Whenever you visit the hairdressers, you’ll often be hit with that classic question: middle parting or side parting? Many of us used to wear the flippy Noughties style back in the day, but over time have gravitated towards the sleek, clean look of a middle parting. However, if recent red carpet trends are anything to go by, side partings are making an unexpected comeback this spring – and it looks like we might all be ready to flip that parting over to the other side.
Synonymous with the tousled locks of Victoria's Secret Angels in their heyday, think Miranda Kerr's face-framing side part cascading over one eye as she commanded the runway – the playful style is back in full force, thanks to a wave of A-list celebrities bringing it back into the spotlight.
© Getty ImagesKylie Jenner is one such name. She graced the 2026 Oscars in a sculptural Schiaparelli gown that featured striking cherry red sequins accented with a bold keyhole cut-out. But it wasn’t the dress that stole all the attention. Instead, it was her softly waved hair, styled with a subtle side parting, that had everyone talking.
A side part simply consists of parting your hair to one side rather than straight down the centre, whether it’s a soft, subtle sweep or a more defined, deep parting. In contrast to a middle parting, this style introduces asymmetry to instantly create the illusion of added volume and a bolder look. While a middle parting showcases facial symmetry, accentuating the eyes and lips, a side sweep can be used to add angles and height – creating a more contoured appearance.
For those with rounder face shapes, a deep side parting can elongate the appearance of the face, while those with more angular features might opt for a softer, subtler version to achieve a more balanced finish. You can use the arch of your eyebrow as a guide to help you decide where to position your parting.
© Getty Images"Side partings are very much personal preference," says Emma Vickery, Art Director at Percy & Reed. "Some people like to have a really clean part going all the way back to the crown, whereas other people prefer some fullness at the top of the head - here you can cut the parting off, just before the centre point of the head."
To draw the actual parting line, Lili Bridger, Senior Stylist at Larry King South Kensington, suggests using a pintail comb and starting just above the eyebrow arch. "Create the parting while your hair is wet to encourage it to fall into place as it dries" she says. "If you have a jumpy parting, using no-crease setting clips whilst the hair is drying will help weigh down your hairline."
For styling prep, I recommend starting with Oribe's Shampoo for Magnificent Volume, followed by Living Proof's Full Volume & Root-Lifting Spray and Full Thickening Blow-Dry Cream. Together, they create the perfect base for a bombshell blowout with an off-centre parting, which you can easily achieve using a Dyson Airwrap.
H! Fashion shares how to style a side-part this season:
© Getty Images for God's Love We DGigi Hadid
Casually flip your hair to one side, finishing with tousled, flippy ends for an effortlessly elegant look.
© GettyKylie Jenner
A side-part can close off parts of the face and pull attention to specific features, like the jawline and cheekbones.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesMiley Cyrus
With face-framing tendrils, opt for a wavy side fringe to add depth and create a beachy finish.
© GettySydney Sweeney
“Fringes and face-framing layers above the cheekbones should still be cut in with a more central parting,” advises Lili.
© Getty ImagesOlivia Dean
If you have natural curls, a side part can add extra dimension to the face, thanks to the stronger root lift and a less visible parting line.
© GettyRita Ora
If you’re switching to a new parting placement, Lili says: “It may take a couple washes and styles before it settles into its new position.”
© Getty ImagesSelena Gomez
A side parting paired with a bob haircut oozes Old Hollywood glamour.
© Getty ImagesOlivia Rodrigo
The finish doesn’t always need to be voluminous, you can also opt for a sleek, silk-smooth side part.
© GettySimone Ashley
“With fine or extremely thick hair, I would veer the side parting towards the centre crown for balance,” says Lili.
