Is Your Hair Part Secretly Aging You? Let's Dive into the Great Center vs. Side Debate That's Dividing Generations!
Imagine scrolling through your feed and suddenly feeling self-conscious about something as simple as how you part your hair. That's the drama unfolding right now with center parts and side parts—Gen Z once declared the side part a total relic of the past, but is it staging a epic comeback? Stick around as we unpack this hairstyle showdown that's got everyone talking.
You've probably caught wind of it: younger folks, especially Gen Z, have been championing the center part as the ultimate cool-girl vibe, while dismissing the side part as a dead giveaway that you're a Millennial stuck in the early 2000s. Social media exploded with memes and hot takes labeling side parts as instant uncool territory. But hold on—things are shifting faster than a viral trend. Lately, the side part is clawing its way back into the spotlight, even winning over some Gen Z converts.
Take TikToker Lexi Cushman, a 21-year-old creator who vented in a November 2024 video: 'Can we revive side parts already? I'm over people treating them like they're some kind of fashion crime.' That clip? It's racked up a whopping 1.3 million likes, showing just how much appetite there is for this revival.
And don't get us started on the glamour of red carpet season. At the 2025 Oscars (check out the highlights at https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g64001522/best-hair-makeup-beauty-oscars-2025/), stars were evenly divided on their parting choices—pun intended. We spotted timeless icon Demi Moore, 62, rocking a sleek center part that screamed sophistication, right alongside fresh-faced Lily Rose Depp, 26, who opted for a side part that added an edgy twist. This mix proves these styles aren't chained to any age group; they're all about personal flair.
'Expect both to stick around for the long haul,' assures celebrity hairstylist TerraRose Puncerelli (follow her at https://www.instagram.com/terrarosepuncerelli/). She's spotting a whirlwind in the beauty world where trends ebb and flow like the tides. Think about it: side parts dominated in the 1940s and '50s, evoking that glamorous Old Hollywood era with stars like Rita Hayworth. Then, the '60s and '70s flipped the script toward center parts, aligning with the free-spirited hippie movement. Fast-forward to the 2000s, and side parts surged back, thanks to pop icons like Britney Spears. The last decade? Center parts took center stage—pun very much intended—fueled by Gen Z's influence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 'Trends are like history's greatest hits remix,' Puncerelli explains. 'We're just giving them a modern spin' (for more on iconic hairstyles through the years, see https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/g65131887/trendiest-hairstyle-from-year-you-were-born/).
But here's where it gets controversial: if you're still undecided on which part suits your vibe, we've got your back. Coming up, we'll explore what's hotter right now, which one flatters your features best, and all the insider tips to nail either style. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about trends; it's about feeling confident in your own skin.
Which Hairstyle Is Ruling the Trends: Side Part or Center Part?
Right now, the center part holds a tiny edge in the popularity contest, at least through the end of this year, shares New York City stylist Jackson Simmonds (peek at his work on https://www.instagram.com/hairbyjackson/?hl=en). That said, neither is a risky bet—they're both timeless winners. 'I'm noticing side parts creeping back into everyday looks,' adds Puncerelli. To put it bluntly, 'The side part never vanished; it just hit the snooze button for a bit.' For beginners dipping their toes into trend-watching, this means styles aren't set in stone; they evolve with cultural shifts, like how social media amplifies what's 'in' one season and out the next.
Wait, So Millennials Stick to Side Parts While Gen Z Owns the Center? Is That the Real Deal?
It's got some truth to it, but it's not the whole story. 'There's definitely a generational gap in how people view hair parting,' Puncerelli observes. 'At some point, Gen Z started shading the side part, dubbing the center one the go-to for that polished, effortless 'clean girl' energy.' For context, this aesthetic draws from '90s minimalism—think models like Kate Moss with her sleek, centered strands—but Gen Z has made it their own with a fresh, no-fuss twist.
Simmonds calls the whole debate 'a social media storm in a teacup—way overhyped.' In his salon, he sees clients mixing it up freely. 'Real-world styles go every which way,' he notes, though he concedes, 'Gen Z has really locked down the center part trend.' Both experts stress that it's not all about your birth year; your individual style and what feels right matter most. 'Ultimately, it's your call,' Puncerelli emphasizes. She highlights Gen Z star Alix Earle, who frequently switches to a side part, as proof that trendsetters aren't slaves to the rules—they're breaking them.
Is the Side Part Officially Cool Again?
Absolutely, no question. 'Style circles back around, and ready or not, the side part is resurfacing,' Simmonds declares. It's an easy switch-up, he adds—not a total overhaul, but more like expanding your hair game by flipping to the side for variety. Imagine it as rotating outfits in your closet; a side part can add asymmetry that's fun and flattering, especially for ponytails or loose waves.
Which Part Flatters My Face Shape the Most?
The best way to figure this out? Experiment in front of the mirror until something clicks. Simmonds breaks it down simply: a center part can make symmetrical or oval faces look longer and more balanced, creating that illusion of height and harmony. On the flip side, side parts work wonders for rounder or square-jawed faces by adding angles and softening edges—for example, drawing attention away from fuller cheeks. They're also a dream for curly hair, as the part helps define natural waves without overwhelming the face.
Feel free to swap based on your mood or the day ahead. 'I switch mine up all the time, and honestly, both parts suit nearly every face shape,' Puncerelli shares. 'Center parts bring a contemporary edge, like you're ready for a Zoom call or a night out, while side parts nod to classic elegance, evoking vintage pin-up vibes.' Your outfit factors in too—pair a center part with boho dresses for flowy modernity, or a side part with tailored blazers for sharp sophistication.
Dealing with a Pesky Cowlick?
Struggling with a rogue hair patch that won't cooperate? You're in good company—cowlicks are super common. For those new to hair terms, a cowlick is basically a small swirl where hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest, often at the crown or front, causing stubborn flips or pokes. Puncerelli explains: 'To manage it, style with the hair's natural flow and lock it down with a lightweight gel or mousse—think of it as gently guiding a willful toddler back on track.'
Her pro tip? After your full style is done, aim your blow dryer directly at the cowlick spot, especially if it's at your hairline, and blast it with cool air to flatten it smoothly. This sets the shape without frizz. And remember, quality tools are your allies—stock up on heat protectants or smoothing serums to tame any part, center or side. If all else fails, a quick salon consult can customize solutions for your hair type.
So, what's your take on this hair part hullabaloo? Are you team center all the way, or do you think the side part deserves its comeback crown? Could it be that rigidly following generational trends is limiting our style freedom? Drop your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your own part horror stories. Let's spark a conversation!
