UPDATE: photos Ch-ch-changes! My Hair and The Middle Part - YouLookFab Forum

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UPDATE: photos Ch-ch-changes! My Hair and The Middle Part

Ket

Veteran

Angie's recent post really resonates with me. This year, for the first time in nearly 15 years, I've made small (or maybe not small??) yet significant changes in my style.

One big change is my hair.

*Cue David Bowie's Changes*

I have had the same hair style for about 15 years. Further, I felt dissatisfied with my hair for the last 3-5 years. Health issues caused thinning hair that forced me to cut my hair into a short bob to disguise the loss of hair. I accepted it. BUT... I never felt the chin-length bob screamed ME from the deepest part of my heart.

This last few months my hair has been slowly growing back. As it has, I've felt a bit encouraged to grow it out again and find a better hairstyle. I've tried a couple of different cuts but my style still felt stale. I couldn't figure out why. Maybe I'm just getting old... And I hate even thinking that, because I'm 29 in my heart forever, dontcha know!

Well.. I ran across this video on Youtube. I was blown away to discover that I have a low cranial top. I wore a side part every single day for 15+ years, based on advice that my diamond face shape was better in a side part. This morning, with a shaking hand, I parted my hair down the middle.

And... I actually love it!

I don't think it's just because it's different either. It feels better with my curls and current though outgrown layered haircut. (I was already overdue for a haircut this month but my stylist had to reschedule for May due to personal reasons.)

The center part discovery has pushed me to try a '70s hairstyle I was already contemplating though felt uncertain about. This autumn and winter I am looking to try a 70s direction with my style. While I certainly don't want to look like a 70s caricature, I'm very tempted to get my hair cut into a more layered 70s feel haircut.

What do you all think? I am a little worried that my hair still might be too thin to wear a middle part convincingly. But I'm also excited about it.

Photos 1-3 are me trying out middle part this morning.
Photos 4-8 are inspiration pics I am considering taking to my stylist next month. However, just note I'm undecided on bangs; I may or may not be getting those. It's the layering and center part I'm especially wanting.

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Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Lisa

Veteran

Isn't it amazing the difference a simple change to the part can make? Sometimes I part my hair with a deep part. It always gets me compliments, but I prefer a middle part for comfort for some odd reason.

I really like the inspiration photos, especially with the bangs. But bangs or no bangs, either will be lovely on you and fit well with your emerging 70s style.

Runcarla

Veteran

I switch up my part left/right ALL THE TIME, but less often wear it with a middle part. I make sure to ‘remind’ my stylist every time I get my hair cut, because she will cut it differently if I consistently wear it parted on one side!

My biggest change is to switch between wearing it straight and wearing it naturally curly. Needs different conditioner, and leave-in products depending on how I want to style it.

I’ve been getting it cut shorter and shorter - into what is called a ‘micro bob.

I think the middle part suits you very well, as would longer hair. I like the Sophia Loren inspo pics more than the ones with bangs, but that could be a personal thing. As a naturally curly haired person, I struggle with bangs.

Dee

Veteran

Your middle part looks great, laughed as you described your shaking hand parting it. Such a fun and easy way to change things up for a slightly different vibe. Enjoyed the video too.
I generally part my hair on the same side just slightly off center, although I have tried parting it on the other side but it just feels weird to me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The middle parting looks awesome Ket! You'll rock longer hair too!

That said, I like the side part and shorter length just as much! You wear it ALL beautifully and with romantic panache

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well you look beautiful with a middle part, but also beautiful with a side part. I am not sure about the bangs for you - have you tried pulling your hair forward to see how it looks? Or using an AI haircut tool to check? Sophia Loren is great inspo for you in any event.

Bijou

Veteran

I'm with Angie - both the side and middle part look great and fun to have versatility in styling options.

I always see Sophia Loren in your style; I would go with that look and cut first and then move to bangs if you feel like a more dramatic change. I'm worried that bangs would take volume out of your hair and require some straightening/blow drying to get it to sit right.

kellygirl

Veteran

Love the middle part. it really suits you. I'm not sure about bangs--you're so pretty without them and they can be a pain to maintain.

