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Readtime: 15 min
The Lowdown:
From short curtains to middle part fades and long flow styles, these are the best middle part haircuts for men.
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Before you book your next haircut appointment, it’s time to consider whether the middle part haircut is for you. Once reserved for ’90s heartthrobs, K-pop idols and the occasional guy who owned far too much hair gel, the style has made a real comeback. The modern version is softer, more textured and far easier to wear, with options for short hair, long hair, fades, waves, curls and everything in between.
A middle part haircut is exactly what it sounds like: hair parted through the centre, so the fringe falls evenly on both sides of the face. Also known as curtains, the look works because it frames the face, adds movement and can be tailored to suit almost any hair type. Whether you want a low-maintenance short middle part or a sharper middle part fade, the trick is finding the right length, shape and styling product for your hair.
There are plenty of ways to execute the curtain hairstyle, depending on your length, thickness and texture. With the help of ex-barber and men’s stylist expert, Nick Hall, we’ve rounded up the best middle part haircuts for men, along with tips on how to style them and what to ask for at the barber.
Best Middle Part Haircuts 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 and haircuts 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.
- 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
| Style | Best for | Hair type | What to ask your barber |
| Middle Part Undercut | Sharp, modern shape | Straight, thick or wavy hair | Longer curtain fringe with disconnected or closely cut sides |
| Short Hair Curtains | Low-maintenance styling | Straight or wavy hair | Short curtain fringe with scissor-cut sides |
| Long Hair Curtains | Natural movement | Straight, wavy or curly hair | Long layers that fall into a natural centre part |
| Middle Part with Wavy Styling | Natural texture | Wavy hair | Mid-length curtain fringe with soft layers |
| Middle Part with Faded Sides | Cleaner edges | Straight, wavy or thick hair | Middle part on top with a low or mid fade on the sides |
| Blunt Cut Middle Part | Clean finish | Straight hair | Blunt curtain fringe with a neat centre part |
| Messy Curtains | Relaxed shape | Wavy or curly hair | Longer curtain fringe with textured layers |
| Leonardo DiCaprio ’90s Curtain | Vintage look | Straight or slightly wavy hair | Soft centre-split fringe with natural movement |
| Loose / Messy Middle Part | Casual everyday styling | Wavy, curly or thick hair | Lived-in curtain fringe with minimal structure |
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 longer fringe parted in the middle or slightly off-centre. The split resembles a curtain, hence the name. We love this style because it is versatile, easy to personalise and works across a wide range of hair types and face shapes.
A middle part haircut and a curtain haircut are often used to describe the same general look, but there is a slight difference. A middle part refers to where the hair is parted, while curtains usually describe the way the fringe falls on either side of the face. In other words, all curtains have a part, but not every middle part needs to be full curtains.
The look blends short and long elements, so you can borrow from both. 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.
Why is the Middle Part 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 Your Barber for a Middle Part Haircut
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. If your fringe is still too short, your barber can shape the sides and back while you grow the top out.
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 and gives the style a softer finish. If you want something sharper, a taper fade or middle part fade may be better suited.
How to Style a Middle Part Haircut
Styling a middle part is less about forcing a perfect line and more about encouraging the hair to fall in the right direction. Start with damp hair, find your natural part with a comb or your fingers, then blow-dry the fringe away from the face. If you want a softer finish, use your fingers. If you want a cleaner curtain shape, use a round brush.
For short and textured styles, use sea-salt spray or texture powder to add grip. For thicker hair, a small amount of matte clay or paste will help control the fringe without making it look stiff. For curly or wavy hair, use curl cream and avoid brushing once the hair is dry.
| Hair type | Best product | Styling tip |
| Straight hair | Texture spray or matte paste | Blow-dry the fringe back first, then let it fall into the part. |
| Thick hair | Matte clay or lightweight wax | Remove bulk through the cut, not by adding more product. |
| Fine hair | Sea-salt spray or texture powder | Keep product light so the hair does not collapse. |
| Wavy hair | Sea-salt spray or styling cream | Work with the wave rather than trying to straighten it. |
| Curly hair | Curl cream | Part while damp and let the curls dry naturally or with a diffuser. |
| Long hair | Leave-in conditioner or styling cream | Keep the ends healthy and avoid heavy pomades. |
The easiest mistake is using too much product. Start small, add more only if needed and remember that the best middle part haircuts should still move.
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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.
Middle Part for Men FAQs
A middle part can suit most face shapes, but the cut needs to be adjusted. Rounder faces usually benefit from more height and tighter sides, while longer faces often suit softer curtains with less volume on top. If in doubt, ask your barber to shape the fringe around your cheekbones and jawline.
For a true curtain shape, you generally need enough length for the fringe to fall to around the eyebrows or cheekbones. Shorter versions can still work, but the hair needs enough weight through the front to split naturally.
Start by parting damp hair through the centre after showering, then blow-dry the fringe away from the face. Repeat this consistently and use a light styling product to hold the shape. Over time, the hair will start to fall that way more naturally.
Absolutely! A middle part can work with curly hair, provided the curls are cut to fall naturally around the face. Ask for curl-friendly layers and avoid heavy products that flatten the shape.
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