The side part has been a popular way to style hair for decades, but it’s taken a hit in recent years, with Gen Zers famously flocking to social media to declare the lookstyle officially “out” and beseeching millennials to switch to a middle part.
As fashion trends are wont to do, however, the side part appears to be having a resurgence. Tastemakers have been wearing their hair to the side on red carpets this year — and even members of the younger generations have been moving away from parting their hair down the middle.
Thankfully for those who enjoy staying in vogue, there are benefits to changing hairstyles, and they aren’t limited to simply upping your cool factor, CBS News reports.
“If you put your hair the same way all the time, then certain hairs are probably going to be subjected to repeat trauma,” dermatologist Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce explained to the outlet. “So if you always put your hair in the middle, then you’re probably going to always be flat-ironing those hairs more or it’s going to receive the most heat from your hair dryer — and those kind of things can lead to more breakage of the hair shaft.”
Damage can also occur from extensive exposure to the sun, pollution, and certain products. If some of your hair is always hidden under other layers, it’s going to stay healthier, so changing which sections of hair get that R&R can be good for your locks overall.
“You’re giving those hairs a chance to sort of rest and not get broken or subjected to as much trauma … you’re definitely minimizing the repeated exposure of those irritating agents to those same hairs,” Geddes-Bruce said.
That said, if you’ve got a tried-and-true style you’re unwilling to part with (no pun intended), there are plenty of ways to keep your hair healthy without changing your look.
Hair Health Tips
Washing
“Washing your hair is not a one-size-fits-all process,” hairstylist and natural hair expert Erinn Courtney told Good Housekeeping. “Our hair is not made equally and needs special care. Finding what works best for you — in terms of the right shampoo and frequency of washing — can take trial and error and doing some research.”
Consider how much oil your scalp naturally produces, as well as the amount of physical activity you get and whether your hair has been chemically treated when determining how often to wash it. If your hair isn’t oily or dry, washing two to three times a week may be best, but if it is, you can increase or decrease the frequency.
Learn more about how and when to wash different types of hair, including thick, curly, and fine.
Styling
It’s best to minimize heat and stress on your hair when styling. Opt for a heat protectant before going in with styling tools, and try starting with the lowest heat setting on your blow dryer or curling iron.
Some hairstyles cause more damage than others. Tight styles like slicked back buns can result in more stress on your tresses. “Really tight hairstyles, those have definitely been proven to cause a form of hair loss called traction alopecia,” Geddes-Bruce told CBS. “Anytime your hair is pulled very tightly, the follicles can’t stand the stress and it can lead to permanent hair loss.”
Diet
Healthline recommends eating a diet rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids — which can be found in flaxseed, fish, and yogurt — to boost the health of your hair. Per the outlet, “Diets with inadequate protein can result in weak, brittle hair and loss of hair color, as well as loss of hair itself.”
If you’re noticing that you leave hair behind you wherever you go, you might think about upping your zinc intake, as a deficiency can cause hair to shed. Foods like Brazil nuts, walnuts, and almonds, as well as whole grains and legumes, are all good sources of zinc.
Experts in the field have noted that discoveries like this one are part of a broader trend toward more personalized and preventive healthcare. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease and wellness, researchers can develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms. This shift in approach has the potential to transform healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients across a wide range of conditions, from chronic illnesses to acute infections and everything in between.
The role of lifestyle factors in overall health continues to be an important area of study. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and strong social connections all contribute to better health outcomes. As our understanding of these relationships deepens, public health campaigns and community programs are increasingly focused on creating environments that make healthy choices easier and more accessible for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location.
Understanding animal behavior and ecology is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies that protect both individual species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Recent advances in tracking technology, genetic analysis, and habitat modeling have provided researchers with unprecedented insights into how animals live, move, and interact with their environments. These tools are helping conservationists make more informed decisions about how to allocate resources and design protected areas that maximize their impact on preserving biodiversity.
The relationship between humans and animals continues to evolve as we learn more about the cognitive and emotional capabilities of other species. Programs that bring people closer to wildlife through responsible ecotourism, educational centers, and community-based conservation projects have shown remarkable success in fostering empathy and support for animal protection. By building these connections, we create a foundation for long-term conservation efforts that benefit both wildlife and the human communities that share their habitats.
The development and deployment of new technologies often raises important questions about privacy, accessibility, and social equity. Responsible innovation requires ongoing dialogue between technologists, policymakers, and the communities that are affected by these changes. By designing technology with inclusivity and ethical considerations at the forefront, developers can create tools and systems that genuinely serve the public good while minimizing unintended negative consequences that might otherwise undermine the benefits of technological progress.
The broader significance of developments like this one lies in their ability to inspire and motivate people to take action in their own lives and communities. Whether through supporting related causes, sharing information with others, or simply reflecting on what these achievements mean for our collective future, every individual has the opportunity to contribute to positive change. The stories that capture our attention and imagination serve as reminders that progress is not inevitable but rather the result of dedicated effort, creative thinking, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
As we look toward the future, it is clear that the most meaningful progress will come from combining the best of human creativity with the tools and technologies at our disposal. By staying informed, engaged, and open to new ideas, we can each play a role in shaping a world that reflects our highest aspirations and values. The journey toward a better future is not always straightforward, but stories like this one remind us that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the larger arc of human progress and possibility.
