Side Partings Are Making A Huge Comeback For 2025
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32 seconds ago
An updated version of a 00s favourite
As they say: trends come and go in cycles. And while you may have thought we’d seen the last of the side parting – aka, a 00s classic – the truth is, it’s quickly creeping back into the trend sphere. So, how best to wear the trend (without looking like your teenage self)? We ask the experts in the salons.
What Is A Side Parting?
‘A side parting is where the hair is parted either on the left or right side of the face,’ explains Molly Newell, a Creative Stylist at Neil Moodie Studio in Old Spitalfields Market. ‘Although the placement can vary depending on the final results required.’
Sound familiar? Side partings aren’t a new trend, but more a recycled one – specifically, from the early 00s. ‘It’s popped again more recently, around awards season,’ notes Molly. ‘Although this time around it’s more about a side fringe rather than just about the actual parting.
‘At the Golden Globes there were many celebrities sporting the look: Arianna Grande, Elle Fanning, Anne Taylor Joy. Also, Dua Lipa and Zendaya have been sporting side parting and fringes recently.’
The stylist pins the sudden shift on the need for a fresh look, one that mirrors a fresh approach to the new year. ‘Middle partings were very popular last year — with the centre part Hollywood wave being a huge trend – but people (including celebrities) are looking for something new and different now.’
@rachaela_ Side parting hack for less forehead and more VOLUME! #hairhack #sidepart #sideparthairstyles #hairstyleswitch ♬ original sound – Rachael A
Who Suits This Style?
While anyone can wear a side parting, Molly does point out that some might get on with it better than others. ‘Many hair textures can take on the side parting or side fringe, however curly or coiled hair can be trickier depending on the length of hair,’ she explains. As for face shapes: ‘Square, diamond or heart-shaped faces are best suited with side partings as they help to soften the cheekbones and jawlines. A rounder face can also use a side part to help soften out roundness, but this is best when the length is below chin level.’
How To Ask For A Side Parting In the Salon
At your appointment, simply go in with some references images and have a consultation with your stylist on what could work for you. ‘Suggesting to your stylist that you are considering a side part is not a problem,’ starts Molly. ‘But it’s important for your stylist to understand what your intentions are when it comes to styling and also about the maintenance of it. Are you somebody that likes to spend time styling your hair, or are you low maintenance? Having a side parting or side fringe can often be more work styling-wise. It’s also great to work out which is the better side to dress your hair on. For example, if you have a cow lick at the front, is there a better way for it to lie.’
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How To Style A Side Parting
As Molly mentioned, this is a style that requires a little more maintenance – as well as a few tools to help you polish the final look. ‘Having a sectioner tail comb is useful to get the parting in the right place,’ recommends the stylist. ‘Consider whether you want a sharp or more natural-looking part without any hard lines.
‘You will also need some good styling products,’ she adds. ‘Especially if you’re training your hair to part in a different way. Other good things to have on hand include a good mousse at the roots and some good brushes, as well as a hot brush or a wet-to-dry styler to help style your hair easily.’
5 Side Parting Hair Ideas To Try Next
1. Side-Swept Fringe
Not ready to commit to a side fringe? It’s easy enough to create a faux effect you can brush out the next day. ‘If you have long hair you can create a side-swept fringe,’ says Molly. ‘Part on your desired side, and blow dry the hair forward using some serum to encourages the strands to fall onto the forehead. Once the rest of your hair has been blow dried, take the front section and with a flat bristle brush sweep the hair across the face and swoop it around the ear.’
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2. Side Parting With A Fringe
Those already with a fringe can also get onboard with the trend. ‘If you have a full fringe or a short haircut it’s cute to style it a little differently with a side parting,’ notes Molly. ‘You will need a small round bristle brush, and some light mousse; blow dry the front over to one side, using the round brush to get some movement in the fringe. If the rest of your hair is long, then you could tie it back into a ponytail.’
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3. Subtle Side Parting
‘A subtle side parting is great if you don’t wish to commit to a heavy side parting,’ Molly tells us. ‘It’s perfect for soft effortless waves and works well with the parting being more natural looking. Create the parting on damp hair, then blow dry along with a large round bristle brush to create smoothness. Next, take a large curling iron and create subtle soft waves, without the waves being too strong. Add a heat-protectant hairspray to each section to prevent heat damage and help hold the style. Lastly, use a wide-tooth comb to comb the waves out without disturbing their overall look too much.’
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4. Slick Back Side Fringe
A popular choice this awards season is the slick styled side part. ‘It’s a strong look for a party or an event,’ adds Molly. ‘To get the look, blow dry all the hair smooth and flat with the parting fairly low on one side. Once hair is dry, you can then use a large flat bristle brush to brush all the hair in place. Tie a ponytail at the back or wind it into tight chignon. Use some hairspray to get rid of any flyways.’
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5. Old Hollywood Parting
Reimagined vintage has also been a growing trend in the world of hairstyling. Think glossy cut pulled into dramatic waves, with a side parting used to enhance the dramatic proportions of curls. ‘If you want to go for a more glam, old Hollywood look (think Selena Gomez or Zendaya at the Golden Globes) then this is for you,’ says Molly.
‘While damp, part your hair on the side you prefer and add some mousse,’ she instructs. ‘Blow dry your hair with a large round brush to get volume and fullness, then either take a medium-sized curling iron and curl all your hair with some heat protectant hairspray on each section of hair, or set your hair with some medium-sized Velcro rollers. Spritz all your hair with hairspray and leave for 30 mins before brushing out or taking out the rollers. Once brushed out, use some styling cream to smooth out any flyaways and then mist your final look with hairspray again. Tuck behind one ear on the parting side for a real old Hollywood moment.’
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Featured image: 16 Arlington SS25 BTS (c) Charlie Wheeler
