When it comes to timeless men's haircuts, the side part reigns supreme. It's a classic hairstyle with the side part of the hair styled across the head. It works for different hair textures, lengths, and personal styles.
Although this look went out of fashion in the 1960's and 1970's, it has come back with a vengeance as many men embrace the old-fashioned look. A side part is simple yet sophisticated, and is very easy to achieve either at home or in the barbershop.
The side part has made a huge comeback as of late, and for good reason. This timeless hairstyle is simple, sexy and sophisticated—and we all know how much the spicy senoritas appreciate a sophisticated gentleman. The side part also lends itself well to a variety of different face shapes and hair types.
Whether you like it or not, agree or disagree, Gen Z has a clear and unanimous point of view when it comes to where people should be parting their hair -- and it's straight down the middle. According to the TikTok generation, skinny jeans are over, and any variation on the side part is officially ``uncool.''
After years of the side part being dubbed "uncool," the look is having another moment in the spotlight in 2024 with stars like Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Eva Longoria sporting the style at recent events — and the switch-up is good news for your hair.
“If you have a longer face, a middle parting can accentuate it - long sections at the front will make your face look longer. "Sometimes flicking hair over to one side helps to break up the proportions of the face, creating a more youthful look,” said Schellea.
Millennials rejoice: all experts say that side partings will be making a comeback. “I'm so excited that side partings and side-swept bangs are making a comeback,” says celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway.
The 2022 Oscars proved that side partings are finally back in favour. Deemed cheugy by TikTok last year, side partings ruled the red carpet last night. For a minute there, it looked like everything I once loved was going to be deemed cheugy. An aggressively deep side-part: cheugy.
In fact, it all comes down to which one flatters your face shape. “Both options will always be in style, and both options are timeless,” Curtis says. “A middle part will complement the symmetry of your face shape as well as elongate the face, and a side part will soften your features.”
Social media remains central to Gen Z's lives, not just for consuming content but for staying connected. The number of Gen Z TikTokers saying they use the platform for messaging friends and family rose by 82% between 2020-2024.
The Side Part: Preferred by 27% of Women
A sophisticated, classic cut that looks great on guys young and old, the side part won the #1 spot according to our research.
The general consensus seems to be that parting on one's left makes a person look competent and masculine, whereas parting on the right makes a person look warm and feminine.
In a HerCampus.com survey of over 100 college women across the country, a majority ranked arms as their biggest turn on. Women feel it's a sign that you take good care of your body and admitted they love to see a hint of a man's biceps through his t-shirt or sweater.
First, they were forgotten when we left them all behind in the noughties. Then, they were ridiculed when the next-gen dubbed them “cheugy” and old-fashioned. But, if the celebs or TikTok are anything to go by, we're firmly back on the side-parting train, because it turns out they can look majorly phwoarrr.
A classic side part gives you a clean, polished look.
Part your hair to the side, sweeping the hair over with a wide-toothed comb. Allow the hair to fall naturally, and rub a nickel-sized amount of matte pomade through your strands to add hold.
They've gone from dandy to rock 'n' roll and everything in between – proving they're more than just a passing trend. These days, they're as versatile as ever. Whether you're into the clean-cut, defined look à la Noel Gallagher or prefer the barely-there style rocked by Barry Keoghan, there's a sideburn style for you.
"The middle part is one of the most fashionable hair trends," Bergamy tells us. "It gives a more youthful look without looking childish." It tends to work best on faces that are more or less symmetrical, but can also help elongate shorter, wider face shapes. "A middle part gives a slimmer look," Bergamy adds.
So is a side part more of a nostalgic look a la Lauren Bacall, or is it a trendy hair style? The answer is yes! While a side part pays homage to the days of classic movie bombshells like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth, it's also an of the moment look that's almost universally flattering.
A side part hairstyle softens the angles of a square-shaped face. Oval-shaped faces are perfect, so you can't go wrong with a side part. A side part hairstyle will draw the eye to your best features, whether it's your eyes, cheekbones or strong jaw, and it will soften your features with its asymmetry.
It wasn't that long ago that Gen Z declared the side part makes you old. Now, it's making a comeback. Side parts had joined the likes of skinny jeans, no-show socks and other defining factors that declare someone a millennial — but the hairstyle seems to be resurrected, with many celebrities sporting the 'do.
“If you want a more angular shape to your face, then a center part is great,” she told me, while those with diamond, heart-shape or square face shapes might consider a side part to show off their bone structure.
Millennials rejoice: all experts say that side parts will be making a triumphant comeback. “I'm so excited that side parts and side-swept bangs are making a comeback,” says celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway.
Side parts are a mainstay of 1940s and 1950s glamour, so it comes as no surprise that film stars often favour the look when it comes to red carpets.
Essentially a very lightly layered midi or long haircut, paired with a full '70s fringe, it features lash-skimming face-framing that gives the haircut a shy, girl-next-door energy, alongside a little flirtiness at the same time.
The modern laid edges style began in the 1990s in the African American community, popularized by major musicians of the period such as Chilli from TLC as well as Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, and Brandy.