Middle-part braided hairstyles consist of braids styled with a center part running down the middle of the head. These versatile looks go by other names too, like center part braids.
The key thing is that middle part braid styles keep the emphasis on a precisely parted middle section. This allows for creative freedom with the actual braiding pattern.
While some middle part braided styles restrict styling versatility, most offer creative freedoms for accessorizing. You can dress up your braids into buns, ponytails, half-up half-downs, and more using hair ties, bobby pins, scrunchies, and other fun hair accessories.
Creating the middle part is an essential first step. Use a tail comb to section off a clean line from hairline to crown – or wherever needed based on the look you want. Positioning the comb from the tip of the nose straight up to the hairline ensures symmetry. This parting method works for both men and women.
The great thing about middle part braided hairstyles is that they look good on most faces and head shapes. You simply can’t go wrong with a middle part, and the middle part styles featured in this article will convince you to try this fail-proof braided style.
Middle part braids can be worn in so many ways: here are 30 eye-catching middle part braided hairstyles that you can easily achieve.
1. Middle Part Tribal Braids
Middle part tribal braids feature cornrow braids layered on top of one another with a middle part at the top section. Despite having a center part, tribal braids can still have different patterns and designs to match your personal style. They achieve the flatness of cornrows while maintaining volume with the layered individual braids.
2. 3-Layer Feed-In Braids With Middle Part
The 3-layer feed-in braids with a middle part combine a center part with 3 layers of cornrow braids made using the feed-in method. The middle part splits the top section, allowing the braids to frame the face beautifully on both sides. Layering the cornrow braids on top of one another adds depth and volume to the hair, creating eye-catching dimension. The 3-layer feed-in braids are versatile for any occasion and suitable for all ages.
3. 2-Layer Feed-In Braids With Middle Part
If you want a less voluminous look, 2-layer feed-in braids with a middle part are perfect. With 2-layer feed-in braids, one layer of feed-in cornrows runs halfway through the hair, with a second layer created over it featuring a middle part. The feed-in method ensures the braids look natural and showcase a neat scalp since the braids don’t come out bulky. You can adorn your two-layer braids with some beads, ready to rock this style for the next couple of weeks.
4. Middle Part Braided Ponytail
A middle part braided ponytail begins with a center part, slicking the hair around it, and gathering everything into a braided ponytail. You can position the ponytail wherever desired, but a low placement works best with a middle part. This style looks classy and chic while accentuating your facial features.
5. Middle Part Box Braids
Middle part box braids divide the hair down the middle, from the hairline to around the crown. Then, individual braids are made on each side into square sections. This allows the box braids to frame the face perfectly on both sides. The middle part box braid style remains versatile enough for various styling options.
6. Middle Part Cornrows
Middle part cornrows are an uncommon but worthy style that more people should try. They begin with a center part and feature cornrow braids made on each side. This simple yet classy look works well for a short-term style.
7. Zig Zag Middle Part
A middle part often brings to mind a straight line, but it doesn’t have to be. You can switch up the usual straight middle part by incorporating designs like a zig zag. The zig zag middle part involves making continuous diagonal lines that go left and right to form a Z shape at the center of the head. Braids like cornrows or individuals are then made around the zig zag part. This unexpected take on the middle part creates a striking look.
8. Middle Part Feed-In Braids
Middle part feed-in braids begin with a center part, and then small pieces of hair are gradually fed in and braided close to the scalp. The feed-in method can create different styles with various designs and patterns, resulting in flat, natural-looking braids. Feed-ins typically mimic cornrows, and adding a middle part polishes off the look.
9. Middle Part Frontal Ponytail
A middle part frontal ponytail uses a full-length frontal placed around the hairline. After creating a middle part, blend the frontal with the natural hair into a ponytail. A longer frontal allows proper fitting and a natural look when styled to the head shape. Strong holding products like glue and melting spray keep the frontal laid smoothly. This style requires frequent maintenance rather than long-term wear.
