Parting Words

 

January 5, 2025

 

A reader wrote in to a fashion-tips column lamenting the return of center hair parts, and asking how long this unflattering “trend” was going to last.

 

Huh?

 

I didn’t know that a center part was a “trend.” It just happens. Maybe the reader was complaining about a center part and the hair just hanging long and limply. I don’t know. But I thought it was a weird thing to be unhappy about.

 

I have a natural center part. I don’t fight with it, because that would take more effort than I’m willing to spend; although I do have a flattering hairstyle, and don’t just let the hair hang, it definitely is parted in the center. So, she’ll have to deal with it.

 

But about being judgmental:

 

About 15 years ago, I saw a newscaster with a part in an artful “S” shape. It was unconventional, and I thought it looked odd, but I was willing to give her points for being herself. Then I noticed that EVERY SINGLE NEWSCASTER had adopted that style—maybe it was their choice, or maybe every news station made the women wear that style. Who knows? So, it went from being one person’s choice to (in my opinion) a really weird trend. Thankfully, it’s over. 

 

So, I guess I should let the person have her gripe. We all get worked up about something inconsequential, I guess. (Like, WHEN are women on TV going to stop wearing lip gloss? It looks weird.)

 

But I’m keeping my center part.