You’ve probably heard the rumors that the side part is "dead." Gen Z on TikTok spent a good chunk of 2021 and 2022 trying to convince everyone that the middle part was the only way to exist. But look at any red carpet lately. Or just walk down a street in Soho. The bob with side part is back, but it’s not that stiff, hair-sprayed version your aunt wore in 1994. It’s different now.
It’s moodier. It’s asymmetrical.
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The reality is that a middle part is incredibly demanding. It requires a level of facial symmetry that most of us just don't have. A side part, though? That’s where the magic happens. It creates volume. It hides that one breakout on your forehead. It gives you a "good side."
Why the Bob With Side Part Actually Works for Everyone
Most people think a bob is a single haircut. It isn't. It’s a category. When you add a side part to it, you’re basically playing with geometry to flatter your specific face shape. If you have a round face, a deep side part creates a long, diagonal line that creates the illusion of length. For those with heart-shaped faces, it softens the chin.
Stylist Riawna Capri, who has worked with everyone from Julianne Hough to Selena Gomez, has often pointed out that the "flip" is what makes this look. It’s that effortless, lived-in volume you get when you toss your hair from one side to the other. You can't get that with a center part. A center part just... sits there.
There's also the "Italian Bob" trend that’s been everywhere in 2025. It’s chunky, it’s neck-length, and it almost demands to be flipped to the side. It’s about glamour that doesn't look like it tried too hard.
The Different Flavors of the Side-Parted Bob
Not all bobs are created equal. You have to decide what kind of energy you’re bringing.
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The Blunt Power Bob
This is the one you see on CEOs and people who have their taxes done in February. It’s sharp. The ends are cut straight across with zero layers. When you part this on the side, it creates a heavy "curtain" effect on one side of the face. It’s incredibly chic but requires a lot of maintenance. You’ll be at the salon every six weeks or the magic disappears.
The French Bob (With a Twist)
Usually, the French bob is associated with bangs. But lately, we’re seeing a version that skips the fringe and opts for a deep side part instead. It hits right at the jawline—or even slightly higher, near the cheekbone. It’s messy. It’s meant to be air-dried. If you have naturally wavy hair, this is your best friend. Honestly, the less you do to it, the better it looks.
The Long Bob (Lob)
If you're scared of losing length, the lob is the gateway drug. It hits the collarbone. Adding a side part to a lob prevents it from looking like "mom hair." It adds a bit of edge.
Let’s Talk About Your Face Shape (For Real)
We need to be honest here. Some people are terrified that a bob will make them look like a mushroom. That happens when the weight distribution is wrong.
- Square Faces: You want a side part that isn't too "deep." Just a slightly off-center shift. This breaks up the wideness of the jaw without making your head look boxy.
- Long Faces: Go for a side part with lots of volume on the sides. You want width, not height. If you puff up the top too much, your face just looks longer.
- Oval Faces: Congrats, you won the genetic lottery. Do whatever you want. A dramatic, extreme side part looks particularly editorial on you.
Getting the Tech Right: How to Style It
You can’t just comb it to the side and hope for the best. Well, you can, but it’ll probably fall flat by noon.
Start with damp hair. Use a volumizing mousse—something like the Kenra Volume Spray 25 or a lightweight foam from Ouai. Use a round brush, but don't pull it straight down. Pull it up and away from the direction you want it to lay. This creates "over-direction." When the hair falls back over, it has a natural lift at the root that stays put.
If you have a cowlick, don't fight it. Work with it. Part your hair in the direction the cowlick wants to go. It’s a losing battle otherwise.
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Look
The biggest mistake is the "triangle head." This happens when the ends are too blunt and the top is too flat. If you notice your bob is flaring out at the bottom like a bell, ask your stylist to "remove weight" from the interior. They use thinning shears or a sliding cut technique to take out the bulk without changing the length.
Another disaster? The "comb-over" look. If you part your hair too far down the side of your head, you risk looking like you're trying to hide a bald spot you don't have. The sweet spot is usually directly above the outer corner of your eye or the highest point of your eyebrow arch.
The Maintenance Reality Check
A bob with side part is high-visibility. Because the hair is shorter, oils from your scalp travel down the hair shaft faster. You’ll probably find yourself washing it more often than you did when it was long.
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Invest in a good dry shampoo. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day is a classic for a reason—it actually cleans the hair instead of just coating it in powder. A quick spray at the roots of your side part can revive the volume on day two or three.
Also, watch your ends. Split ends are way more visible on a bob. Since the hair sits right against your face and shoulders, people notice the texture. Use a heat protectant every single time you touch a flat iron. No exceptions.
Why Celebs Are Obsessed With It Right Now
Look at Zendaya. Look at Florence Pugh. They’ve both leaned heavily into the side-parted bob because it allows for versatility. One day it’s sleek and tucked behind one ear for a "wet look" vibe. The next day it’s full of 90s supermodel volume.
The "tuck" is actually a key part of the aesthetic. Tucking the smaller side of the part behind your ear opens up your face and shows off your jewelry. It’s a simple trick that completely changes the silhouette of the haircut.
Is It "Dated"?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Only if you style it like it’s 2010. Avoid the "A-line" bob where the front is significantly longer than the back. That "Karen" silhouette is what gave the side part a bad name for a minute. Modern bobs are usually more level, or even slightly longer in the back, giving them a "shaggy" or "boxy" feel that feels current.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Salon Visit
Stop just saying "I want a bob." That’s like going to a restaurant and ordering "food."
- Bring Photos: But not just any photos. Find people with your hair texture. If you have thin, pin-straight hair, showing your stylist a photo of a curly bob won't help.
- Specify the Part: Tell them you plan to wear it with a side part. This affects how they cut the layers. If they cut it for a middle part and you flip it over, one side will be weirdly longer and heavier than the other.
- The Jawline Test: Decide where you want the hair to hit. The most flattering spot for most people is about an inch below the jaw. It gives you room for the hair to "shrink" if it waves up.
- Ask About the "Bit": Ask for "bit" or "shattered" ends if you want it to look modern and lived-in. If you want it sharp and editorial, ask for a "crisp blunt perimeter."
The side part isn't a trend; it's a tool. It's a way to manipulate volume and frame the face that a center part simply can't compete with. Whether you're going for a polished professional look or a messy "just rolled out of bed in Paris" vibe, the bob with a side part is probably the most versatile weapon in your beauty arsenal.
Go for the chop. Just make sure you have a round brush and a decent blow dryer ready. Your cheekbones will thank you.