10. Middle Part Braids With Sew In
Can’t decide between braids or a sew-in? Get both! Middle part braids with a sew-in combine center-parted braids with a sew-in weave at the back of the head. This fast, easy style works when you need your hair done quickly for a short period. Various weave types, such as curly, straight, or wavy, can be used for the sew-in section. For longer-lasting results, smaller-sized braids in the front help secure the style.
11. Middle Part Fulani Braids
Middle part Fulani braids begin by sectioning the hair in two sections, with a horizontal part. Small cornrow braids are made on both sides of a center part, followed by individual knotless or knotted braids at the back. This Fulani braids style remains versatile for additional styling options later. It’s a simple, low-maintenance look that can last a good amount of time.
12. Middle Part Braids For Men
Middle part braids can be customized according to personal taste. For men, they typically feature a center part with individual braids or different cornrow patterns surrounding it. If you already have a favorite men’s braid style in mind, simply integrating a middle part is an easy way to update the look.
13. Middle Part 2 Feed-In Braids
The middle part 2 feed-in braids feature a center part from hairline to nape with feed-in braids on both sides. Hair is gradually added to build up the braids to the desired thickness. While not the most versatile in styling options, this look can be customized and elevated with different designs or accessories. It offers a conveniently cute and simple style.
14. Middle Part Cornrows With Natural Hair
Sometimes, you only need your natural hair to pull off different braided styles. Middle part cornrows with natural hair make cornrows around a center part without using any hair extensions. This simple, convenient way to protect your natural hair saves money on extensions while still slaying your natural look.
15. Middle Part Crochet Braids
Middle part crochet braids begin with flat, properly constructed foundation braids made with a center part. Pre-made braids are then installed on the natural hair to create the crochet look. Proper foundation braiding avoids bulk and an unnatural shape. This reusable, versatile style can last a long time, giving you more bang for your buck. With longevity and slay-ability, middle part crochet braids are a smart investment.
16. Middle Part Knotless Braids
Middle part knotless braids feature a center part with individual braids made without knots surrounding it. Starting with the natural hair, small pieces of hair are fed into the braids to reach the desired thickness. This method creates flat, flexible, painless braids. While a popular choice for braid wearers, knotless braids may not last as long as knotted varieties.
17. Middle Part Braids With Curls
Middle part braids with curls incorporate a center part with braids ending in curly pieces for volume. Rather than regular straight ends, curls creatively switch up the braided look. The curls can be made using tools like flexi rods or by attaching pre-made curly hair pieces to the braid ends.
18. Large Knotless Braids With Middle Part
Large knotless braids with a middle part feature a center parting with big braiding sections all around. Large pieces of hair create bigger knotless braids, quickly completing the style. Perfect for those who don’t want to sit too long, this bold look exposes more natural hair at the roots, so it may not last as long. For more inspiration like this, discover our articles on thick braids styles and jumbo braids.
19. Small Box Braids With Middle Part
Small box braids with a middle part feature a center parting with tiny individual braids in square sections all around. While time-consuming, depending on the braiders, the longevity makes creating small box braids worthwhile. They can last a good amount of time, so the initial effort pays off.
20. Middle Part Stitch Braids
Middle part stitch braids can be used to create different braided hairstyles. A stitch braid style generally involves making straight, repeated lines as you braid down the hair. After creating the middle part, you have the freedom to make different cornrow patterns around it. The only problem with getting middle part stitch braids is that the distinguishing straight lines tend to disappear quickly, which takes away from the purpose of this style.
21. Middle Part Bohemian Braids
Bohemian braids give you a perfect beachy vibe. This style involves creating a middle part first, then making individual braids with curls woven throughout them. The curls provide an instant upgrade, making the braids look fuller and more voluminous. You can use various types of hair for the curls, but human hair lasts the longest and is the easiest to maintain. You have the freedom to add as many or as few curls as you want, depending on the amount of volume you are aiming for. You can also switch things up using curls in a different color than the braids. This is an easy way to add a fun pop of color.
