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
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