The Victoria’s Secret Runway Makes a Case for the Millennial Side Part

From voluminous bombshell blowouts to glamorous, side-swept waves, the Angels are bringing one of the early 2000s’ most iconic hairstyles back into the spotlight.

The center-part versus side-part debate has been going on for years, but the Victoria’s Secret runway may have just delivered its most glamorous answer yet. At this year’s show, the millennial side part made a noticeable comeback, proving that the beauty staple associated with the early 2000s still has a place in today’s hair trends.

The return of the iconic parting came alongside another signature of the Victoria’s Secret aesthetic: the bombshell blowout. Legendary hairstylist Guido Palau and his team created voluminous, bouncy waves that brought a nostalgic touch to the runway. Before the show, models including Barbara Palvin and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley spent hours with rollers in their hair, preparing for the kind of full-bodied finish that has long defined the brand’s beauty identity.

With original Angels such as Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio returning to the spotlight, the show celebrated the glamour that made Victoria’s Secret famous. Yet, amid the elaborate lingerie and high-energy presentations, it was the models’ hair that offered a particularly compelling beauty moment. More than a dozen models opted for deep side parts, reviving a look that once dominated red carpets, celebrity hairstyles, and early-2000s fashion campaigns.

The side part was not limited to the models walking the runway. Performers also embraced the look, reinforcing its connection to the show’s signature glamour.

Megan Thee Stallion delivered a standout performance with a voluminous bombshell blowout and a sweeping fringe styled across one eye. The dramatic silhouette complemented her stage presence, adding a sultry, retro-inspired finish to her appearance. The look felt perfectly suited to the singer’s confident aesthetic while recalling the glamorous hairstyles that defined earlier Victoria’s Secret shows.

Tate McRae also embraced the trend, wearing golden waves swept dramatically to one side as she performed her new single, “Housewife.” The movement of her hair added another layer of visual impact to the performance, demonstrating how a deep side part can enhance the natural bounce and fluidity of a blowout.

Together, the performers showed that the style is about more than simply changing where the hair separates. A deep side part can create instant volume, emphasize facial features, and give flowing waves a sense of movement that feels both polished and effortless.

For years, the side part has been at the center of a generational beauty debate. While many members of Gen Z have favored center parts, often associating them with a more youthful and contemporary appearance, millennials have continued to champion the side-swept alternative.

The Victoria’s Secret runway offered a reminder that neither style deserves to be declared the universal winner. Instead, the appeal of a side part lies in the way it works with the rest of the hairstyle.

A classic bombshell blowout is designed to feel touchable, voluminous, and slightly undone. Hair should move freely, with waves that can be tossed from one side to the other without losing their shape. The side part supports that relaxed finish, allowing the roots to lift and the lengths to fall naturally.

By contrast, a center part often creates a more symmetrical and structured effect. It can look equally beautiful, but it typically lends itself to a different aesthetic. The distinction is particularly noticeable with voluminous blowouts, where movement and softness are essential to the overall look.

Despite the renewed attention surrounding side parts, the runway was not entirely committed to one direction. Models including Alex Consani and Adriana Lima opted for center-parted hairstyles, demonstrating that the classic middle part remains firmly relevant.

Meanwhile, Ashley Graham, Caroline Trentini, and Paloma Elsesser were among those who embraced the millennial favorite, showing how effortlessly it can complement different personal styles and hair textures.

Ultimately, the latest Victoria’s Secret show was less about declaring a winner in the side-part debate and more about celebrating the versatility of glamorous hair. The bombshell blowout continues to evolve, but its defining qualities—volume, movement, and a touch of drama—remain unchanged.

Whether you prefer a precise center part or a deep, sweeping fringe, the runway’s message is clear: there is no single correct way to wear your hair. Still, with its nostalgic appeal and unmistakable glamour, the millennial side part has earned its place back in the beauty conversation. And if the Angels have anything to say about it, this early-2000s favorite is far from finished.