The Millennial Side Part Is Suddenly Gen Z-Approved in 2024

“I low-key think the side part is better than the middle…”

Record scratch. You’re probably wondering how we got here. Here, in this case, is a TikTok posted in June by user @sabrina.lokahi, which currently has nearly 400,000 likes and 4.2 million views, that defends a formerly controversial beauty opinion. “Side part has more personality,” one commenter wrote. “Everyone looks better with a side part lol,” boldly declared another. 

These are shocking statements for anyone who remembers that, just a few years ago, Gen Z declared the side part was for “olds.” To refresh your memory, where and how you parted your hair was the flashpoint of intergenerational warfare in 2021. Thus, the side part became a silent symbol that you A) were born between the years 1981 and 1996 and B) refused to be bullied by Gen Z. You probably clung to your skinny jeans and the laugh-crying emoji, too. And give up your no-show socks? You’d sooner give up a kidney.

But in the name of friendship (or fear of looking outdated), some of us did try to embrace the middle part. Well, if you’ve been reluctantly forcing your hair into a middle part ever since, you can breathe a sigh of relief: The side part seems to have been resurrected. In fact, the most stylish of celebs have been sneaking side parts back into their looks for months, with nary a complaint from Gen Z. 

Look no further than Ayo Edebiri at this year’s Emmys and Greta Lee at the Golden Globes. Or Kirsten Dunst at just about every event while promoting her new movie Civil War. And if you’re in the camp that nothing is cool unless Rihanna wears it, please reference Rih at the recent celebration for Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Foundation in L.A. in—what’s that?—oh, a side part (and is that a side bang, too?)

Before you say it: Yes, these celebs are all Millennials. But their Gen Z counterparts have fully been partaking in the trend as well.

Case in point: Blackpink’s Rosé has been pairing her of-the-moment milk tea hair color with a deep side part. Even Kylie Jenner has experimented with a slightly off-center part. And earlier this month, Bella Hadid wore a side-parted half-up hairstyle while celebrating the launch of her fragrance line Orebella. And Zendaya and her deep side part were basically the unsung couple of the Challengers press tour (kidding, of course—that honor goes to Josh O’Connor and his love for Ratatouille). 

But perhaps the most shocking side part of them all? The one worn by Olivia Rodrigo—who has remained fiercely loyal to her middle part—at the 2024 Grammys in February. One small step for Gen Z, a huge relief for Millennials everywhere.

So, where does this newfound love for the side part stem from? Perhaps it’s just a swing of the pendulum in the trend cycle: We saw ultra-deep side parts on the spring/summer 2024 runways at shows like Carolina Herrera and Victoria Beckham, and they again popped up during fall/winter 2024 Fashion Month at Retrofete, JW Anderson, and Tory Burch. (In other words, it’s primed to stick around for at least another season.)

Or maybe Gen Z is simply accepting what the rest of us have known all along: Side parts are cute. 

“Many of my younger clients, including Gen Z-ers, are embracing the side part trend,” says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, who works with the likes of Gigi Hadid, Megan Fox, and Dixie D’Amelio. “Whether the side-part backlash was exaggerated or not, it's undeniable that it's making a comeback.”

The hairstylist has been a cheerleader of the look, requesting in a December Instagram photo of Olivia Culpo that we “Bring side parts back again!” 

“What I adore about the side part is its versatility,” says Giannetos. “It can instantly add sophistication or edge to any look, framing the face beautifully and enhancing facial features.” He even put 22-year-old D’Amelio in an exaggerated side part recently, which he says she was totally game for. “We always discuss and experiment with various styles to find what complements her personality and current trends best,” says the pro. 

If you’re still reluctant to part with your chosen part, we don’t blame you. Getting dunked on by Gen Z can be hurtful—but Zoomers are really, truly expressing support for the look on TikTok. Or at least not hatred. 

There are ways to avoid looking like you stepped out of your 2008 yearbook. “To give a side part a modern twist, consider adding texture with beach waves or opting for a sleek, polished look,” says Giannetos. “I always recommend playing with accessories like statement clips or bows for an extra touch of flair.'"

And if you always part your hair in the same spot, consider somewhere (gasp!) new. “Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and depths for a personalized, fresh feel,” he advises. 

Side part, middle part, or no part at all—perhaps we’re actually entering a part-agnostic era. If you love your side part and never wavered, great! You’re back on trend. And if you’re still comfortably in middle part territory now, fear not: The look isn’t going away. In the end, where your hair falls is your own damn business anyway.

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