The New Side Part: Why It’s Back and How to Style It
If you’ve been paying attention to street style, red carpets, or even your own social media feed, you’ve likely noticed a quiet but powerful shift. The side part, once relegated to the annals of “dad style” or early 2000s nostalgia, is staging a triumphant and sophisticated return. Gone are the days of the severe, slicked-over corporate look. The new side part is softer, more intentional, and brimming with effortless cool. It’s not about recreating the past; it’s about reinterpreting a classic for a modern aesthetic that values both polish and personality.
The Cycle of Style: Why the Side Part is Back in Fashion
Fashion and beauty are inherently cyclical, but each revival comes with a twist. The return of the side part is a perfect example of this phenomenon. For years, the center part reigned supreme, symbolizing a clean, minimalist, and often androgynous beauty standard. While flattering on many, its ubiquity eventually sparked a desire for change. The side part offers a different kind of frame for the face, one that introduces asymmetry, softness, and a touch of retro glamour that feels fresh again.
Furthermore, today’s style ethos champions individuality and personal expression over rigid trends. The side part is incredibly versatile—it can be adapted to suit virtually any face shape, hair texture, or personal style, from sleek and professional to messy and bohemian. It also aligns with the current “quiet luxury” and “old money” aesthetics, which draw inspiration from timeless, well-groomed looks that suggest ease rather than effort. In a world of fast trends, the side part stands as a testament to enduring style.
More Than a Part: The Face-Framing Benefits
One of the most compelling reasons to try the new side part is its unparalleled ability to sculpt and enhance facial features. A strategically placed part can create the illusion of balance, soften angles, and draw attention to your best assets.
For example, a deep side part can add volume at the crown, which lengthens a round face shape. For those with a square jawline, a side part that directs hair softly across the forehead can help to offset stronger angles. It can also provide a beautiful frame for cheekbones and eyes. This isn’t about hiding your face, but rather using hair as a tool for artful highlighting. Unlike the sometimes harsh symmetry of a center part, the asymmetry of a side part is inherently flattering and interesting to the eye.
How to Find and Style Your Perfect Side Part
Ready to make the switch? The key to the modern side part is avoiding the overly precise, helmet-like look of yesteryear. The goal is effortless intention. Start with towel-dried or dry hair. Use a tail comb or your fingers to create the part. Don’t just follow your natural hairline; experiment. A good rule of thumb is to align the part with the arch of your eyebrow. This typically creates a naturally flattering line.
For a soft, lived-in look, use your fingers to create the part instead of a comb. After styling, gently run your fingers through the roots on either side of the part to blur the line slightly. This prevents it from looking too severe. The modern side part often works best with some texture, so don’t be afraid to let a few strands fall loosely or to have a bit of volume at the roots.
Styling the New Side Part for Every Hair Type
The beauty of this trend is its universal adaptability. Here’s how to make it work for you.
For Straight or Fine Hair: Volume is your best friend. Apply a volumizing mousse or root-lift spray to damp hair. When blow-drying, direct the airflow at the roots on the opposite side of the part, lifting them as you dry. This creates essential lift that prevents the hair from falling flat. A light-hold texturizing spray can add grit and hold without weight.
For Wavy or Curly Hair: Embrace your texture! Apply your preferred curl cream or defining gel to damp hair. When creating your part, do it on wet hair for a clear definition. Then, diffuse or air dry. The side part will give your curls a beautiful, directional shape and can help manage volume in a very flattering way. Scrunch out any crunch for a soft finish.
For Thick or Coarse Hair: A side part can help manage and style abundant hair. Use a smoothing cream or a light pomade to control frizz and add shine. A deep side part can create a sleek, polished look when hair is blown out straight, or a dramatic, voluminous effect when worn in its natural texture.
Product Picks to Perfect the Look
The right products are essential for achieving the modern, touchable version of this style. You’ll want to avoid anything that creates a stiff, shellacked feel.
Root Lifter/Volumizing Spray: A non-negotiable for fine hair. Apply at the roots before blow-drying.
Texturizing Spray or Sea Salt Spray: Perfect for adding that all-important piecey, lived-in texture and grit. Spritz on dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
A Lightweight Pomade or Hair Cream: Ideal for taming flyaways, adding a subtle shine, and providing light control without heaviness. Work a small amount between your palms and smooth over the surface of your hair.
A Strong-Hold Hairspray with a Flexible Finish: Use this to lock in volume at the roots or to set your style, but choose a formula that allows for movement.
Beyond the Basics: Modern Side Part Inspirations
The new side part is a foundation for countless looks. Pair it with a low, loose bun for an elegant evening style—let a few face-framing pieces fall near the part. For a cool, edgy vibe, try it with a textured, messy bob. Men can embrace the look with a soft, textured quiff or a shorter, tapered cut where the part is subtly implied rather than sharply drawn. The side part also beautifully complements braids, ponytails, and half-up styles, adding an element of sophistication to even the simplest updos.
Ultimately, the new side part is about confidence and a subtle nod to timeless style. It’s a reminder that in beauty, there are no hard rules—only what makes you feel your best. So, whether you’re making a dramatic shift from a center part or just tweaking your current style, give it a try. Part your hair on the side, play with it, and make it uniquely yours. Welcome back, side part. We’ve missed you.