Star

Veteran

I think side or centre looks good on you. I wear mine centre or slightly off centre depending on my mood although it likes to fall naturally a little to the side. My haircut accomodates both. Like Carla I too go straight or curly as well. Usually in summer more curly. Humidity has it's way. Your current bob reminds me of a beautiful 1920s look. If you want to go full on 70s longer would definitely be the way to go. I would not write off bangs too quickly, although do experiment before you take the plunge. Bangs can really change up your whole look. When I have them they suit me and I get compliments. I do find them more of a hassle being a curly girl. I always preferred to straighten them even when leaving the rest natural. Bangs do need more regular trims but one can usualy do it oneself.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Well, I think it looks good. New hairstyles are exciting.

Some people who this reminds me of are Natasha Lyonne, young Sigourney Weaver, and young Jennifer Gray. If you grow it, then Carol Kane or Magenta in Rocky Horror look great with a center part.

You also have the right face shape to do a shag, which is my favorite hairstyle of all.

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

The center part looks gorgeous, Ket! I agree with others that you wear the side part well, too. But this change is nice, and it's fun to read how inspired you are by it. Seemingly small changes can go a long way.

Thanks for the video. I learned I have a low cranial top, too.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Looks good! I like the way you usually wear your hair though, as well- looks glamorous with your makeup.

Sisi

Veteran

You look fab with the central part! About bangs I don't know ... I like you with a free forehead. Just my personal taste, of course. But one must experiment, of course.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think you are so beautiful you could wear your hair any way you want. The middle part has a 70s vibe to it, and suits your bohemian side. I say go for it.

RobinF

Veteran

I always love your gorgeous hair! I like the pics with the bangs but I do know they can be a pain for curly hair.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You wear it beautifully either way! I have almost always defaulted to a side part but I switch it up a lot and basically don’t actively part my hair these days. I just kind of let it fall however it wants to, and then push the bangs either to the side or from the middle, depending on how the wave in my hair is growing out — that makes a big difference for me.

Have you seen any of Jayne Matthews’ videos? She does great things with layers, razor cuts, and all kinds of hair texture, with a lot of 70s influences. You might enjoy some of her content. I have been trimming my own hair with some of her techniques, and I know it’s not perfect, but it’s definitely saved me some extra salon visits. I’ve been letting my hair grow out a little bit, with a little more wolf cut in mind, since I don’t like to lean on the same hairstyle for too long. Now that I’ve let the grey grow out, it feels even more important to have a distinct style, and it’s not always easy with my hair texture and preferences.

slim cat

Veteran

Just beautiful - love the new look!

Ket

Veteran

Lisa, it really is amazing what a simple change can do! I dont' know that I'll keep a middle part exclusively for years to come. but I do feel freed to play more!

Carla, your hair always looks so terrific! I love you in both curly and straight. I've actually considered straightening my hair; curly hair sometimes takes just as much work to keep it nice. But having lower density hair, curls make it seem more full. So... back to curly hair I come. Sophia Loren is definitely my main inspiration! The bang photos were more for the rest of the haircut rather than the bangs. I've got side-swept longer bangs right now that I like a lot, but the length in my inspo pics is definitely a bit dangerous and a lot of style maintenance. So, probably won't get it.

Dee, so glad you enjoyed the video!! It was really interesting to me. I love your hair in your profile pic! I want to say I mostly had a center part as a child, but somehow got into side parts about 15-20 years ago.

Angie, oh thank you!! I am really excited to try a new look. (And a little nervous.) Thank you for your very kind words about my hair, past and present. You're always so encouraging and gracious! <3

Jaime, thank you! You're so sweet <3 I didn't post photos here, but I did try faux bangs using bobby pins and fingers). I don't think I'll get the bangs. Glad you love Sophia Loren for me as inspo. I so often return to her for inspiration and ideas. She almost always resonates with me.

