Deep Side Parts and Sleek Buns: Polished Looks for Spring
Spring 2019 has brought a refreshing shift toward polished, put-together hairstyles that feel sophisticated without being stuffy. After years of tousled, undone hair dominating the trend landscape, there is a renewed appreciation for styles that look intentional and refined. Two looks in particular are defining the season: the deep side part and the sleek bun. At Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton, we have been seeing a surge in requests for these styles, and we love helping our clients master them.
The Return of the Deep Side Part
The center part has ruled supreme for the past several years, but spring 2019 has brought the deep side part back into the conversation. A deep side part is created by moving your part significantly to one side of your head, sometimes as far as the outer edge of your eyebrow. This creates asymmetry, with a dramatic sweep of hair falling over one eye while the other side lies flatter and closer to the head.
The appeal of the deep side part is the instant glamour it adds to any hairstyle. Even the simplest haircut looks more sophisticated and intentional with a deep side part. It adds volume on one side of the head, creates an elongating effect on the face, and exudes a kind of old Hollywood elegance that center parts, no matter how trendy, simply cannot replicate.
For women with round faces, the deep side part is especially flattering. The asymmetrical sweep of hair creates diagonal lines that make the face appear longer and slimmer. For women with long faces, a deep part paired with volume at the sides adds width and balance. It is one of those rare styling tricks that works across face shapes because the fundamental effect of breaking symmetry is universally attractive.
Styling a deep side part starts with finding the right position. Stand in front of a mirror and move your comb gradually from the center of your hairline toward your temple, checking the effect at each position. For most people, the sweet spot is somewhere above the arch of the eyebrow. Once you find your ideal position, use a fine-tooth comb to create a clean, defined part line. A little bit of lightweight gel or pomade smoothed along the part line keeps it precise throughout the day.
Making It Work in Boca Raton’s Humidity
The biggest challenge with polished styles in South Florida is humidity. A perfectly sleek part can dissolve into frizzy chaos within minutes of stepping outside. There are several strategies to combat this.
First, start with properly prepped hair. A smoothing or anti-frizz product applied to damp hair before blow drying creates a foundation of smoothness that humidity has a harder time penetrating. Second, use a finishing serum or anti-humidity spray after styling. These products create a seal over the cuticle that prevents moisture from the air from swelling the hair shaft and causing frizz.
Third, consider a professional smoothing treatment. Keratin treatments or similar smoothing services reduce frizz at a structural level, making every style, including polished looks like the deep side part, exponentially easier to achieve and maintain in our tropical climate.
The Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is the other star of spring 2019, and it pairs beautifully with the deep side part. This is not a casual, messy bun thrown together with a scrunchie. It is a polished, intentional bun positioned at the nape of the neck, with every strand smoothed into place and a glossy, refined finish.
The sleek low bun works for virtually every occasion. It is appropriate for the office, elegant enough for a formal event, and chic enough for a dinner date. It also happens to be one of the most practical hairstyles for our South Florida lifestyle. It keeps hair off the neck and face in the heat, survives wind without falling apart, and transitions seamlessly from day to night.
To create a sleek low bun, start by brushing your hair back with a natural-bristle brush, which smooths the cuticle and adds shine. Apply a light-hold gel or smoothing cream to control flyaways and create a polished surface. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a tight bun, securing it with bobby pins that match your hair color. Tuck any loose ends under the bun and smooth them with a tiny amount of pomade or wax.
For a more modern variation, leave a few wispy pieces out around the face. These tendrils soften the look and make it feel less severe, which is important if you want the style to feel approachable rather than uptight. A light curl or wave on the loose pieces adds a touch of romance.
Elevated Ponytails
While we are discussing polished styles, the elevated ponytail deserves mention. The 2019 ponytail is sleek, high, and gleaming with shine. It is not the casual workout ponytail you throw together in thirty seconds. It is a styled, deliberate look that belongs on a runway as much as at a lunch meeting.
The key to an elevated ponytail is smoothness. Use a brush and smoothing product to eliminate any bumps or ridges on the surface of the hair. Position the ponytail at the crown of the head for maximum lift and energy. Secure it with a strong elastic, then take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it, pinning it underneath. Finish by flat ironing the length of the ponytail for a sleek, straight finish, or adding a soft wave for movement.
High ponytails have the bonus effect of creating a subtle face-lift. The upward pull of the hair tightens the skin slightly and creates a more youthful, lifted appearance. It is a trick that stylists and celebrities have used for decades, and it works every time.
Accessories for Polished Styles
Spring 2019 has also brought a wave of elegant hair accessories that complement polished styles perfectly. Gold cuffs, pearl-studded pins, and minimalist metal barrettes add a touch of refinement without overwhelming the look. A single gold barrette securing a deep side part, or a pearl-encrusted pin nestled into a low bun, can elevate a simple style into something truly special.
These accessories are also practical. A well-placed pin or barrette can secure flyaways, hold a part in place, or keep a bun from loosening, all while adding a decorative element. Our Boca Raton clients love that these accessories serve double duty as both functional tools and fashion statements.
When to Choose Polished Over Undone
Polished styles work best when you want to project confidence, professionalism, and attention to detail. Job interviews, important meetings, formal events, and date nights are all occasions where a sleek, intentional hairstyle communicates that you have put thought and effort into your appearance. That said, there are no rules. If you feel best with a polished look on a casual Saturday, go for it. Hair is about how it makes you feel.
The beauty of these styles is that they work on almost any hair length and texture with the right products and technique. Whether you have fine, thick, straight, or curly hair, our stylists at Sofia Loren Salon can help you find the polished look that works for your specific hair.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready to master the polished looks of spring 2019? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton for a styling session with our expert team. We will teach you the techniques and recommend the products you need to recreate these sleek styles at home. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.