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Matt Sebra: How did you style the hair for this show?

Guido Palau: They wanted something quite classic and groomed. I did the side part with a comb so it’s very severe. I tufted out any major movement with a hair dryer and my fingers, and finished it with my fingers and a bit of wax so it’s not slicked down.

**MS: Why do you think so many designers are showing the classic side part this season?

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GP: With men’s hair it’s either side or back, right? There’s not so many options unless you get really creative or crazy. But it’s amazing how many different kind of feelings you can get with the side part: you can get it raised so it feels ’50s, it can be a slight side part that’s more elegant, or you can do a messy one so it feels casual. Having the slight movement to the side is more flattering than all going back.

**MS: Because it’s either side or back, do you find styling men’s hair for fashion shows more challenging than women’s?

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GP: Yes, because you have little to work with but you still have to give the indication of what the designer wants to say. It’s about using products carefully whether it’s dry, wet, shiny, greasy-all of them give indications of what you’re trying to do. The guy at home can use products the same way: if your hair is more wet or more shiny, it creates more of an evening look; if it’s dry and beach-y, it’s more relad.

MS: How would a guy reading this know which side part style is right for him?

GP: Every face is different so you do have to be objective. I think it’s a little bit of trial and error. You may need a little bit of volume, maybe you need it flatter, maybe you’re lucky enough that you can do all of them so that you can vary it on the occasion. Put a little bit of energy into the way you’re grooming yourself.

See the Valentino Spring 2014 Collection here

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