The centre parting has come back strongly in men’s hair, mostly in the form of curtains: a fringe split down the middle that falls to either side of the face. This gallery shows twenty takes on it, ranging from a short, sharp cut with sides taken to zero in the 1920s style to long, chin-length curtains, a 70s curly fringe, a zig-zag eBoy parting with neon roots and a black-and-white two-tone version.
A middle part flatters oval and long faces best, since the volume either side of the parting adds width. It also works on wavy and curly hair, which naturally falls away from the centre. The main thing to check is your hairline. A receding or uneven front can be exaggerated by a centre split, so short curtains are not always the best camouflage.
Upkeep depends on length. Faded and undercut versions need a trim every three to four weeks, while longer flow styles can go longer between cuts. Most of these looks rely on the hair falling in its own direction, so a good cut that follows your natural growth pattern matters more than products.
1. Long Curtain Haircut with Loose Bangs
Long curtains with loose, slightly wavy bangs show how much a cut can shape the face. The soft movement either side of the parting makes the jawline look more defined. A texturising cream applied to damp hair helps the waves fall naturally.
Inspiration: @ichi_ishiguri
2. eBoy Haircut
A zig-zag middle parting that feels straight out of the 90s gives this eBoy cut its teenage charm. The jagged line draws extra attention to the neon green roots. Length cut to halfway down the ears keeps the style effortless and casual.
Inspiration: @thesarahlawler
3. Low Fade Windy Look
A low fade with a long, windswept top and a natural centre parting delivers plenty of volume and texture, reminiscent of a Johnny Depp look. It suits anyone who constantly runs their hands through their hair. Deep point-cutting creates the piecey, airy finish.
Inspiration: @reyesthebarber
4. The Curly 70s
Ear-length curls parted in the middle bring an easy 70s summer feel. Natural waves and curls fall away from the centre parting on their own, making this almost effortless. Long bangs and a curl cream keep the texture soft and defined.
Inspiration: @marcos__tiburcio
5. Long Middle Part Bangs
A centre parting adds volume at the sides, which makes a long face look more oval, especially with wavy hair. Long curtain bangs also draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Blow-dry each side away from the parting to build width.
Inspiration: @hair.tan_dh
6. The Devilish Curtain Hair Look
A Yungblud-inspired centre part with flicked ends takes some practice to style. Once you are comfortable with a blow-dryer and round brush, the outward-turned ends become manageable. Finish with a flexible hairspray to keep the flick in place.
Inspiration: @reyesthebarber
7. The Jock
Short sides and a disconnected, wavy top make an undercut curtain cut that suits active, sporty men. Thick hair benefits from the removed bulk at the sides. A sprinkle of texture powder at the roots holds it all day.
Inspiration: @coiffeur._instyle._zell
8. Smooth Pulled Back Middle Part
A fade on the sides blends into longer front lengths with a natural centre parting, creating a pulled-back curtain style suited to fine hair. Style it with a matte pomade and a fine-tooth comb for a smooth, controlled finish.
Inspiration: @mattjbarbers
9. The Peaky Blinder
This sleek, aggressive curtain cut draws on the Peaky Blinders era. For an authentic 1920s look, take the sides to zero with no gradual fade. An oil-based grease gives the top its slick, polished hold.
Inspiration: @ppatrickmarinho
10. Au Naturel
Good middle part styles rely on the hair falling naturally, and this redhead’s cut shows exactly that. Rather than forcing a direction, the hair is allowed to settle on its own. A little leave-in conditioner keeps it soft and frizz-free.
Inspiration: @brodiethebarber_
11. Long and Natural
Long curtains create a loose, relaxed look, especially on hair with some natural curl. Styling is minimal; just work in a little cream to finish. This length suits men who want low effort and plenty of movement.
Inspiration: @hayden_cassidy
12. The Rebellious Look
A curly cut with a centre parting is for men who are confident in their style. Curls can be tricky to part neatly, but a well-planned cut makes it achievable. Define with a curl cream and avoid brushing once dry.
Inspiration: @nikolay_generalov
13. The Cruella
A two-tone black-and-white cut parted in the middle creates the ultimate male Cruella look. The parting separates and highlights both colours. Despite plenty of sectioning during the cut, styling is simple once dry; let gravity shape it.
Inspiration: @ismaeldemora_
14. Creative Middle Parted Curtains
A high, short undercut contrasts with long, thick straight hair on top, textured and coloured boldly with a centre parting. The combination updates the classic curtain style. Texture spray keeps the lengths separated and full.
Inspiration: @depbydrip
15. The Golden M Cut
Short curtains shaped like a stylised letter M give this cut its playful name. Be cautious if your hairline is receding; trying to hide it with a short fringe can actually make it more noticeable. Discuss your hairline with your barber first.
Inspiration: @tagak.artem
16. Silky Smooth Middle Part Hairstyle
Smooth scissor-over-comb work follows the natural flow of the hair, giving a silky curtain fringe. Cutting with the hair’s direction instead of against it is the key to a natural middle parting. A light cream adds shine without weight.
Inspiration: @chu_lee_da
17. A Solid Finish
Heavy texture at the back paired with long hair on top gives this asymmetric centre-part cut a solid, distinctive finish. It is easy to style with a light-hold clay worked through dry hair. Ideal for men who already like wearing curtains.
Inspiration: @briancaliberhair_
18. Braided
Long Afro hair braided with a centre parting creates a sharp, modern look, similar to styles worn by artists such as Travis Scott. The parting adds structure to the braids. Keep the scalp moisturised and the edges neat between redos.
Inspiration: @ulibia.ua
19. High Faded Undercut
High faded sides and a wet-look top make this curtain style quick to finish. Simply slick the top back with a sleek centre parting and leave the sides alone. A water-based pomade gives the shine without heavy build-up.
Inspiration: @bakha2505
20. The Schorem Way
This old-school middle part draws on traditional Thai influences and was created by a barber trained at Schorem Barbier in Rotterdam. Gel was used to set the wave because the model’s straight hair would not hold it naturally. It is a fine example of classic barbering technique.
Inspiration: @saifiction
Training your hair to part in the middle
If your hair has always fallen to one side, it will need a few weeks of encouragement. Part it down the centre while wet, then blow-dry each side away from the parting, directing air downward to flatten the root. Repeat daily and the cowlick will gradually soften.
- Find the natural centre by lining the parting up with the bridge of your nose.
- Use a light texturising cream or matte paste rather than heavy wax, which can make curtains clump.
- For the flicked-out curtain look, roll the ends outward with a round brush and a cool shot of air.
Choosing the right length for curtains
Short curtains that hit the eyebrows are easiest to maintain but expose the hairline. Cheekbone-length curtains frame the face and hide a high forehead, and chin-length or longer flows suit thick or wavy hair that has enough weight to fall neatly. Ask your barber to point-cut the ends so the fringe splits cleanly.