In a post yesterday I made a comment on former President Jimmy Carter changing the part in his hair, and one of my readers was nice enough to provide me several links regarding hair parts.

John and Catherine Walter came up with the Hair Part Theory, below is a summary, but you can read all the details here.

*Men with left part: A natural for men. Those who wear it are perceived as popular, successful, strong, traditional. Downside: Might be out of touch with their feminine side. Famous left-parters: John Wayne, Tom Brokaw, John F. Kennedy.

*Women with left part: Usually OK, especially for women who want to make it in business or politics. Those who wear it are perceived as intelligent, in charge, reliable. Downside: Might create difficulties with fulfilling traditionally feminine roles. Famous left-parters: Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Christine Todd Whitman.

*Men with right part: Usually unnatural for men. It might be unusual or eccentric, but it can work if the man is very confident or attractive or seeks acceptance in nontraditional male role. Famous right-parters: Al Gore, Rush Limbaugh, Ronald Reagan

*Women with right part: A natural for women. Perceived as very feminine, gentle, caring. Downside: Might create problems of not being taken seriously. Famous right-parters: Martha Stewart, Jane Pauley, Geraldine Ferraro.

*No part, center part or bald: Perceived as balanced, trustworthy and wise. Downside: Can lack flair associated with other types.

And if that wasn’t enough, here’s a link that discusses True Mirror and it’s relationship to hair parting, and a segment on NPR.

I’m not sure how easy it is for one to change a part.  My hair, for instance, I think is ‘trained’ to go in one direction, unless I want to use an excessive amount of ‘product.’