canopy of volume.
- The Soft Curve: Instead of a ruler-straight line, modern parts are often slightly messy or "C" shaped.
- The Tuck: One side gets tucked behind the ear to show off jewelry or a sharp jawline, while the other side cascades down.
- Texture: Forget the flat-ironed sheets of hair; we want grit and movement.
The difference is subtle but massive. It’s the difference between looking like a news anchor from 1994 and looking like a model off-duty in Paris.
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How to find your "True" side part
Finding the right spot isn't just about guessing.
There is a classic trick used by editorial stylists: use the arch of your eyebrow as a guide. If you line up your part with the highest point of your eyebrow arch, you hit the "sweet spot" for most face shapes. It’s deep enough to look intentional but not so deep that you look like a 1940s noir detective.
Go too far toward the ear, and you're in "overcomb" territory. Stay too close to the center, and it just looks like your hair is messy.
Honestly, the best way to do it is to flip your head upside down, shake it out, and let the hair fall where it wants. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to gently define a line near that eyebrow arch. Don't make it perfect. Perfection is the enemy of cool here.
Face shapes and the side part reality check
Let's get real about what actually happens when you change your part. It’s the easiest way to change your look without cutting a single inch of hair.
Heart-shaped faces benefit the most. If you have a wider forehead and a pointed chin, a side part softens the forehead and makes the chin look less "sharp." It balances the proportions.
Square faces need the side part to soften the jawline. A center part acts like a plumb line that highlights the corners of the jaw. A side part creates a rounder, softer silhouette.
Round faces use the side part to create the illusion of length. It’s basically contouring with hair.
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The "Millennial" stigma is dying
It’s funny how we let teenagers on the internet dictate our hair for a while. But even the loudest "middle part" advocates are starting to migrate. Why? Because the middle part is exhausting. It shows every bit of regrowth. If your roots are coming in, a middle part shouts it to the world. A side part hides the "line of demarcation" because the hair overlaps.
It's also more forgiving for thinning hair. As we age, hair often thins at the crown or along the center line. Shifting to a side part covers those areas and gives the appearance of a thicker mane.
Styling the modern side part
You need the right tools. If you use a heavy wax, your side part will look greasy and dated. You want a volume powder or a dry texture spray.
- Start with damp hair.
- Apply a root-lift spray.
- Blow-dry the hair away from the direction you want it to lay. This creates tension and lift.
- Once dry, flip it over to the desired side.
- Use a tiny bit of lightweight oil on the ends to prevent frizz, but keep the roots dry.
One mistake people make is using a fine-tooth comb to "seal" the part. This makes the hair lay too flat against the scalp. Use your fingers. You want the hair to have some "air" in it.
The role of the "Side-Swept Bang"
Is it back? Sorta. But not the heavy, eye-covering fringe of the emo era. We’re seeing "bottleneck bangs" or long, layered pieces that kiss the cheekbones. When paired with a side part, these layers create a frame that highlights the eyes.
If you’re nervous about a full-on side part, start with a "soft side part." This is only about half an inch off-center. It gives you the benefits of the side part (volume and face-framing) without feeling like a total departure from the middle-part trend.
Maintenance and the "Part Flip"
Here is a secret: you shouldn't keep your part in the same place forever.
If you always part your hair in the exact same spot, the hair there will eventually start to lay flat. Worse, it can lead to "traction alopecia" if you’re always pulling it in one direction, though that’s rare for just a part. More importantly, the sun hits that exposed scalp line constantly.
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Switching your side part from the left to the right every few months keeps your roots "confused." Confused roots are voluminous roots.
Real-world examples of the side part's power
Look at Margot Robbie. She switches between a middle and side part constantly. When she wants to look "approachable and young," she often goes middle. When she wants to look "glamorous and editorial," she goes for a deep side part with a soft wave.
Then there’s Rihanna. She has used the side part haircut women admire to transition through dozens of styles—from pixie cuts to long, flowing extensions. She uses the part to change her face shape depending on the vibe of her outfit. It’s a tool.
Actionable Steps for your next salon visit
If you're ready to embrace the side part, don't just flip your hair and call it a day. You might need a "correctional cut."
- Ask for "Internal Layers": This helps the hair on the "heavy" side of the part not feel too weighed down.
- Mention the "Sweep": Tell your stylist you want to wear it in a side part so they can cut the face-framing pieces at an angle that complements the swoop.
- Check the back: Make sure the part doesn't extend all the way to the crown in a straight line. It should taper off into the natural fall of the hair at the back to avoid a "split" look.
The side part isn't a "mom" look. It isn't an "old" look. It’s a classic structural technique that works because physics says it works. It builds height, hides asymmetry, and looks damn good on almost everyone.
So, if you’ve been sticking to a middle part because you’re afraid of what some 19-year-old on TikTok thinks, this is your sign to flip it. Your cheekbones will thank you.
To keep the look fresh, try alternating your parting side every third wash. This prevents the hair from becoming "trained" to lie flat and keeps the volume at maximum levels. Invest in a high-quality dry shampoo to maintain that "lift" at the roots throughout the day, as the weight of the hair on a side part can sometimes cause it to collapse by late afternoon.