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.
Several A-list celebrities have been rocking a side part at big events such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Emmys, Golden Globes and even Rihanna at her celebration for Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Foundation.
Selena Gomez, Léa Seydoux, Aubrey Plaza, Zoe Saldana, Victoria Justice, Jane Fonda, Kirsten Dunst and Greta Gerwig have all opted for a side part in 2024 — and Gen Z celebs seem to have taken a cue from their millennial friends.
Zendaya sported a deep side part throughout the majority of her press tour for “Challengers,” Kylie Jenner recently wore a slightly off-center part, Blackpink’s Rosé has also experimented with a deep side part — and so has the ultimate Gen Z celeb: Olivia Rodrigo, who broke away from her traditional middle part at this year’s Grammys.
“Many of my younger clients, including Gen Z-ers, are embracing the side part trend,” celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, who works with Gigi Hadid and Dixie D’Amelio, told InStyle. “Whether the side-part backlash was exaggerated or not, it’s undeniable that it’s making a comeback.”
Hairstylist Tom Smith told Who What Wear that he predicts the side part will be a big summer hair trend — and the parts will continue “moving further and further to the side.”
“For summer, they are super flipped-over from the outside edge of the head and can be worn on almost any length of hair,” he said.
Gen Z seems to have an affinity for bringing back millennial style trends, such as unbuttoned pants, exposed bras, no bras, jorts, dresses over jeans and underwear as outerwear — and one person on TikTok claimed that “2024 is like 2014” which means side parts can come back.
“Am I crazy for thinking it looks good?” the user questioned on a video with 420,900 likes.
If you’re worried about looking like your middle school self with a side part, Giannetos advised that “adding texture with beach waves or opting for a sleek, polished look.”
“I always recommend playing with accessories like statement clips or bows for an extra touch of flair,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and depths for a personalized, fresh feel.”
Some people might even find that the side part works better for their face — or their confidence.
“[The side-parting is] great for those who prefer one side of their face to the other, or who have finer hair and want to create the illusion of thickness,” Smith said.