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@JUSTINEMARJAN / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”woman wearing updo with middle part”>
@JUSTINEMARJAN / INSTAGRAM
Everyone's part preference varies. Some of us enjoy sporting a deep side part, while others like to style their hair with a classic middle part. If you fall into the latter camp and are looking for new ways to wear your center part, we've got you covered. These days, middle-part hairstyles are far from basic. From beautifully tousled updos to face-framing braided looks, there are many chic and creative ways to style a middle part. Ahead, see 20 hairstyle ideas you'll want to experiment with.
Meet Our Expert
- Dayonna Worrell is a hairstylist and a UNice brand educator.
- Valery Joseph is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Valery Joseph Salons.
Glamorous Updo
@JUSTINEMARJAN / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”ella balinska wearing updo with middle part”>
@JUSTINEMARJAN / INSTAGRAM
Take your middle part to the next level with the addition of a tousled topknot. To recreate the look, gather the hair at the crown of your head. "Loosely twist the bun into place, secure it with an elastic band, and continue to gently loosen the bun until you get your desired look," Joseph says. Complete your look with a few face-framing pieces.
Half-Up, Half-Down
@JUSTINEMARJAN / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”nicole scherzinger wearing middle part hairstyles with topknot”>
@JUSTINEMARJAN / INSTAGRAM
Half-up and half-down styles really complement a middle part. "Once you've created a half-up, half-down ponytail, you will need to divide the ponytail and twist the two pieces together, securing them tightly into a bun," Joseph explains. To finish the look, leave out two straight pieces in the front.
Bouncy Blowout
@CHRISAPPLETON1 / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”jennifer lopez wearing a bouncy blowout with middle part”>
@CHRISAPPLETON1 / INSTAGRAM
A center part allows you to appreciate the bounce and body of a blowout. To achieve this level of volume, you'll want to use hot rollers on freshly blown-out hair.
Textured Bob
@LACYREDWAY /INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”Hunter Schafer wearing a middle part bob”>
@LACYREDWAY /INSTAGRAM
Although styling is minimal with this look, we love how the middle part still shows off the hair's texture. Use an air-dry styling cream on freshly washed hair to recreate this look.
Sleek Low Bun
@CHRISAPPLETON1 / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”kim kardashian wearing sleek low bun with middle part”>
@CHRISAPPLETON1 / INSTAGRAM
A slicked-back low bun calls for a middle part, of course. "The key to achieving a tight, sleek bun is to use a comb and a hairspray to tame any flyways," Joseph says.
Face-Framing Braids
@CHERISHBROOKEHILL / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”woman wearing middle part hairstyle with face-framing braids “>
@CHERISHBROOKEHILL / INSTAGRAM
Braiding the front pieces of your hair is another cool way to make a middle part stand out. Style the rest of your hair in a bun to keep the attention on the front of your hair. "Use hairspray to smooth any flyaways that may pop out," Worrell says.
Effortless Updo
@SOFIAGRAINGE / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”sofia richie grainge wearing middle part messy bun”>
@SOFIAGRAINGE / INSTAGRAM
A bun doesn’t have to be super neat in order to look chic. This take on a middle-part updo strikes the perfect balance between effortless and elegant.
Tucked-Back
@CHERISHBROOKEHILL / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”woman wearing middle part hairstyles with hair tucked behind her ears”>
@CHERISHBROOKEHILL / INSTAGRAM
Precision is the key to creating this red carpet-ready look. Once you've parted your hair, tuck a section of hair on each side behind your ears before securing it with pins. "Depending on the texture of your hair, you may wish to use a little texturizing spray at the crown of your head to ensure that the volume is not lost," Joseph says.
Bubble Braids
@GIGIHADID / INSTAGRAM
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@GIGIHADID / INSTAGRAM
Bring a bit of '90s and Y2K nostalgia to your middle-part look with a few bubble braids. Pull out two sections in the front of your hair and add hair elastics down the hair shaft, creating a bubble effect.
Blunt Textured Bob
@CIARA / INSTAGRAM
‘ title=”Ciara wearing a middle part curly bob”>
@CIARA / INSTAGRAM
A blunt, curly bob is exciting on its own. However, you can elevate the look further by slicking down the roots of your hair to create a wet-look moment. "To slick down the hair at the top, use hair wax and hairspray," Worrell says.
Knotless Braids
TAYLOR HILL / GETTY IMAGES
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TAYLOR HILL / GETTY IMAGES
It’s impossible to run out of styling options with knotless braids. There is so much you can do to draw attention to them, including adding a middle part.
Flawless Layers
FRAZER HARRISON / Getty Images
‘ title=”Ryan Destiny wearing a layered haircut with a middle part”>
FRAZER HARRISON / Getty Images
A layered haircut with a middle part is perfect because it shows off the hair's shape, movement, and fullness. To maintain the style, all you need to do is use a flat iron to smooth and bump the ends of the hair.
Cascading and Crimped
MARCUS INGRAM / GETTY IMAGES
‘ title=”Coco Jones wearing crimped hair with middle part”>
MARCUS INGRAM / GETTY IMAGES
Crimped hair is back and here to stay. Opting for a precise center part ensures the deep waves in your hair stand out. "When crimping your hair, you’ll need to work in sections for best results before finishing with a light hold hairspray," Joseph says.
Blonde Bob
SAMIR HUSSEIN / Getty Images
‘ title=”kelly rowland wearing blonde bob with middle part”>
SAMIR HUSSEIN / Getty Images
It doesn't get more timeless than a bob with a crisp center part. Opt for a bold hue, like white blonde, to make the look feel more edgy.
Fluffy High Ponytail
REBECCA SAPP/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RECORDING ACADEMY
‘ title=”middle part hairstyles with updo”>
REBECCA SAPP/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RECORDING ACADEMY
Fluffy, face-framing bangs will make your high ponytail stand out for all the right reasons. "To achieve the look, tie your hair up loosely with a band and gently pull out a few pieces," Worrell says. "For a seamless look, wrap a piece of hair around the base of the ponytail."
Loose Waves
KEVIN MAZUR / GETTY IMAGES
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KEVIN MAZUR / GETTY IMAGES
Wavy hairstyles are effortlessly elegant. A middle part simply adds to the sophistication of the style.
Silk Press
MONICA SCHIPPER / Getty Images
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MONICA SCHIPPER / Getty Images
You can never go wrong with a bone-straight silk press and middle part combo. Add some gloss to the sleek style with your favorite shine spray or hair oil.
Voluminous Loose Curls
FRAZER HARRISON / GETTY IMAGES
‘ title=”woman with voluminous curls and a middle part “>
FRAZER HARRISON / GETTY IMAGES
Sometimes, you want to wear your hair away from your face. This look offers tons of volume but keeps the front of the hair pulled back with small black bobby pins.
Curly Ponytail
MONICA SCHIPPER / Getty Images
‘ title=”kerry washington wearing curly ponytail with middle part”>
MONICA SCHIPPER / Getty Images
A low ponytail looks great with a middle part. Slick the front of your hair back with a strong-hold gel before securing your curly ponytail. "For a seamless look, wrap a piece of the curly hair around the ponytail and use a bit of hairspray to prevent any flyaways," Worrell says.
Crown Braid
STEFANIE KEENAN/GETTY IMAGES FOR WIF
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STEFANIE KEENAN/GETTY IMAGES FOR WIF
This intricate crown braid features a subtle middle part. The gorgeous, high-shine updo offers an elevated take on a classic updo.
Read the original article on Byrdie.