A hairstyle once blamed for a full-blown generational divide is officially back in favour. For Autumn/Winter 2026, the divisive side part has reclaimed its place as the default for It-girls and A-listers alike.
Back in the mid 2010s, it suffered a fairly brutal image problem. Swiftly exiled from the trend cycle, it lingered only among a small cohort of millennials who remained loyal to its polarising appeal.
By the early 2020s, it had all but vanished, edged out by centre parts, slicked-back buns and fluffy curtain bangs. Still, trend cycles are nothing if not predictable. With the return of Y2K and indie sleaze, the off-centre part was always waiting patiently in the wings.
Now, before it is too quickly labelled a millennial relic, it is worth noting that the side part’s lineage runs far deeper than the early 2000s. From the cropped Eton cuts of the 1920s to the soft, sculpted waves of the 1940s, and the supermodel blowouts of the early ’90s, it has remained a through line in beauty history.
And now, right on cue, it is back. Thanks to a new guard of cool girls, the side part has quietly returned to favour in 2026, with the likes of Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Gabriette, Addison Rae and Bella Hadid all championing the asymmetric part.
It has also appeared across numerous recent runways, including Autumn/Winter 2026 collections and, most recently, Haute Couture, from Dior’s tousled, Parisian take to Saint Laurent’s slicked-back iteration.
In my opinion, a side part has a way of making a look feel instantly more considered. Is it the asymmetry? The extra volume? Or simply the suggestion of effort? Likely all of the above.
It is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, and face shape still reigns supreme (round, square and heart-shaped faces tend to suit a deeper side part particularly well). Still, we think it is low-commitment enough to warrant giving it a whirl at home.
Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards & Co, advises against overworking the side part. “Even with added volume, it shouldn’t feel stiff or overdone. The hair should still move,” he says, particularly when aiming for a voluminous, bouncy blowout.
Achieving that balance comes down to how you style it, and more importantly, what you use. There are no hard and fast rules here. The right product does most of the heavy lifting, whether you want to go deep and sleek for drama or keep it soft and undone.
Below, the best products to help you achieve every iteration of the side part.
Cropped Side Part
The side part looks particularly chic when paired with a sleek, cropped cut and a sweeping side fringe, as seen here on perennial style icon Zendaya.
“This is where a side fringe becomes architectural. On cropped hair, it’s less about softness and more about placement,” says Jaye Edwards.
“The fringe should feel intentional, almost like it’s been carved into the haircut. You want the sides and back to sit close to the head, while the fringe carries movement across the forehead. It’s that contrast that gives it edge.”
Styling-wise, restraint is key. “Avoid overworking it. A lightweight texture spray or matte pomade is enough. You want separation, not stiffness. Let pieces fall naturally,” Edwards says. “It works particularly well on strong bone structure, framing the face without softening it too much.”
O&M
Gel Pomade
Olaplex
Volumizing Blow Dry Mist
Curly Hair Side Part
If you’ve been blessed with gorgeous curls, a side part can add even more volume and dimension. Just look at Olivia Dean! Rather than forcing your hair into a side part, Jaye recommends working with your natural texture instead.
“The mistake people often make is trying to control curls too much. Instead, work with the natural texture.”
Another tip? “Hydration is key. A defining cream or gel will help the curls sit together while still allowing movement. Diffuse or air dry, but don’t disrupt the pattern once it’s set.”
O&M
Curl Curl Cream
GHD
Professional Diffuser
Sleek & Long Side Part
A side part is an effortless way to elevate long, sleek hair, as seen here on Bella Hadid.
“Long hair with a sleek side part leans into luxury. It’s about condition and shine,” Edwards says.
To achieve the look, he recommends focusing on a smooth, fluid finish. “Blow-drying with a paddle brush, followed by a light pass with straighteners, will give that fluid finish. Keep the roots controlled but not flat, a slight lift keeps it elevated.”
For the finishing touch, Edwards suggests letting the style fall naturally. “This look works beautifully when one side is subtly tucked or draped over the shoulder. It creates movement without disrupting the sleekness. It’s understated but incredibly polished.”
DYSON
Paddle Brush
O&M
S Spray Dry Shine
Sleek & Short Side Part
To give pin-straight hair a little edge, try a deep side part à la Mila Kunis. Sleek and sophisticated, the look is all about achieving a smooth, glass-like finish. Whether your hair is naturally straight or requires a pass with the flat iron, be sure to prep it with a heat protectant and finish with a lightweight serum for added shine.
Edwards says this look should feel “clean, polished, and quietly powerful… it’s all about structure in the hair. Every strand should feel intentional.”
He continues, “Tucking one side behind the ear adds asymmetry and opens the face. It’s a small detail, but it completely changes the attitude of the look.”
ORIBE
Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray
ELEVEN
Smooth & Shine Serum
Wet-Look Side Part
Edwards describes this style as “your high-fashion moment.” While it may not be an everyday choice, the wet-hair finish carries a sophisticated, sultry edge that makes it perfectly suited to events and glamorous occasions.
Of course, achieving the effect takes more than simply stepping out of the shower and calling it a day. Recreating the style requires the right products and technique to lock in its signature shape, shine and structure.
“A wet-look is about control and shine. Start with damp hair and layer in a gel or gloss product. Comb through to distribute evenly, then define the part precisely. The finish should look intentional, almost lacquered but never greasy.”
“You can keep it fully slick, or soften the ends slightly for contrast. That tension between wet roots and softer lengths adds dimension.”
CROWN AFFAIR
The Finishing Gel
KÉRASTASE
Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Hair Oil
Bouncy Blowout Side Part
A side part is the perfect complement to a bouncy blowout, bringing instant movement and glamour to the style. “This is where we lean into movement and glamour. Think 90s supermodel energy, soft, full, and bouncy,” Edwards says.
“The side fringe here is lifted at the root and curves away from the face. It shouldn’t sit flat, it should feel like it’s been sculpted with air. A round brush blow-dry is essential. Lift at the roots, roll the fringe away from the face, and let it cool in that shape. Rollers can take it even further if you want that editorial finish.”
For Edwards, the key to making the look work is maintaining a sense of ease. “What makes this look special is the softness. Even though there’s volume, it shouldn’t feel stiff or overdone. The hair should move.”
O&M
Original Queenie Firm Hold Hairspray
GHD
The Blow Dryer (Size 4)
