What Are Curtain Bangs and How to Style Them?

Though not yet prepared for a complete commitment, are you considering getting bangs? Everyone is captivated by the newest fringe fad, curtain bangs, and is planning to visit the salon. This style, which is more versatile than standard bangs and flatters nearly every face shape, is seen on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kaley Cuoco. Are you unsure if you're prepared to make the risk? To assist you make a better decision, we're offering professional advice on this expanding hair style.

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Curtain Bangs: What Are They?

First, let's address the most frequently asked question: what gives them their name, curtain bangs? The term is quite obvious—imagine two curtains drawn back on either side of a stage or window. According to stylist John Mouzakis, co-owner of Chicago's 3rd Coast Salon, curtain bangs are separated in the middle, with the shortest portions in the middle and longer strands that gradually frame the face, in contrast to standard fringe bangs that sit straight across the forehead and stop at the brow.

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Which facial shapes complement curtain bangs the best?

All facial shapes and hair types look great with curtain bangs. According to famous hairstylist David Lopez, creative director of Glam Seamless Hair Extensions, they are basically universally attractive, work well on all face shapes, and have a face-slimming effect that helps to open up the eye area while hugging the cheekbones.

Additionally, Lopez notes that if you frequently wear your hair up in top knots or ponytails, curtain bangs give these otherwise simple styles a romantic touch and some visual appeal. Additionally, both stylists we spoke with concur that curtain bangs may be worn on any type of hair, with the exception of very kinky textures.

It's easy to pin back curtain bangs or grow them out.

One of the best things about curtain bangs? They’re much less of a commitment than traditional fringe. Since they’re longer, you can easily pin them back when you want your hair off your face. Plus, as they grow out, they blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair, sparing you from that awkward "growing-out" phase, says Mouzakis.

Cut Curtain Bangs

Although much shorter, curtain bangs resemble a face-framing cut. The typical bangs that cover the entire forehead are not the same as this haircut style. "Compared to a classic fringe, you can get away with longer intervals between trims because they are designed to be groomed away from the face and out of the eyes. Sarah Potempa, a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co., states that curtain bangs typically fall right at the cheekbone.

The famous hairstylist and PURA D'OR partner Clyde Haygood suggests wearing a curtain bang cut with layered bobs, wolf cuts, or shags. He recommends collaborating with your hairdresser to establish rules that complement your face, features, and hair type.

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How Curtain Bangs Are Maintained

For curtain bangs, regular trimming is required. Haygood advises scheduling routine maintenance appointments with your stylist. "The bangs will need to be kept up every two to four weeks depending on hair growth," Haygood explains.

The styling maintenance is the sole drawback to the curtain bangs look. According to celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, "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." Before blow drying and styling your bangs, she suggests applying a small amount of sea salt spray. In addition to adding some texture, this will make styling easier.

What's the Best Way to Style Curtain Bangs?

Professional hairstylist Jamine Rae, who owns Jamine Rae Hair Co., cautions that "applying a round brush too soon is what makes bangs look old-school '80s." The dreaded bubble effect results from this. Modern curtain bangs ought to be flowing rather than bouncing and sit flatter against the skull.

Here's how to do your new bangs at home:

• To achieve a loose, flowing part, blow-dry them first, before the rest of your hair, and push them from side to side as they dry, advises Lopez. (He also mentions that it can be useful to use your blow dryer's concentration nozzle in this situation.)

To set the form, use creaseless clips. "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."

• Before taking out the clips, give the bangs a few minutes to set.

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Mouzakis advises that if you want to wait a day or more between hair washes, you can also quickly damp down and restyle the bangs. This simple technique will save you a ton of time and give your entire style a completely new look. What more could you want?

Are you prepared to cut them? Both Lopez and Mouzakis advise bringing in a large number of reference pictures for your stylist, including pictures of both your favorite and least favorite curtain bangs. "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," Lopez asserts.