Maybe you've been wanting to rock the side shave for awhile, or perhaps you were recently inspired by Game of Thrones' Natalie Dormer — either way, there are a few things you should know about this hot hairstyle. Number one is that it is a huge commitment. Unless you are totally ready to part with one complete side of your hair, you should probably reconsider. Not only can you not do much with it, it's also a huge annoyance to grow back. The second thing you need to know about it is that you can easily fake it. Just like the faux bob, you can pretend to have the side shave without having to lose any hair. All you need are a few bobby pins, some hairspray and a brush.
STEP 1: Don't Wash Your Hair
As with many other hairstyles, the faux side shave is easier to manage and style with dirty, day-old hair. If you don't have the luxury of unwashed locks, grab a can of dry shampoo and spray it all over, especially on your roots. This will help absorb the oil and make it easier to pull back.
STEP 2: Create a Side Part
Bring all of your hair to one side. Now, imagine that half of your head is shaved. Where would that begin? Typically, the shave starts where the side of your head begins to round to the top. Create a straight part there with a comb. Bring the rest of your hair to the other side, leaving the hair where your faux side shave will be. Spray the rest of your hair with hair spray so that it doesn't interfere with your "side shave."
STEP 3: Twist and Pin
Depending on how much hair you have, create 2-3 sections with the hair that's going to be your "side shave." Twist the first section really tightly so that it's completely taut against your head. Fasten it with either a clear elastic band or a bobby pin. Do the same with the other sections until that side of your hair appears completely pulled back against your head. (Alternatively, if braids are your thing, you can braid the sections of hair into tiny, tight braids instead of simply pinning it back).
STEP 4: Cover the Pins
You may not be able to completely fool people into thinking you got a real side shave, but the more you pay attention to the details, the more authentic it will look. In this case, it's a good idea to try and cover up the bobby pins with your hair in the back. Take a few strands where the bobby pins are and place it over, ever so slightly. You want to make sure it doesn't cover the side shave and only covers the pins.
STEP 5: Add Volume to the Right Side (with all the hair)
Another way to make this faux side shave more believable is to add more volume to the side with all of your hair. Scrunch up the roots and, if you have some, add volumizer.
STEP 6: Set with Hairspray
Apply a heavy coat of hairspray on to your twisted and pinned side shave. Pat it down with your hand to make it appear as flat as possible. Cover the rest of your hair with hairspray to give more volume. Apply hairspray to your part to make sure it doesn't move.
