The division of hair may seem like an insignificant little thing, but it can actually have a big impact on your overall appearance. Don't have time to improve your appearance? Change your hairdo! Just switch the division in the middle of your head to the side (or vice versa). This method can give your hair a new, better look without spending a fortune at the salon. So what are you waiting for?
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Type of Hair Part
Step 1. Determine the shape of your face
When deciding what type of section is right for your hair, you should take the shape of your face into consideration.
- Some haircuts can make certain face shapes better than others, so take a look at your face in the mirror and try to decide if your face is round, square, oval or heart-shaped.
- Try doing a section of hair in the middle of your head if you have heart shaped face. A center section can help make your face longer (since people with heart-shaped faces tend to have a wider area around the cheeks), but only if you have long hair. If you have short hair, you should part your hair slightly to the sides so that it covers part of your forehead and makes your face slimmer.
- Try dividing your hair on the far side of your head if you have a round or square shape. For people with round faces, this division will help to balance and make the face longer. For people who have a square face, this division will help to disguise the sharp corners around the forehead and jawline.
- Do an experiment if you have oval shaped face. People with oval faces can create quite a number of hairdos, so experiment with center divisions, side divisions, diagonal divisions and even zigzags!
Step 2. Consider the aspects of your face
Not only can the shape of your face have an influence on the type of haircut that looks good on you, aspects of your own face also have a role to play in this.
- One side of a person's face is usually more prominent or stronger than the other, so that side is the side where you will part your hair.
- To find out which side of your face is stronger, stand in front of a mirror and hold a piece of paper in front of your face, first on one side, then on the other. The side of the face that has more upward aspect (always present) is the stronger side.
- Another way to decide where the haircut is right for you is to look at your nose. If the nose is pointing slightly in either direction (most noses are) then the division should be done on the opposite side to restore facial symmetry.
- However, you should also think about which side of the face you prefer. If you believe that one side of your face is your "best side," then that's the side you should flaunt when choosing a side for your hairdo.
Step 3. Think about the look you want to achieve
The last thing you need to consider when deciding on a haircut is whether there is a particular look or style you want to achieve. Certain haircuts will look really good with certain styles.
- The middle part looks great when paired with long hair styled in big wavy, for a cool bohemian look. This division also looks amazing with slick short hair that is simple yet elegant.
- The side parting looks great for natural and simple wavy hairstyles. However, the side parting adds a retro charm to your hair and looks great when paired with big curls or a classy hairstyle.
- A zigzag section is the best option if your hair is a bit limp, as it adds volume to your hair. It's also a great way to cover your roots if your hair color needs fixing, and add a little variety and creativity to any hairstyle.
Part 2 of 2: Parting Your Hair
Step 1. Start with freshly washed hair
Start by washing it with shampoo and conditioner, then comb it until there are no tangles.
- Blow dry your hair completely (unless you have very thin/straight hair, in which case your hair can be slightly damp).
- Re-brush your hair to make sure there are no knots or tangles, as this will make the process of dividing the hair much easier.
Step 2. Use a fine-tail comb to draw the hairline you have chosen
A pointed-tail comb is the best tool for separating your hair, as the pointed ends help to divide the hair very precisely. If you don't have a fine-tail comb, you can also use a fine-toothed comb (or even your fingers if you plan on parting your hair in a messy style).
- Hold the comb perpendicular to your scalp, then use the pointed end to draw a line through your hair, pulling back from your forehead.
- If you want a symmetrical center division, draw a line from the middle of the bridge of your nose. If you want a side division, draw a line from the brow arch on the side you selected.
- If you want a zigzag division, first do a regular center division, then use the tip of a comb to make a "bend" on one side of the line. Use your fingers to smooth the hair into place, then "bend" it in the opposite direction. Continue with these steps, trimming the hair into place after each "one monk" or "next monk" maker.
Step 3. Use your fingers to smooth the hair into place
Before you lift the comb from your scalp, use the fingers of your free hand to smooth the hair to the right side of the section.
Step 4. Use bobby pins to secure the separated hair
Since this is a new division, you may find your hair difficult to style.
- If this is the case, you can use a few bobby pins to hold the newly separated hair in place until your hair is flat.
- If you have time before traveling, put on a knit hat/beanie and wear it for a while at home. This will practice your new section of hair so that it stays in place!
Step 5. Spray with styling spray
As an added precaution, lightly spray your hair with styling spray (holding the spray can at least 30 cm from your head). Then use your hands to brush your hair into place.
Step 6. Repeat daily until your hair settles naturally in the hair section you have chosen
If you're happy with the new section, stick to the same section every day. Remember to use all of the tricks described above to hold your hair straight against your scalp. In the end the hair will naturally straighten in place.
Tips
- Since this is a new style or a complicated hairstyle, you need to try it when you don't have to go anywhere all day. That way, if this process doesn't work, you won't have to show your face or hair.
- Using styling products is a good idea, at least until your hair gets used to the new (if not longer) section.
Warning
- If you choose to use styling products to maintain your new hairdo, consider your hair type and how often you wash your hair.
- It takes time to train your hair to get used to the new division. Be patient.
- Your hair can come back out of the new section, back to its original section. Be prepared with combs and styling products you'll be using, that way you can fix them if/when needed.
- Remember, good health is the foundation of beauty.
- If all else fails, consult a professional. A good hair stylist will give you valuable advice and help you keep your hair healthy. There's no point in having the perfect haircut if your hair is dull, brittle, and looks awful regardless of how you style it.
