Middle Part vs. Side Part: Which Suits Your Face Shape?

Choosing between a middle part and a side part can be a tricky decision, especially when you’re looking for a style that complements your face shape. Whether you’re rocking long waves, sleek straight hair, or curly locks, the right parting can enhance your facial features and create a balanced look. In this guide, we’ll break down which parting works best for different face shapes and how to achieve the perfect hairstyle for you. So, let’s dive in!

What is Hair Parting and Why Does It Matter?

A hair part is the line created by dividing your hair into two sections. While this may seem like a small detail, it has a significant impact on how your face and hairstyle are framed. The right part can accentuate your best features, create symmetry, or even soften angular shapes. On the other hand, the wrong part can highlight features you’d rather minimize or make your face appear less balanced.

Middle Part vs. Side Part: A Quick Overview

Before diving into how each part suits different face shapes, let’s first define the two main types of hair parts:

• Middle Part: A middle part splits the hair evenly down the center of the scalp. It’s often associated with symmetry, sleekness, and a youthful look.

• Side Part: A side part involves parting your hair to one side of your head. This style creates volume on one side, and it’s known for being versatile, classic, and flattering on a variety of face shapes.

Now, let’s break down which hair parting suits which face shape.

1. Oval Face Shape: The Best of Both Worlds

An oval face is considered to be the most versatile face shape when it comes to choosing a hair part. The symmetrical nature of the face allows it to pull off both a middle part and a side part equally well.

• Middle Part: A middle part will emphasize the natural symmetry of the oval face, offering a sleek and balanced look.

• Side Part: A side part can also add volume and dimension to an oval face, giving it a slightly more asymmetrical yet still balanced feel.

Conclusion: Both middle and side parts work well with oval faces, so feel free to switch it up depending on your mood or hairstyle.

2. Round Face Shape: Adding Elongation

Round faces tend to be characterized by soft curves and equal width and length. The key to balancing a round face shape is to add some length and vertical lines.

• Middle Part: A middle part may accentuate the roundness of your face, making it appear wider. However, if you prefer a more symmetrical look, it could still work if you focus on volume or layers around the face.

• Side Part: A side part is ideal for round faces because it creates asymmetry and elongates the appearance of the face. The volume created by a side part can help balance out the width of a round face.

Conclusion: If you have a round face, a side part is generally your best bet for elongating your facial features and creating a more oval-like appearance.

3. Square Face Shape: Softening Angles

Square faces typically have strong jawlines, wide cheekbones, and a broad forehead. The goal when styling square faces is to soften the sharp angles and create a more balanced look.

• Middle Part: A middle part can make a square face appear more symmetrical, but it may not do much to soften the strong angles. If you like the middle part, consider adding layers or soft waves to break up the straight lines.

• Side Part: A side part works wonderfully on square faces as it introduces asymmetry and softens the sharp angles. The volume on one side of the face can make the jawline appear softer.

Conclusion: A side part is the best option for square faces, as it helps to add softness and balance to your features.

4. Heart-Shaped Face: Creating Balance

A heart-shaped face features a wider forehead and a narrower chin. This face shape benefits from a part that can help balance the proportions between the top and bottom of the face.

• Middle Part: A middle part can emphasize the width of your forehead, but it can also add a sense of symmetry to the face. To balance the face further, try a middle part with waves or curls.

• Side Part: A side part can be very flattering for heart-shaped faces because it adds volume and draws attention away from the forehead. It also balances the narrower chin and creates a more even silhouette.

Conclusion: A side part is typically the best choice for heart-shaped faces, helping to create balance and draw attention to the lower half of your face.

5. Diamond Face Shape: Enhancing Features

A diamond-shaped face is characterized by high cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a narrow chin. The goal with diamond-shaped faces is to soften the angles and add width to the forehead and chin area.

• Middle Part: A middle part may emphasize the angularity of a diamond face, but it can also help create symmetry. Adding volume or waves to the sides can soften the sharpness.

• Side Part: A side part works well for diamond faces as it creates more width at the forehead and chin. The added volume at the side helps balance out the narrow features.

Conclusion: Both parts work for diamond faces, but a side part is often preferred for creating volume and balancing out the angles.

6. How to Choose the Right Part for Your Face Shape

When choosing between a middle part and a side part, consider the following tips:

• Face Shape: Your face shape plays a significant role in deciding which parting style suits you. As we’ve seen, side parts are generally better for round, square, and heart-shaped faces, while oval and diamond faces can pull off both parts.

• Hair Texture: Consider your hair texture as well. For example, if you have thick or curly hair, a side part may help manage volume and create a flattering shape. Straight hair might look sleek and symmetrical with a middle part.

• Hair Length: Your hair length can also impact your decision. Longer hair may work better with a side part to create volume, while shorter cuts look chic with a middle part.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Natural Beauty

Whether you go for a middle part or a side part, the most important thing is to embrace what makes you feel confident. Every face shape is unique, and experimenting with different parts can help you find the style that enhances your features best. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and have fun with your look!

In the end, the right hair part will highlight your personality, accentuate your natural beauty, and bring out your best features. So, what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with middle part and side part styles today!