Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
Once upon a time, there were Brigitte Bardot’s thick, piece-y bangs. Next came Farrah Fawcett’s angelic, flipped-out fringe. Then Sabrina Carpenter became the unofficial ambassador for curtain bangs with her signature, voluminous, face-framing style. Now, the classic look is ubiquitous on red carpets and social media. Stars like Nicole Kidman, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Chappell Roan have shown just how universally flattering curtain bangs can be, regardless of hair length or texture.
Curtain bangs have stood the test of time not only for their versatility but also for being surprisingly low-maintenance. Compared with other types of bangs, they don’t have the dreadfully noticeable, awkward, growing-out phase. They simply “curtain out from the middle” even more as they get longer, blending naturally into the rest of your hair, says Rubi Aguilar, a New York City hairstylist, who’s worked with Courtney Cox, Kaia Gerber, and Paloma Elsesser. Plus, they’re becoming softer, less meticulously styled, and more effortless than ever, according to British hairstylist Carl Bembridge.
Ahead, stylists explain exactly what qualifies as curtain bangs, how to achieve them based on your hair type, along with recommendations for which products to reach for to style your new look.
Meet the experts:
- Rubi Aguilar is a hairstylist and owner of Salon in New York City.
- Karen Arechiga is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
- Carl Bembridge is a hairstylist in Essex, England, and a spokesperson for Colorwow.
- Brian Christopher is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
- Eduardo Méndez is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
- Lacy Redway is a New York City-based hairstylist and spokesperson for Unilever hair-care brands.
- Bronwen Robinson is a hairstylist at Suite Caroline in New York City.
In this story:
- What are curtain bangs?
- Which face shapes and hair types work best with curtain bangs?
- Face-framing layers vs. curtain bangs: What’s the difference?
- How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon
- Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.
- How to style curtain bangs
- How to maintain curtain bangs
- Curtain bang hairstyle inspiration
What are curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs are a “long, face-framing fringe that typically hug around your brows,” explains Aguilar. They’re cut shorter in the middle and longer on the sides, with the longest parts hitting the top of the cheekbones, she adds. Depending on how they are cut, curtain bangs can enhance the natural symmetry of your face and complement other features, says Brian Christopher, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
Which face shapes and hair types work best with curtain bangs?
A major reason curtain bangs are so popular is that the look suits everyone, regardless of face shape, says Bronwen Robinson, a hairstylist at Suite Caroline in New York City. The right hairdresser will customize the length and shape to highlight your facial features in the most flattering way, taking into account your hair texture and growth patterns, Aguilar says. “The worst is a stylist who will talk you out of a style instead of educating you and finding a creative way to cut the style you're excited about,” she adds.
If you have textured or curly hair, seeking a stylist skilled in dry cutting is essential for the most flattering curtain bangs. Curls tend to shrink as they dry, Christopher explains, so this technique helps gauge how they'll fall. Cutting while they are dry also lets the stylist give each curl individual attention for the softest, most consistent curtain bangs, adds Los Angeles hairstylist Karen Arechiga.
Face-framing layers vs. curtain bangs: What’s the difference?
The difference lies in length and styling. “Curtain bangs are typically shorter, flare toward the ends, and are styled with a little more volume, especially at [the roots],” explains Lacy Redway, a New York City-based hairstylist and spokesperson for Unilever hair-care brands. “Face-framing layers are cut with an overall longer, gradual slope and can be styled with or without volume.”
The layers can also be cut to contour your face and blend seamlessly into the rest of your haircut. “You can have both for a really gorgeous haircut with lots of movement,” Bembridge says.
How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon
At this point, "curtain bangs" is a universally understood term among professional hairstylists, but you can mention that you want "long, soft bangs that can be parted in the middle or slightly to the side,” Christopher says. Bringing photos to your appointment that show your dream look will also be much appreciated by your stylist. (Lucky for you, we included some images below for your consideration.) You can then point out what you like—and dislike—about each look. “Pictures are always helpful,” says Aguilar, “even if they're photos of something you want to avoid.”
Be sure to tell your stylist how you style and wear your hair daily, Arechiga adds. If you air-dry your hair, say so. More of a blow-dry person? Your stylist will definitely want to know.
Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.
Our experts strongly recommend against cutting curtain bangs at home. You can go on TikTok to see plenty of curtain bangs tutorials that end in tears. “Bangs quite literally frame your face,” Aguilar says. “If you mess up, it won't matter if the rest of your hair looks great because your bangs aren't flattering.” Plus, she notes, most stylists offer free bangs trims for existing clients.
But if you simply must have DIY curtain bangs, “invest in good-quality hair scissors for a clean cut,” Christopher says. Need a suggestion or two? Try the Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors, made from lightweight Japanese stainless steel that stays perfectly sharp, or Fromm’s Explore 5.75-inch Shear, which is lightweight and super-easy to maneuver for precise trimming. If you want to splurge, take cues from Bembridge, who uses the Leaf the Foundation Scissors.
Save to wishlist
Equinox
Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors
Amazon
Save to wishlist
Fromm
Explore 5.75'' Shear
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Save to wishlist
Leaf
The Foundation Scissor
Leaf
Once you have your shears on hand, start with dry hair, so you can see the true length you’re working with. Next, create a triangle-shaped section at the front of your face with the top point starting from the crown of your head. Then angle the section down toward your temples on each side before pulling back the rest of your hair, Christopher explains.
