Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesThe center part ruled the red carpet – here’s how to make it yours.
Nothing defines a hairstyle quite like the part, and at the Critics Choice Awards 2025, the center part stole the spotlight. This classic style framed A-list faces with precision and added glamour to both structured updos and flowing locks. If you’re ready to bring this celebrity-approved trend into your routine, here’s how to perfect the look.
Office chic meets red carpet glam in Nicole Kidman’s look. The style is deceptively effortless but it takes strategic styling and the right products and tools to create it.
Protect your hair from heat damage during styling with a trusted heat protectant. A volumizing mousse will add lift and body to your hair. If your hair tends to fall flat by the end of the event, try using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to lift the hair at the roots.
Create waves with a 1-inch or 1 ½-inch curling iron, leaving out the roots and the ends. A texturizing spray will enhance the waves and a light-hold hairspray will set the style.
A ponytail neatly gathered at the back of the head opened up Zoe Saldaña’s face and let her flaunt her choker necklace and the statement neckline of her dress. Take a leaf from her book and go for a ponytail if you want to make your jewelry or décolletage the center of attention.
If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, you might want to straighten it with a flat iron for a smoother finish. Use a fine-tooth rat-tail comb to create a precise center part and smooth the hair. Tie your hair into a ponytail with a hair elastic and wrap a strand of hair around it to cover it up.
Apply a small amount of hair gel or serum to your hands and smooth it over the top and sides of your hair. This will help tame any flyaways and add shine.
A subtle center part helped structure Demi Moore’s updo and added a little bit of texture in the front. “Since the dress is very structured, I wanted to keep her hair simple and clean, pulled up in a messy twist with a middle part!” shares Demi’s stylist Dimitris Giannetos.
To get the look, blow dry your hair with a round brush, concentrating on achieving a smooth, flyaway-free finish. Pull your hair up, twist it, and secure it with bobby pins.
Center parts work great with half-updos and Mikey Madison proved it once again. Her sweet and innocent hairstyle was very much in tune with the reserved monochromatic outfit.
This hairstyle looks lovely on wavy hair but you can also wear it straight or curly. Create a neat center part and then section the hair on the sides horizontally above your ear, bringing the section a little up. Twist the section slightly and secure it with bobby pins. Make sure it is tight enough to hold but not too tight to cause discomfort.
Lupita Nyong’o pulled her locs into a sophisticated down-do that boasted clean lines and immaculate structure. “I wove her locs into a sleek ponytail, keeping the ends sharp and chic for added elegance,” explains Lupita’s stylist Vernon François.
To copy Lupita’s style, divide your locs, twists, or braids down the center. Clip the crown section of your hair up and create a mini ponytail bringing the side sections together at your nape. Let the crown section fall down over the small pony and join them together, focusing on retaining volume and shape. Use a hair oil to smooth down flyaways and trim the ends if needed for a clean look.
Although it wasn’t particularly little, Naomi Watts’ black dress would have made Coco Chanel proud! Her chic bob was a perfect fit for the haute couture look.
This style thrives on crisp outlines and defined structure. Apply a heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair. Using a flat iron, straighten your hair section by section. Move the flat iron slowly from the roots to the ends to ensure a smooth and straight finish. Be sure to straighten all sections of your hair, including the back.
Once your hair is straightened, apply a small amount of hair serum or shine spray to add smoothness and a polished finish. For an extra sleek look, you can tuck the front sections of your hair behind your ears.
To keep up with the award-season celebrity looks, check out Throwback ‘90s Hairstyles of Golden Globes 2025 You’ll Want To Copy and Best Star Looks of Grammys 2025 Setting Hair Trends.
Featured images via @rena.calhoun, @vernonfrancois.
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