A very common method of parting the hair involves the natural part, which runs right down the center of one's head. If this is your current style and you are ready for a change, try to form a new part a bit to the left or the right of your current part.

How to Part Your Hair

Parting your hair on your own is a cinch! If you aren't familiar with doing so but want to try a new look, first comb your hair as if you are going to throw it back into a ponytail. Then take a thin comb and trace a straight line along your scalp where your hair meets your forehead to the back of your head.

Separate the hair on either side of the new part and gently brush or comb it down until it lays smoothly. If you find difficulty with this, you may want to introduce a small dab of a non-sticky styling product to your hair to calm it down. Also, if your hair is very accustomed to a certain style, you may have to "train" it to respond to the new part by brushing in the desired direction and adding styling products when necessary.

To keep hair healthy and strong, it is important to schedule a trim regularly (or trim it yourself if you are scissors-inclined!) to prevent split ends.

If you choose to have your stylist trim your mane for you, she should ask how you part your hair if she does not already know. It is important to "cut with the part" to keep your hair even and natural looking.

My stylist, Pat, says, "The best thing to do is to be very vocal-talk about what you want and the things you don't understand with your stylist."

A Chic Zigzag Part

If you only want to change your look for a night, a chic zigzag part will stand you out from the crowd. Using your comb, simply trace the part back and forth from your forehead to the back of the head. Then separate the sections so that they lay evenly on either side of your head.

Though you already have a comb on hand, a handy, inexpensive tool makes the zigzag process a bit easier. The "Part Pizazz" is a tool with a point on one end and arms that swing open to separate the sections of hair when you are finished.

To design the zigzag you merely trace the desired pattern on your head as if using a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. Hairagami(r) produces the "Part Pizazz."

Whether you are enjoying your new look indefinitely or just for a night, remember not to run your hands through your hair too much as it may disrupt the style. Be bold, be conservative-be YOU-have fun and make a statement.

Make sure you are confident in your new style as you sport it in public. Then bask in the glow of attention as those close to you notice something is just a bit different about you. Switching your part can make you feel fresh, energized and sexy. Enjoy it!