HairIsEverything
Middle Part Curtains

Middle Part Curtains

The 90s revival that refuses to die. Hair parted in the center and swept to both sides like curtains, channeling Leo DiCaprio and modern K-pop aesthetics.

Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Low
Face shapes:OvalSquareDiamondHeart
Hair types:StraightWavyThick

How Middle Part Curtains looks from different angles

Front angle showing the defining center part and curtain-like fall on each side.
Wavy hair variant where natural waves add body to the curtain fall.
Side view revealing how the curtains fall past the ear and jaw.
Longer variant — more length amplifies the curtain effect.
Three-quarter angle showing how the curtains frame the face.
Beard pairing — the longer top and beard create a balanced frame.
Straight hair variant — smooth texture makes the part and fall crisp.
Grow-out phase — the curtain shape starts forming around 3-4 inches.

TL;DR

  • Best for: Men with symmetrical faces who want a youthful, trendy look
  • Avoid if: You have a round or wide face, or hair that won't cooperate with a middle part
  • Ask your stylist: "Middle part curtains, 4–6 inches on top, tapered sides, frame my face"
  • Maintenance: Trim every 4–6 weeks

Who Does It Suit?

The curtain cut is having its moment (again). From Leonardo DiCaprio in the 90s to Timothée Chalamet today, it's the signature of effortless cool.

Ideal for:

  • Men with symmetrical facial features
  • Those embracing the 90s revival aesthetic
  • K-pop enthusiasts and Korean beauty followers
  • Young professionals in creative industries
  • Anyone who wants to look youthful and approachable

Hair types:

  • Straight: Classic curtain drape, clean lines
  • Wavy: Adds natural texture and movement
  • Thick: Creates substantial curtains with body

Avoid If...

  • Round face → middle part emphasizes width
  • Wide forehead → curtains split to reveal it completely
  • Strong cowlicks at center → constant battle against nature
  • Very fine, limp hair → may look flat and stringy
  • Conservative workplace → can read as too trendy

What is Middle Part Curtains?

Hair is parted down the center and allowed to fall naturally to either side of the face, creating a "curtain" effect that frames the face. The look is intentionally relaxed—not helmet-perfect, but casually styled.

The style gained fame in the 90s (DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, every boy band member) and has resurged thanks to K-pop and TikTok bringing it back to the mainstream.

Curtains vs Other Styles

CurtainsSide PartBro Flow
PartCenterSideNone/pushed back
DirectionFalls to sidesSwept one directionFlows backward
VibeYouthful, trendyClassic, professionalRelaxed, surfer
Face framingSymmetricalAsymmetricalMinimal

Measurements

  • Top/Front: 4–6 inches (long enough to fall beside face)
  • Sides: Tapered or faded, 2–3 inches
  • Back: Tapered, matches sides
  • Trim: Every 4–6 weeks

Face Shape Tweaks

Curtains demand facial symmetry—adjust if yours isn't perfect.

  • Oval: Ideal canvas—balanced curtains work perfectly
  • Square: Works great—softens angular jaw
  • Diamond: Excellent choice—frames cheekbones
  • Heart: Good fit—balances narrow chin
  • Round: Generally avoid—emphasizes width
  • Oblong: Keep curtains shorter, add side volume

Hair Type Tweaks

  • Straight: May need styling product to create the swoop
  • Wavy: Your natural texture is perfect—embrace it
  • Thick: May need thinning to prevent bulky curtains
  • Fine: Use volumizing mousse, blow dry for body
  • Curly: Will create a different aesthetic—more frame than curtain

Training Your Hair

If your hair doesn't naturally part in the middle, you'll need to train it:

Week 1–2:

  1. Wet hair daily
  2. Part precisely in center
  3. Clip or pin in place while drying
  4. Apply light product to hold

Week 3–4:

  • Hair starts remembering the position
  • Reduce reliance on clips
  • Part with fingers after shower

Month 2+:

  • Hair naturally falls into curtain position
  • Minimal effort required

What to Tell Your Stylist

"Middle part curtains—I want it to fall naturally to both sides. Keep 5 inches on top, taper the sides, and give me enough length to frame my face without covering my eyes."

