We're here to offer you a parting gift when it comes to your hair this spring. The hottest looks among stars and on the runway predict that center parts are going to be a big hair trend. But before you panic and worry about looking like a zipperhead or a hippie, here are a few ways to wear this hair-raising style. First of all, while it's not a perfect style for all face shapes, most really can wear some modified version of a center part. The perfect face shape for a sleek, straight, middle-parted style is the round face - think Renee Zellweger and Drew Barrymore. A center part can add the optical illusion of length to a circular face, but only if it's a longer, more angular cut that hits well below the chin. Adding height at the crown of the head - with curls or an updo, for example, helps create the effect as well.
A messy bun with long side bangs allowed to hang freely is a great look for women with round faces. Those who have oblong or long faces - Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow are good examples - can also wear a center part, but in order to minimize the lengthening effect, these women should go for softer styles, like SJP's pretty, soft curls. Fringe bangs also help to break up the length. And for women with heart-shaped faces, like Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, a middle part may not be the best choice, as it emphasizes the forehead. Bangs are a great way to minimize a large forehead, as is creating fullness at the chin with curly or wavy styles. The best rule of thumb is to avoid any extreme styles. Remember, the more subtle the style, the more versatile.