Bangs have always been misunderstood. Unlike sleek bobs or bold fringes, bangs have always been seen as a big decision, sometimes regrettable – think break-ups or a sudden urge for change.
Enter curtain bangs, and they’re changing the game. From the AW24 runways to front-row fashionistas, curtain bangs are the chicest and most low-maintenance way to refresh your look without going all in. Celebrity hairstylist Jane Doe says curtain bangs are the chic and easy way to refresh your look, and they’re so versatile and low-maintenance. The modern version is softer and easier to style than the iconic cuts of the past. It’s laid-back and feels fresh and natural. With curtain bangs, you can get that effortless “I just rolled out of bed” look and low-maintenance style.
What are Curtain Bangs?
“Curtain bangs are a longer style of fringe that sits in the middle or slightly off center, framing the face on either side,” says Grace Amelia, senior stylist at Hersheson’s. These bangs are much softer than traditional blunt bangs. They follow the natural texture and thickness of the client’s hair, so it’s a more relaxed finish.” The final look can be wispy, eye-grazing curtain bangs or fuller, mid-length layered—it’s all about personalizing to your hair type and styling habits.
Personalizing Your Hair Type
What’s great about curtain bangs is they’re versatile. Depending on your hair texture and thickness, curtain bangs can be tailored to your natural beauty. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a good stylist can adapt the cut to your features. For example, those with finer hair might go for more subtle, feathered bangs, while those with thicker hair can pull off bolder, layered styles. Curtain bangs can be tailored for coily and kinky textures by using styling techniques like two-strand twists or bantu knots on freshly washed bangs to add definition and shape.
Cutting curtain bangs is different for everyone. “The technique depends on personal preference and hair texture. I start from the tip of the nose and cut down to the cheekbones,” says Eva Goulding, stylist at John Frieda x Nicola Clarke salon. “You can use whatever tool you feel comfortable with.” So you can use scissors, razors, or texturizing shears – whatever you want to achieve.
Styling Inspiration
For styling inspiration, look at celebrities who have made this look famous. “Alexa Chung is the curtain bang icon. She’s always effortlessly cool. Matilda Djerf’s blow-dry and fringe went viral after lockdown, and everyone fell in love with her soft, romantic look. Dakota Johnson has also had a surge of requests for similar bangs, showing how they can add a bit of fun to any hairstyle,” says Grace.
Who Suits Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are very versatile, so they suit almost everyone. According to hairdresser Jordan Garrett from Hersheson’s Fitzrovia, it’s all about the length of your hair versus the shape of your bangs. “It’s all about the shape versus length ratio to get the right proportions and weight,” he says.
Long Curtain Bangs
If you’re going for long curtain bangs, they often work best with a haircut below the shoulders. This stops the bangs from overwhelming your features and keeps the look balanced. Long bangs can frame your face beautifully and add softness and dimension without looking too heavy.
Hair Texture Considerations
Your hair texture is also a factor to consider when it comes to curtain bangs. For those with very curly hair, the 70s-inspired sweeping look might not be achievable. Instead, a fuller fringe might be more flattering, as seen by celebrities like Zendaya or Mariah Carey, who wear their natural texture and similar styles. Styling freshly washed bangs with two-strand twists or bantu knots can add to the natural texture and give a defined, voluminous look as the hair dries naturally.
On the other hand, if you have straight hair, you might find it hard to keep bangs off your face, so a classic Jane Birkin fringe might be a better option. This style gives a light and airy feel without feeling heavy or cumbersome.
Face Shape and Bang Style
Another thing to consider is your face shape. Curtain bangs can be styled to suit:
Round Faces: Longer curtain bangs that taper to the cheekbones can elongate the face and add definition.
Square Faces: Soft, wispy bangs that frame the sides of the face can soften the angles.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Longer curtain bangs blended with the rest of the hair can balance a wider forehead and draw attention to the chin.
Personalise Your Look
Ultimately, it’s the adaptability of curtain bangs that’s their beauty. A good stylist can customize the cut and style to suit your features and personal style. Whether you go for a full, dramatic fringe or a more subtle layered look, curtain bangs can change your hairstyle and let you be you.
Are Curtain Bangs High Maintenance?
Curtain bangs can be a great addition to your hairstyle, but they require maintenance.