Bijou, sounds like Sophia Loren is a great pick! I am not rushing into bangs for the reasons you already listed. The inspo photos are more for the rest of the haircut as I explain to my stylist. I do like a longer sideswept "bang" so I have some shorter pieces to frame my face when I style my hair up. I've tried short bangs and they were a poodle disaster :/

Ket

Veteran

Kelly, you're just so sweet! Bangs are not practical for me. I'm not feeling brave enough to even try, especially maintaining the styling every day... whew.

Star, I love your hair!! (Not sure if I've ever told you that??) I am tempted to try straightening my hair with an air brush. My hair is lower density though, and the curls give me the illusion of bigger, thicker hair. If anything, I sometimes miss humidity! We live in a very arid climate, averaging 10% humidity year round. My curls thrive on moisture, so I have to work a lot harder where we live to have nice curls. Love your wisdom about bangs. I am not plunging into them so quickly. I actually forgot until now that I tried them a couple years ago with a shag-inspired haircut. Can't say I miss them or really love them if I'm honest. But we'll see! maybe this haircut will be different?? Will report back

Carol, I adore Natasha Lyonne!! I know she and I are different in many ways, but her voice, hair, and NY accent and attitude get me every time! I actually dug up her Old Navy commercials on Youtube just to watch her in them lol! You made me glow to hear I had the right face for a shag I tried a shag a couple years ago!! I will dig up the photos and post them today, if I can. I liked the haircut but not the shorter bangs. Which is why I'm not sure I"ll do bangs this time.

Sharan, thank you so dearly!! <3 It does feel fun to have something new to inspire me with my hair. And.. We are low cranial top twins A really interesting take on things. Not sure if I'll stick with a middle part for years to come, but I do feel liberated to try something new.

Ket

Veteran

Jenni, I don't think I'll ever give up the side part. Thank you for you very kind words. You're so lovely!!

Sisi, thank you! I appreciate your feedback on the bangs. I'm not leaning heavily toward them. They're lots of work and I actually think I prefer my forehead more open/free too.

Brooklyn, *blushing from head to toe* thank you <3 I'm going for it!! Nervous but excited...and going to give it a good 70s try

Robin, thank you so much!! Very kind of you <3 I mostly chose the bang pictures because I liked the rest of the haircut. Still not 100% sold on the bangs... so we'll see. I'll post photos of me with bangs from 2 years ago. Not horrible but not my best...

Ket

Veteran

Janet, thank you <3 I kind of have to choose a part? My curls require styling effort and if I don't part it in the mornings, it's kind of a rats nest lol! Bangs... I do really prefer longer "bangs" or pieces I can push to the side and nearly tuck behind my ears. So I doubt I'll get the shorter bang.

I do know Jayne Matthews!! I really adore her haircuts. She really inspired me and in 2022 I tried a razor cut shag. Oddly, my curls hate a razor cut. (!!) My hair refused to curl. A week later I had to go back to my stylist. She also noticed how my hair was laying super limp and was shocked like I was. She "dusted" (recut) all the ends of my hair with shears. Once she did that, my curls and hair sprang to life. I'll post photos below of my shag cut. I don't think the bangs I tried helped?? I kind of forgot about that haircut until I began replying to everyone here. Then I remembered how much I didn't love the bangs. SO... probably won't do much of a bang this time.

Ket

Veteran

Slim cat, thank you so dearly <3 You're just lovely!

Ket

Veteran

I forgot that I had a shag haircut with shorter bangs until I started replying to you all! Inspired by Jayne Matthews, I got a shag haircut with bangs in 2022. Here are photos of it. I didn't love the haircut enough to keep it; it was a one and done experience . I think it was the bangs that deterred me?? My last haircut I asked to have it heavily layered and I've loved it as it grew out. So... I think it's more the bangs than the layering or shag style.

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Star

Veteran

It is pretty but I think I prefer your gorgeous curls without bangs.

Ket

Veteran

Star, I really agree!! I find the bangs almost distracting somehow. (Not sure if that makes sense.)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Brooklyn said! When you are as gorgeous as you are, you can wear your hair any which way! I actually love it in all its iterations.

Style Fan

Veteran

I agree with Brooklyn and Suz! You can wear your hair in all kinds of ways. I love your curls and all the different hairstyles you've had.