Middle Child: Try This Hair Trend

We first noticed this trend during this year’s Grammys—Beyonce and Katy Perry were rocking that middle part, right? Beyonce’s version was very sleek, while Katy Perry channeled Priscilla Presley with a more voluminous look. Then we definitely saw it on the Oscars red carpet: the gorgeous Kerry Washington stood out with a simple version that flattered her eye-catching Miu Miu dress, and Amy Adams pulled her signature red locks into a middle-parted messy-chic chignon. Jennifer Garner, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Nicole Kidman all sported their own take.

So, we’re calling it: the middle part is back! And you can make it work for you—even if you haven’t worn one since kindergarten.

If your face is round or heart-shaped

This look works great for you, since it draws attention to the center of the face and elongates. Take a fine-toothed comb with a sectioning tail (Anna Sui’s version is beautiful and functional), and draw the point through the middle of your head. Use the space between your eyebrows to guide you, and don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly spaced. Voilà! You’re done.

If your face is square

Your face is already very symmetrical, so why not try what’s called a “mini-middle part”? Draw your part as above, but a few inches back stop the part and pull the hair back in an almost-bouffant. This should look a bit like a T. You can tease this for higher volume, or just spray with hairspray to set. Or try piecey bangs to soften the effect.

If your face is oval

You can pull off everything, but you already knew that, didn’t you, you lucky thing! For that extra-glam Katy Perry look, build the volume before you blow-dry with a volumizing mousse like TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse.

You can play up this look with the half-up princess ‘do. Take one-inch sections from your crown and pull them back with barrettes at the sides or a single clip in the back of the head. You can also slick it back into a ponytail à-la-Beyonce with pomade (try Tigi Hair Stick), or let it all hang down long and proud for that ‘70s cool. Whichever way you choose to wear this trend, make it your own!