Middle Part vs Side Part Men: Which One Suits Your Face?

6 min read · Glowmaxx

For middle part vs side part men, here's the quick rule: a middle part suits oval, long and heart-shaped faces with a fairly even hairline, while a side part suits round and square faces, receding temples and hair with a strong cowlick. If you have an oval face and no cowlick, you can pull off both.

Then check your natural part, because fighting it every morning is a losing battle.

If you keep switching sides in the mirror and still can't tell which part looks better, Glowmaxx scores your hair from one selfie, so you can compare both with an actual number. Start my glow-up

Middle part vs side part men: which part for which face

Middle part vs side part round face

If your face is round, a side part is usually the better pick. A middle part draws a straight vertical line down the center, which emphasizes symmetry and width. A side part creates an angle, which makes your face look longer and more defined.

Find your natural part in 30 seconds

You've probably wondered "which side should I part my hair?" Here's how to find out.

1. Wet your hair fully (not just damp).
2. Comb it all straight back from your forehead.
3. Push your hair forward gently with your palm from the crown.
4. Watch where it naturally splits. That's your natural part.

Or skip the comb: towel-dry and shake your head. Where it falls apart is where it wants to part.

Most people's hair splits slightly off-center. That's fine. It means a side part is easy for you, and a middle part needs a bit more training.

Middle part: who it suits

A middle part for guys is the classic "curtains" look, the one every second boy in your year group has had since 2021. It suits you if:

• Your face is oval, long, heart or diamond-shaped.
• Your hair is at least three to four inches on top at the front so it falls down both sides.
• Your hairline is fairly straight without deep temple recession.
• You don't have a strong cowlick at the front. If you do, read our guide to getting a middle part with a cowlick.

Middle part vs side part long hair men

With long hair (chin length or longer), a middle part usually looks more natural. Long hair falls evenly both sides. A side part with long hair can look like a "swoop" unless it's styled carefully. If you're growing your hair, check curtains vs middle part to see what cut makes the middle part hold.

Middle part big forehead

A middle part with curtains can hide part of a big forehead because the two sides frame it like literal curtains. A flat middle part with no volume can do the opposite. Volume at the roots is the trick.

Side part: who it suits

The side part is the "clean" look: think school photos, job interviews, prom. It suits you if:

• Your face is round or square.
• Your hair is short to medium, two to four inches on top.
• You have a cowlick that pushes the front one way.
• Your temples are receding. A side part, especially a deep one, makes the hairline look more even.

Side part receding hairline

If your temples are slightly further back on one side, part on that side. The hair sweeping over makes the gap less visible. A middle part shows both temples equally, which highlights the recession.

Side part vs middle part for school and work

The side part vs middle part question for an interview or school photo day: side part reads as more traditional, middle part as more relaxed. Both are fine. Pick the one that sits right on your head that day.

Hairline and cowlicks change the answer

This is the step most guides skip. Your face shape says one thing, but your hairline and cowlick have the final say.

Hairline check

• Straight, even hairline: either part works.
• Widow's peak: side part looks cleaner; a middle part can draw a "V" right in the center.
• Deeper on one side: part on the deeper side.

Cowlick check

• Front cowlick pushing one way: that's your side. Use it.
• Crown cowlick: doesn't change the part much, but affects how the back sits.
• No cowlick: you're free to pick.

So the full 3-step decision: face shape, then hairline, then cowlick. If two of the three point the same way, go that way.

How to switch parts without a fight

Switching your part (say from a side part to a middle part) takes about one to three weeks of training.

1. Blow-dry it in the new direction every morning while it's wet. Heat sets the direction; air-drying doesn't.
2. Use a comb to set the line while damp.
3. Add a light product (sea salt spray or a light cream) to hold it.
4. Sleep in a beanie or wrap for the first week if it keeps flipping back overnight.
5. Ask your barber to cut the top slightly longer on the side you're moving away from.

Middle part vs wolf cut: a wolf cut usually has a curtain fringe that leans toward a middle part, so it's an easy way to transition. Read wolf cut vs mullet if you're considering it.

Test both in photos

The mirror lies a bit here. It flips your face, and parts look completely different flipped. That's why "should I have a middle part or side part?" feels impossible to answer standing in your bathroom.

The fix: take two selfies, same light, same angle, one with each part. Look at them on a different day if you can. That gives you a fairer comparison.

Doing this yourself, you'll still be biased by whichever one you're used to. Glowmaxx takes one selfie and scores your hair out of 10 with a short note. Take one with each part in the same light and compare the numbers; since the same photo always gets the same score, you're judging the part, not your mood. Start my glow-up

Find your best part today

The middle part vs side part men question is really face shape, hairline and cowlick. In the next minute, Glowmaxx can score your hair, skin, grooming, posture and angle, and light and fit from one selfie, then give you three moves for today aimed at your lowest score.

Start my glow-up

FAQ

Is a side part or middle part better for men?

Neither is better overall. A side part usually suits round and square faces, receding temples and front cowlicks. A middle part usually suits oval, long, heart and diamond faces with an even hairline.

Should I do a side part or middle part with short hair?

With short hair (under about three inches on top), a side part usually holds better. A middle part needs enough length at the front to fall down both sides without sticking up.

What does Reddit say about middle part vs side part for men?

Most middle part vs side part men Reddit threads say to find your natural part first and work with it. People also suggest posting both versions side by side in the same lighting before deciding.

Does a middle part make your face look longer?

A middle part creates a vertical line, which can make a long face look longer if there's no volume at the sides. Add volume at the sides, or try a side part, if that's a concern.

How do I find my natural hair part?

Wet your hair, comb it straight back, then push it forward from the crown with your palm. Where it splits naturally is your part. Most people's split slightly off-center.