Women's Lifestyle October 19, 2026 0 Comments

Why Millennial Side Parts on the Victoria’s Secret Runway Are Changing Beauty Standards Forever—And What It Means for Your Next Workout Look

Ever wonder why some hairstyles just refuse to fade away, no matter how many trends hit the runway? This year’s Victoria’s Secret show threw us a curveball by bringing back the iconic Bombshell blowout—yes, those luscious, bouncy waves courtesy of the legendary Guido Palau and his crew. Models like Barbara Palvin and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley weren’t just twirling their hair; they were rocking hours-old rollers backstage, proving some techniques are timeless. But here’s the kicker: alongside the glitz and glam, deep side parts made a massive comeback, evoking that unmistakable early aughts vibe millennials can’t help but adore. It got me thinking, is this nostalgia just a fashion statement or a subtle nod to hair’s power in defining eras? And amidst the ongoing face-off between center and side parts, could the Bombshell blowout be the ultimate mic drop on this beauty debate? Dive in as we unpack why this timeless style is still king, no matter what Gen Z says. LEARN MORE

2 min read

Bombshell blowouts returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway this year, thanks to legendary hairdresser Guido Palau and his team. Models like Barbara Palvin and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley were spotted backstage wearing rollers for hours before the show, a tried-and-true technique for creating bouncy, voluminous waves. But amid the excitement of the show’s return with OG Angels like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, we also noticed a nostalgic beauty trend taking hold: more than a dozen models wore deep side parts, the kind synonymous with millennials, the early aughts, and VS runways of years past.

It wasn’t just the models wearing deep side parts or bangs at this year’s live Los Angeles show. Megan Thee Stallion’s showstopping performance was elevated by her Bombshell blowout, complete with a bang styled over one eye—a classic, sultry look perfect for an artist making hot-girl history on the runway. Tate McRae also wore her golden waves flipped over to one side, which lent incredible movement as she performed her new single “Housewife.”

A debate has raged for years between side parts and center parts, with Gen Z favoring the latter. They claim it makes you look more youthful—but the Angels prove this theory wrong. Ultimately, a side-parted blowout is meant to be touched, tousled, and tossed. You should be able to throw it to one side, then the other, without your hair looking out of place. That’s what makes a Bombshell blowout so signature to the Victoria’s Secret runway. A center-parted blowout tends to be more rigid and structured—with such a meticulous part, you can’t fluff it, zhuzh it, or mess it up.

There’s no wrong or right way to part your hair. Even supermodels like Alex Consani and Adriana Lima preferred a center part on last night’s runway. But many others, including Ashley Graham, Caroline Trentini, and Paloma Elsesser, proved that the millennial side part—much like the glitz and glam of the Victoria’s Secret show—will never go out of style.