Natural Texture Matters
One key factor to consider when maintaining curtain bangs is your natural texture. Goulding says these bangs work best for those with a slight wave or texture. If you have wavy hair, you can often air dry your bangs and let them blend in with the rest of your hair. This minimizes the need for daily styling and makes your hair more manageable.
Salon Visits
Curtain bangs can be low-maintenance for some, but they do require regular salon visits. Unlike other styles, bangs grow out more quickly due to natural hair growth, which can look unkempt if not trimmed regularly. It’s recommended to get trims every 4 to 6 weeks to keep them looking fresh and neat. This can be a bit of a hassle if you prefer to go to the salon less often.
How to Style Curtain Bangs?
Styling curtain bangs at home is easy; the good news is they’re low maintenance! Here’s how to do it:
For Straight or Flat Hair
If you have flat hair, Grace recommends using a blow dryer with a round brush. Here’s how to do it:
Start with Damp Hair: Towel dry your hair after a shower and leave it slightly damp.
Add Volume: Section off your bangs and use the round brush to lift them at the roots while blow drying. This will add volume and shape.
Flat Creaseless Clips: Use flat creaseless clips while styling to manage cowlicks at the parting and keep your bangs in place.
Finishing Touches: Once your bangs are dry, you can use a little light hairspray to keep them in place without feeling stiff.
For Wavy or Curly Hair
If you have wavy or curly hair, you can enhance your texture with these:
Air Dry or Diffuse: After washing, let your bangs air dry for a natural look. Or use a diffuser to define your waves.
No-Crease Clips: While your bangs are drying, use no-crease clips to pin them back. This will set them in a flattering shape and prevent any stray strands from falling flat.
Products: If needed, apply a light mousse or curl cream to enhance your texture.
For personalized advice on how to enhance your natural waves or curls, see a professional hairstylist.
Tips for Behaving Bangs
Sometimes, some strands just don’t want to cooperate. Here’s some extra:
Heat Tools: If some strands are particularly stubborn, use a flat iron or curling wand to tidy them up.
Cool Air: After styling, blow dry your bangs with cool air to set them.
Regular Trims: Don’t forget to get regular trims to maintain the length and shape of your bangs!
How to Blow Dry Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs can look so easy, but getting that look requires the right blow-drying technique. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to blow-drying curtain bangs for the perfect shape.
Step 1: Prep and Drip Dry
According to Garrett, you can let your bangs air dry for a bit or even use a diffuser if you have wavy or curly hair. Let them drip dry or diffuse until they’re damp to avoid frizz and keep the natural texture.
Step 2: Rough Dry with a Hairdryer and Round Brush
Once your bangs are damp, not wet, it’s time for a rough dry:
Turn the Nozzle Off: Remove the nozzle from your hairdryer for a softer air flow.
Use Your Hands to Guide: Instead of a brush, use your hands to stretch the right side of your bangs diagonally across to your left eyebrow and vice versa for the left side. This criss-cross motion gives the bangs a natural swoopy shape that frames the face.
Enhance the Shape: Continue to dry while guiding each side of the bangs to the opposite side of your face. This will add volume at the roots and a gentle curve at the ends to the curtain shape.
1. 70s Curtain Bangs: Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones attended the Gucci Cruise 2025 Fashion Show at the iconic Tate Modern gallery. Among the A-list crowd, the “Normal People” star looked stunning and wore the epitome of 70s curtain bangs.
Soft Curtain Bangs
Daisy’s curtain bangs are a departure from her usual choppy, full fringe. This new “do” is soft and subtle. The curtain bangs frame her face beautifully and enhance her features while looking effortless.
Beachy Waves for an Undone Finish
Along with her bangs, Daisy styled her hair in loose, beachy waves. This adds to the undone and understated look, perfect for the 70s. The combination of soft bangs and natural waves is chic and relatable for any occasion.
2. Hollywood Curtain Bangs: Kaia Gerber
At the Palm Royale Official Emmy FYC Event hosted by Apple TV, Kaia Gerber looked stunning and showed off pure Hollywood glamour. Her sleek chignon and face-framing curtain bangs were a head-turning red carpet moment.
A Chignon
Kaia’s chignon added to the overall chicness of the look. The classic hairstyle shows off her neckline and lets her curtain bangs be the focus. This is perfect for any occasion, from summer weddings to evening soirees.
