Curtain Bangs: Who They Suit and How to Style Them
Curtain bangs explained: who they suit, how they differ from other fringes, what to ask your stylist, how to style them in five minutes and how to grow them out.
Curtain bangs are the fringe for people who are nervous about fringes. They part in the middle and sweep to each side, framing the face like a pair of open curtains. They are softer than a blunt fringe, easier to grow out and work on almost every hair type. Here is what to know before you cut, and how to style them once you have them.
What are curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs are longer bangs, usually hitting somewhere between the eyebrows and the cheekbones, that are parted in the centre and blend into the rest of the hair. They are shortest in the middle and get longer toward the sides. That shape is what gives the face-framing effect.
Curtain bangs vs other fringes
- Blunt bangs are cut straight across and sit flat on the forehead. Bold and high maintenance.
- Wispy bangs are light and see-through, cut across the forehead.
- Side bangs sweep to one side.
- Curtain bangs part in the middle and sweep both ways.
Who suits curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs are very versatile, but here is how they work with different features:
- Oval faces: suit any length of curtain bang.
- Round faces: longer curtain bangs that fall below the cheekbones elongate the face.
- Square faces: soft, longer bangs soften the jaw.
- Heart faces: curtain bangs balance a wider forehead beautifully.
- Long faces: shorter curtain bangs that hit the brow add width.
Hair types
- Straight hair: easy to style; may need a little volume at the roots.
- Wavy hair: looks effortless; bangs may need a quick blow-dry.
- Curly hair: curly curtain bangs are gorgeous but should be cut dry by a curl specialist.
- Fine hair: keep the bangs light so they do not look sparse.
- Thick hair: bangs may need thinning to sit nicely.
What to tell your stylist
- Bring photos of curtain bangs on someone with similar hair.
- Say where you want the shortest point to hit (brows, below the eyes, cheekbones).
- Ask for them to blend into face-framing layers if you want a softer look.
- Mention any cowlicks at your hairline.
- Ask the stylist to cut them a little longer to begin with. You can always go shorter.
Many stylists will trim bangs between appointments at little or no cost. Ask about this.
How to style curtain bangs
The blow-dry method
- Start with damp bangs. If they have dried, re-wet them.
- Part them in the middle.
- Using a small round brush, blow-dry each side up and away from the face, rolling the brush backward.
- Finish with a cool shot to set.
- Use a tiny bit of texture spray or dry shampoo to keep them separated.
The flat iron method
Take each side of the bangs and gently bend them away from the face with a flat iron, turning it slightly outward.
The Velcro roller method
Roll the bangs back on a large Velcro roller for 10 to 15 minutes while you do your makeup. Remove, and gently shape with your fingers. This is the easiest heatless method.
Air-dry method
Part the bangs, push each side back with a clip and let them dry like that. They will fall in a soft curve.
Products that help
- A lightweight mousse at the roots for volume
- Dry shampoo to stop bangs from getting oily
- A flexible hairspray
- A small round brush
Common problems
- Bangs too flat: use mousse and roll them back with a brush.
- Bangs splitting oddly: dry them with a nozzle pointing down, side to side, to reset the cowlick.
- Bangs getting greasy: dry shampoo, and keep hands off your face.
- Bangs too short: pin them back or style them to the side until they grow.
Curtain bangs with other cuts
Curtain bangs look great with long layers, shags, lobs and bobs. They are especially pretty with a blunt bob haircut, softening the strong line.
Growing out curtain bangs
One of the best things about curtain bangs is how easy they are to grow out. They simply blend into face-framing layers. While they are in between lengths, tuck them behind your ears, use clips, or style them into a half-up look.
Maintenance
Bangs need a trim every three to six weeks to keep their shape. Ask your stylist if they offer quick fringe trims between appointments.
Styling curtain bangs every day
- Dampen the bangs with water if they have dried in a weird direction.
- Blow-dry them with a round brush, pulling forward then out to each side.
- Finish with a small amount of light hairspray.
Without heat
Use a velcro roller while you do your makeup. Roll back and away from your face.
Growing out bangs without the awkward phase
Curtain bangs are easy to grow out because they already blend into face-framing layers. Ask for a trim every six weeks to keep them blending.
Curtain bangs for different hair types
- Straight hair: blow-dry to add bend.
- Wavy hair: let them air-dry with a little cream.
- Curly hair: ask for curly curtain bangs cut dry.
- Fine hair: keep them light.
- Thick hair: ask for them to be thinned slightly.
Curtain bangs and face shape
Curtain bangs suit almost every face shape because they can be cut and styled to frame the face. On a round face, keep them longer and sweeping. On a long face, start them a little higher.
How to trim curtain bangs between appointments
Most hairdressers offer quick fringe trims, which is the safest option. If you must trim at home, use sharp hair scissors, cut bangs dry, and point-cut vertically into the ends rather than cutting straight across. Take off less than you think: bangs spring up as they dry. Work from the centre parting outward, keeping the shortest point in the middle.
Curtain bangs with glasses
If you wear glasses, keep the bangs long enough to sweep above or past the frames. Very short curtain bangs can get caught on frames and look choppy.
Key takeaways
- Curtain bangs part in the middle and sweep to frame the face.
- They are low commitment and grow out easily.
- Blow-dry forward then out, or use a velcro roller.
- Trim little and often, cut dry.
One last tip
If you are nervous, ask for your curtain bangs a little longer than you think you want. They can always be trimmed shorter in a few minutes, and longer bangs blend into your hair if you decide to grow them out.
Between trims, you can keep curtain bangs looking fresh at home with a quick two-minute routine. Dampen just the fringe, blow-dry it forward with a small round brush, then roll the brush outward to each side as the hair cools so it parts naturally in the middle. If the bangs start to fall into your eyes, ask your salon whether they offer fringe trims between full appointments, since many do this for a small charge or as a quick add-on.
Get the Style Journal Co letter
One thoughtful email a week with our newest guides and seasonal ideas. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
FAQ
Are curtain bangs hard to maintain?
They need quick daily styling and trims every few weeks, but they are easier than blunt bangs.
Can I have curtain bangs with curly hair?
Yes. Ask for them to be cut dry by a curl specialist.
Do curtain bangs suit round faces?
Yes, especially longer curtain bangs that fall below the cheekbones.
Curtain bangs are the easiest way to try a fringe without a big commitment. Find a good stylist, learn a quick blow-dry and enjoy a soft, flattering frame for your face.
Save this guide for later — this image is sized for pinning.
Some posts may contain affiliate links; see our disclosure. Photography: Amirali Shaghaghi; bilal andırın; Amirali Shaghaghi; Rizky Sabriansyah; NORBAINE GLORY TAMAR; Nandi Gustian via Pexels.
