Sorry Gen Z, This Millennial Hairstyle Is Dominating the Cannes Red Carpet

As A-listers descend to the south of France for the Cannes Film Festival, we've been spying the best celebrity looks from the red carpet. On the beauty front, one thing has become apparent: side-partings are back, with several actors opting for the hairstyle as they showcase their looks.

We've been on the cusp of a side-parting revolution (even with Gen Z declaring them "out" not so long ago), and it's something hairstylist Tom Smith predicts will be huge as a summer hair trend. "Side-partings were popular this spring, and not only remain popular but are moving further and further to the side," he says. "For summer, they are super flipped-over from the outside edge of the head and can be worn on almost any length of hair."

It's also a style that is always flattering, no matter your hair length or type.
"[The side-parting is] great for those who prefer one side of their face to the other, or who have finer hair and want to create the illusion of thickness," says Smith.

Scroll ahead to see the chicest side-swept looks from the Cannes red carpet and how to get the Cannes-approved hairstyle at home. Tail combs at the ready!

Shanina Shaik

Shanina Shaik with side parted sleek bun hairstyle at Cannes 2024

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Shanina Shaik stepped out in this deep side-parted bun. It's a timeless look that will always look elegant.

Sabrina Elba

Sabrina Elba with side parted bob at Cannes 2024

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sabrina Elba shows us how to work a side-parting on short hair with her side-swept bob.

Eva Green

Eva Green with side parted hairstyle at Cannes

(Image credit: @hairbyadir)

When I saw the volume in Eva Green's hair, I gasped. Old Hollywood glamour meets the French Riviera in this sky-high look.

Léa Seydoux

Lea Seydoux with side parted long hairstyle at Cannes 2024

(Image credit: Getty Images)

French actress Léa Seydoux gives the side-parted look a French update with effortless tousled waves.

How to Style a Side-Parting

Smith has some expert tips to ensure your side parting looks sleek. "Be sure to create the parting immediately after washing your hair to help in set in place before the hair begins to dry and fall back to its usual memory," he says. "Super-clean hair will make this easier so opt for a deep cleansing shampoo."

Now, the golden question: Where exactly do we part our hair? "Trace up to your hairline using the outer corner of your eye as a guide and tuck behind the ears to help set in place before styling," says Smith. "Using a styling powder will help to hold a deep side parting in place, you can apply this once the hair is dry," he says. If you want less of a deep side-parting, use the iris of your eyes as a guide for a subtle swept-over look.

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.