A bossy bob or an attention-seeking side parting: Experts reveal how your HAIR gives subtle clues about your personality

They say eyes are the window to the soul. But have you ever thought about what your hair reveals about your inner nature?

From interesting to creative and fun, psychologist Phil Macleod and celebrity hairstylist Gustav Fouche believe that the particular way a woman chooses to wear her curls can give an insight into her personality traits.

This month’s Oscars showed that the center-parted hair favored by Gen Z is no longer chic in 2026, with stars including Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Priyanka Chopra opting for the millennial-approved side parting.

Even Generation Z Kylie Jenner, born in 1997, showed off her side-swept hair while attending the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

But just because Hollywood has switched sides doesn’t mean you have to, too.

According to Gustav and Phil, there are a few important things to consider before changing the way you part your hair; from the shape of your face to your age and perhaps most importantly, your personality.

From an ‘intriguing’ strong side to a ‘bossy’ bob, this is what your parting says about you…

Softer side sections

Mr MacLeod told the Daily Mail that when the separation is less defined and generally more gentle in style, the brain will interpret this as the person being more friendly and approachable.

‘Others will feel more comfortable or less afraid when talking to them. “With no visible line to focus on, the brain will read the person less deliberately,” he explained.

Shorter/structured styles

Zendaya, whose red bridal carpet look sparked speculation that she was secretly married to Tom Holland, makes a glamorous example of the side-parted bob

Meanwhile, tMr MacLeod added how noticeable shortening or cutting a hairstyle can be and how this can have a dramatic impact on how that person is perceived.

‘The mind will read this very deliberately,’ he explained. ‘The person will therefore come across as more structured, organised, potentially more formal and even authoritarian.’

Zendaya recently showed off a much shorter, sleeker bob during photocalls for her upcoming film The Drama, as Mr MacLeod said: ‘There’s definitely a psychological power to this style that doesn’t go unnoticed.’

middle sections

Margot Robbie’s middle parting makes her look younger and effortless

Love Story actress Sarah Pidgeon acted unconventionally at the Oscars and parted her hair in the middle

The ThoughtReader founder told The Daily Mail that the brain associates symmetry with stability, so just like the hair parting, the middle parting looks balanced and looks consistent and secure.

‘People who grow their hair down the middle look controlled, stable or balanced. “They are perceived by others as trustworthy and familiar,” he added.

Stating that separations can “completely change the mood” of a person, Gustav said that the separations in the middle make one feel more comfortable, young and effortless.

Looking at ‘Margot Robbie’, her look looks more glamorous, polished and red carpet ready with a side parting. When she parts it in the middle, it’s softer and gives more of a “girl next door” impression.’

Defined side distinctions

Gustav added that side sections add charm, structure and a sense of sophistication; They may feel a little more formal and often ‘a little sexier’.

According to Phil, a strong, defined side parting attracts attention because it breaks the symmetry.

‘On a psychological level, anything that stands out tends to be seen as more confident or daring.

‘It says what the person wants to see, to be confident and brave. But there is another layer to this; A strong side parting, similar to what we see on celebrities, gives the impression of wealth, glamor and high fashion style.

“So the person who deliberately wears their hair that way will do so to fit into that narrative,” he explained, adding that it signals a clear decision about how the person wants to present themselves to the outside world.

Gustav added that side sections add charm, structure and a sense of sophistication; They may feel a little more formal and often ‘a little sexier’.

zigzag distinctions

Bella Hadid’s zig-zag parting signals an unpredictable streak, says Mr. MacLeod

Finally, Mr. MacLeod said that a zigzag separation would shake things up and disrupt the order.

‘This is how the brain interprets it,’ he explained. ‘The first impression of a zigzag hair parting shows that the person is fun, creative and impressive.

‘They are not afraid to stand out from the crowd and are confident individuals. People will think you are unorthodox and far from predictable.’