The centre might be where hair sits if you want to rock a 60s or 70s vibe in 2012, but for those looking for a part that offers up more of a fashion-forward vibe then your 2012 hairstyle is all about the side part.
Wear it left, right, up, down, wet, dry, when you’re in a hurry or taking your time… it matters not. What matters is that in 2012, if you’ve got the hair to suit the styles, you move your hair part to the side.
All that leaves one question: what hairstyles does the side part work with for 2012? You’ll find the answer after the break. You’ll also find that you can receive all your hair and fashion trend updates by subscribing to newsletter or RSS feed.
It goes wthout saying that if you have hair, you can part it to the side – even the tighest of curls will be receptive to a side part provided the right product is used. This trend guide isn’t about just any side part, however. It’s about the side parts that are in fashion in 2012, and that means it’s about side parts that work with straight hair or curly / wavy hair that can be relaxed. That’s not to say that you can’t draw inspiration from what follows should you have hair that doesn’t fall into the previous categories, other lengths and types are just not being directly addressed.
Side part: hairstyles that suit
In 2012, the women’s side part works inline with the following hairstyle trends.
Across your forehead.
The side part challenges the fringe / bangs to dominance in 2012, with the length of the hair sweeping across the forehead and the shorter part tucking behind the ear.
J. Mendel’s spring 2012 showing used the style to great effect, with TIGI hairstylist Paul Hanlon creating a look that interpreted the part with a thoroughly modern haistyle of texture, waves and shiny, though not wet, product. When you look at the pictures you’ll see it’s a style that is visually stronger for those with long hair, though not without its appeal for those with a below-the-chin bob ala Arizona Muse. You can find a how to for the J. Mendel article further down in this trend guide.
Slick, wet, tight.
This is one interpretation of the side part that is less dependent on your hair and more dependent on your face shape. Tightly slicked and inline with 2012′s wet hair look, this sharp parting has a masculine quality and works with everything from a short cut (think the 30s / 70s revival) through to longer locks. Custo Barcelona worked with the latter on their spring / summer 2012 catwalk, working a copious quantity of gel into the hair to give a head turning factor to an otherwise simple, androgynous hairstyle. At the rear they styled each model’s long hair / hair extensions into a sleek pony tail.
If the wet look is too much for you, Tibi worked with a similar shape at their spring / summer showing filling the void left behind by the wet look’s removal with a rear clip.
Tight sides, long back.
If hairstyles that feature an obvious use of product aren’t your thing then tigher sides with a flowing back may be an option. Tucking the hair behind both ears, Lela Rose’s spring 2012 showing complimented the side part with light texture and a hairline twist. It’s that twist that is the eye catching detail for this particular interpretation – it starts at the side part, is worked across hairline, along the side of the head, before being pinned at the rear.
If you’re short on time or desire to style a hair twist, Kérastase hairstylist Odile Gilbert created a windswept style for Phillip Lim that may prove a good alternative. Varying the hairline, Gilbert’s variation depends on a messy, rear double knot for its detail.
Flapper.
With the slow return of 1920s inspired fashion to prominance, you can be sure that the era’s hairstyles will again be equally as popular. Which means that a number of takes on the flapper bob will be popular. While the flapper bob works with a centre part, those with fine hair will turn again to the centre part.
Straight and elegant.
If the side parting that’s worn long at the back and tight on the sides has a casual air, then it’s safe to say that this take on the style is wholly elegant albeit potentially limited to being paired with eventwear and worn to said events. Jenny Packham’s last showing offered up the look; it’s certainly not revolutionary, but it’s here for what it’s worth.
The J. Mendel side part tips
You don’t need a ‘how to’ for the side part in general, however, with J. Mendel’s 70s interpretation of it dominating the look for 2012 some pointers there shan’t go astray. Note that if you want to create a slick or wet take on the style, you can find more tips and how-to steps at our wet look hair page by following that link.
To get J. Mendel’s spring 2012 runway look:
- First spray the hair with a sea salt spray, then crete a low side part. Tuck the smaller section behind the ear.
- Liberally spray the front of the hair with hair spray then blast it with a hairdryer. The side-part that covers the face should be super stiff and a little textured.
- At J. Mendel, the hair team used the trick of pulling a net over the hair and spraying it with more hairspray to really stick down the hair.
For more inspiration for side parted hairstyles off the runways, click on the thumbnails above and peruse the full gallery.
