It's something millennials and your grandma have in common.

When it comes to hair—despite being finicky and personal to each person—we still somehow remain yoked to the trends that come and go, whether it is something as bold as the 80s perm or as simple as how we part our hair. While middle parts have become the uncontested crown of hair trends in the past few years, Southern women have remained the last bastion to hold onto its “uncool” predecessor: side parts.

Side parts, which were the universal choice in the 2000s as any millennial can remember well, were categorized as deeply untrendy as we crawled further from the peak 2000s and into the 2020s. Yet, many in the South opted not to notice, instead sticking true to side parts and their inherent skill of flattering one’s “good side.” (If those even exist.)

Now, side parts are coming back, spotted on those who once vowed never to revisit them—and looking amazing at that. All we can say is, told you so.

Past Eras of the Side Part

1940s and 1950s

The glamorous bobs of the 1940s and 1950s almost always came along with a deep side part to accentuate the waved Old Hollywood curls and pumped-up volume. Side parts were a key hair trend during these decades, and the associated hairstyles make you yearn for a red lip and string of pearls.

2000s

Most millennials can attest that the side part was so popular in the 2000s that it might seem there was a competition of who could sweep the most hair over to one side to achieve the deepest side part of all. Often, when we look back at the most “cringe-worthy” trends of the aughts, an overly exaggerated side-parted hairstyle is an accompanying feature, which perhaps led to the downfall of the side part overall.

How To Style A Side Part Today

The side part of the 2020s is proving to come back with a vengeance, looking nothing short of spectacular on anyone who dons it. Moreover, it sticks out interestingly in a sea of middle parts, making it feel brand-new.

For a modern side part, there is no need to go overly dramatic with piling all your hair to one side, unless you’re going for an intentionally Old Hollywood hairstyle. Instead, opt for a more subtle side part. It instantly adds style and body in a way middle parts cannot.

The only question remains, how long will it stay trendy this time around? Ultimately, Southern women don’t care.