Want to change your hairstyle without cutting or recoloring your lengths? After the reign of the middle part, a simple movement of a few centimeters is enough to shake up your hair habits.
This micro-change has a name and responds to this desire for novelty without taking risks: the soft, slightly off-center and supple side parting. We see it everywhere, from the catwalks to the Croisette, to the highly commented appearances of Kate Middleton.
The soft side parting, back on catwalks and red carpets
In Elle, we recall that this line, star of the 2000s, has long been considered old-fashioned by part of Gen Z. English speakers rename it, as if the big sisters always stayed one step ahead.
During Spring Summer 2025 Fashion Week, at Chanel, Balmain and Miu Miu, the models already wore this offbeat separation. Then at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Bella Hadid, Andie MacDowell and Eva Longoria imposed themselves with ultra-glamorous hair and sublime head posture.
Kate Middleton and the soft side parting to embrace her white hair
On December 15, at Windsor Castle, the Princess of Wales received the England women’s rugby team with a very clean side part and clearly visible whitening roots, as pointed out by Marie Claire.
The magazine recalls that Kate Middleton has been showing gray and white locks for more than thirteen years. At the time, some, like Nicky Clarke, Diana’s former hairdresser, went so far as to say: , reports Marie Claire. After months of coloring, she is approaching 2026 with natural roots, her original color taking over her brown and her side parting making this change very gradual.
The right actions for a smooth side parting at home
In Elle, hairstylist Jennifer Korab, interviewed by the media, explains that, for this season, the ideal is to add volume and movement to the side parting. She recommends waves or curls giving an effect, for a natural and modern look.
For straight hair, Korab recommends working on damp hair, tracing the part with a fine comb, then applying mousse or volumizing product before drying. The side parting remains the simplest trick to restore volume to the roots, especially on long, heavy hair. In the evening version, just move the part a little more to the side to be in trend, and, as Glamor writes,
Soft side parting: what is it?
A slightly off-center parting, supple, with a little volume.
Soft side parting and white hair, compatible?
Yes, like Kate Middleton showing off her gray locks.
How to give volume to the side parting?
Trace the part on damp hair, then add mousse or volumizing product.
