We’ll let you into our best hair secret. There’s one trick that can instantly make hair look fuller at any age, and it doesn’t require pricey products or even a pair of scissors. Just ask Amal Clooney, whose recent ‘Manhattan hair’ makeover proves that a simple side parting can create the illusion of thicker looking locks in seconds.
Amal, 47, debuted the glamorous look earlier today at the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards in Thailand, accompanied by her long-time A-list hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos. In a post shared to Instagram, Dimitris explained, ‘for the hair I wanted to keep it effortless in a “90s side-part Manhattan blowout”’
By now, we’re convinced Amal has never had a bad hair day. Her long, chocolate-brown locks were blow-dried to sleek perfection, but it was the subtle side parting that truly crowned the look by adding instant lift and volume.
It’s this small detail that top hairstylists tell us can make the biggest difference — even on fine, mature hair. ‘When it comes to adding that illusion of thickness, a slightly off-centre parting is good, and much more modern than a deep side part,’ says mdLondon founder Michael Douglas.
He explains, ‘hair tends to ‘bend’ in a different way when you move the parting, even if it’s just shifted a fraction, so it will sit less flat to the head. It’s great for getting lift at the root.’ Having it placed only a little to the side ‘also avoids you looking like you have loads of hair one side, and only a small amount the other,’ he adds – something you definitely don’t want if you’re older and your hair is thinner.
Courtesy of DimitrisHair
The right styling products also work hand in hand with a parting switch up. ‘I’d also advise using a texturising spray when you’re moving a parting, to shape it but also to put in a bit of oomph,’ says Michael. Try his new The 5 Dry Shampoo and Texture Spray.
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mdlondon THE 5 Dry Shampoo & Texture SprayCredit: amazon
Volume isn’t the only benefit either. Hair pros say a side parting can also cleverly work to enhance your best features, all while subtly disguising areas you’d rather not draw attention to. As Michael explains, ‘most women think they have a ‘good’ side to their face, and a side parting allows your hair to fall so that more of that side is on show.’
Beyond shape-shifting magic, a side part adds an undeniable red-carpet polish to any look — as Amal proves. ‘A side parting is a lot more glamorous than a middle parting,’ explains celebrity hairdresser Gustav Fouche. ‘It opens the face up and also gives the facial outline a lot more definition,’ he says. ‘If we look at Amal, her facial shape is quite oblong/oval which definitely helps with this hairstyle,’ he explains. ‘She looks gorgeous.’
It’s safe to say we’ve been convinced. So, if you’re also ready to part (sorry) with your middle parting, consider this your sign to give a side sweep a try.
While Amal has a glam-squad on dial, it’s easy to achieve at home. ‘Create your new parting when your hair is wet,’ advises top hairstylist Tom Smith. ‘That way, your hair is set in place before it starts to dry and fall back to its usual memory.’
It’s the easiest volume boost you’ll ever try.