Curtain Bangs Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Get Them

Curtain bangs soared in popularity over lockdown back in 2020, but the era of this versatile hairstyle is long from over. Curtain bangs are great for every face shape and hair texture which makes them the ideal style to frame your face with and highlight your eyes or cheekbones. If you’re thinking of trying out a new hairstyle or refreshing your look with some bangs, we’ve put together an edit of our favourite looks, below. Plus, read our tips on who can pull off curtains and how to style them.

What Are Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs are bangs which are parted in the middle, framing each side of the face (just like, you guessed it, curtains!). Soft and sweeping, this type of fringe is longer than a typical blunt fringe, resulting in a shaggier, lived-in look. The style was first popularised in the 60s and 70s and thanks to social media and lockdowns, it has seen a revival, and it is here to stay.

Can I Pull Off Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs are flattering on most people, just be sure to take your face shape into consideration. The main factors to bear in mind include your face shape and the size of your forehead. Depending on whether your forehead is longer or shorter, you can play around with different lengths and positioning to flatter your face best.

How to Cut Curtain Bangs

If you’re feeling spontaneous or just want to know how to cut your own curtain bangs, check out this curtain bangs tutorial.

Step 1. On dry hair, part your hair in the middle.

Step 2. Use a comb to create a triangular section at the front of your hair and tie the rest of your hair back.

Step 3. Use hairdressing scissors to cut diagonally, making your fringe shorter in the centre and longer at the sides.

Step 4. Cut the ends vertically to remove bulk and add texture.

Step 5. And you’re done!

How to Style Curtain Bangs

Once you’ve got your fringe cut in, watch this super easy step-by-step tutorial for styling curtain bangs.

Step 1. Use a round brush and the concentrator nozzle on your hairdryer to curl each side of your bangs outwards.

Step 2. Blowdry the roots to add volume and bounce.

Step 3. Place a roller under each side of your bangs, clip it into place and allow the hair to cool.

Step 4. Remove the rollers and position your bangs as you like.

Step 5. Spray with a light hairspray to set it in place.

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Editor’s tip: If you want to create volume, hairspray is going to be a must. Set your style with a strong hairspray like the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray to maintain that bounciness all day.

15 Ways to Wear Curtain Bangs

Officially a curtain convert? With so many ways to wear curtain bangs, it can be hard to choose which look to go for. Let us give you a helping hand with our pick of some of the best.

Dark Blonde Curtain Bangs

This eyebrow-skimming look is ideal if you’re a first-timer when it comes to fringes. Plus, the shorter length means you can switch between a full fringe and curtains depending on how you choose to style it that day.

’70s Curtain Bangs

Influencer Matilda Djerf is the ultimate in curtain bangs inspiration. A classic Farrah Fawcett-inspired style, her retro look is super flattering for most hair types.

Sweeping Brunette Curtain Bangs

Showing that you don’t need super long hair to rock the curtain hair trend, this brunette’s lob gives the look a refreshing and modern update.

Brunette Balayage with Curtain Fringe

Mid-length waves are a tried-and-tested combination. To give this go-to style an on-trend update, ask your hairstylist to cut in a wispy fringe and your already-winning look will look even cooler.

Baby Blonde Curtain Bangs

Styling tip: Pairing a curtain fringe with curls helps to blend your bangs in with the rest of your hair for a seamless finish.

Choppy Curtains

While we mentioned that curtain bangs are often longer in length, they don’t have to be. Exhibit A: This influencer’s seriously cool choppy look.

Lob with Curtains

Bobs are always on trend but if you’re a bit bored of yours you can easily switch things up with a set of sweeping curtain bangs. Tease your hair after you’ve curled your hair to get a lifted look at the roots.

Auburn Curtain Fringe

Long hair can easily look weighed down, especially if your strands are naturally straight. Curtain bangs help to add texture and body to the top of your hair, drawing attention upwards to your face.

Blown Out Curtains

Got a date or a big event in the diary? Look no further! Curtains add a soft texture to this glamorous blowout look.

Editor’s tip: As fringes sit on the forehead (where we naturally produce oils), we recommend using some dry shampoo. A quick spritz will help to instantly soak up any grease, refreshing your bangs and preventing them from sticking flat to your forehead.

Medium Curtain Bangs Hairstyle

Complement your everyday look with chic curtains that look good both dressed up and dressed down. Try to opt for a style that skims the top of your cheekbones to really emphasise your eyes and flatter your face shape.

Chestnut Balayage

If you’ve ever had a fringe, you’ll know that keeping on top of the trims can be a lot. However, unlike baby bangs or blunt, straight-across fringes, curtains bangs aren’t as high maintenance and essentially, they can be left to grow out on their own.

Layered Bob with Soft Curtain Bangs

If you have natural waves, this style is perfect for you. Your textured tresses will help to bring the look together and make it look totally effortless.

Long Curtain Bangs

The good thing about curtain bangs is that you don’t have to commit all at once. If you’re apprehensive, ask your stylist to cut them to jaw-length to start with and then you can go shorter at your next appointment.

Bouncy Bob

Bobs aren’t going anywhere, so whether you’ve already been rocking one for ages or you’re thinking of taking the plunge, why not consider adding curtains to the mix?

Shaggy

Great for adding body to naturally fine, straight hair, this textured style combines the shag cut and the curtains trend in one. Wear it messy and dishevelled for the ultimate bedhead look.