Ah, it’s the question that clearly distinguishes one generation from another. Middle part or side part? Gen Z’ers wouldn’t be caught dead with a side part, while millennials grew up with the hair flipped dramatically to one side.
For a while now, middle partings have long been deemed the ‘best’ and ‘most flattering’ way to part your hair (personally, I think because of everyone’s haunted memories of side parts that start at their left ear). But, as all trends surely do, the side part is slowly making its way back into the mainstream.
And so it should! No one should be scared of a hairstyle, much less one that can help accentuate some of your natural features and bring a new lease of life to your otherwise 'always-on' style. We’ve rounded up some of our fave celeb bob cuts who are rocking the side part with ease.
Chin-grazing lengths
Emma Stone is known for her gorgeous auburn hair, but her recent chin-grazing bob had heads turning. The sleek, slightly curled look suits her so well, and the side part is a nice contrast to the simple neckline of her dress. Remember, folks: your hair can help accentuate your outfit, too.
Old-money bob
Here at Cosmo, we are huge lovers of the old-money bob. It’s timeless, chic, and perfect for party season that’s currently in full swing! Defined by face-framing curls that often fall at the chin, it’s a great way to style your side-parted bob for a more formal affair.
Natural curls
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t have the patience to style my hair every day. If you have naturally curly hair, why not just let it do its thing! J-Law’s soft curls fall effortlessly to the side of her face, creating great texture and framing.
Sleek and super straight
If you, like me, can’t be parted from your beloved GHD straighteners (I’ve been clutching onto them for a good 10 years now), then Mila’s super sleek bob is a great way to style a side part. No frills, no fuss: it’s a quick and easy way to style finer hair.
Braided side part
Amandla’s thick, blunt-cut braids have been swept to the side for that casual-yet-still-on-trend look. She’s also played with colour, adding strands of red throughout the braids. Seriously, can she get any cooler?
Slicked back
When you’ve got a bob, it’s not so easy to get away with greasy hair. A slick-back bun is not usually an option for lovers of super short styles! So, Chloe’s slicked-back look is a chic, sexy alternative. Run a comb with some lightweight gel through your roots for that sultry, sleek vibe.
Pinned and perfect
If you don't naturally have a side part, it can be hard to keep the new style in place, so do what Joey does! A pin or two close to the root will help your locks stay exactly where you want them. A little hairspray wouldn’t go amiss either!
Grown out side part bob
Bob maintenance can be *exhausting*, so we don’t blame you if you’ve decided to grow out your short locks. Styling the in-between lengths can be hard, but sweeping them to the side and throwing a few curls in with your favorite curling iron will have you feeling as good as new.
Side part with bangs
Side parts are one thing, but bring bangs into the equation, and you have a whole different hairstyle on your hands! A set of full bangs like Lily’s brings body and dimension to any look, but the side part creates an asymmetry that can really work for certain face shapes and hair types.
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Executive for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness are evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish.
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