Spring 2011 Hair Trend: The Deep Side Part
Photos: Getty Images
The deep side part as seen on the Gucci, Narciso Rodriguez and Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 runway.
Dramatic in its restraint, the sleek, deep-side-part hairstyle had a major moment on the Spring 2011 runway, looking at times androgynous, exotic, and even downright all American.
At Gucci, hairstylist Luigi Murenu—inspired by “’70s, sleek women”—gave the girls a severe side part that almost bordered on masculine. The effect was tempered with braids in back and a ripe red lip, with the end result being pure, stylized glamour.
Androgyny was also on hand at Prada, where Guido Palau’s strict side part shared the spotlight with ’30s-inspired, highly shellacked finger waves in front. It was gender equality, flapper style.
One might expect a more straightforward, uptown-pretty interpretation at Carolina Herrera, but instead, the designer went east. Way east: The models’ simple, neat side parts were inspired by traditional Korean styles. From the front the whole effect was pretty zen.
Those seeking something more feminine found it at Narciso Rodriguez, where Eugene Souleiman’s side-parted blowouts looked a touch wholesome, though they had a ’90s minimalist edge. “I miss those sleek, clean styles from the ’90s,” says Soulieman. “I loved the groomed perfection, yet the hair still moved.”
When talking about his spring collection, Rodriguez cited Carolyn Bessette Kennedy—one of his first and most famous clients—as inspiration. Like Rodriguez’s designs, the side-part styles were clean, sophisticated and simple. And unlike a lot of this season’s more editorial looks, we’re pleased to say this incarnation was also extremely wearable.
How to create the perfect side part: Make like Murenu and get yourself a tail comb—it’s essential for creating that neat part.
Starting from the front of your hairline (and a couple of inches left or right from the center of your forehead), use the narrow, pointed end of the comb to carefully “draw”—or more accurately, drag—a straight, sharp part line from your forehead to the crown.
Next, use a brush to smooth both sections of your hair, so no errant strands are straddling what should now be a clear, precise part.
For added manageability, Murenu prepped hair with John Frieda Luxurious Volume Bountiful Body Mousse. He finished the look with John Frieda 100% Shine Glossing Mist.
How to keep hair ’90s sleek: There are three steps to creating the sleek look seen at Narciso Rodriguez, says Souleiman.
First, make sure your hair is in great condition by using a protein mask once a week. “This will rehydrate your hair, make it more manageable, and add shine,” says Souleiman.
Next, blow out hair using a round brush and a blow-dryer set on a high speed (to help flatten the cuticle) and medium heat (to prevent hair from dehydrating). “If your dryer has a slim nozzle, use it,” says Souleiman. “This directs the heat and gives more control. Face it downward to prevent dry, flyaway ends.”
Finish with Wella Velvet Amplifier, which is lighter than a serum and won’t weigh hair down. Warm a small amount of the product between your hands, then rub the bristles of a Mason Pearson brush into your palm so a small amount of product sits on the ends of the bristles. “This technique prevents frizz and adds shine,” says Souleiman.
