Like skinny scarves, aggressively smudged eyeliner and declaring "it's not a phase, mom!" with your whole chest (fair enough, actually), some 2000s beauty trends are best left in the archives. Others, however, deserve a triumphant comeback tour. Case in point? The deep side part.

And if anyone was going to convince us to revisit our early Tumblr era (because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, eccetera, eccetera.) it was always going to be Hannah Waddingham.

Just last night [5 August, 2026], the actor attended the Variety x Apple TV's Ted Lasso screening in New York wearing a freshly styled bob, and it's one that was defined by soft, brushed-out waves and a sweeping side part. Bye-bye poker-straight strands, hello, rawr xD!

hannah waddingham 00s bobpinterest
Kristina Bumphrey//Getty Images
hannah waddingham 00s bobpinterest
John Nacion//Getty Images

Of course, no hairstyle sparks generational discourse quite like a parting. Mention a side part within earshot of a Gen Z beauty fanatic, and they'll clutch their pearls middle part as though it's written into the constitution. Millennials, meanwhile, continue to rep the side fringe they've defended since 2007. Intergenerational peace? Never an option.

The thing is, Hannah's look makes a compelling case for the early 00s trend... says the Gen Z beauty writer with a big *gulp*. A deep side part is one of the easiest ways to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, making it particularly flattering for finer textures. By shifting more hair across to one side of the head, it instantly boosts volume at the roots, while soft waves add movement and body without weighing strands down.

Combined with the bouncy bob, the result is hair that looks effortlessly plush, polished and expensive. Millennials, I s'pose you've always been onto something...

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Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.