Vanessa Hudgens’ Latest Look Serves As Justice For The Side Part

There once was a time — around the early 2010s, let’s say — when an aggressively off-center hair part was about as commonplace as breathing. Hypothetical bonus points were given if you also had swoopy side bangs that partially obstructed your vision. But alas, times change, and these days, a center part is far more en vogue, the long-lost side part considered by many to be a cringe-worthy millennial trope. However, Vanessa Hudgens’ new side part bob might just have shifted the narrative by giving the style a brand new — and seriously chic — life.

The Tick, Tick...Boom! star recently stepped out to an event with Prada looking as glamorous as ever in a high-waisted metallic mini skirt, black knit cropped top, and an oversized blazer. Her makeup, an Old Hollywood-esque look with matte eyeshadow, winged liner, and pouty lips, was courtesy of Allan Avendaño. Hudgens’ hair, done by stylist Chad Wood, was styled into a sleek, side-parted bob with big, bouncy curls, adding to the Old Hollywood glamour while giving a nod to the long-lost 2010s trend.

There’s no denying the similarity between Hudgens’ look and Zendaya’s recent bouncy blowout; both embrace the bob haircut trend with heaping amounts of body and shine, resulting in a stunning retro-glam moment.

Though she occasionally adds extensions for a more dramatic effect, Hudgens has been loving the shoulder-length bob for a while now and seems particularly fond of vintage styles. For the 2021 premiere of her Netflix film Tick, Tick...Boom!, the star went for a sleek bob with flipped out ends, which celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano told TZR was a reference to actor Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct. For last year’s holiday festivities, Hudgens channeled true ‘70s disco glam with a stunning, Farrah Fawcett-like feathered bob with a bold, glittering eyeshadow look.

While most fans probably remember her as the sweet, long-haired Gabriella Montez from Disney’s High School Musical franchise, it’s clear that Hudgens much prefers a shorter, more grown-up style — and it totally works for her.