Try this today: Middle Part

What goes around comes around, right? I know you all are thinking, 'middle parts haven't been cool since I was in 7th grade!' but the trend has been spotted on celebs and on the runway more and more. We're entering into a new decade, and now that you've JUST trained your hair to part over your left eye just right, the middle part is back with a vengeance. It isn't all bad news, middle parts work spectacularly with many face shapes, and are usually much easier to control, not to mention keep out of your eyes! They can elongate round or square faces, soften sharp angles,  and enhance symmetrical features (according to many studies, symmetry is how humans measure beauty). Here are some tips that will help the middle part look flattering, as opposed to that scary middle school yearbook photo. :)




Face Shape : The first thing to know about a middle part is that it is NOT flattering to ALL face shapes. Middle parts do not work with a long  or asymmetrical shape. This is because it draws a line down the middle, and both sides of the shape. This will highlight asymmetry and ultimately elongate the face. Some of this can be avoided by trying a middle-ish part, that's slightly off center if you're face shape matches but your features aren't symmetrical. If you have either of these issues, or both like me, another trend popping up on runways everywhere is the severe side part, which I'm already dreaming up a fabulous blog about. Bangs are, of course, the ultimate cure-all for long faces.
  
Styling : Have you parted your hair in the same spot for the last 5 years? Chances are, your hair is trained to live in certain patterns on your scalp, be it naturally or by years of coercion. Fortunately, our hair is highly malleable and with science and a little bit of practice, you can tame your mane and make it look like it was meant to be. We all know no matter what you've done to you hair, it 'resets' once it's gotten wet. This is because water, or H2O (2 parts hydrogen : 1 part oxygen) affects the hydrogen bonds in our hair that hold it into it's shape. This is also why your hair looses it's flipping mind when it's humid outside. However, it can and often does work in our favor when it comes to styling. I keep a spray bottle full of water next to my hair dryer so that I can re-work any crazy patterns my hair has decided to try on any given day. The trick to this is that you only need a little water to break and re-form the hydrogen bonds within your hair, so use the spray bottle sparingly, then use your blow dryer to dry hair in the direction you want, front or back depending on the look you're going for. To avoid that slick against your head look, blow dry hair directionally with your fingers and THEN create the middle part. Remember use your nozzle so that the air is all directed down the hair shaft instead of up, which causes frizz.


Overall look: Middle parts can seem a bit severe, so keep your makeup clean and simple so you don't look like a Nagel painting! If you're going for a softer look, try parting your hair with your fingers to create and not-so-perfect line. Also, you can try starting your part in the middle, but veering off slightly as you move back on your hairline for a much more natural look. Volume is the most important thing to keep this style from looking like that photo you wish your parents would take off of their wall. Go with your natural texture and you'll get a nice bohemian look, or straighten for a sleek, evening style. If you're like me, and can go a week between washes, a middle part works great for 2-day old hair that can get a little unruly.



For the timid: If you're a bit shy about the middle part look, try pinning back fringe to create a section in the middle. This will create much of the same lengthening effect of the middle part but is much less severe. Its a little more versatile for longer faces, allowing a softening of sharp features without the length of a center line. Play with the volume, keeping it flat or adding a bit of volume. Be careful with a pouf, though, as it can look out of place if the rest of your hair is flat.



A middle part can be very flattering. Give it a try for a few days and remember, a little bit of water can reshape your hair so it's an easy style to change again if you aren't loving your look.