This is now, and according to TikTok/Gen Z, the side part is aging you. The debate has struck a particular chord with both generations, and where everyone stands on the middle versus center doesn't fit so neatly with age.
In the short term, Gen Z's stress is leading to ambivalence and withdrawal in their professional lives. According to 2022 data from Gallup, they are the most disengaged group at work. They also report more overall stress and work-related burnout than other cohorts.
There is no right or wrong way to part your hair. But why is Gen Z so obsessed with the middle part? A theory posed by The Cut is that the younger generation is more open to accepting flaws and they therefore feel less need to hide part of their face behind their hair.
Yes, that's right. Side parts are officially no longer “cheugy”. After years of having middle parts dominate the hair scene, the tide has officially turned and side parts are suddenly everywhere again—and they're looking chicer than ever.
Not only does it make a nice change, but it's a good way to stand out from the crowd. Although many young TikTokers have expressed their disdain for a "millennial" side part, the style dates back to early Hollywood stars in the 50s like Elizabeth Taylor and 90s supermodels such as Cindy Crawford.
“Younger workers are aware that roles and industries can become obsolete at a dizzying pace. The careers of their parents' generation are no longer necessarily stable options, so they instead often look to their peers, who are innovating new pathways through experimental side hustles, amplified on digital platforms.”
Deep, Deliberate Side Parts
Great news for millennials and everyone else who's partial to a side part: They're back and deeper than ever in 2023. "We're seeing more deliberate, deep part sides for slick and blown-out styles," Sims says.
A: The textured bob, the shaved side, the bold pixie cut, the braided updo, and the sleek center part are some of the most popular hairstyles among Gen Z.
While middle parts vs. side parts has turned into a generational discussion on TikTok, Brandon Curtis, L'Oréal Professionnel national artist, suggests that choosing how to part your hair should have nothing to do with age. In fact, it all comes down to which one flatters your face shape.
“A side part overall complements strong cheekbones and good bone structure," he says. "Middle parts are ideal for an oblong shaped face and I believe add an illusion of roundness." "The middle part is definitely our favorite,” says celebrity hair stylist and salon owner Adel Chabbi.
Gen Z's behaviours: Find them on TikTok
As digital natives, Gen Zers love TikTok. Among other social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, TikTok stands out.
Hickly: Gen Z is obsessed with aesthetic culture because we are a generation that struggles a lot with identity and belonging to certain “aesthetics” gives a sense of belonging.
One of the most common stereotypes surrounding Gen Z is their 'troubling obsession' with technology. While it's true that they are digital natives who have grown up with the internet and smartphones, you could argue that this is a tech evolution rather than a generational obsession.
Generation Z characteristics are interesting and specific; Generation Z features avid gamers and music-goers, and they are known for being ever-present messaging, on the internet, on social networks, and on mobile systems—they are truly the “Digital-ites.” They tend to care about trends, but are also quick to research ...
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE Z OR CENTENNIAL GENERATION
Aged between eight and 23 years old, generation Z or the post-millennial generation will take the lead in a few decades.
Generation Z considers itself more accepting and open-minded than any generation before it. Almost half of Gen Zs are minorities, compared to 22% of Baby Boomers, and the majority of Gen Z supports social movements such as Black Lives Matter, transgender rights, and climate change.
The general consensus seems to be that parting on one's left makes a person look competent and masculine, whereas parting on the right makes a person look warm and feminine.
“Middle partings are definitely less flattering and this is down to mainly the shape of your face." Agrees GQ's in-house barber Joe Mills, of Joe & Co Soho. "Middle partings will lengthen the face and draw a great deal of attention to your forehead.
When looking at what face shapes side parts are best for, they're most flattering on face shapes that have strong, defined cheekbones. This structure is mostly seen in diamond face shapes.
Insider (previously Business Insider) says Gen Z brought the '90s back because it feels “impossible to grow up in today's economy.” Old-school trends like drive-in cinemas are making a comeback, and '80s-themed show Stranger Things is once again turning the internet upside down. '90s tunes are back, alright.
The "wet mop" and the "broccoli" haircut are basically the same thing, explains Hawkins, who describes them as "the go-to cuts for all the young heartthrobs on TikTok." The style — which is long on the top and closely cropped or faded on the sides — is actually a silhouette that has been around for decades, but has ...
“40% of Gen Z chooses to regularly change hair color as a form of self-expression. It's sort of the nature of who they are and that is the future of the workforce,” said Lori Pantel, chief marketing officer, North America, at Wella Company, speaking to MarketWatch.
Tom Smith, trend forecaster and hairstylist, tells Bazaar: "Side partings have been growing in popularity once more and leading the way have been various celebrities throughout fashion week and awards season." Often coupled with sleek styles that are either swept up and sharp, or styled down but uniform, the side ...
A deep side part is no average side-swept bang since it starts much farther to the side. Instead of allowing your hair to part on its own, you'll create a deeper division starting about a half-inch to the side of where your hair naturally parts.
We'll be seeing a resurgence of side parts in 2023, and we've already seen this for more glam looks. We're not leaving the middle part behind completely, we're just simply saying that you don't need to commit to either this year. You can use them both, and feel free to switch between the two styles.