Flashback to early 2021 and Gen Z's hot take on side partings was that it's a style - similar to too much eyeliner and heavy foundation - that's best left in the past, claiming that no-one looks better with a side part than they do a middle part. There is some degree of truth here – when done badly, a side parting reminds us of our emo fringe days spent chasing after Sk8er Boys and 'coding' on Myspace.
But beauty trends come and go, and it looks like the better part of last year (and well into 2024) is very much in favour of the side part haircut. At the Oscars last night, actor Jennifer Lawrence, America Ferrera, Kirsten Dunst, Florence Pugh, Zendaya and Lily Gladstone (phew!) were only some of the major A-listers to embrace the side part.
To offset the classic silhouette of Lawrence's Dior gown, hairstylist Rebekah Forecast channelled a laidback vibe with a side part that kept the hair away from the actor's face.
Elsewhere, Zendaya and long-time hairstylist Tai Simon kept things ultra-elegant with an old Hollywood bob and a deep parting. Side parts are a mainstay of 1940s and 1950s glamour, so it comes as no surprise that film stars often favour the look when it comes to red carpets.
Back in January at the Emmys, Selena Gomez and hair pro Marissa Marino reimagined the deep side-swept fringe of the 2010s with a chic updo while Jessica Chastain and Sarah Snook (hair by Renato Campora and Kylee Heath respectively) kept it clean and impossibly sleek with a high-shine finish. Similarly, Beef star Ali Wong (hair by Clayton Hawkins) leaned into the Old Hollywood glamour with cascading waves, as did Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson (hair by Alexander Armand).
Claire Danes (hair by Peter Butler) and Ayo Edebiri made a strong case for side-partings on shorter hair too, with the latter wearing her flippy Italian bob with the subtlest baby side-parting courtesy of hairstylist Ro Morgan.
On the SS24 runways, side-parted hair was also seen at Miu Miu, Valentino, Victoria Beckham, MSGM and Carolina Herrera, to name but a few. These shows brought a rugged edge to the side partings, perfect for teaming with biker jackets and stompy boots.
Valentino and Rabanne gave bobs the side part treatment adding plenty of texture for a 'corporate combover' effect. Models appeared to have come in from drizzling rain, ran their hands through their hair to flip it over and left it to do its thing.
Although the reality is that there's plenty of texture spray deployed by skilled hairstylists backstage, the overall effect is decidedly cooler and easier. Elsewhere, Victoria Beckham and Carolina Herrera went with a deep side parting teamed with a sheeny low ponytail.
Why Are Side-Part Hairstyles Such Big News?
'It's one of the easiest ways to show someone’s facial features in their best light, especially if coupled with stronger make-up,' says Jonathon Eangland, senior stylist at John Frieda salons. Anyone can do a side part, but placement is key.
How To Create A Side-Part Hairstyle
'Choose the location of your parting based on where your hair naturally falls best or where it looks the most flattering on your face. Aim for specific facial features and parts of bone structure. A good rule of thumb is to pick out the inner corner of the brow bone on whichever side you’re going for and drag diagonally back from there,' explains Eangland.
A shallow parting that goes back to 2-3cm from your forehead will create the illusion of more volume, while a deeper parting that goes all the way back will keep thick hair from looking bulky.
ELLE Edit: Side Part Hairstyle
Virtue Full Volumizing Mousse
Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist - £27
Boots Pin Tail Comb
Bumble and Bumble Soft Texture Finishing Spray
To create a precise parting, a tail comb is essential and remember to part your hair while it's damp before a blow-dry, says Eangland.
He namechecks Virtue Volumizing Mousse and Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl spray to give your parting some volume and hold.
Side partings, here we come.
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