A divisive hairstyle that has created a generational divide is officially back, reclaiming its spot as the go-to look for every beloved A-lister and It girl. Spring 2026 marks the comeback of the side part.
Before any naysayers begin to debate how millennial it feels, the side part is rich in history, way before the early aughts. Rachael Gibson, the writer known as the Hair Historian, says side parts date back to the 1920s, when shorter garçonne hair with side parting became more popular for women. The side part continued to trend in the 1940s—paired with longer, curled hair for a more romantic, feminine feel (à la Veronica Lake)— and came swinging back in the early ’90s, when the supermodel blowout ruled every hair mood board.
And today’s side part isn’t just proof that trends are cyclical; this time around it’s a response to the minimal clean-girl aesthetic that has dominated our social feeds for the past couple of years. In short, people are yearning for something more exciting. “People are no doubt feeling a desire for change and options that let them pull hair more into the look,” Gibson says. “A side part with hair sweeping across feels much more relaxed and less done, while still letting hair take up space. It’s noticeable, brings hair into the look, and allows you to play with volume and texture much more.”
“A side part instantly makes a look feel more intentional and stylized,” adds celebrity hairstylist David von Cannon. “It creates asymmetry, which is naturally more dynamic to the eye, adds volume on the heavier side, and just signals that you did something on purpose—even when it looks effortless.” And who wouldn’t want that?
How to Style It
Anything goes with a side part. Aptly named, a side part is where you part your hair to one side rather than down the middle. You can wear a side part in many ways, from smooth and deeply parted to a more relaxed tousle, and it looks good on everyone.
When deciding where exactly your side part should go, Von Cannon says it depends on the look you’re going for. “Want more volume?” he says. “Go against your natural part. If you want something softer and more laid down, then go with it.” Face shape can also be a factor in which side looks best, with deeper side parts creating more length for rounder faces and softer ones adding softness to angular faces.
Carlyn Griscti, a New York City–based hairstylist at Beauty Supply salon, recommends using the arch of your eyebrow to help guide where you want to line up the part, especially if you’re looking for a sleeker look. But when in doubt: “Always trust the mirror over any rule,” Von Cannon says.
While it remains to be seen if Gen Z and the millennial set will ever call a truce on this heated topic, if you’re Team Side Part and looking for more guided inspo, we’ve got you. Below, the experts break down a few of their favorite ways to style it.
Defined Smoothness
A defined side part on smooth hair is just so sleek. Especially with naturally straight hair, Griscti says, it can create a really strong shape, giving a more editorial feel.
Tousled Glam
“Tossing your hair to the side with a blowout feels more glam to me,” says Griscti. “[When] people toss their hair around on the go, it’s not always purposeful. But it gives a look a more considered feel.”
Wet Shine
Von Cannon says wet hair with a side part gives your entire look a trendier, “more fashion-forward” feel. Opt for a gel and a tiny bit of hair oil to increase shine.
Clean Side Line
“This is clean and refined in a way that pulls the entire look together without having to try too hard by overdoing the ends with excess styling,” Griscti says.
Wavy Cool Girl
Wavy, unkempt hair is the epitome of cool, and to give it a more effortless feel, Griscti suggests a soft side part.
Old Hollywood Glam
Von Cannon says you can pair a side part with finger waves or soft curls to really lean into the vintage glamour.
Modern Texture
Parting naturally curly, coarse hair to the side can maximize volume and build shape. Griscti recommends using a good texturizing spray to give it more body.
Classic Blowout
There’s not much you need to elevate a classic blowout. But Von Cannon says to add volume on the parted side and sweep hair back for something really chic.
The French Bob
Who isn’t Team Bob? You can’t go wrong with any version of the universally loved cut, but with its chin-grazing length and piecey ends, celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen says, a French bob is the perfect one to do a side part with.
Low Bun
Stephen also likes pairing a casual low bun with a side part for added dimension. “It adds a level of mystery that reads so sexy and soft,” she says.
Super Long
Since we’re all about romancemaxxing our hair for our spring hairstyles, why not add a side part to it? Another style Stephen recommends is super-long hair, parted to the side to add depth and frame the face.
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