The transformative powers of changing up your parting have to, quite literally, be seen to be believed (more of which later...).

After all the time we spend pouring over foundation finishes and seeking the exact right Pantone shade of red lipstick, it seems counterintuitive that something as simple as altering the direction you drag a comb through your hair could elicit such radical change. But that's the sheer beauty of it. Even a hairstyling luddite can get on board with a side parting, even the extreme, verging on comb-over versions we saw at the Spring/Summer 2014 shows.

It's all a play on proportions. Where centre partings open up the face, soften the angles, make you approachable and well, a little unremarkable. So side partings, especially those dragged to the far right or left, imbue the face with a certain intrigue and irreverence that's way more interesting. 

What's more, this is a beauty trend that costs absolutely nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Yes, you can invest in the current styling mist du jour, but really, it's a look you can create yourself, at home, this evening in your parlour with absolutely no need to acquire a single new product on the way home. Isn't that refreshing?

Here's how we got on putting our extreme side partings to the test.

 

Joanna, beauty director

‘I've always considered the pouffed-up side-parting to be the scourge of the Sloane Ranger, a cue which carries no truck with me. It speaks of misspent months at boarding school and people named 'Minty' and 'Veevs'. I like my parting to be darted down the middle like a teenage goth. Or do I? The catwalk, as is its primal aim, has presented an altogether more attractive visual disposition. Luigi Murenu's flicked over side partings at Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2014 were more Duran Duran in Paris than Jack Wills. It was sexy hair, after so much androgyny. With the aid of a liberal dash of Bleach Swamp Spritz, £6, I am truly converted, not least because the extreme side parting does a fine job of flattering my high forehead but also because the hair flick motion in itself is intolerably satisfying.’

 

Daisy, designer 

'My fringe is growing out so I've been experimenting with quite a few parting options of late. This look was really easy to do, I started with loosely tonged hair, created my low side parting then backcombed the underside of the hair I was sweeping across to add volume. I then lightly sprayed it with Bumble and Bumble City Swept Finish, £21.50, to add texture and separation which was nice and light on my fine hair. I tucked the other side behind by ear and tried to channel Daria on a New York roof-top. I'm not sure this style would hold up that well against spring gusts of wind, but since it's more of a lived-in look the more mess and tousling the better.'

 

Elin, junior fashion editor

‘Extreme side partings are definitely not my territory. I prefer my parting straight down the middle, wannabe hippy – that’s me. Extreme side partings look great on models but the worry is that side partings look a bit Sloaney. The trick to not looking Sloaney (so I’ve learnt) is product. I used Shu Uemura Detail Master Directional Fixing Spray, £22, (available in salons) which gets rid of flyaways and keeps the line nice and graphic. And yes, I will be indulging in a side parting again because it’s perfect for showing off statement earrings. So a total added fashion benefit there.’

 

Laura, staff writer

'The messy side sweep that models wore at Prada’s spring 2010 show, and the wild bob Arizona Muse wore to one side on the cover of Self Service a couple of years ago have always stuck in my mind, so I was keen to try this trend. The best thing is that it was mega easy to do – simply part, sweep, pin and then backcomb with a bit of dry shampoo. You can take the parting really deep as there’ll be a pin holding it in place. Finish the ends with some texturising paste so that it looks undone and you’re ready to go. I will definitely wear this hair again as it felt pretty glamorous with a messy badass streak.'