Curtain Bangs 101: 20 Style Inspo and How to Wear
If there’s one hairstyle that’s unexpectedly soaring in popularity in the new year, it’s curtain bangs. The hashtag #curtainbangs already has over 56k posts on Instagram and 196.8M views on TikTok, and the numbers are only going up. Considering most of us want to update our current look, when is better to try out a new hairstyle right? If you’ve been thinking about getting curtain bangs cut in (who could blame you?), we’ve put together an edit of our favorite looks below.
Curtain Bangs 101
Plus, read our tips on who can pull off curtains and how to style them:
What Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are bangs that 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 popularized in the ’60s and ’70s, and thanks to social media, it’s now seeing a revival.
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, try these easy steps.
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 center 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 your fringe is cut in, watch this super easy step-by-step 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 hairspray, like TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray, to set it in place.
10 Ways to Wear Long Hair Curtain Bangs
Check out 7 ways to wear long hair curtain bangs:
1. Tucked
Not quite sure about taking the plunge yet? Simply tuck your strands behind your ears and pull the top section forward to create the illusion of curtain bangs. This quick trick will give you the freedom to try out the trend without the pressure to commit long-term.
2. 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 disheveled for the ultimate bedhead look. You can style using a dollop of TRESemmé Curl Definition Mousse for defined and smooth waves.
3. Mid-Length Waves
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.
4. Headband
Draw attention to your fresh cut with a cute headband. We love how chic this style is and how easily you can bring attention to your curtain bangs with a cute hair accessory.
5. Offset Your Curls
Those with thick hair can sometimes get overwhelmed by the sheer bulk of their strands and turn to thinning their hair to make it more manageable. Another alternative is opting for curtain bangs which allow the back section of the style to contain less hair and therefore be much more manageable to deal with.
6. Curly Strands
Are you trying to make curtain bangs work with curly hair? The image above is proof that you can! We love how the short length of these bangs allows the curls to bounce up and show off their natural texture. Give your curls some extra bounce and definition by washing and conditioning them with SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo.
7. Rooted
Add some depth to your curtain bangs by opting for rooted blonde hair color. This will offer even more dimension to your fresh style and draw attention to your new haircut. It’s a great way to add some grunge to an otherwise feminine style.
8. Straight Curtain Bangs
No need to be extravagant with curtain bangs! A simple straight hairstyle can really get an edge with some longer side strands.
9. Layered Curtain Bangs
If you have a step-layered haircut, combine it with curtain bangs to add even extra volume and texture. Need inspo? This year’s trend ghost layer is what you’re looking for.
10. Feathered Curtain Bangs
Feathered layers are also a great option for long hair. This haircut paired with curtain bangs gives your hair a full-volume upgrade and is perfect for office and after-hours.
10 Ways to Wear Short Hair Curtain Bangs
Officially curtains convert? With so many ways to wear curtain bangs, choosing which look to go for can be hard. Let us give you a helping hand with our pick of some of the best.
1. Wispy
This eyebrow-covered look is ideal if you’re a first-timer when it comes to fringes. Plus, the longer length means you can switch between curtain bangs and tucked long layers depending on how you choose to style it that day.
2. Wavy Bob
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. This length is perfect for the woman who is on-the-go and in need of a haircut that requires very little upkeep.
3. Textured
If you are looking for a more modern take on classic curtain bangs, try this textured bob. Use a flat iron to create bends and waves in your hair, and embrace the irregularity of the styling for a truly unique look!
4. Micro Curtain Bangs
Looking for a variation on the classic curtain bangs style? Try micro curtain bangs. This style allows you to get in on the feminine aspects of this trend while also maintaining some edginess in your look.
5. Long Layers
If you came here for ideas for how to style your hair while growing out your bangs, this is the style for you. The longer layers give the illusion of curtain bangs that are the perfect length for managing that awkward in-between zone you hit while growing out your bangs.
6. Bleach Blonde
Bobs are always on trend, but if you’re a bit bored with yours, you can easily switch things up. Tease your hair after you’ve curled your hair to get a lifted look at the roots.
7. Choppy Lob
This style is all blunt edges and trendy angles. We love how well the choppy lob works with curtain bangs. Grab a straightening iron and create random bends in your hair if you want to recreate this texture.
8. Blunt Bob
The bob trend definitely isn’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 this style to the mix?
9. Long Curtain Bangs
Want to blend your short hairstyle with curtain bangs? This layered hairstyle is perfect for playing with lengths and can come in handy if you decide to grow out your bangs.
10. Stylised Bangs
Hairspray in hand, let’s get styling those curtain bangs! This edgy look takes your front strands to the next level while also keeping any rebel hair in place.
