Sabrina Carpenter’s Side Part at Dior: The End of Curtain Bangs?

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter unveils a classic side-part and swaps her signature curtain bangs for a vintage twist at Dior’s Spring/Summer 2026 Menswear show in Paris.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
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Sabrina Carpenter’s Stunning Transformation: Farewell to Curtain Bangs?

Sabrina Carpenter has consistently wowed audiences—not only with chart-topping singles like ‘Espresso’ and ‘Manchild’—but also with her “always perfect” beauty look. However, at Dior’s Spring/Summer 2026 Menswear show in Paris, Carpenter stepped out in what could be described as one of her most dramatic hair transformations yet, swapping her signature curtain bangs and bombshell waves for a sleek, vintage-inspired side part. The look, secured by a tortoiseshell barrette and paired with softly flipped ends, sent both fans and beauty editors into a frenzy, questioning if this truly marks the end of Sabrina’s iconic bangs era.

A-List Entrance: Paris Fashion Week’s Most Talked-About Moment

  • Event: Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show, hosted in Paris.
  • Date: Mid-2025, coinciding with Sabrina’s break from her “Short n’ Sweet” tour.
  • Front Row Presence: Among the star-studded guests, Carpenter was seated alongside celebrities like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Robert Pattinson.
  • Purpose: To support Jonathan Anderson’s debut collection, marking a new creative chapter for Dior.

The Dramatic Hair Switch: Side Part’s Arrival

Historically, Sabrina’s hair has been synonymous with voluminous, bouncy waves and perfectly styled curtain bangs. Her recent transformation, however, unveiled a more pared-back and classic hairstyle:

  • Side Part: Expertly pressed and blown out, her hair was parted deeply to one side, a marked departure from her usual middle parting.
  • Barrette Accessory: A vintage tortoiseshell barrette secured her hair, offering a luxurious, French-inspired touch.
  • Flipped Ends: The ends of her platinum blonde locks were soft, curled under, and smoothed for a refined finish.

This hairstyle wasn’t just a random experiment—it reflected vintage glamour reminiscent of icons like Marilyn Monroe and offered whispers of Clueless vibes on the Parisian runway.

Signature Gone: Is Carpenter’s Curtain Bang Era Over?

Sabrina’s curtain bangs have become nearly as recognizable as her musical successes. They defined her stage and red carpet style, leading to speculation about their longevity:

  • Fan Reaction: Fans grew so accustomed to her bouncy volume that many speculated she wore wigs during performances because her hair always appeared perfectly coiffed.
  • Beauty Editor Buzz: The group chats exploded; editors debated whether this transformation was a one-time switch or the start of a ‘new era’.
  • Her Own Words: While Sabrina hasn’t officially declared the end of her curtain bangs, her new album, Man’s Best Friend, drops with artwork referencing a Marilyn Monroe image—another clear nod to vintage style.

The Dior Ensemble: Redefining Old Hollywood Glamour

Sabrina’s beauty transformation was perfectly complemented by her classic, demure fashion choice. Her ensemble paid homage to Dior’s iconic past:

  • Tailored Blazer: A pinched-waist, gray wool blazer referenced Monsieur Dior’s legendary Bar jacket from the 1947 “Corolle” collection.
  • Pleated Skirt: She wore a tea-length, schoolgirl-style skirt with playful box pleats, giving a youthful twist to the tradition.
  • Accessories: Minimal, with peep-toe heels and delicate jewelry. The overall styling avoided over-accessorizing, letting the silhouette and hair speak for themselves.

Together, the look brought together elements of ‘corpcore’ (the tailored, professional aesthetic) and throwback Hollywood glamour in a way only Sabrina could.

The Beauty Breakdown: How Sabrina Achieved the Glossy Finish

  • Hair Health: Carpenter is Redken’s Global Ambassador and credits their Acidic Bonding collection with protecting her hair from color treatments and heat styling.
  • Makeup Routine: A glowing complexion paired with a classic mauve lip and subtle eye makeup ensured the hair and outfit remained the focus.
  • Minimalist Approach: The beauty look was ‘so luxuriously soft’—no bold lashes, heavy contour, or flashy accessories.

Trend Analysis: Is Vintage Glam Making a Major Comeback?