From there, hold your professional-grade hair scissors diagonally from the ends of your hair, and cut an inverted V-shape with small snips. This method creates texture and helps you avoid blunt edges, he says. The shortest parts in the middle should start near the center of your brows, and the longest should be at the highest points of your cheekbones or even layered down to your jawline, Robinson adds.
How to style curtain bangs
If your curtain bangs are cut well, you should be able to air-dry them without disastrous results, especially if you want to wear your fringe in its naturally curly or wavy texture. “Curtain bangs are cut to look breezy and effortless,” says Robinson. “If too much heat or effort is applied while styling, it will break that illusion of ‘I woke up like this.’”
To achieve that soft, tousled vibe, grab a lightweight texturizing spray, especially if you have naturally straight hair. Aguilar recommends the ROZ Wave Texturizing Mist, while Redway suggests the Tresemmé A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray because it gives curtain bangs hold with a lived-in feel and “removes unwanted oils so they stay airy.” Allure’s content director Sophia Panych, on the other hand, swears by Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray because “it lifts roots like a dry shampoo, adds light hold like a flexible hairspray, and adds texture like a beach spray.”
Save to wishlist
RŌZ
Wave Texturizing Mist
Amazon
Nordstrom
Credo Beauty
Save to wishlist
Tresemmé
A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray
Amazon
Save to wishlist
Oribe
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Amazon
Nordstrom
Those with textured or curly hair can apply a pea-sized amount of their go-to curl product before air-drying to enhance the bounce and definition of their curtain bangs. Aguilar’s pick is the Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control, which delivers a light, hydrating hold. We also love the Isima Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream for the way it enhances your natural texture and smooths frizz. If you’re looking for sleeker, more va-va-voom curtain bangs like Sabrina Carpenter’s (or dealing with a cowlick at your hairline), you’re going to need some heat. Grab your blow-dryer and a round brush, or consider a blow-dryer brush. “A great hot brush can help create volume in your curtain bangs,” Redway says.
Save to wishlist
Innersense Organic Beauty
Quiet Calm Curl Control Cream
Ulta Beauty
Credo Beauty
Save to wishlist
Isima
Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream
Ulta Beauty
The smallest round brush Arechiga recommends is 1.5 inches, ideal for curtain bangs that fall just below the brows or for creating a more dramatic curl. The largest is 2 inches, suitable for longer curtain bangs starting below the cheekbones or for achieving a relaxed, beachy vibe, she adds. Bembridge is a fan of the 2-inch Dom Dom Small Round Bristle Brush, which combines boar and nylon bristles to smooth hair and boost shine. On the smaller side, the British M 33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush, which Allure’s commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann uses to style her own curtain bangs, is a great choice.
Save to wishlist
Dom Dom
Small Round Bristle Brush
Amazon
Save to wishlist
British M
33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
Amazon
With your preferred tools within reach, part your bangs down the middle, then place the brush under one side. Roll the entire section, including the ends, downward toward the center of your face, Arechiga explains. Repeat on the other side, then set them in place with hairspray or, if you have fine hair, a volumizing spray such as the Best of Beauty Award–winning K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray. Los Angeles hairstylist Eduardo Méndez likes to spritz on Virtue Volumizing Primer because, he says, “It gives me the right amount of grip at the root, allowing me to place the bangs exactly where I need them to fall.”
Save to wishlist
K18
Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray
Amazon
Sephora
Save to wishlist
Virtue
Volumizing Primer
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Then, Christopher advises raking a hair oil, such as the Unove Silk Shine Hair Oil or Fable & Mane Glossy Styling Hair Oil, through your bangs to keep them smooth and frizz-free.
Save to wishlist
Fable & Mane
Glossy Styling Hair Oil
Sephora
Save to wishlist
Unove
Silk Shine Hair Oil
Amazon
Sephora
How to maintain curtain bangs
Our experts agree that the best way to keep your curtain bangs fresh and in shape is to get regular trims every six to eight weeks. “You don’t need to wait for your full haircut,” says Bembridge.
Between washes, you can maintain lift and volume in a few easy ways. Redway recommends using a Velcro roller, like one of the Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers, to revitalize the swoop of your bangs while “reducing excessive heat on your hair.” You can also spray a bit of dry shampoo, like Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, at the roots and give them a good zhuzh. “It’s the perfect reset,” Méndez says.
Save to wishlist
Amika
Perk Up Dry Shampoo
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Save to wishlist
Narka
Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara
Ulta Beauty
For a more targeted refresh, swipe the Narka Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara through your bangs, starting at the roots, to cut through grease, reduce frizz, and revive the shape.
If you’ve been itching for bangs, consider curtain bangs. They’re universally flattering, whether you have a bob, curls, or extensions. They’ll fit seamlessly into your existing hair-care routine, so you won't have to completely overhaul it for your new hairstyle. Plus, curtain bangs look amazing even as they grow out, so you’re unlikely to regret them. We can’t make any guarantees, but the odds are in your favor with the right stylist and tools.
Curtain bangs hairstyle inspiration
Classic curtain bangs
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty ImagesLong curtain bangs
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty ImagesCurly curtain bangs
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty ImagesUpdos with curtain bangs
Getty Images
Getty Images
Additional reporting by Donna Freydkin and Nicola Dall'Asen.