Centre-parted, face-framing and back in fashion
Curtains — also known as a middle part or e-boy haircut — is a style where the hair is parted down the centre (or slightly off-centre) and falls to each side, framing the face. It was the defining look of the 1990s, worn by everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to David Beckham, and it's made a strong comeback in recent years among younger and older clients alike.
The modern version is a bit more refined than the original. The sides are typically tapered or faded rather than left long all over, which gives the style more structure without losing that relaxed, effortless feel. At BB's Barbers, we shape the top with scissors to create layers that fall naturally into the parting.
Curtains work best on oval, oblong and heart-shaped faces. The hair falling along the sides softens angular features and adds width to narrower faces. If you have a round face, an off-centre parting can help create asymmetry and the illusion of length.
Straight and wavy hair types work best. The natural fall of the hair does most of the styling work. Curly hair can pull it off too, but the result is looser and more textured — think Timothee Chalamet rather than Leonardo DiCaprio. You'll need at least four to five inches on top for the hair to part and hang properly.
Curtains are one of the easier longer styles to maintain. After washing, towel-dry your hair and apply a small amount of light-hold cream or sea salt spray. Part down the middle with your fingers, blow-dry each side away from the centre using low heat, and let it set. The whole thing takes a couple of minutes.
If your hair doesn't naturally want to sit in a centre parting, don't force it. An off-centre part often looks more natural and can be easier to manage. We'll advise on the best parting position for your hair growth pattern when you come in.
Curtains is a men's hairstyle where the hair is parted down the middle (or slightly off-centre) and falls to each side, framing the face. The sides can be left longer for a relaxed look or tapered and faded for a cleaner finish.
You'll need at least four to five inches on top for the hair to part and fall properly. The front needs enough length to reach your cheekbones or jawline. If you're growing into it, we can shape the cut at each visit to help it along.
Not particularly. The style relies on your hair's natural fall, so most of the work is done by gravity. A light product and a quick blow-dry to set the parting is all you need. It's much lower effort than a pompadour.
For something shorter, try a French crop or textured crop. For more volume, consider a pompadour. Read our guide on how to grow out a fade if you're transitioning from shorter hair.