Achieving a perfect middle part in your hair has become a popular hair trend in recent years. Many people strive for a clean and symmetrical middle part, but it can be tricky to get it just right. The key is having the right hair type, tools, and techniques. Here are some tips on how to get a flawless middle part every time.
Determine if Your Hair Type is Suitable
The first step is making sure your hair texture is suited for a middle part. Generally, straight hair or hair with a slight wave is best for a middle part. Very curly or coily hair can be more difficult to section neatly down the middle. The weight and curl pattern tends to make curly hair want to part more to one side. Very fine limp hair can also be hard to get to stay parted directly in the middle.
If you have naturally curly or very fine hair, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear a middle part but it may take more effort. Using styling products to smooth and straighten curly strands will help achieve a cleaner central parting. Adding volume at the roots can give fine hair more body to stay separated down the middle.
Best Hair Types for Middle Parts
- Straight
- Wavy
- Slightly curly (with smoothing products)
Difficult Hair Types for Middle Parts
- Very coily/tightly curled
- Extremely fine and limp
Part Your Hair When Wet
It is much easier to create a precise middle part when hair is wet. Whether you are parting your hair right after washing it or simply wetting your hair with a spray bottle, saturated strands will stay separated. The weight of wet hair pulls it straight down, which helps divide it in half neatly.
Make sure to comb through wet hair thoroughly with a wide-tooth comb before partitioning. This will prevent tangles and knots that could interfere with a clean part. Use the edge of the comb to create your initial part line while hair is slickened with water. The teeth will help guide a straight line down the center of your head.
Use Styling Products for Definition
The right styling products are key for a middle part that stays put all day. Look for products that offer control, smoothing, and shine. Gels, mousses, and serums are great options. Apply your products when hair is freshly washed and parted for best results.
Focus the products on the roots to keep strands feeling separated. Smooth any flyaways or unruly pieces around your hairline as well. The added control from stylers will help your initial wet part translate into a lasting dry part.
Recommended Styling Products
- Gel
- Mousse
- Smoothing serum
- Shine serum
- Anti-frizz serum
Use Accessories Strategically
Hair accessories like clips and headbands can be utilized to perfect your part. Small jaw clips are ideal for setting your part in place as hair air dries. Position a clip on either side of the part near the roots while drying to keep hair flat and divided. Once dry, remove the clips for a lasting separation.
Headbands are another useful accessory for middle parts. Look for skinny headbands that sit comfortably along your part. The pressure from the headband will act as guide to keep strands in place. Focus on keeping hair neatly tucked under the band for optimal results.
Helpful Accessories
- Jaw clips
- Bobby pins
- Skinny headbands
- Hair comb
Blow Dry Using a Round Brush
Using a round brush while blow drying is the best way to set your middle part for a lasting hold all day. Aim the nozzle of your blow dryer down the part line while brushing hair away to either side. Keeping tension on the hair will smooth and stretch strands for greater definition.
Make sure to get the roots completely dry and smoothed near your crown. Focus on angling the round brush to create volume at the roots for greater separation. Take your time blow drying in sections for added control. The tension and heat will help train hair to stay parted where you want.
Round Brush Tips
- 1 1/2 – 2 inch barrel size recommended
- Aim nozzle down part
- Brush hair to both sides
- Dry roots thoroughly
- Create volume at crown
Finish with a Light Hold Hairspray
The final step for a perfectly defined part is locking it in with hairspray. Light hold sprays will keep your part sharp without feeling crunchy or flaky throughout the day. Focus the spray directly down the initial part line and smooth with your comb.
Make sure to spray hairspray all over – not just the roots. This ensures a flexible but lasting hold. Re-spray as needed if your part begins losing definition, especially on hot or humid days.
Hairspray Tips
- Light to medium hold
- Apply to roots and lengths
- Reapply as needed
- Avoid heavy stiff sprays
Maintenance Tips for Middle Parts
Maintaining a polished middle part requires some upkeep. With the right daily and weekly care, you can enjoy flawless hair separation all the time.
- Shampoo regularly to prevent oil buildup weighing down roots
- Use clarifying shampoos weekly if using lots of product
- Apply dry shampoo at roots if hair gets oily between washes
- Finger comb to touch up parts throughout the day
- Sleep with hair in loose braids or ponytail to avoid flattening
- Trim hair every 6-8 weeks to prevent ragged splitting ends
Common Middle Part Issues and Solutions
It’s normal to encounter some problems now and then when sporting a middle part. Here are some common issues and fixes to get your part back on track:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Part appears uneven/crooked | Re-wet hair and re-part in correct spot. Blow dry with round brush. |
| Losing definition throughout the day | Use stronger hold hairspray and focus on roots. Reapply as needed. |
| Frizzy strands around part | Use anti-frizz serum on wet hair before blow drying. |
| Hair falls flat at roots | Add volume powder or dry shampoo at crown. |
| Part exposes more scalp | Try widening the part slightly. Apply root concealer. |
FAQs
What is the best way to get a straight part?
Part wet hair with comb. Use styling products to slick and smooth strands. Blow dry with a round brush down the part line. Set with light hold hairspray.
Where exactly should my middle part be?
Your part should start at the center of your head, aligned with the tip of your nose and middle of your cupid’s bow.
Can I train my natural side part to be a middle part?
Yes, with time you can train your hair to adapt to a new parting. Blow drying with tension on the new part line will help re-train hair direction.
What happens if I part my hair in the same place every day?
Parting hair in the same spot consistently can lead to breakage over time. Try alternating your part location now and then to prevent damage.
Is a middle or side part better for fine hair?
A side part tends to be more flattering for very fine or thinning hair. The angle can create more volume on the fuller side.
Conclusion
Achieving an elegant middle part is easy when you use the right techniques. Starting with clean wet hair, create your initial part with a comb and apply styling products. Blow dry with a round brush down the part then set with a light hold hairspray. Maintain your sleek parts in between washes with dry shampoo and re-styling. With some practice, you can master a beautifully defined middle part to complement your face and hair type.
