Want to get bangs but not ready for a full-blasted commitment? Curtain bangs are the latest take on fringe that has every bang-curious person running to the salon. As seen on celebs like Kaley Cuoco and Jennifer Lopez, the popular style looks good on pretty much everyone and offers much more versatility than traditional bangs. Still not quite ready to chop your hair? We're sharing some expert insight on this rising hair trend to help you make a more informed decision.
What are Curtain Bangs?
First, let's tackle the obvious question people ask. Why are they called curtain bangs? Well, it's pretty literal: Picture two curtains pulled back on either side of a window or stage. Unlike classic fringe bangs, which lay straight across your forehead and hit at the brow, this style of bang is gently parted in the center, with the pieces being shortest in the middle and gradually getting longer toward the sides as they frame your face, explains stylist John Mouzakis, co-owner of Chicago's 3rd Coast Salon.
What Face Shapes are Suited for Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are ideal for all face shapes and hair types. They're essentially universally flattering, suitable for all face shapes, and also have a face-slimming effect, helping to open up the eye area as they hug the cheekbones, says celebrity hairstylist David Lopez, creative director of Glam Seamless Hair Extensions.
Plus, if you like to wear your hair up a lot—think in ponytails or top knots—curtain bangs add some visual interest and a romantic feel to these otherwise basic looks, Lopez adds. And with the exception of extremely kinky textures, both stylists we spoke with agree that curtain bangs can work on any type of hair.
You can easily grow out or pin back curtain bangs.
The other great thing about curtain bangs? They're way less of a commitment than standard fringe. Because they're longer, you can easily pin them back if you want your hair completely off your face, not to mention that they'll easily blend into the rest of your haircut as they grow, eliminating that awkward "my bangs are growing out" phase, points out Mouzakis.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are similar to a face framing cut, just much shorter. This haircut style is different than traditional bangs that cover the entire forehead. "Because they are meant to be styled away from the face and out of the eyes, you can get away with longer intervals between trims compared to a classic fringe.Curtainbangsgenerally hitjust at the cheekbone," says Sarah Potempa, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co.
Clyde Haygood celebrity hairstylist and PURA D’OR partner recommends pairing a curtain bang cut with styles such as a wolf cut, a shag, or a layered bob. He suggests working with your stylist to set guidelines that work well for your face, features, and hair type.
How to Maintain Curtain Bangs
Regular trims are necessary when it comes to curtain bangs. Haygood recommends regular visits to your stylist for maintenance. "The bangs will need to be kept up every two to four weeks depending on hair growth," Haygood says.
The only downside to the curtain bangs style is the styling upkeep. "You have to put more effort into your hair [with curtain bangs], but once you train it, then your bangs should do what you need," says Laura Polko, celebrity hairstylist. She recommends using a little bit of sea salt spray before blow drying and styling your bangs. This will create some texture and provide simpler styling.
How Do You Style Curtain Bangs?
"What makes bangs look old-school '80s is when you put a round brush to them too soon," warns Jamine Rae, a professional hairstylist and owner of Jamine Rae Hair Co. "This creates the dreaded bubble effect. Modern curtain bangs should lie flatter against the head and have a flowy movement versus a bouncy movement."
Here's how to style your new bangs at home:
- Start by blow-drying them first, before the rest of your hair, pushing them from side to side as they dry to create a loose, flowy part, says Lopez. (He adds that using the concentrator nozzle on your blow-dryer can be helpful here.)
- Use creaseless clips to set the shape. "Pinch the bangs together at your hairline and set with a clip, then swoop each side out to create a 'C' curtain shape and gently clip those ends as well."
- Allow the bangs to set for a couple of minutes before removing the clips.
If you like to go a day (or more) in between hair washes, you can also quickly just wet down and re-style the bangs, suggests Mouzakis, an easy trick that will make your entire style look totally refreshed while still saving you plenty of time. What more could you ask for?
Ready to make the cut? Mouzakis and Lopez both recommend bringing in lots of reference photos for your stylist, both of curtain bangs you like and ones you don't. "Your stylist might have to adjust the length or thickness depending on the density of your hairline, but having a clear visual guide of what you're looking for will be the most helpful," says Lopez.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should you get layers with curtain bangs?
There's not a one size fits all approach when it comes to layers and curtain bangs. "To pull off the curtain bang look, you do not necessarily have to get layers. The purpose of curtain bangs is to slim out the face andadd something different to your look. If you choose to add layers, there will beadditionaltexture throughout the hair," Potempa explains. While curtain bangs stand out on their own without layers, Haygood says a layered haircut can effortlessly blend with the rest of the curtain bangs.
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What's the difference between curtain bangs, drape bangs, and window bangs?
- Curtain Bangs: Curtain bangs give a softer look to the traditional bangs across the forehead. have an ease and softness vs. bangs that lay straight across the forehead. "They can be customized and cut shaggy, chunky, or soft to suit a person’s hair type and blend into the rest of your cut while enhancing features," Haygood explains.
- Drape Bangs: Not ready to commit to curtain bangs? Opt for drape bangs. This style is a longer version than curtain bangs. "They start at the cheekbones and are layered to the chin, [which gives] softness and movement around the face and adds dimension to longer styles," Haygood says.
- Window Bangs: For those wanting some fringe to their look, the window bangs style is all about the fringe. "Window bangs feature your classic fringeon the foreheadbordered by longer framing pieces acting as the 'curtains' to the window bangs," Potempa explains.