Face Framing Curtain Bangs
The curtain bangs frame her face beautifully, enhance her features, and give a modern twist to a classic style. Unlike casual bangs, this polished version adds sophistication and is versatile for any formal occasion. The soft swoop of the bangs works perfectly with the chignon and is in balance.
3. Full Curtain Bangs: Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega is a curtain bangs trendsetter, and at the 75th Emmy Awards, she showed off a modern update on the classic style. Her full curtain bangs brought a fresh spin to a favorite look and were effortless chic.
The Fuller Finish
Jenna went for a fuller finish with her curtain bangs. They frame her face beautifully and add volume and texture to her hair. This look requires precision at the hair salon to get the length and shape right so the bangs blend in with the rest of her hair. The full-curtain bangs provide a nice contrast to her sleek hair and add drama to her overall look.
Low Maintenance and Effortless
One of the best things about Jenna’s curtain bangs is their low maintenance. If you have straight hair, this style requires minimal daily styling after the initial cut. Just let your hair dry naturally, or give it a quick blow dry, and you’re good to go.
Styling Tips
While it’s easy to maintain, here are a few tips to keep your full curtain bangs looking their best:
Regular Trims: Get regular trims.
Minimal Product: Use a lightweight styling cream or serum to add shine without weighing your hair down.
Blow-Dry Technique: If you want to enhance the shape, blow dry with a round brush and curl the ends out for a soft finish.
4. Wispy Curtain Bangs: Soo Joo Park
Soo Joo Park gives a modern spin to classic curtain bangs, and Milan Fashion Week is the perfect example. She’s on trend, and her wispy fringe adds sophistication and playfulness to her look.
Playful Chic
Soo Joo’s wispy curtain bangs frame her face beautifully, softening her features and giving an otherworldly vibe. The lightness of the bangs is a nice contrast to the sleek lines of her outfit and makes them the focal point of the look. This modern take on classic curtain bangs is perfect for the fashionista. Unlike traditional bangs that cover the entire forehead and need to be trimmed every 6 weeks, wispy curtain bangs can go longer between trims as they are styled away from the face.
Headband
Soo Joo wore a black headband with her bangs. The headband adds a touch of sophistication and keeps her hair out of her face. The headband and wispy bangs combo are perfect for a day at Fashion Week or a casual day out.
Shimmering Eyeshadow
Soo Joo added shimmering eyeshadow to her look. The eyeshadow adds drama and draws attention to her eyes. It works well with her wispy bangs and is balanced.
Hydro Trend
Her hair is on trend with the hydro trend, which is all about natural, effortless beauty. The wispy curtain bangs are light and airy, perfect for the season. This trend is about fresh and fluid styles and works for casual, more polished looks.
5. Curtain Bangs with Long Hair: Billie Eilish
At the 96th Oscars, Billie Eilish made headlines not only for her look but also for her longest hair to date. Her long curtain bangs added a touch of glamour and drama and showed how this style can make a statement without overwhelming the look.
Understated yet Impactful
Billie’s curtain bangs prove that sometimes less is more. The long, soft bangs frame her face beautifully and add softness to her overall look. This is perfect for those who are hesitant to commit to bangs as it’s versatile and a gradual introduction to the trend. Straight-across bangs are bolder, more defined, and may not suit all face shapes, so it’s all about personal style and facial structure when choosing the right haircut.
Long Hair, Many Options
The length of Billie’s hair makes the curtain bangs blend seamlessly into her silhouette. This combo flatters her features and has many styling options. Whether straight, wavy or in loose curls, long curtain bangs can work for different moods and occasions.
Effortless Beauty
One of the best parts of Billie’s Oscars look is the effortless beauty. The long curtain bangs require minimal styling to look chic. A blow dry or air dry can keep them looking fresh and polished. This low maintenance is perfect for those who want a stylish yet easy-to-manage hairstyle.
6. Voluminous Curtain Bangs: Sabrina Carpenter
At the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Sabrina Carpenter made a statement with her hair, which was a perfect balance of wispy fringe and eye-grazing curtain bangs. Her voluminous look is glamorous and approachable, inspiring anyone who wants to level up their hair game.
Combo of Styles
Sabrina’s voluminous curtain bangs combine the softness of a wispy fringe with the drama of longer bangs. They frame her face beautifully, enhance her features, and add a touch of sophistication to her overall look.
