For years, the beauty world has treated hair parts like a battleground. One minute, deep side parts are the ultimate symbol of glamour, and the next, center parts take over social media feeds as the chicer and more modern choice. From red carpets to TikTok tutorials, the debate over which part is more flattering never really disappears, but evolves with each new era of beauty trends.
But after age 50, choosing a hair part becomes about more than keeping up with what’s fashionable. Changes in hair texture, thinning around the crown or temples, widening parts, and increased breakage and dryness can all affect which style looks and feels best. A center part may appear sleek and current, but it can sometimes emphasize sparse areas, while a side part may create fuller-looking volume and softer framing around the face.
There’s no universal right answer, and the most flattering choice often comes down to your individual hair density, face shape, and styling needs. But, if you’re wondering about the pros and cons of each, here’s what one hair expert has to say.
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1. Center Part
A center part can look polished, modern, and flattering on women over 50 because it creates symmetry and gives longer layers or soft waves an elegant and effortless feel. It also pairs beautifully with curtain bangs, which can soften the face and camouflage thinning around the temples. But center part can sometimes draw attention to widening part lines, sparse roots, or thinning at the crown — especially if the hair lies flat against the scalp. That’s why stylists often recommend maintaining lift at the roots with volumizing products, blow-drying techniques, or layered cuts to keep the look airy and not severe. Adding movement through loose waves or textured layers can also prevent the style from leaving your hair looking flat.
2. Side Part
A side part has long been considered one of the most flattering options for women over 50 because it naturally creates the illusion of fuller, thicker hair by lifting one side at the roots and adding softness around the face. It can help disguise thinning areas near the crown or temples and often gives fine or aging hair a more voluminous appearance without much effort. Side parts can also soften angular facial features and complement shorter cuts, layered bobs, and shoulder-length styles. The downside is that an extremely deep side part can sometimes look dated or overly styled. It may also show sparse areas on the sides of the head, so it's important to find just the right spot to part your hair if you're trying this style on.
