Change Your Hair Part, Change Your Life (2024)

When trying to make your New Year’s resolutions, it’s the serious stuff that first comes to mind. But there’s also something to be said for setting a less lofty goal you can hit in a matter of days, then pat yourself on the back for the rest of the year. So rather than (or in addition to) training for that marathon, cutting out sugar or saving money, here’s a fun, easy resolution to make: change your part. Yep, something as simple as changing how you part your hair can have a positive effect on your mood, making it totally resolution-worthy.

So, why switch your part?

It’s good for you
We develop routines for a reason, but mixing it up can be a good thing. When you consciously change an aspect of your behavior, you’re effectively rewiring your brain to make new connections. Basically, you’re helping keep your brain in shape. So changing your part may benefit what’s under your hair, too.

It’s good for your hair
Changing your part actually makes your hair healthier. Fact is, the longer you wear the same part, the more your hair gets weighed down on one side, causing the roots to get weaker in that area, leading to breakage. Flipping your hair to part on the reverse allows your roots to stand upright and breathe. This also gives your “dominant side”, or the side you usually spend more time styling, a break from heat-styling, etc. Plus, switching to a side part can give your hair a major volume boost.

It sends a message
What does the way you part your hair say about you? Maybe nothing, maybe a lot. Some scientists have come up with something called Hair Part Theory, a psycho-behavioral exploration which states that parting your hair on the left may indicate an aptitude for left-brain thinking—logical, verbal, analytical—while parting your hair on the right is a nod to attributes commonly associated with right-brain thinking—visual, intuitive, artistic. So if you want to be seen as a more logical person, consider parting your hair to the left. Just a thought!

It’s just fun
Makeovers are seldom this inexpensive and easy. Even better—if you hate your new look, you can backtrack (backcomb?) right away.

Change Your Hair Part, Change Your Life (1)

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Side part or middle part? The choice is yours.

To create a side part, hold a comb up to the highest point of your left or right eyebrow. Where the comb is even with your hairline is where you should begin parting your hair.

For a middle part, brush your hair away from your face and let it fall naturally to the front. A little to the left or right of center is just fine.

Now, here’s how to make the switch stick.

Every night before bed, dampen your hair at the roots, then part it where you want it and brush into place. Style in a low ponytail or braid. You can even spritz on a finishing spray for added hold. Repeat this ritual every night for one week. By then, your new part should be falling into place on its own.

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Change Your Hair Part, Change Your Life (2024)

FAQs

Why is it important to change your hair part? ›

"The longer we wear the same part, the more we wear the hair down in that area and cause breakage," explains Annie Rush, a hairstylist at Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City. Exhibit A: the pesky baby hairs that poke up along your part despite every effort to keep them tamed with hair spray, pomade, or a flatiron.

What is the psychology of changing your hair? ›

Conclusion. Hair plays a significant role in our self-image and emotional well-being. From the way we style our hair to the products we use, our hair choices can reflect our identity and self-expression. A good hair day can boost confidence and self-esteem, while a bad hair day can have the opposite effect.

Does changing parting help with hair loss? ›

Although changing the direction of the hair parting will not directly affect hair loss, it does have an impact on the hair density of the area, since where the hair opens up, when exposed to factors that alter its well-being, it can begin to lose some density.

Does the side you part your hair mean anything? ›

We hypothesize below. You mean business. Women who part their hair to the left tend to be perceived as driven and intelligent. They like to think things through, but they also like to get things done—and end up in positions of power in the process.

What happens if you don't change your hair part? ›

“By always parting the hair to the same side, one area of the scalp is always exposed to environmental aging,” explains Quevedo, adding “The microbiome is altered, and contamination enters the follicles, altering the ideal microenvironment of the scalp that maintains continuous growth and a healthy scalp.

Why your hair is the most important part of your look? ›

Hair is the reflection of our identity because it is both personal and public. It's crucial part of your appearance and sets the tone for your entire look. 1. It enhances your beauty: Hairs make you look beautiful, but it definitely adds to your natural beauty.

What emotions are related to hair? ›

Our hair can greatly influence our emotions and self-esteem. A good hair day can boost our confidence, while a bad hair day can leave us feeling insecure. This emotional connection is rooted in our innate desire to look and feel our best, as our appearance often influences how others perceive us.

Does hair hold emotions? ›

Hair is a visible aspect of our identity, and changes to hair (such as cutting, shaving, or changing its color) can reflect internal emotional shifts. This doesn't mean the hair physically contains the trauma, but that our emotional states, including trauma, can influence our perception and treatment of our hair.

Does your hair show your personality? ›

“For example, a more adventurous, colourful hairstyle may signify a bolder, experimental personality, while a sleeker, more classic cut may suggest a more sophisticated, professional person.”

How to fix old lady hair? ›

How women over 50 can combat dry or brittle hair
  1. Add Moisture to Replenish Natural Oils. As you age, it is more important than ever to add moisturizing products to your hair care routine. ...
  2. Reduce Heat Products. ...
  3. Add Some Shine. ...
  4. Get Regular Cuts. ...
  5. Look at Your Diet.

What does a healthy hair part look like? ›

A normal hair part is characterized by the even distribution of hair along the scalp. This means that the hair is adequately covering the entire scalp area without any noticeable thinning or widening of the part. A healthy scalp generally produces enough hair strands to maintain a consistent appearance when parted.

Which parting is better for hair? ›

The general consensus seems to be that parting on one's left makes a person look competent and masculine, whereas parting on the right makes a person look warm and feminine.

Why do most people part their hair on the right? ›

The popular culture view is that the left hair part makes a person appear more competent and masculine and the right part warmer and more feminine.

Should I part my hair or not? ›

A natural part is modern yet classic. It will allow the hair to have more volume on top rather than if you have a part that is forced from lower on the head. It will also establish balance in your whole haircut, making you look more put together.

Should I let my hair part naturally? ›

Where your hair falls naturally is a good place to start when experimenting, but don't feel as if you're stuck with that look. Hair can be trained, so it's all about learning which hair part suits you best. Of course, that's easier said than done.

Should I switch to a middle part? ›

"The middle part is one of the most fashionable hair trends," Bergamy tells us. "It gives a more youthful look without looking childish." It tends to work best on faces that are more or less symmetrical, but can also help elongate shorter, wider face shapes. "A middle part gives a slimmer look," Bergamy adds.

Why has my parting changed? ›

A major cause of a widening hair parting is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or, in this case, female pattern baldness. This condition affects 12% of women aged 20-29 and over 50% of women by the time they reach 80 years old [1].

Should I follow my natural hair part? ›

Or down the middle. You can always part your hair against its natural predilection—and we certainly encourage switching it up every so often—but be aware that it's most easily done to go with your natural part.

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