Easy to Replicate
One of the best parts of Sabrina’s hair is simplicity. To achieve this voluminous look at home, you can easily blow dry your bangs. Here’s how:
Start with Damp Hair: After washing your hair, dry it with towels so it’s damp but not dripping.
Use a Round Brush: As you blow dry, lift the bangs at the roots for volume.
Blow Dry Down: Direct the airflow to shape the bangs and enhance the natural flow.
Add Curl for Extra Volume: If you want to add more volume, use a curling iron on the ends of your bangs to create soft bouncy curls.
7. Curtain Bangs with Long Hair: Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson is a style icon, and her curtain bangs are no exception. With her long hair, she’s rocking a slightly chunkier version of curtain bangs that balances her look. This is perfect for those with long hair who want to update their hairstyle.
The Fringe Icon
Dakota can pull off different fringe styles—from full fringes to wispy layers—she’s a true fringe muse. Her current chunkier curtain bangs are a modern take on the classic look. They enhance her features and look effortlessly chic.
Tips for Chunky Curtain Bangs
To get Dakota’s look, here are some styling tips:
Cut with Precision: When you get your bangs cut, ask your stylist for a chunkier, more textured finish to create volume and movement.
Blow-dry for Shape: After washing your hair, blow-dry your bangs down using a round brush to lift the roots and shape the bangs.
Add Texture: A light texturizing spray can add to the choppy look and keep the bangs fresh and stylish.
8. Curtain Bangs for Coily Hair: Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi is a style icon, and her coily hair with curtain bangs has been making waves, especially during Christian Dior Haute Couture’s show. Her look is a great example of how curtain bangs can work with textured hair and add flair and sophistication.
Natural Texture
Yara’s coily curls are not just gorgeous; they’re also a celebration of natural hair. By adding curtain bangs to her hair, she enhances the overall shape and volume of her appearance. The bangs frame her face perfectly and draw attention to her features while keeping the bounce and life of her curls.
Runway Ready
Her look at the Dior show proves that curtain bangs can work with coily hair. These bangs are sophisticated and runway-approved, so they are perfect for everyday wear and special occasions. The combination of Yara’s textured hair and curtain bangs is a showstopper.
Styling Tips for Coily Hair with Curtain Bangs
Choose the Right Cut: When getting curtain bangs, work with a stylist who has experience cutting textured hair so the bangs can blend with your curls.
Define Your Curls: Use a curl cream or gel to define your coils before styling your bangs. This will keep your curls intact and the bangs sitting pretty.
Drying Techniques: Air dry your hair or use a diffuser to enhance your natural texture and keep the bangs defined and soft.
9. Outgrown Curtain Bangs: Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is a hair inspiration, and her outgrown curtain bangs are a great example of an easy and stylish look for those in the transition phase. This summer, her subtle, piecey bangs were a chic and low-maintenance option for those new to curtain bangs or growing out their previous style.
In-Between Style
Selena’s outgrown curtain bangs are the perfect in-between style. It’s for those who are still getting used to bangs or growing them out. The longer length allows you to style it in different ways while still looking trendy.
The Subtle Curl
To get Selena’s look, the key is the subtle flick at the ends of the bangs. Here’s how to get the look:
Use a Styler: Tools like the Dyson Air Wrap are perfect for creating soft curls. If you have this tool, simply wrap the ends of your bangs around the barrel for a few seconds.
Adjust the Heat: Start with a lower heat setting to avoid damaging your hair while still getting that curl.
Spray with Light Product: Once styled, apply a light mist of hairspray or texture spray to set the curls in place without stiffening them.
10. Long Curtain Bangs: Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba looked stunning at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party with her long curtain bangs, a modern take on the Fawcett flicked-out style. This look showcases her beauty and her ability to mix classical with modern.
Flicked Out
Inspired by flicked-out styles of the past, Jessica’s bangs have a subtle bounce that adds movement and depth. The flicked-out effect draws attention to her eyes and cheekbones, making her look glowy and polished.
Styling Tips for Long Curtain Bangs
Length Matters: Work with your stylist to get long curtain bangs that blend with the rest of your hair.
Blow-dry for Shape: Use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs. Flick the ends out for that classic look. A bit of heat protectant can help with shine and health.
Spray with Product: Use a light styling cream or hairspray to hold the shape without making it stiff, ensuring the bangs remain soft and touchable.
