There are so many generational divides over huge issues like healthcare and climate change that it’s easy to forget about all the smaller cultural battles being fought. Some are so small that one of the generations has barely heard about it. Recently, millennials finally became aware that Gen Z has a huge problem with how they wear their hair: they are firmly anti-side-part.
This had apparently been the message amongst Gen Z teens for some time, but they mostly discuss it on TikTok. Writer Jessica Valenti managed to discover and tweet about it, awakening the older generation to the contempt younger people feel for the way their hair falls:
Someone needs to write an article about TikTok teen's obsession with hating on the side part (yes this is a thing)
I am fascinated
— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) October 21, 2020
One teen bravely crossed enemy lines to explain that one reason Gen Z hates the side part is that they think it’s a look for Republicans, and Democrats generally wear a middle part. Personally, I’ve had the exact opposite observation, but maybe I’m just too under the spell of the side part to see clearly.
And I mean of course there are exceptions but generally…
— Viviana Freyer (@VivianaFreyer) October 21, 2020
On TikTok itself, there are a few different trends around hair parting. One was started by TikTok user @ladygleep, who notably has curly hair and no visible part at all in this TikTok where she encourages people to change it up and look at how much better a middle part looks on them:
@ladygleep When I don’t have bangs I rock the middle part I swear #BeautyTutorial #fyp #middlepart
A number of people have used @ladygleep’s audio to show how the experiment turned out. It should be mentioned that they’re all pretty young with blessedly symmetrical features. Little do they know what time will do:
@shirlizzzle
@alexis.smith0214 Reply to @_ashtroworld_ my hair said no❤️ #fyp #4u #sidepart #middlepart #fypシ
@heyyy.its.soph what do u think? #ColorCustomizer #fyp #foryou #sidepartmiddlepart #foryoupage #hairstyles #middlepart #sidepart #LittleVoice #ScienceFair #Teleport
Aside from these experiments, there are also plenty of TikTok comedians who simply mock the people who wear side parts and various other popular hairstyles associated with millennials:
@madskincare me: a millennial who rocks the middle part to hide my bald patch from the side part #genz #millennial #hairstyles #hair #BeautyEssentials #sidepart
@audreytruitt12 POV: you have to make a choice every day. #TooManyShoes #NotTheOne #sidepart #chooseone #pov #funny #relatable #foryou #fyp #foryoupage
@themrspedersen There is no looking back – ever again. #sidepart #middlepart #middlepartchallenge #hairstyle2020 #sofiathefirst #glowupwithme #fyp #foryoupage
https://www.tiktok.com/@redferrarimetbols/video/6870263773169601797
It’s hard to keep up with the times, especially when you have a widow’s peak. Don’t let the teens bully you, millennials. Wear your hair how YOU want to, and vote blue!
More millennials and Gen Z:
- Gen Z TikTok Resumes Are A Thing And They’re More Entertaining Than LinkedIn
- Millennial’s TikToks Mocking How She Danced At 13 Vs. How Gen Z Dances Go Viral
- Gen Z Is Mocking Millennials And We Have No Defense Against Them (8 Tweets)
- 21 Jokes That Millennials And Gen Z’ers Will Love But Baby Boomers Will Hate