The middle part made a huge comeback in the 2020s, and it is still going strong. Pair it with a low taper fade and you get a clean outline around the ears and neck with a relaxed, symmetrical top. It is softer than a side part and more grown-up than many textured crops.
Quick Facts
| Top length | 3 to 6 inches at the front |
| Fade height | Low |
| Bottom length | #0.5 to skin |
| Best hair types | Straight, wavy, loose curls |
| Face shapes | Oval, diamond, heart, oblong |
| Product | Cream, light paste, sea salt spray |
| Styling time | 2–5 minutes |
Middle Part vs Curtains
They are closely related:
- Middle part: hair is parted in the center and falls to each side. The part can be clean and defined.
- Curtains: a specific middle-part style where the front pieces are longer and fall like curtains, framing the face, often with more volume and a 90s feel.
All curtains are middle parts, but not all middle parts are curtains.
12 Best Low Taper Fade Middle Part Styles
1. Classic Middle Part
Clean center part, hair falling evenly to both sides. Smooth finish.
2. Textured Middle Part
Messy, piecey hair with a less defined part. Casual.
3. Middle Part Curtains
Longer front pieces that frame the face. See curtains.
4. Short Middle Part
About 3 inches at the front; neater and easier to manage.
5. Long Middle Part
Chin- or shoulder-length hair parted in the center. See long hair.
6. Wavy Middle Part
Waves create volume and movement. See wavy hair.
7. Curly Middle Part
Loose curls parted in the center. See curly hair.
8. Fluffy Middle Part
Blow-dried, airy and voluminous. See fluffy hair.
9. Middle Part with a Skin Taper
Bare skin at the bottom for more contrast. See skin taper.
10. Middle Part Mullet
Center part at the front, length at the back. See modern mullet.
11. Middle Part with a Beard
Symmetrical and balanced. See with beard.
12. Asian Middle Part / Two-Block
A layered middle part over shorter sides. See Asian hair.
Who Suits a Middle Part?
- Oval faces: suit it perfectly.
- Diamond and heart faces: the center part adds width at the forehead.
- Oblong faces: works when the sides have volume.
- Round faces: possible, but a side part often flatters more.
Avoid a middle part if you have a significant receding hairline or very thin hair, as the part exposes the scalp.
How to Ask Your Barber
"Low taper fade, starting at the top of my ear, half guard at the bottom, sides at a #3. On top, I want a middle part: keep the front around [4–5] inches so it falls to my cheekbones, and add layers so it doesn't look flat."
How to Train Your Hair to Part in the Middle
If your hair fights the center part:
- Part it in the center while wet with a comb.
- Blow-dry each side away from the part, pointing the dryer down from the root.
- Repeat daily for a week or two. Hair gradually learns the new direction.
- Use a light cream to hold the part while you train it.
How to Style It Daily
- Towel-dry, then part with a comb.
- Apply sea salt spray or light cream.
- Blow-dry each side away from the part and slightly back.
- Finish with a tiny amount of cream to smooth the ends.
The Awkward Growing Stage
Most people who want a middle part have shorter hair to start with. The middle part usually becomes possible at around 3 inches at the front, but between 2 and 3 inches the hair tends to stick out. To get through this stage:
- Keep the low taper sharp every 2–3 weeks. Neat sides make the top look intentional.
- Wear a textured fringe or forward crop while the front grows.
- Start parting in the center at about 2.5 inches, using a light cream for hold.
- Ask your barber only to "dust the ends" on top.
Middle Part Maintenance Schedule
| Area | How often |
|---|---|
| Low taper | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Top shape and layers | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Front pieces (if they reach the eyes) | Every 4–6 weeks |
Center Part vs Off-Center
A perfectly centered part emphasizes facial symmetry. If your face is not very symmetrical (most aren't), moving the part a centimetre to one side can look more natural while still reading as a middle part. Try both in the mirror.
Products That Work
- Light cream: soft hold, natural finish.
- Sea salt spray: grit and volume for straight hair.
- Matte paste: for a more textured look.
- Avoid: heavy pomades and gels, which make the two sides clump and lie flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hair need to be for a middle part?
About 3 inches at the front minimum; 4 to 6 inches is ideal.
Does a middle part suit a round face?
It can, but adding volume on top or choosing a side part usually flatters a round face more.
Is the middle part still in style?
Yes. Middle parts and curtains with low taper fades remain very popular in 2026.
How do I stop my middle part from flopping?
Blow-dry each side away from the part at the roots and use a light hold product.
