This article chronicles a personal journey into hair transformation, moving from a long-held central parting to a dynamic side part. Inspired by recent celebrity appearances and fashion runway trends, the author, usually resistant to change in her beauty regimen, decides to experiment with this revived '90s bombshell look. The piece explores the initial hesitation, the practical challenges of adapting to a new hairstyle, and the eventual embrace of this bold aesthetic shift, highlighting how a simple change in hair can dramatically alter one's appearance and confidence.
The Side Part Revival: A Personal Style Experiment
In a significant personal beauty revelation, a writer, who has maintained a consistent central hair parting since her teenage years, recently embarked on an intrepid style journey to adopt the trending side part. This venture was spurred by observing various high-profile personalities, including Scarlett Johansson and Hunter Schafer, gracefully sporting the voluminous, dramatic '90s bombshell side part. The style's resurgence was further cemented by its prominent display at the Victoria's Secret fashion show, where supermodels like Adriana Lima and the Hadid sisters showcased its elegant flair, and on high-fashion runways from Chanel to Dior, where it appeared in myriad forms from deep, edgy parts to soft, swept-aside bobs.
Despite previous reluctance to deviate from her established beauty routines—a preference extending even to daily breakfast choices—the prospect of a side part represented a significant leap. French hairstyling maestro Frédéric Fekkai's long-held assertion that a change in hair parting can 'completely transform a woman's look' finally resonated. Initially, the writer's attempts at subtle adjustments were fleeting. However, with autumn transitioning into winter, the side part began to feel like a glamorous, celebratory new option, prompting her to confront her comfort zone.
This decision, surprisingly, came despite conventional beauty wisdom suggesting the side part might be more flattering for rounded faces, offering much-needed volume at the crown. Yet, armed with newfound courage, she consulted hairstylist Maria Baras, who not only supported her decision but also offered practical advice: the initial strangeness of the side part would subside, given time for adjustment. On a quiet Sunday, in the comfort of her own home, equipped with her trusted Dyson Airwrap and dry shampoo, the author performed the transformation. By flipping her hair to its heavier side and lightly backcombing the roots, she noticed an immediate and unexpected effect: a sharper jawline and a more elongated facial appearance.
The aesthetic success, however, presented logistical hurdles. Maintaining the dramatic sweep proved challenging, with hair constantly falling into her eyes during daily activities, making the natural flow seen on celebrities seem unattainable in real life. Nevertheless, the side part's versatility for various hair lengths and textures, from bobs to chignons, was evident. It also offers practical benefits, such as balancing thick hair or adding volume to thinner strands. For those with square faces, it can soften angles, while for heart and diamond shapes, it can harmonize facial features and highlight cheekbones. The technique involves identifying one's most flattering side, using a comb from the eyebrow's center backward, and styling with dry shampoo for volume and hairspray for hold, potentially opting for a sleek, gelled finish to emphasize facial contours.
Reflections on a Hairstyle's Power to Empower
This exploration into the world of the side part transcends a mere change in hairstyle; it serves as a powerful reminder of how small shifts in personal presentation can instigate broader feelings of confidence and renewal. It highlights the courage it takes to break from routine, even in seemingly minor aspects of life, and the unexpected joys that can accompany such boldness. The experience underscores the notion that beauty, much like fashion, is a canvas for self-expression and personal evolution. Furthermore, it subtly points to the influence of cultural trends and celebrity styles in shaping individual choices, while ultimately emphasizing the importance of personal comfort and authenticity in adopting any new look. In the end, the side part, though not a daily staple for the author, has found its place as a 'beauty little black dress'—a go-to for special occasions, symbolizing a willingness to reinvent and embrace the transformative power of style.