10 Reasons The 'Part On The Side' Hairstyle Is Dominating 2025 (And How To Style It)

The "part on the side" has officially staged its triumphant return, proving that some styles are truly timeless, even after being declared "cheugy" by a younger generation. As of today, December 18, 2025, the side part is not just an acceptable choice; it is one of the most significant and elevated hair trends of the year, dominating runways and red carpets alike. This resurgence is a direct response to the long reign of the middle part, offering a fresh, face-lifting alternative that works across virtually all hair lengths and textures.

This isn't the slicked-down, heavily defined side part of the early 2010s. The 2025 iteration is softer, more intentional, and designed to add volume and movement, moving past the viral Gen Z vs. Millennial debate. Whether you're aiming for the sophisticated 'Older Sister Side Part' or a modern, textured men's cut, mastering the placement and styling techniques is key to unlocking this classic look.

The Resurgence of the Side Part: Why 2025 is Different

The side part is a style with deep historical roots, dating back to the early 20th century. It became synonymous with the 'Gentleman's Cut' in the 1920s and 1930s, symbolizing elegance and structure. After its popularity waned in favor of longer, more voluminous styles, it returned in the 1990s and 2000s, often paired with heavy, side-swept bangs.

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The current 2025 trend, however, is a sophisticated evolution. It’s less about a sharp, severe line and more about creating a foundation for volume and flattering facial asymmetry. The key difference lies in the finish: the look is elevated, intentional, and often paired with a blowout or natural texture, rather than being slicked flat.

The 'Older Sister Side Part' and the Power Blowout

For women, the most prominent style is the ‘Older Sister Side Part,’ which rejects the casual nature of the middle part for something more polished. This look often incorporates a deep side part with significant volume at the crown, achieved through a technique known as the Power Blowout. This technique requires a round brush and a blow dryer to lift the roots away from the face, creating a dramatic, face-framing effect.

Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, and Jenna Ortega have all been spotted wearing variations of the modern side part, solidifying its place as a high-fashion trend. Other popular variations include the Effortless Wave, which uses a soft, off-center part with beachy waves, and the Polished Tuck, where a deep part is styled with one side tucked neatly behind the ear.

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Mastering the Side Part for Your Face Shape

One of the timeless appeals of the side part is its versatility; it complements virtually all face shapes and hair textures. However, it is particularly effective for certain angular or asymmetrical shapes, as it helps to soften lines and create balance.

• Square Face Shape: The side part is your secret weapon. A soft, slightly off-center part helps to break up the strong, angular lines of the jawline, creating a softer, more oval appearance.
• Heart Face Shape: This shape, characterized by a broader forehead and a narrower chin, benefits from a side part that allows for some light bangs or a fringe to sweep across the forehead, balancing the proportions.
• Round Face Shape: A deep side part creates the illusion of length and angles. By allowing hair to fall diagonally across the forehead, it elongates the face and adds dimension, counteracting the roundness.
• Oval Face Shape: Lucky you. The oval face shape is balanced and can pull off any part—middle, soft side, or deep side—with ease. The side part simply adds a touch of sophistication and drama.

The Ultimate 2025 Side Part Styling Guide (Men and Women)

Achieving the perfect side part is a matter of technique and product choice. The modern look requires hold without stiffness and volume without frizz. The first step is determining your natural part; use your nose as a guide, or look for the point where your hair naturally wants to separate.

Essential Techniques and Variations for Men

The men's side part remains a classic, but the 2025 trends lean toward texture and clean fades.

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• The Textured Side Part: This is the most popular modern iteration. It maintains the classic line but adds volume and movement on top. It’s styled for a clean, natural finish rather than a slicked-down look.
• Side Part Taper/Fade: This style blends a structured side part with a gradual taper or fade on the sides, providing a balanced, polished, and low-maintenance look.
• The Hard Part: For a more defined, retro aesthetic, the barber shaves a thin, visible line directly into the scalp where the part is located. This requires precise maintenance but offers maximum contrast.
• The Curly Side Part: This variation highlights natural texture, giving waves and curls a stylish, controlled look while maintaining plenty of movement and bounce on top.

Key Styling Products (The Entity List)

The right product is crucial for maintaining the shape and volume of your side part all day. The choice depends on the level of hold and finish you desire.

• Pomade: Ideal for the classic, slick look or the Hard Part. A water-based pomade offers a high-shine finish and strong hold, while a clay pomade provides a matte finish and strong texture.
• Featherweight/Styling Cream: Perfect for the modern, Textured Side Part where you need a natural finish and light-to-medium hold without looking like you've used product. Uppercut Deluxe Featherweight is a known option for this.
• Mousse: Essential for women’s styles like the Power Blowout. Applying volumizing mousse to damp roots before drying is the key to achieving maximum lift and body at the part.
• Sea Salt Spray: Used on both men and women's hair to add natural, airy texture and a light hold, perfect for the Effortless Wave style.
• Texture Powder: A quick fix for flat roots. A small amount dusted along the part line provides instant, gritty volume and lift, which is vital for the 2025 trend.
• Hair Spray: A flexible-hold hair spray is necessary to lock in the volume after styling, especially for deep side parts that tend to fall flat over time.

The "part on the side" has proven its staying power by evolving with the times. It's no longer just a hairstyle; it's a statement of confidence and a nod to classic, sophisticated beauty. By embracing the modern, voluminous techniques and choosing the right products, you can easily master the definitive hair trend of 2025.