Normally do a middle part?
Try the side
Many women, like our model, have a cowlick along their hairline. A side part positioned directly opposite the cowlick creates a slight lift, adding height where the hair falls over it. And soft waves are a stunning complement to this silhouette. Use a large-barrel curling iron on three-inch sections of hair, from the ears to the ends (you want to keep the hair above the ears smooth). Brush through the ringlets, and rub a light serum on your palms before gently patting down any flyaways.
Why the change will do you good: "A side part creates a slight asymmetry in the face, which results in an exotic look that can be very alluring," says David Hidalgo, MD, a New York City plastic surgeon and artist whose portraits explore nuances of shape and form. And when your hair falls across your forehead, it draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
Normally do a side part?
Try the middle
A simple center part has a clean, crisp appeal. After blow-drying your hair straight, divide it from the hairline back to the crown. A touch of lightweight serum (like Avon Moisture Sleek Smoothing Serum, $5) smooths any flyaways along the part.
Why the change will do you good: If you've noticed a little midwinter fullness in your cheeks, you'll appreciate the slimming effect of a center part.
Normally leave your hair down?
Pull it up
Forget the word updo, with its connotations of bridesmaids and uptown matrons. The effect here is sophisticated, not stuffy. Just use your hands to rake back hair, and secure it above the nape of your neck. Tease the length of the ponytail to create texture, then pin the ends into a messy bun.
Why the change will do you good: "When the hair is pulled off the face, it accentuates the elegant silhouette of the jawline and neck," says Hidalgo. If your hair is light (gray or blonde) you'll likely also find that the color looks deeper when you pull it back, which can be another slight—but interesting—change.
Normally pull your hair up?
Leave it down
With the right products, naturally wavy hair can air-dry into a style that's relaxed but not a bit disheveled. Work a styling cream through damp hair to smooth its natural texture. Then spritz a volumizer (try Redken Body Full Volume Amplifier, $16) along the roots to coax out some height at the crown.
Why the change will do you good: Wearing your hair down creates flattering softness around your neck and décolletage—and might even lighten your mood.
Normally straighten your hair?
Wear it curly
To keep springy curls like these soft (but still defined), comb a cocktail of rinse-out conditioner (a half-dollar-size dollop) and gel (just a dime-size squirt) through wet hair and leave it in while hair air-dries.
Why the change will do you good: Embracing your natural texture and volume gives you a captivating new feature. "People will be drawn as much to your lush hair as they are to your eyes or your cheekbones or your mouth," says Hidalgo. A new look, a (temporarily) new you.
Normally wear your hair curly? Straighten it
For the silkiest results, go easy on product. Patrick recommends combing only a light leave-in conditioner through damp hair. Then direct the nozzle of your blow-dryer straight down behind a paddle brush as you pull the brush slowly from roots to ends. Once hair is dry, glide a flatiron along two-inch sections. Finally, run a dab of smoothing cream (like Aveeno Nourish + Style Smoothing Shine Crème, $7.50) over your ends.
Why the change will do you good: Straight hair lies close to the head and acts like parentheses around your features, framing the face, says Hidalgo. And a smooth style is a smart way to complement a statement necklace or earrings.
Next: Why a slight haircolor change could make all the difference
