They say the eyes are the window to the soul. But have you ever stopped to think about what your hair reveals about your inner nature?
From attention-seeking to being creative and fun, psychologist Phil Macleod and celebrity hairdresser Gustav Fouche both believe the way a woman chooses to part her locks, in particular, can offer an insight into her personality traits.
The Oscars this month showed that the Gen-Z’s favoured middle-parted hair is no longer chic in 2026, with stars like Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Priyanka Chopra opting for a millennial-approved side parting.
Even Kylie Jenner – whose 1997 birth year makes her Gen Z – flaunted sideswept hair as she attended the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
But just because Hollywood has switched sides, doesn’t mean you should too.
According to Gustav and Phil, there are a few key points to consider before changing the way you part your hair – from the shape of your face to your age, as well as, perhaps most importantly, your personality.
From an ‘attention-seeking’ strong side part to a ‘bossy’ bob, this is what your parting is saying about you…
Softer side partings
The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy wears her platinum blonde locks in a soft, side-parting during a fundraiser for the Louvre earlier this month
Mr MacLeod told the Daily Mail that when the parting is less defined and there’s an overall softer style, the brain will interpret it as the person being more friendly and approachable.
‘Others will feel more relaxed or less intimidated to talk to them. The brain will read the person as less intentional as there is no visible line to focus on,’ he explained.
Shorter/structured styles
Zendaya, whose bridal red carpet looks have fueled speculation she has secretly tied the knot with Tom Holland, makes a glamorous case for a side-parted bob
Meanwhile, the shorter the hairstyle or cut the more noticable a parting can be and that can have a dramatic impact on how that person is perceieved, Mr MacLeod added.
‘The mind will read it as very intentional,’ he explained. ‘Therefore the person will come across as more structured, organised, potentially more formal or even bossy.
Zendaya recently showed off a much shorter sleek bob during photocalls for her forthcoming film The Drama, as Mr MacLeod said: ‘There is a definitely power to this style that does not go unnoticed psychologically.
Middle partings
Margot Robbie’s centre parting makes her look more youthful and effortless
Love Story actress Sarah Pidgeon went against the grain at the Oscars and wore her hair in a middle parting
The brain associates symmetry with stability, so just like with a hair parting, a middle parting looks balanced and comes across as consistent and safe, the founder of Thought Reader told The Daily Mail.
‘People who wear their hair down the middle come across as controlled, steady or poised. They are perceived as reliable and familiar by others,’ he added.
Noting how partings can ‘completely shift the vibe’ of a person, Gustav said centre partings tend to feel more relaxed, youthful, and effortless.
‘If we look at Margot Robbie, her look feels more glamorous, polished, and red-carpet ready with a side parting. When she wears a centre parting, it comes across softer and more “girl next door.”’
Defined side partings
Gustav added that side partings add a sense of glamour, structure, and sophistication; they can feel a bit more formal and, often, ‘a little more sexy’.
According to Phil, a strong, defined side parting draws attention because it breaks symmetry.
‘On a psychological level, anything that stands out tends to be seen as more confident or daring.
‘It says the person wants to seen, is confident and bold. But there is another layer to it – a strong side parting like what we see on celebrities gives the impression of wealth, glamour and a high fashion style.
‘So the person wearing their hair deliberately in this way will do so to fit into that narrative,’ he explained adding that it suggests a clear decision about how someone wants to present themselves to the outside world.
Gustav added that side partings add a sense of glamour, structure, and sophistication; they can feel a bit more formal and, often, ‘a little more sexy’.
Zigzag partings
Bella Hadid’s zigzag parting signals an unpredictable streak, according to Mr MacLeod
Finally, Mr MacLeod said that a zigzag parting shakes things up – it disrupts the order.
‘That is how the brain interprets it,’ he clarified. ‘The first impressions of a zigzag hair parting signals that person is fun, creative and expressive.
‘They are not afraid to stand out from the crowd and are confident individuals. People will assume you are unconventional and far from predictable.
