The Side Part Is Back, Babe And She’s Booked, Busy, and Better Than Ever

A few years ago, the internet collectively decided the side part was cheugy. TikTok teens shamed millennials into shifting their partings centimetres toward the centre, and suddenly the dramatic swoop that defined the 2000s became public enemy number one. People were switching up their hair as if they were entering witness protection. It was chaotic. It was ruthless. It was, honestly, a bit exhausting.

But in the most delicious turn of beauty-trend karma, the celebs have spoken and the side part is officially back with a vengeance. At the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, supermodels floated down the runway with voluminous, glossy blowouts so bouncy they could start their own reality show. Then came Saint Laurent with razor-sharp partings, Chanel with Mediterranean-chic swoops, and the Met Gala where Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Sabrina Carpenter all blessed us with their side-swept supremacy.

As someone who has practically welded herself to a middle part for over a decade, even I am tempted. There’s something about that crown-lifting swoosh that makes hair look fuller, richer, more expensive, like you’ve got a private blow-dry bar living inside your house. And truly? It might be time to give in.

How To Achieve The Perfect Side Part

1. Start With Damp Hair

A new part holds best when your hair is around 70% dry, mouldable but not dripping.

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2. Create The Line With A Tail Comb

Aim for just above your brow arch for a soft look, or go deeper if you’re after full drama and paparazzi-level glamour.

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3. Add A Volumising Root Boost

A side part without lift is just, sideways hair. Spend an extra 20 seconds working a root-lifting spray or mousse into the fuller side.

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4. Blow-Dry For Maximum Height

Flip your hair to the opposite side while drying the roots. This creates that enviable swoosh when you flip it back. Use a medium barrel round brush if you’re after the Bella bounce.

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5. Add Shine, But Don’t Overdo It

The modern side part isn’t greasy, it’s glossy. A pea-sized amount of serum or a light mist of shine spray is all you need.

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6. Set With Flexible Hold

We’re not reviving the crunchy helmet hair of 2004. A soft-hold hairspray keeps shape but maintains movement.

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Your Modern Side-Part Starter Pack

For full swooshing power, you’ll want a few styling essentials in your arsenal. Start with a root-boost spray for instant lift, followed by a volumising mousse to add that plush, long-lasting body. A smoothing cream will keep any flyaways under control, while a shine spray delivers that fresh, salon-worthy gloss. Don’t forget a round brush and a reliable dryer for maximum bounce, and finish with a flexible hairspray to hold the look in place without ever making it stiff.

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Key Takeaways

The side part isn’t just back, it’s thriving. This year’s version isn’t the flat, emo-adjacent swoop of our school days. No, no. Today’s side part is polished, grown-up and ultra-chic. It brings instant lift, instant glamour, and instant “I have a yacht invitation waiting for me” energy.

Whether you’re reclaiming your side-part roots or nervously nudging your middle part a few centimetres to the left, this trend proves that beauty always comes back around and often better than before.

FAQs

1. Will a side part suit my face shape?

   Nearly every face shape works with a side part. Adjust the depth depending on how much structure or softness you want.

2. Is it good for curly or textured hair?

   A side part enhances natural volume and gives curls more shape. Use a curl cream or gel to keep everything defined.

3. How do I stop my hair from slipping back into a middle part?

   Blow-dry in the new direction, use root-lifting products, and clip the part while it cools. After a few days, your hair will adapt.