Side partings are back – here's how to make the flip

Telegraph

24-02-2025

It's hard to pinpoint precisely when the near-unanimous decision that middle partings were the most flattering occurred. The nail in the coffin for the previously favoured side parting came circa 2021, when Gen Z took to TikTok to deride the Millennial sweep, allegedly up there with skinny jeans as unforgivably passé and universally less flattering than the alternatives.
Centrist wisdom argues that a middle parting, as popularised by the supermodels of the 1990s, can complement the symmetry of the face. But, on the proverbial flipside, an off-centre parting can balance out asymmetries and give a youthful boost, so it's worth considering being swayed in their favour – unless you've defied the trend cycle all along, of course.
Like so many Noughties favourites, the side parting currently appears to be enjoying a renaissance. Just look at the Princess of Wales, perennial pin-up for the bouncy blow-dry, who's been spotted on various recent engagements sporting the side parting she favoured throughout the late 2000s. It's back in the spotlight at Fashion Weeks too – see Demi Moore and Elizabeth Debicki at the Paris Haute Couture shows, or Simone Ashley and Meghann Fahy sitting front row in New York.
On the red carpet, it's a styling stalwart; nothing says old Hollywood glamour like a deep side parting among smooth, glossy waves or an updo – ask anyone from Rosamund Pike to Zendaya. Isabel Warren, a stylist from Hershesons, a string of London salons with its own line of sought-after hair products, has noticed an increase in clients requesting a side parting. 'We've seen it on the red carpet for a long time but it's coming up more as a day-to-day option now,' she says. 'Switching to a side parting can really change your overall look, making you seem polished because you've put a little more effort in by straying from the norm. As a bonus, people often say it reminds them of when they were younger.'
As for where to part your hair, and how deep to go, Warren recommends a certain amount of trial and error. 'There aren't really any hard and fast rules,' she says. 'It's best to brush your hair back then see where it naturally falls, then play around with moving it from side to side and having a good look in the mirror. You might flip it onto one side and think 'ok, it's not doing much', then flip it to the other and see that your whole face looks lifted.'
To test this theory out, three Telegraph writers tried out the parting switch – with some surprising results…
Sonia Haria, beauty director
Isabel: 'As Sonia has a fringe and a stronger central parting, it was all about getting a round brush and hairdryer to smooth it down to one side and set it. I then used the Hershesons Multi-Tasker tool with the 32mm waver attachment to enhance her hair texture and add beachy waves. I also used our Almost Everything Cream to finish the look and help keep the parting in place. Don't be afraid to use this product at the roots – it gives hold and shape. Add some hairspray too if you want.'
Sonia: 'I really like the side parting actually – and I didn't think I would. I've been very committed to a centre parting for over a decade. But slightly off-centre feels sophisticated but not too fussy. I also feel a bit like my mum in the Eighties, in a good way! Styled with some texture, it still feels cool and current, whereas if it were blow-dried out all big and bouncy, I don't think I'd like it so much.'
Sophie Tobin, junior fashion and beauty editor
Isabel: 'Because Sophie wasn't sure about the side parting, I decided to style it first and figure out the parting afterwards. Ultimately, placing the parting just off-centre, rather than deep on one side, felt the most relaxed. Her hair has natural texture when it's left to air-dry, but I smoothed it out for this look using the Multi Tasker with the mini heat brush attachment – the size is perfect for creating the sleek flick we achieved. She also mentioned that she had less hair on one side, so the parting we've gone for showcases the thicker side.'
Sophie: 'My hair has naturally got a bit of a wave to it, so the initial side-parting made me feel like I was in an Eighties rom-com. Once straightened out and given a bit of a flick it was more of a statement and something I would wear to a wedding, rather than every day. I'm very low maintenance with my hair so I tend to steer away from anything that takes more than 10 minutes to prep, but for special occasions I would consider doing this look again.'
Jessica Burrell, Telegraph fashion contributor
Isabel: 'I picked one side for Jessica's parting but then once I started styling it, it kept naturally flipping over to the other side, so that's what we went for in the end. Sometimes, your hair knows best. For a touch of volume, lift the hair from the root when you're blow-drying it with a round brush. Then, for the face-framing detail, stretch the front pieces of hair left to right, land on a side, and brush it into place while it's still hot, letting it cool in place.'
Jessica: 'I was surprised by how much more symmetrical my face looked with a side parting – it makes me think that the middle parting I moved to around 10 years ago exacerbates its asymmetry. The side parting immediately made me feel more glamorous and put-together and I haven't changed it back to the centre since the shoot, partly because it's naturally staying there now. As a proudly dated millennial, I delight in embracing any trend Gen Z is allegedly telling me to avoid.'