The 2025 Golden Globes red carpet dazzled with standout fashion, glowing skin, and flawless glam — but one subtle shift in the beauty landscape stole the show: the side part is officially back.
While middle parts have reigned supreme over the last several years — thanks in large part to TikTok, Gen Z, and 2020’s minimalist aesthetic — this year’s awards season kickoff suggests the tide is turning. And the message is clear: the side part revival is no longer just a quiet comeback — it’s a full-blown movement.
A Trend Returns — But This Time, It's Personal
For a long time, side parts were considered passé. From 2020 onward, middle parts were seen as sleek, youthful, and cool-girl approved. Whether on social media influencers or runway models, the middle part became the unspoken rule of "in-style" hair — and Gen Z proudly took credit for putting the final nail in the side part's coffin.
Discover This: Leah Kateb’s GRWM Goes Viral as Love Island Spinoff Is Officially Announced
But like all trends, what goes out eventually circles back — especially when it comes to beauty. And in 2025, personal expression is dominating trend culture. The Golden Globes red carpet made that clear.
 |
| CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images |
From Kylie Jenner’s voluminous side-parted waves to Zendaya’s vintage curls swept glamorously to one side, this year’s looks reintroduced the side part as something elegant, versatile, and most importantly — individualized.
The Celebs Who Brought the Side Part Back
Here are the stars who led the side-part revolution at the 2025 Golden Globes:
- Kylie Jenner leaned into effortless elegance with tousled waves cascading over one shoulder — proof that casual can still be show-stopping.
- Zendaya embraced classic Hollywood glam with deep-set side-parted curls and a bold red lip. The result? Pure screen siren.
- Ariana Grande kept things playful but polished with a voluminous blowout and heavy side part, channeling early 2000s pop diva energy.
- Dakota Fanning followed suit with breezy waves and minimal makeup, letting her asymmetrical style speak volumes.
- Auli’i Cravalho showed that short hair and side parts are a match made in heaven, wearing her bob with a soft part and natural texture.
 |
| Taylor Hill |
On the other end of the styling spectrum:
- Elle Fanning went ultra-glam with a slicked-back updo, her side part seamlessly flowing into curled “money pieces” that framed her face beautifully.
- Selena Gomez and Zendaya both embraced pin-up inspired side parts and curls, blending vintage nostalgia with modern-day polish.
Middle Parts Still Reign — But the Rules Are Changing
While the side part made a clear statement, middle parts weren’t totally dethroned. Many celebrities stuck to the sleek, center-parted look, proving there’s still plenty of love for Gen Z’s favorite style.
Dive Deeper: Leah Kateb’s GRWM Goes Viral as Love Island Spinoff Is Officially Announced
 |
| ETIENNE LAURENT/Getty Images |
 |
| Michael Buckner/GG2025/Getty Images |
What the 2025 Golden Globes really highlighted, however, is the freedom to choose. Unlike past seasons where one trend dominated, today’s beauty climate is far more about personal preference than trend conformity.
"The new trend is doing what works for you," said one celebrity stylist backstage. "We're seeing more individuality — and that’s a good thing."
Side Part Comeback Timeline: How We Got Here
The side part’s slow return has been a long time coming:
- 2022–2023: Celebs like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Kylie Jenner began experimenting with side parts on and off red carpets.
- 2024: The style started picking up in editorial shoots and campaign ads, signaling a high-fashion comeback.
- 2025 Golden Globes: Multiple A-listers wear the look, solidifying the side part as a key beauty trend for the year.
What This Means for You
While hair part trends can feel like a battle of generations (remember the TikTok side-part vs. middle-part wars?), the red carpet now reflects something deeper: beauty has shifted from trend-driven to identity-driven.
Must Read: Midlife Love & Libido: How One Couple Keeps Their Sex Life Thriving Into Their 50s
The side part offers:
- Volume and shape for rounder or heart-shaped faces
- Versatility for casual and formal styles alike
- A soft, asymmetrical look that flatters many lengths and textures
- A nod to retro glam without looking dated
If you’ve ever felt like the middle part wasn’t quite your thing, the side part’s return is your official green light to part ways — literally.
How to Rock the Side Part in 2025
Thinking of switching things up? Here are a few ideas inspired by the stars:
- Casual Waves – Like Kylie, keep it simple with a blowout or wand curls flipped to one side. Perfect for day-to-night transitions.
- Old Hollywood Glam – Go full Zendaya with sculpted curls and side volume for evening elegance.
- Short and Chic – Follow Auli’i’s lead and use the side part to add shape to a bob or lob.
- Sleek Updo with Side Part – Take a page from Elle Fanning with a clean finish, pinned curls, and statement earrings.
Pro Tip:
Use a lightweight mousse or root-lifting spray at the crown before blow-drying to add volume and hold to your part. A strong-hold spray or pomade will help lock in a side-swept style without stiffness.
Discover This: How “PPG”—Leah Kateb, JaNa Craig & Serena Page—Stole Love Island USA Season 6
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a die-hard middle-part loyalist or ready to flip your hair and your perspective, the 2025 Golden Globes proved one thing: trends are personal again.
And with A-listers like Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, and Elle Fanning leading the charge, the side part is more than a hairstyle — it’s a statement. One that says: "I choose what flatters me."
