14 Best Middle Part Hairstyles for Men

Before you book your next haircut appointment, it’s time you consider whether the middle part hairstyle is for you. Making a fierce comeback, middle-part hair for men is what textured bangs are for women, and this is the year to get it done. There are plenty of ways to execute the curtain hairstyle, depending on your length, thickness, and hair type. We’re here to give you all the info, tips and the best ways that you can rock the infamous middle part hairstyle.

Best Middle Part Hair Styles for Men

With the help of our resident barber and men’s stylist expert, Nick Hall, we’ve collated a list of the best middle part hairstyles for men, based on styling, care and maintenance. This list of options focuses on different hair types and textures, so no matter your hair density, you will find a haircut that suits your face and the style you’re chasing.

Discover our picks for the best middle part hairstyles for men.

• Best middle part hairstyle for short hair: Short Hair Curtains
• Best middle part haircut for long hair: Long Hair Curtains
• Best modern middle part hairstyle: Blunt Cut Middle Part
• Best low-maintenance middle part: Middle Part Undercut
• Best trending option: K-pop Inspired Middle Part

1. Middle Part Undercut

• Length: Short
• Styling: Minimal
• Product: Sea-salt spray, matte clay

The middle part undercut is a more high-end, sharp version of the classic middle part hairstyle. It’s short and sleek, with a long fringe and closely cut sides underneath. The hairstyle emphasises the curtain fringe, making it the main feature. In this style, the hair on top greatly exceeds the length of the hair on the sides, and there is no precise blend when split down the middle. Definitely a more modern take on the men’s middle part style, this one continues to grow in popularity.

2. Short Hair Curtains

• Length: Short
• Styling: Minimal
• Product: Sea-salt spray, matte paste

This is the perfect hairstyle if you’re looking for something low-maintenance. Your hair will need to be fairly short around the sides to ensure the curtain fringe is visible. A small amount of styling product helps hold the shape. We recommend scissor-cutting the sides to aid in natural fall around the edges. This gives a more balanced, rounder silhouette that accentuates the jaw and cheekbones. Leave a little extra length in the fringe for weight and control.

3. Long Hair Curtains

• Length: Long
• Styling: Blow-dry, frequent combing
• Product: Sea-salt spray, styling cream

For those with hair grown over many years, long hair curtains are among the most versatile middle part hairstyles. Long hair naturally falls into a middle part, making it easy to manage. This works with curly, straight or wavy textures — just remember regular maintenance. Trimming dead ends and running a treatment through the hair every few months helps keep things healthy, especially if you’re outdoors a lot.

4. Middle Part with Wavy Styling

• Length: Short/Mid
• Styling: Moderate, blow dry
• Product: Sea-salt spray, texture paste

Waves and a middle parting are one of the best natural combinations. If you’ve got natural texture, embracing it with a curtain fringe adds shape and softness. The look also helps frame the face by contrasting your jawline and cheekbones.

5. Middle Part with Faded Sides

• Length: Short
• Styling: Minimal
• Product: Matte clay, pomade

A more modern take on the ’90s classic. You can choose from a range of tapered fades, and whichever you land on, the contrast between the fade and the curtains works beautifully. Your barber will know which fade suits your face shape. For example, a rounder face may benefit from a low-wedge fade, while an oval face often suits a high taper. 

6. Blunt Cut Middle Part

• Length: Short
• Styling: Minimal
• Product: Matte paste, texture powder

The ideal haircut for a clean, finished look. The blunt cut middle part is versatile and chic. It works best on straight hair, so those with curls or waves may want to consider straightening occasionally if they love this look.

7. Messy Curtains

• Length: Short/mid
• Styling: Blow dry
• Product: Sea-salt spray, texture powder

Shaggy and relaxed, messy curtains channel the 70s. Great for curly or wavy hair, especially when the fringe is kept longer for extra texture and bounce. Messy hair has made a real comeback, and this version mixes both current trends perfectly.

8. Slicked Eboy Haircut

• Length: Short/mid
• Styling: Moderate
• Product: Water, pomade

The Eboy haircut is a slicked-back twist on the classic curtain fringe and has surged since the rise of TikTok. All you need is a defined middle part and a curtain fringe, with the rest of the hair pushed back slightly. It works across most hair types thanks to its relaxed, textured finish.

