10 side part hairstyles that make a convincing case for a switch-up
With a wave of beauty trends making a comeback in 2026, the side part has returned once again. Moving away from sleek middle parts and the clean girl aesthetic that has been dominating the 2020s, this hairstyle leans into the subtle nostalgia of the early 2000s with soft side parts, effortless waves and airy, voluminous bangs. Unlike the dramatic deep side parts of the past, the latest version is all about a softer, shallower parting that creates movement while giving the hair natural looking volume.
Ganesh Sakpal, creative director for hair at The White Door Atelier, believes the appeal is obvious. “The side part is more forgiving than the centre part, which puts facial proportions in full view. It creates volume, movement and structure in the hair as opposed to flat ironed symmetry.”
Whether you’re revisiting the side part or trying it for the first time, here’s everything you need to know, along with some inspiration and easy ways to style the look.
How can switching to a side part be good for your hair health?
Wearing your hair in the same part for a prolonged period can create repeated tension in one area, which may contribute to breakage, thinning and scalp stress over time. Grishma Gala, hairstylist at Myrah Spa, Salon & Dermatology, explains, “Consistently placing tension on the same section of the hair or repeatedly exposing the same part of the scalp to the sun can leave the hair looking thinner. Hair that continuously falls in the same direction is also more prone to breakage.”
This is why she recommends changing your hair part regularly. Even a slight shift in your parting helps create more natural looking volume while reducing tension on the scalp. It does not have to change every day, but alternating your part every so often can make a noticeable difference.
Can changing your hair part give you a fresher look?
You might have noticed how your haircut looks completely different when your hairstylist flips your part or styles it another way. According to Sakpal, there’s a simple reason for that. “Changing your part alters the way light and shadow fall across your face, subtly shifting your proportions. It can highlight certain features while softening others, instantly making your hairstyle feel fresh,” he tells us.
A simple way to find the most flattering placement is to follow your natural growth pattern. Most people have a natural swirl at the crown that encourages the hair to fall in one direction. Working with it rather than against it makes a side part look effortless.
Over time, hair develops a kind of memory. When it falls the same way every day, it can start to look flat and create a permanent looking line. Switching your part lifts the roots and adds volume at the crown. It will not happen overnight though. Your hair will need time to adjust and settle into its new direction.
Side part hairstyles and pairing them with your face shape and hair type
One of the biggest reasons the side part remains so popular is its versatility. It works across almost every face shape and hair type with small adjustments to suit your features.
It’s especially flattering on round and square face shapes because it creates the illusion of length. For heart shaped faces, a slightly deeper side part helps balance a broader forehead with a narrower chin. Those with oval face shapes can wear almost any variation, although Sakpal recommends avoiding an extremely deep part. Instead, he suggests a softer, shallower part that adds dimension and movement without overwhelming the face.
A side part can also make fine hair appear fuller and more voluminous by lifting the hair against its natural root direction. If you want to train your hair into a side part without making it look overly styled, Gala recommends “blow drying the roots in the direction you want them to fall, using a brush or your fingers to lift the roots and finishing with a lightweight hairspray”.
For styling, she recommends Sebastian Professional’s hair mousse and hair spray to create lift at the roots and add movement. She also suggests the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Normal Hold Hair Spray to keep the style in place without stiffness. To smooth frizz and add shine, she recommends applying the Davines OI Oil to the mid-lengths and ends, depending on the hairstyle.
Sebastian Professional Mousse Forte