How to Style

Daily (1 minute):

  1. Towel dry until damp
  2. Part hair in center with fingers
  3. Push each side outward and back slightly
  4. Let air dry or quick blow dry

Styled Look (3 minutes):

  1. Apply mousse or light cream to damp hair
  2. Blow dry while directing hair outward from center
  3. Use round brush to create the flip/swoop
  4. Finish with light hold spray

Product Guide

For Natural Hold:

  • Sea salt spray
  • Light cream
  • Texturizing spray

For More Control:

  • Mousse
  • Light pomade
  • Styling cream

Avoid: Heavy gels, strong-hold products—curtains should move naturally

The Perfect Curtain Swoop

The key is the slight outward flip at the ends—it shouldn't just hang straight down.

Technique:

  1. While blow drying, angle the brush/nozzle outward
  2. At the ends, flick wrist to create subtle flip
  3. Don't overdo it—subtle is better than 90s prom

Maintenance Timeline

  • Week 1–2: Perfect shape, curtains fall naturally
  • Week 3–4: Still looks good, minimal adjustment needed
  • Week 5–6: Getting long, may fall in eyes, time for trim
  • Week 7+: Losing shape, transitioning to different look — consider growing into a modern mullet or bro flow

Common Mistakes

  • Part not centered Fix: Use a comb and mirror, take your time

  • Curtains too thick/heavy Fix: Ask stylist to thin out the front sections

  • No movement Fix: Avoid heavy products, let it flow naturally

  • Too short to curtain Fix: Be patient during grow-out, minimum 4 inches needed

  • Fighting natural part Fix: If hair strongly resists center part, consider slight off-center as compromise

See the Middle Part Curtains on your face

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Middle Part Curtains FAQ

How long does my hair need to be for curtains?

At least 4 inches on top — long enough to fall beside your face when parted. The ideal length is 4–6 inches. If your hair is shorter, you're in the grow-out phase; start training the center part now so it's ready when the length arrives.

Can I get curtains with curly hair?

Curly hair creates a different aesthetic — more of a frame than a curtain drape. It can look great, but it won't have the smooth, swooping fall of straight or wavy curtains. If you have loose curls, it works well; tight curls may resist the center part.

How do I train my hair to part in the middle?

Wet your hair daily, part precisely in the center, and clip or pin it in place while drying. After 2–3 weeks, your hair starts remembering the position. By month 2, it should fall naturally into the curtain shape with minimal effort.

Are curtains professional enough for an office?

In creative industries, absolutely. In traditional corporate settings, curtains can read as too trendy. The key is length — shorter curtains (4 inches) look more polished than longer ones (6+ inches). A clean taper on the sides also helps.

Variations

Different versions of the Middle Part Curtains

Bro Flow

Bro Flow

The effortlessly cool medium-length style. Let your hair grow out and flow naturally, achieving that laid-back surfer aesthetic without the surfboard.

Side Part

Side Part

The gentleman's classic. A defined part line with hair swept to one side, offering timeless elegance that transitions seamlessly from boardroom to wedding.

Slicked Back

Slicked Back

Timeless power style. All hair combed straight back from the forehead, creating a polished, authoritative look that commands attention in any room.

Related Styles

Bro Flow

Bro Flow

The effortlessly cool medium-length style. Let your hair grow out and flow naturally, achieving that laid-back surfer aesthetic without the surfboard.

Side Part

Side Part

The gentleman's classic. A defined part line with hair swept to one side, offering timeless elegance that transitions seamlessly from boardroom to wedding.

Modern Mullet

Modern Mullet

Business in the front, party in the back—reimagined. The mullet's comeback strips away the cheese and adds texture, fade, and fashion-forward attitude.