Side Part vs. Middle Part: Gen Z-Approved Ways to Make Any Part Look Cool

In a much-contested TikTok trend, Gen Zers allegedly claimed that the side part is no longer cool and is for “old people.” Side-part-loving millennials and boomers took the proclamation with a grain of salt, coming up with ways to show off how cool the side part still is. Here, we prove that either hair part can be cool with the right accessories and attitude. Take your cue from these Gen Z beauty icons:

TikTok-famous Gen Z icon Addison Rae likes to part her hair down the middle. A pretty basic hairstyle is “Genzified” by clipping each side back with hairpins and making the hair sleek and straight. You can achieve this with a flat iron and a polishing product such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. Smooth down each side and clip each one away from the face.

If we’re to take a cue from Gen Z style stars like Kaia Gerber, Zendaya, Hailee Steinfeld, and Sydney Sweeny, it’s that the side part isn’t all that bad — as long as it's not boring. Take your side part to the next level by incorporating soft, pin-up waves into the style. Make sure the part is deep enough — Gen Z doesn’t do anything half-baked. Add gloss or hairspray to set and complete the look.

Reigning Gen Z queen Sydney Sweeney sports a high ponytail with curtain bangs in Euphoria — a style that’s mostly attributed to her generation, thanks to modern-day initiators like Dua Lipa. The throwback style, originating from the ‘60s, becomes modern with a bit of messiness and texture. If you’re undecided on where to part your hair, perhaps this stylish no-part will do.

If you’re going to do a side part, make it extreme, like this deep cut from model Taylor Hill. She keeps her hair choppy, wavy, and not particularly “perfect” looking, as any stylish Gen Zer would. Complementing the edgy look is some serious eye makeup, consisting of a thick winged liner and some crimson eyeshadow.

When you’re naturally gorgeous like Sadie Sink, it’s easy to look sublime in any hair part. She proves that the side part is not passé with a casual, streetwear look to contrast her classic beauty. Embrace your natural waves by scrunching a texturizing product into your strands. Use your fingers to style the part — not a brush — for an effortless look.

What style is this? TBH, it’s hard to tell. But it’s clearly wild and reminiscent of Y2K aesthetic, which has Gen Z written all over it. Who better to tell us something is cool than the voice of the generation, Olivia Rodrigo? She parts her long hair down the middle and creates undulating pigtails with the rest of her hair.

Take care of your hair and scalp so your hair part is always on point. Use Dove Biotin Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo to strengthen your hair and prevent hair fall, so it looks good any way you part it!

Side part or middle part? Express your personal style however you want with confidence when you have healthy hair and scalp.