middle part · men
Middle Part Hair for Men: Who It Suits and How toStyle It
Middle part hair for men, including how long hair needs to be, who it suits, the best cut to ask for, how to style curtains, and how to deal with a cowlick.
Hairover Team
A middle part for men, sometimes called curtains or curtain hair, works best with about four to six inches of length at the front. It suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces most easily, and it looks best on straight or wavy hair. Lift at the roots makes the difference between a stylish part and hair that lies flat on either side of your head.
The best cuts for a middle part
Layered medium cut. Soft layers with length around the cheekbones. It’s the classic version.
Two block. Short, hidden sides with a long top. It removes bulk and makes the part neater.
With a low taper. Tidy edges keep it from looking overgrown. See fade vs. taper.
Longer curtains. Hair reaches the chin or the neck for a relaxed look. Our guide to long hairstyles for men covers how to grow it out.
Who it suits
Face shapes
- Oval: nearly any version.
- Square: soft curtains balance a strong jaw.
- Heart: it softens the forehead.
- Round: add root lift, and keep length past the cheekbones.
- Oblong: add volume at the sides, as flat curtains can make the face look longer.
- Diamond: curtains add width to a narrow forehead.
If you are unsure, our free face shape detector can help.
Hair types
Straight hair falls neatly, but it can go flat. Wavy hair is the easiest type to style. Curly hair can wear a middle part, although it looks more like an open, voluminous shape than curtains. Thinning hair is more difficult, as a center part can draw attention to any gaps at the crown or front.
How to style it
- Find your center. Comb damp hair straight back, then part from the middle of your forehead.
- Add a light product. Sea salt spray or a pre-styler adds grip.
- Blow-dry the roots. Lift the hair up and away from the part, pushing it in the opposite direction first, then let it fall.
- Shape the front. Use your fingers to direct the ends outward and slightly back.
- Finish lightly. Use a little wax or cream on the ends, and keep it away from the roots.
Problems and fixes
A cowlick won’t let it lie. Blow-dry against the cowlick while your hair is wet. A slightly off-center part may work better. See cowlick hairstyles.
It goes flat by noon. Use less product at the roots, and try a texture powder.
It looks greasy. Middle parts show oil quickly. See how to stop greasy hair.
Awkward length. During the growing stage, push the hair back or use a sea salt spray to add some texture.
What to ask your barber
“I’m going for a middle part. Keep about five inches at the front with soft layers. Please taper the back and sides, and thin it out if it looks heavy.”
If you want more on where to part, see center part vs. side part.
See it before growing it out
A middle part takes months to grow into. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio to see whether it’s worth the wait.
FAQ
How long does hair need to be for a middle part?
Around four to six inches at the front is typical, enough to reach your cheekbones or at least your eyebrows when combed down. Shorter hair often sticks up instead of falling to the sides.
Does a middle part suit a round face?
It can, particularly with some height at the roots and length that passes the cheekbones. A slight off-center part is another good option.
How do I stop my middle part from going flat?
Blow-dry your roots up and away from the part while they are damp. A light spray helps, and heavy products at the roots will flatten it.
