like flared denim jeans and sky-high platform heels, curtain bangs have made a triumphant return in recent years.
first put on the map in the '70s by the likes of farrah fawcett and goldie hawn, the style is equal parts effortlessly chic and flattering.
so, what are curtain bangs exactly?
it’s a fringe, only instead of being cut straight across, it’s characterised by a sharp middle part and soft face-framing layers on either side. this lowkey style suits a variety of face shapes, from round to oval, and works well with different hair types, whether you’re working with straight, wavy, or curly strands.
requiring less upkeep than a straighter, heavier fringe, they do still need to be styled into submission. to ensure your bangs look more bombshell than blah, getting the technique down pat is paramount.
the best products for styling curtain bangs
the right products will enhance the texture, volume, and shape of your bangs, ensuring they look their best all day (and night) long.
volumising mousse: macgyver
the can-do-it-all hair hero. macgyver multi-use mousse adds lift *and* body. used with or without heat to create touchable texture and volume, this styling mvp will soon earn a permanent place in your styling routine.
heat protectant spray: icon welder
a heat protectant spray that safeguards hair against uv damage, adds style support, and leaves hair soft and shiny? yep, icon welder has you covered. whether your go-to tool is a blow dryer, curling wand or straightener, spritzing this on beforehand ensures your bangs never look frizzy or fried.
lightweight texturising spray: salty dog
salty dog salt spray is perfect for adding volume and movement without weighing your hair down. this lightweight spray provides a natural, tousled look, enhancing the texture and giving your bangs a beachy vibe.
smoothing serum: love touch or love perpetua
both a+ when it comes to taming frizz and adding megawatt shine, love touch shine spray and love perpetua shine drops are perfect for thick, thirsty hair. not only do they provide a smooth, polished finish, but they ensure your bangs look nourished and glossy, not dry and drab.
flexible hold hair spray: miss malleable
need something to go the distance? miss malleable flexible hairspray offers a solid hold that maintains shape while allowing for natural movement. it's ideal for keeping your hair in place without making it feel stiff or crunchy.
how to get the perfect curtain bangs
whether you’re wanting to add volume and body to your bangs, or looking for more of a natural result, here is your failsafe guide to styling your curtain bangs.
how to blow-dry curtain bangs
- apply a heat protectant spray like icon welder to your damp bangs.
- use a round brush to lift the roots while blow drying.
- blow dry your hair in sections, directing the airflow downwards to reduce frizz.
- finish with a flexible hold hair spray like miss malleable and you’re good to go.
how to style long curtain bangs with a straightener
- start with dry hair and spritz on a heat protectant like icon welder.
- take small sections of your bangs and gently glide a flat iron from the roots to the tips.
- slightly curve the ends inward to create a natural, face-framing shape.
- apply a smoothing product like love touch for a sleek, glossy finish.
how to air-dry curtain bangs
- apply a lightweight texturising spray like salty dog to damp hair.
- part your hair down the middle and use your fingers to shape your bangs.
- let your hair air dry naturally (sitting in the sun will speed up the process, but watching netflix in bed works too).
- once dry, you can touch up with a volumising mousse like macgyver for a bit of added oomph.
get the look
curtain bang faqs
what’s the difference between curtain bangs and regular bangs?
regular bangs are cut straight across your forehead in one decisive line. curtain bangs are the more laid-back option, parting in the middle and casually framing your face on both sides. longer at the edges, softer overall. think structured vs relaxed, striking vs low-key.
are curtain bangs still in style?
absolutely. curtain bangs have gone from a retro trend into a modern classic. you'll spot them everywhere from street style to high fashion. because they work with so many hair types and lengths, they're not going anywhere anytime soon.
are curtain bangs high maintenance?
you'll want some quality daily styling products, and learning how to style curtain bangs with a straightener can be handy, but overall curtain bangs are pretty easy to maintain. compared to blunt bangs that demand precision, curtain bangs are much more forgiving. you'll still need to give them some attention, but they grow out beautifully and don't need constant touch-ups.
what tools do i need to style curtain bangs?
when it comes to styling curtain bangs, you only need a few essentials: a round brush for blow-drying and some trusted styling products. if you want more options, add a straightener or curling wand to your toolkit. remember, a good heat protectant is essential if you're using any hot tools.
can i style curtain bangs without heat?
yes, definitely. air-drying with the right products can give you an effortless, tousled look. use a texturising spray on damp hair, part down the middle, and let your hair do its thing. you can also use your fingers or a paddle brush to shape them while damp, and finish with a bit of mousse or light hairspray for hold.
how often do curtain bangs need trimming?
every 6–8 weeks is a good rule of thumb to keep them at a flattering length. you can stretch it a bit longer if you like a softer, more grown-out vibe. knowing how to style curtain bangs definitely helps you work with them between salon visits.
will curtain bangs suit my face shape?
curtain bangs are surprisingly versatile. round, oval, square, and heart-shaped faces can all pull them off. the key is adjusting the length and angle to complement your specific features. longer curtain bangs suit rounder faces, while shorter ones work well on elongated face shapes.
can i style curtain bangs with curly or wavy hair?
absolutely. curtain bangs can work beautifully with textured hair. use a lightweight texturising spray, then scrunch or finger-style for a relaxed, tousled look. for a sleeker finish, smooth them with a blow-dryer.
how do i keep curtain bangs from separating or getting greasy?
the more you touch your bangs, the greasier they'll get. if they start looking a bit oily, apply some dry shampoo at the roots. when you're washing your hair, keep the shampoo on your scalp and away from the lengths. they don't need as much scrubbing as the rest of your hair. same goes for styling products – a little dab will do.
how long does it take to grow out curtain bangs?
it depends on your hair growth, but generally 4–6 months will take you from bangs to a longer, face-framing layer. regular trims help maintain shape while they grow, giving you more control over how to style curtain bangs in the meantime.
the good news is curtain bangs look purposeful at various stages of growing out, so you won't have that awkward in-between phase that comes with blunt bangs.
how do i style curtain bangs on second-day hair?
wake those bangs up with a light mist of texturising spray, then use your fingers to coax them back into shape. looking flat and lifeless? flip your head upside down and scrunch some volumising mousse into the roots – instant revival. finish with a cool shot from your blow dryer to lock in that fresh-styled look.
