Here’s a bold statement: the way you part your hair might just be the most debated beauty choice of the decade. But here’s where it gets controversial—is the side part really a relic of the past, or is it making a triumphant comeback? Let’s dive in.
You’ve probably heard the buzz: Gen Z declared the center part as the ultimate cool-kid move, while side parts were labeled as outdated, a telltale sign of being a Millennial. Social media went wild with this narrative, leaving many to wonder if their hair part was secretly aging them. And this is the part most people miss—trends are cyclical, and what’s ‘out’ today might just be ‘in’ tomorrow.
Take TikToker Lexi Cushman, for example, who boldly asked her 1.3 million followers, ‘Can we bring back side parts? I’m tired of acting like they’re weird.’ Her post struck a chord, proving that the side part still has a loyal fanbase—even among Gen Z. Fast forward to the 2025 Oscars, and the red carpet was a battleground of parts. Demi Moore rocked a center part, while Lily Rose Depp opted for a side part, showcasing that neither style is confined to a specific age group.
Celebrity hairstylist TerraRose Puncerelli puts it perfectly: ‘Both are here to stay.’ She explains that we’re in the midst of a beauty trend cycle, where styles from decades past are constantly being reinvented. The side part dominated the 1940s and ‘50s, gave way to the center part in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and then boomeranged back in the 2000s. ‘History repeats itself,’ Puncerelli notes. ‘We’re just putting our own spin on it.’
But here’s the real question: Which part is right for you? If you’re still on the fence, let’s break it down. New York City hairstylist Jackson Simmonds predicts the center part will reign supreme—at least for the rest of the year. But don’t count the side part out just yet. ‘The side part has never been dead,’ Puncerelli assures. ‘She just took a nap.’
Now, let’s address the generational divide. It’s true that Gen Z initially vilified the side part, embracing the center part as the epitome of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. But is this divide as rigid as social media makes it seem? Not quite. Simmonds calls the debate ‘overblown,’ pointing out that in real life, both styles are thriving. Even Gen Z influencers like Alix Earle are proving that personal taste trumps trends.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we too quick to label styles as ‘in’ or ‘out’? Fashion is cyclical, and the side part is undeniably making a comeback. Simmonds describes the transition as effortless: ‘It’s not about replacing one look with another, but adding to your roster.’
When it comes to face shape, experimentation is key. A center part can elongate and flatter balanced faces, while a side part complements round and square shapes—especially if you’ve got curls. Puncerelli suggests switching it up based on your mood or outfit. ‘A center part feels modern, while a side part is timeless,’ she says. ‘It’s all about what makes you feel confident.’
And what if you’ve got a cowlick? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Cowlicks are simply sections of hair that grow in a different direction, creating a swirl. Puncerelli’s pro tip? Style it in the direction of its natural growth and use a styling product to keep it in place. For extra control, hit it with cool air from your blow dryer to flatten it out.
So, center part or side part? The truth is, there’s no wrong answer. Trends come and go, but personal style is timeless. Here’s the real controversy: Does following trends make you authentic, or is it better to carve your own path? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