Sabrina’s look at Dior does more than shift her personal beauty narrative—it signals greater trends rippling through the style world:

  • Vintage-Inspired Side Parts: Side parts—once left in the early 2000s—are back, but with modern, pressed polish.
  • Accessory Revival: Barrettes and clips offer easy ways to elevate simple hairstyles.
  • Old Hollywood Meets Modern Minimalism: Classic silhouettes (Bar jackets, pleats) are now paired with understated makeup and natural texture.

Comparing Sabrina’s Iconic Hair Eras

EraStyleKey FeaturesPublic Response
2023-2024Curtain Bangs & Bombshell WavesMiddle part, heavy fringe, loose curls, volumeSignature look, fan favorite, often copied
2025 (Dior Paris FW)Classic Side PartDeep side part, tortoiseshell barrette, flipped endsUnexpected, viral, signals new era

Why the Change? Cultural Its and Inspirations

Several factors inspired Sabrina’s new style:

  • Fashion’s Retro Renaissance: Designers are bringing back 1950s silhouettes and hair trends to mirror shifting tastes.
  • Personal Reinvention: As Sabrina launches new music and tours major cities, her look evolves to reflect both maturity and versatility.
  • Cinematic Influence: Sabrina’s referencing Marilyn Monroe and Clueless reflects her interest in cinematic icons and classic American style.
  • Jonathan Anderson at Dior: Anderson’s debut collection played with traditional proportions and gender-fluid tailoring, giving his muses license to experiment.

Expert Commentary: What Editors and Stylists Are Saying

Beauty editors and renowned stylists were quick to interpret Sabrina’s new look:

  • Beth Gillette, Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Editor, described the look as “luxuriously soft,” adding, “We’re so used to seeing Sabrina’s hair look the same—maybe this is the start of a whole new hair era.”
  • Industry Take: Stylists predict a surge in requests for “Sabrina’s side part” at salons nationwide.
  • Trend Forecast: With Sabrina as a tastemaker, side parts and vintage barrette accessories are set to become top requests heading into fall and winter.

Social Media Impact: Fans React Around the Globe

The transformation sent fans and followers into a frenzy:

  • Instagram Buzz: Stylists showcased the look, using hashtags like #SidePartSzn and #SabrinaAtDior.
  • TikTok Tutorials: Influencers recreated the hairstyle, pairing side parts with Dior-inspired blazers.
  • Twitter Debates: Threads debated whether curtain bangs would make a comeback or if this heralds the definitive end.

How to Recreate Sabrina’s Dior Side Part at Home

  • Start with clean, smooth hair—use bonding treatments to prevent damage from heat styling.
  • Press hair with a blow dryer and brush, exaggerating the side part for dramatic effect.
  • Tuck one side behind your ear and secure with a medium-sized barrette (tortoiseshell for vintage vibes).
  • Flip ends under gently using a round brush or curling iron for softness.
  • Finish with shine serum and setting spray for extra polish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Did Sabrina Carpenter permanently change her hairstyle?

A: While her style at Dior marked a dramatic departure, it’s not confirmed if the change is permanent. Fans and editors speculate it signals a new era, but Sabrina regularly experiments with her looks.

Q: What inspired Sabrina’s Dior-side part and luxury ensemble?

A: The ensemble and hairstyle paid homage to Dior’s historic designs and referenced classic Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, aligning with current retro fashion and cinematic trends.

Q: How does Sabrina keep her hair healthy despite styling changes?

A: As Redken’s Global Ambassador, she uses their Acidic Bonding collection to maintain hair health, which is essential for color-treated and heat-styled hair.

Q: Who styled Sabrina Carpenter for the Dior show?

A: Sabrina’s close relationship with Jonathan Anderson (the new creative lead at Dior) influenced her styling, with his previous work dressing her for major events. Makeup and hair were likely handled by her regular glam team with input from Dior’s creative direction.

Q: What trends could emerge from this Paris Fashion Week moment?

A: Expect side parts, barrette accessories, and tailored vintage-inspired ensembles to rise in popularity following Sabrina’s viral transformation.

Final Thoughts: Sabrina Carpenter’s Ever-Evolving Beauty Legacy

From bold curtain bangs to a classic side part, Sabrina Carpenter’s appearance at the Dior Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show marked not only a personal metamorphosis but also a larger style shift in the beauty and fashion industries. Her willingness to experiment continues to define her star power—both musically and aesthetically—leaving fans eager to see where her next transformation will lead. One thing’s certain: Sabrina’s new look at Dior is already rewriting beauty trends for 2025 and beyond.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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