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.
Gen Z has come for millennials on TikTok for wearing side parts rather than middle parts.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
Why side parts are making a comeback for 2025 It's no surprise that the side part is becoming mainstream again. Trend cycles naturally repeat every 15--20 years, so the side-part renaissance is perfectly in sync with the resurgence of early-2000s styles.
According to research from Gen Z Insights, young workers increasingly view side hustles as a way to supplement their income without sacrificing their personal interests. Many turn to freelancing, e-commerce, content creation, and gig economy jobs to gain financial independence while maintaining work-life balance.
High Participation in Side Hustles:
Nearly two-thirds (66%) of Gen Z and millennials (ages 18-35) have started or plan to start a side hustle, with 65% intending to continue in 2025.
12 found that Gen Z is more innovative and financially savvy than Americans might expect. Gen Zers are changing jobs at unprecedented rates, mostly to increase their salaries.
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.
When looking at what face shapes side parts are best for, they're most flattering on face shapes that have strong, defined cheekbones. This structure is mostly seen in diamond face shapes.
A calf lick is the weird parting in your fringe where your hair grows in a different direction, usually to one side.
Pair 👅 with other emojis like 🍆 (eggplant), 🍑 (peach), 🌮 (taco), and 💦 (sweat droplets) to make it clear that you're referencing oral sex with your partner. When sexting, 🍆 means male genitalia, 🌮 refers to feminine genitalia, 🍑 refers to a booty, and 💦 means an orgasm.
Emoji Icon: 🤡
Emoji Name: Clown Face. Meaning: Represents foolishness or embarrassment. It's often used when someone feels embarrassed or to describe someone acting foolishly.
Colored Heart Emoji Meanings
🧡(orange heart) - Care. 💛(yellow heart) - Friendship. 💚(green heart) - Jealousy. 💙(blue heart) - Peace. 💜(purple heart) - Compassion or attraction.
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.
Statistically, Gen Z tends to register as Democrats, reflecting their greater openness to left-leaning causes compared to earlier generations.
"Zillennial" is a term used to describe those on the cusp of Generation Z and Millennials, according to McCrindle Research. The exact date range of this micro-generation is not specifically defined. Dictionary.com defines "zillennial" as a person born between the early 1990s and late 1990s.
While middle parts vs. side parts has turned into a generational discussion on TikTok, Brandon Curtis, L'Oréal Professionnel national artist, suggests that choosing how to part your hair should have nothing to do with age. In fact, it all comes down to which one flatters your face shape.
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 popular culture view is that the left hair part makes a person appear more competent and masculine and the right part warmer and more feminine.
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.
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.
Birkin Bangs: The It-Girl Style of 2025
Named after style icon Jane Birkin, these wispy, straight-across bangs with slightly longer sides are making a major comeback. The 2025 version offers a softer, more textured approach to the classic style.
GoDaddy Data Shows Gen Z Trusts Influencers More Than Friends.
Gen Z is expected to become the largest and richest economic force by 2035. According to a recent Bank of America report, the youngest generation of workers will amass over $74 trillion in income by 2040. It will be a stark—and welcome—change from their current reality of flying by the seat of their pants.