9. Long Straight Curtains

• Length: Long
• Styling: Blow-dry, frequent combing
• Product: Sea-salt spray, styling cream

The OG middle part. Long straight curtains work because long hair naturally lends itself to a middle part. It’s sleek, low-effort and suits both thick and fine hair. When you’re not feeling the middle part, you can sweep it aside with ease.

10. K-Pop Inspired Middle Part

• Length: Short/ Mid
• Styling: Blow-dry, directional shaping
• Product: Lightweight mousse, texture spray

K-pop idols have pushed the middle part into global trend territory. This version is softer, lighter and slightly airy at the fringe, with clean edges and a subtle curve. It’s one of the most requested salon styles among younger men.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio ’90s Curtain

• Length: Short/ Mid
• Styling: Minimal
• Product: Matte paste

Unlike Rose, we clearly can’t let go of this iconic ’90s look. Think centre-split fringe, natural movement and a relaxed finish. Great for straight or slightly wavy hair and perfect for anyone referencing vintage heartthrob style.

12. TikTok E-boy Middle Part

• Length: Short/ Mid
• Styling: Moderate
• Product: Pomade, texture powder

Distinct from the slicked E-boy cut, this version is more textured, messy and soft around the edges. Popular on Instagram, Reels and TikTok, it’s an ideal entry point for younger guys trying the curtain look.

13. Loose / Messy Middle Part (Casual)

• Length: Short/ Mid
• Styling: Light
• Product: Sea-salt spray

A looser, lived-in variation seen on influencers, indie musicians and actors. Gives you the curtain shape without looking over-styled.

14. Long and Textured Middle Part

• Length: Short/ Mid
• Styling: Moderate
• Product: Styling cream, sea-salt spray

A runway-ready style with extra movement through the mid-lengths. Great for men with thicker hair who want something fashion-forward but still relaxed.

What is the Curtain Haircut?

The curtain haircut is a long fringe parted in the middle or sometimes on the side. The split resembles a curtain, hence the name. We love this style because it’s versatile and complements a wide range of hair types and face shapes.

When styling a middle part, it helps to understand what’s trending. The look blends short and long elements, so you can borrow from both. For example, you might take a taper fade from the shorter end of the spectrum and keep the nape and temple areas tight before graduating the length upward. Or you might lean into a longer cut, brushing the hair back and letting it fall naturally into a loose middle part for extra texture. Whatever your preference, the middle part hairstyle for men is firmly back.

Why is the Style Coming Back?

Like most things in fashion, hairstyles are cyclical. In the 1920s, the curtains hairstyle was considered a dapper, modern approach to men’s grooming, especially when paired with pomade. The popularity faded mid-century, but the look returned in the 1990s alongside baggy fits and laid-back streetwear.

Musicians and pop-culture icons helped cement the style throughout the decade, though it slipped out of favour as the 2000s rolled in. Fast forward to today, and the renewed interest in 90s culture — from oversized clothing to vintage aesthetics — has brought curtains back into rotation. The middle part defined a generation of 90s heartthrobs like Leonardo DiCaprio, and our current nostalgia for the era has made the hairstyle relevant once again.

How to Ask for Curtains

First, you’ll need enough length on top. Most middle part styles involve combing the hair back before it falls into place, and finer hair may need extra growth to sit correctly.

Generally, the cut pairs longer hair on top with shorter hair on the back and sides. If you prefer more length at the sides, ask your barber for a scissor-cut middle part. This approach leaves enough hair to tuck behind the ears. If you want something sharper, a taper fade or fade middle part may be better suited. Set your lowest clipper guard (#0, #1, etc.) and have your barber blend up into the longer top.

Middle Part Hairstyle Inspiration

Looking for a bit of inspiration for your next haircut? Check out some of the most common and stylish men’s middle part haircuts below.

Alternatives to Middle Part Hairstyles

If you’re looking for more inspiration, want to find the best barbers in your city, or are dealing with hair loss, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guides to alternative styles and lengths:

• Slicked Back Hairstyles for Men
• Straight Hairstyles for Men
• Short Hairstyles for Men
• Long Hairstyles for Men
• Pompadour Hairstyles for Men

How Man of Many Chose the Best Middle Part Hairstyles for Men

When it comes to choosing the best curly and wavy hairstyles for men, it’s simple. We know hair better than anyone, and our Editor-in-Chief, Nick Hall, is a qualified barber and men’s stylist. He holds a Cert III in Barbering and has personally chosen every haircut on this list with the help of the wider editorial team.