Blame Victoria’s Secret models. Blame Kate Moss. Blame the sea of catwalk shows last autumn that pledged allegiance to the razor-sharp middle parting. These middle-parting devotees have blinded us to the wanton romanticism of the side parting. It serves as a hiding place for angst-ridden teens, something to pout through for French ingénues, and to many – if not all – women it is flattery in hair form.

Look to Christopher Kane’s s/s 2012 show for evidence. With mussed up hair across one side of the face, the side-parting is playful, chic and youthful. And, mercifully, it gives me something to do with my outgrown fringe that has remained the same length for 10 million years. Prepping the hair before twisting it up is key – use dry shampoo or some hairspray into the palms, then massage over the hair. This ensures my hair won’t go limp, oily through excessive touch (fingers off) leaving me resembling the angst-ridden, awkward teenager of my youth.

There is something chic about a finger-ruffled side parting and low bun. It’s like saying: “I’m just too busy reading Chomsky to allow my hair to get in the way.” I feel studious, stylish and deceptively well-read. Though, as ever, the photobooth is much kinder to me than the mirror. In fact, see for yourself at the world’s first Photobooth Festival in east London on 21 July. My booth will be there, along with a converted camper van and disco booth (yes, with a wind machine) – you can even Warhol-ise your photos. And the Powderpuff Girls will be on hand to offer speedy makeovers. Tickets are £10 – go to photoboothfestival.com. It’s unfathomably fun.

Essential kit for the side parting

Above: Powder Grip 03, £13.10, Redken

Above: Kirby Grips , £2.89, Trevor Sorbie

Above: Mythic Oil Shampoo, £12.50, L’Oréal Professionnel

Above: Your Highness Root Boost , £10.50, TIGI