22. Middle Part Bubble Braids
Bubble braids, or poodle puffs, are created by gathering the hair at intervals and fluffing out the sides to make a bubble shape. Using a middle part allows the volume on both sides of the face to be symmetrical. You can achieve this style with different hair extensions, but kinky or Marley extensions work best. Their texture and volume help create the signature bubble shape. The key is gathering the hair and teasing the sides out into rounded puffs down the length of the braid. The result is a playful, bouncy cascade of bubbled braids that perfectly balances the face.
23. Middle Part Braided Bun
A braided bun gives an instant face-lifting effect. This style is created by making cornrow braids gathered into a neat bun, with a middle part at the front to frame the face. The middle part braided bun is a simple yet classy way to keep hair off the face and body. It is also perfect for hot weather. The sleek braids pull back cleanly from the forehead and temples before swirling into an elegant knotted bun at the crown or nape of the neck.
24. Middle Part Braids Wig
A middle part braids wig features braided hair in a middle part style. This type of wig typically comes with a middle part closure for a realistic look. However, if you want more versatility, opt for one with a lace frontal instead. The frontal allows you to switch up the part location. A braided wig offers a quick and easy protective style. Rather than sitting for hours getting your hair braided, you can pop on a pre-styled wig with beautiful braids already crafted. It’s an instant change that still looks natural.
25. Middle Part Updo Braids
These middle part updo braids feature cornrow braids gathered into an upstyle, complemented by a middle part. To create this look, braid the hair closely to the head, bringing all the updo together at the crown or back of the head. You can then accessorize with beads or curl the braid ends to add more style. A center part gives this easy, elegant style an instant upgrade.
26. Middle Part Ombre Braids
This ombre braids style features braids created with ombre extensions and a center part. You can do individual braids or cornrows using the ombre hair, which gradients between two or more colors in a single strand. If you can’t find pre-made ombre braiding hair in the shades you want, you can make your own by joining two colors of braiding hair as you braid. Either way, the blended ombre tones peeking out from the braids add an extra dimension to your hairstyle. The middle part keeps the face framed symmetrically so the lovely ombre effect stands out. This fun, dimensional style livens up basic braids with an on-trend ombre twist. It allows you to experiment with color in a subtle yet eye-catching way.
27. Middle Part Pop Smoke Braids
This Pop Smoke braids style is created by first making a center part, then cornrowing the hair from the part line to around the ears and from the end of the part to the neck. You can also add some stitch lines to the braids to make them appear neater and more distinctive. The middle part provides symmetry while the straight cornrows braided tightly to the head give an elegantly sleek finish. Pop Smoke braids get their name from the late rapper Pop Smoke’s signature hairstyle. This statement style pays tribute to Pop Smoke’s influential look while allowing your personality to shine through.
28. Middle Part Twist Braids
If you regularly wear braids, it’s time to switch it up with twist braids. This style is achieved by first creating a middle part. Then, place two strands of hair over each other to create twists. The twists can start with braids at the roots to secure them, or you can also start the twists directly from the roots. You can finish up the twists with curls, blunt ends, beads, or feathered ends. Twist braids with a middle part give off a neat, natural appearance.
29. Middle Part Passion Braids
Try this passion braids style if you are tired of regular braids or want to explore more braid styles. As the name suggests, these braids combine passion twist hair and regular braiding extensions centered around a middle part. Blending the textures results in messy, curly, thicker-looking braids with more volume. The passion hair provides a contrast to the straight braiding hair.
30. Middle Part French Curl Braids
Middle part French curl braids use pre-curled French curl braiding extensions to create braids with a middle part. The curls in these extensions hold their shape without needing to be dipped in hot water. If you want this style, it’s best to have it done professionally by someone familiar with properly installing French curl hair. They can preserve the beautiful ringlets. Whatever the occasion, middle part French curl braids are perfect.
