Curtains Hairstyle for Men: How to Get the 90s Middle Part

Quick answer: The curtains hairstyle is a center-part or off-center part haircut where the front falls to both sides of the face. It works best with medium length hair, natural movement, and enough volume at the roots so the fringe does not sit flat.

For men, curtains can look clean, 90s, K-pop, e-boy, soft boy, or modern depending on the taper, length, texture, and styling product.

What Is The Curtains Hairstyle?

The curtains hairstyle is a parted fringe. The front hair opens from the middle or slightly off center, then falls down and back like curtains around the face.

The classic version has longer sides and a softer 90s shape. The modern version usually has cleaner sides, more texture, and a taper around the ears and neck.

Good curtains need three things:

• Enough front length to split and fall.
• Some volume at the roots.
• Hair that can move without looking greasy or stiff.

Who Should Get Curtains?

Curtains work best when they balance your face shape. The front pieces can soften sharp features, shorten a long forehead, or add movement around the cheekbones.

Face shape	Best curtains version	What to avoid
Oval	Most versions work	Too much flat length
Round	More height, cleaner sides	Wide, puffy sides
Square	Soft texture with medium length	Heavy blunt front
Long	Lower volume and fuller sides	Extreme height at the roots
Diamond	Soft flow around temples	Too much tightness at the sides
Heart	Loose front pieces and balanced sides	Sharp narrow sides with huge top

If you are not sure, start with the face shape test.

How Long Does Hair Need To Be?

For curtains, the front usually needs to reach the eyebrows, eyes, or cheekbones depending on the version.

• Short curtains: front reaches the brows.
• Classic curtains: front reaches the eyes or upper cheekbones.
• Long curtains: front reaches the cheekbones or jaw area.
• K-pop curtains: front is often eye length with soft volume.
• Tapered curtains: medium top length with cleaner sides.

If your hair is still too short, use the hair grow-out guide for men first.

Best Hair Types For Curtains

Curtains can work on straight, wavy, thick, and some curly hair. The styling method changes.

Hair type	How curtains look	Styling focus
Straight hair	Clean, sharp, 90s	Root volume and light texture
Wavy hair	Natural flow and movement	Frizz control and shape
Thick hair	Full and strong	Weight removal and layering
Fine hair	Soft and airy	Volume powder or sea salt spray
Curly hair	Loose parted curls	Curl cream and controlled length

Best Curtains Hairstyle Variations

1. Classic 90s Curtains

The classic 90s version has medium length, a visible middle part, and soft sides. It works best with straight or wavy hair that can fall naturally.

2. Tapered Curtains

The tapered version keeps the top and front longer while cleaning up the sides and neckline. It is the safest modern version for most men.

For the full version, read the tapered middle part haircut guide.

3. Short Curtains

Short curtains sit around the brow. This is a good option if you want the shape without growing hair to your cheekbones.

4. Long Curtains

Long curtains create more flow and drama. They work best when the hair is healthy, layered, and styled with movement.

5. Wavy Curtains

Wavy curtains can look effortless when the cut removes enough weight. Use a light cream or sea salt spray to keep movement without frizz.

6. K-Pop Curtains

K-pop curtains usually have soft volume, a cleaner finish, and face-framing front pieces. They can be styled with a middle part, comma shape, or loose curtain flow.

See more options in the K-pop hairstyles for men guide.

7. Messy Curtains

Messy curtains use texture instead of a perfect part. This works well if your hair has natural wave or you prefer a less polished look.

For product ideas, read the messy hairstyles for men guide.

What To Ask Your Barber For

Bring photos. Curtains are easy to misunderstand if you describe them with one word.

Say this:

I want a medium-length curtains haircut with a center part, enough front length to fall around my eyes, soft layers for movement, and a clean taper around the ears and neckline. Keep the top long enough to style with volume.

Then show the barber the length you want in the front, sides, and back.

Barber Checklist

• Keep enough front length for the part.
• Add layers so the hair moves.
• Remove bulk from thick hair.
• Do not cut the front too short.
• Clean the neckline.
• Use a low taper if you want a modern finish.
• Avoid a hard part unless you want a sharper style.

How To Style Curtains

The styling goal is lift at the roots and movement through the front. Do not use heavy wax at the start. It can make the hair collapse.

Simple Styling Routine

1. Start with damp hair.
2. Apply sea salt spray or light styling cream.
3. Create a middle or off-center part with your fingers.
4. Blow dry the roots back and away from the face.
5. Use your fingers or a round brush to shape the front.
6. Finish with light clay, cream, or texture powder.
7. Lock with low-shine hairspray if your hair falls flat.

Best Products

• Sea salt spray: texture and light grit.
• Texture powder: volume for fine hair.
• Styling cream: control for wavy hair.
• Matte clay: hold for thicker hair.
• Light hairspray: keeps the part from collapsing.

Common Curtains Mistakes

• Cutting the front too short.
• Using too much heavy product.
• Letting the sides get too wide on a round face.
• Forcing a middle part when an off-center part looks better.
• Growing length without adding layers.
• Skipping trims during the grow-out phase.
• Using curtains to hide poor hair health.

Maintenance

Curtains need more maintenance than a short crop, but less than a full slick-back style.

• Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
• Taper cleanup every 3 to 5 weeks if your sides grow fast.
• Use conditioner so the front does not look dry.
• Avoid heavy oil near the roots.
• Clarify if product buildup makes the hair flat.

Curtains Vs Middle Part

Most people use these terms together, but they are not identical. A middle part is the part line. Curtains describe the way the front hair opens and frames the face.

You can have a middle part without curtains if the hair is short or flat. You can also have curtains with a slight off-center part if that fits your face better.

Should You Get Curtains?

Get curtains if you have enough length, want face-framing movement, and can style the front with some volume. Skip them if your hair is too short, your sides puff out, or you hate spending time blow drying.

If you want more haircut options, use the best men’s hairstyles guide. If you want a full appearance plan around hair, skin, and style, read the 30-day glow-up plan for guys.

FAQ

What is the curtains hairstyle?

The curtains hairstyle is a parted fringe where the front hair opens from the middle or slightly off center and falls to both sides of the face.

How long does hair need to be for curtains?

The front usually needs to reach the eyebrows, eyes, or cheekbones. Short curtains need brow length. Classic curtains need eye length or longer.

Are curtains good for round faces?

Curtains can work for round faces if the sides stay clean and the top has enough height. Avoid wide, puffy sides that make the face look rounder.

How do men style curtains?

Start with damp hair, add light product, part with your fingers, blow dry the roots back, shape the front, and finish with light clay, cream, powder, or hairspray.

Are curtains still in style?

Yes. Curtains are still popular because they work across 90s, K-pop, e-boy, soft boy, and modern taper styles.