Curtain bangs are a versatile hairstyle defined by a soft and parted fringe that frames the face. This hairstyle originated in the 1960s and 1970s.
Curtain bangs were popularized by icons like Brigitte Bardot and continue to make waves in modern fashion as seen on celebrities like Dakota Johnson.
This style’s recent resurgence is due to its flattering and adaptable nature. It enhances various face shapes with gentle, face-framing layers that’s equally suitable for both short and long hair.
Their styling flexibility and graceful, low-maintenance grow-out make them a top choice and appeal to a broad audience of hair enthusiasts.
However, these bangs are much easier to maintain in fall and winter since cooler weather reduces sweat and frizz that minimizes the need for frequent restyling.
Let’s have a look at 15 curtain bangs that can be on your hot list.
Jump Link
1. Long Curtain Bangs
These feature a length that flows below the cheekbones and creates a soft frame that elongates the face.
They provide balance for round faces and harmonize the proportions in heart-shaped faces by softening the forehead.
Long curtain bangs are versatile. They suit straight, wavy, and even curly hair with ease. I’d recommend using a round brush with a blow-dryer to style and build volume.
Regular trims are needed to keep their shape. You should use a lightweight texturizing spray to add natural movement and prevent flatness.
2. Short Curtain Bangs
Short curtain bangs are cut above the brows and bring a vintage, edgy style. These bangs are ideal for square and oval faces, as they soften strong jawlines by adding curves.
With regular salon trims, short curtain bangs keep their bold shape. You should blow-dry with a small round brush to lift the roots, and apply a light hairspray for structure.
This style suits women with straight and slightly wavy hair. It creates a polished, face-framing look that stays effortlessly in place throughout the day.
3. Layered Curtain Bangs
This layered haircut incorporates multiple lengths that add texture and volume. They flatter round faces by creating the illusion of length.
Layered bangs also balance heart-shaped faces with their cascading effect. It is best suitable for women with wavy and straight hair types.
These bangs are styled best with a curling iron for added bounce. A touch of texturizing spray enhances their casual and tousled look.
I’d suggest regular trims every 8–10 weeks to maintain a voluminous style that grows out beautifully and requires low maintenance.
4. Feathered Curtain Bangs
Feathered curtain bangs have a lightweight and airy finish that is ideal for adding volume to thin hair.
This style softens the jawline of square faces and blends effortlessly with the rest of the hair. Styling is minimal and you can use a blow-dryer to maintain their natural flow.
You can further add a lightweight serum for shine. Feathered curtain bangs suit straight and wavy hair types.
These bangs provide a delicate face-framing effect and have fewer trimming needs. They retain their shape naturally which makes them a popular low-maintenance option for a soft and natural look.
5. Wispy Curtain Bangs
These are light and fine bangs that create a soft, airy frame around the face. This style is ideal for women with long faces, as it subtly adds width to the forehead.
Wispy curtain bangs work well with straight and slightly wavy hair. They add a subtle volume that doesn’t overpower the face.
I’d suggest using a low-heat blow-dryer for a gentle lift, and apply dry shampoo to retain freshness.
Regular trims every 6–8 weeks keep them from growing too long, and allow for an effortless and naturally styled look.
6. Curly Curtain Bangs
Curly curtain bangs bring a voluminous and lively frame around the face. They soften round faces by adding height and dimension.
They are also well-suited to oval faces for a balanced and face-framing effect. To style, you should scrunch the bangs with curl-enhancing mousse and let them air-dry for natural bounce.
These bangs require regular trims to maintain shape and anti-frizz products for definition. Curly curtain bangs work well on medium to thick curly hair types, and enhance the face’s natural beauty.
7. Blunt Curtain Bangs
These curtain bangs offer a striking and straight-cut style that draws attention to the cheekbones and creates a structured look.
They enhance the natural symmetry of oval faces and add dimension to heart-shaped faces by balancing the forehead with the chin.
Their styling involves straightening with a flat iron and adding a smoothing serum for a sleek finish.
Blunt curtain bangs need regular salon trims to maintain their sharp and defined edge. This style works best with straight hair. It adds a modern and polished look to any hairstyle.
8. Side-Swept Curtain Bangs
Side-swept curtain bangs are a flattering option that blend softly with the hair and provide gentle curves around the face.
They add softness to strong jawlines in square faces and balance the wider forehead of heart-shaped faces.
You can use a round brush to lift the roots while blow-drying, and add a slight curl at the ends. These bangs work well with wavy or straight hair.
This haircut requires trims every 8–10 weeks. This versatile style can be dressed up or down that makes it a popular choice for both formal and casual settings.
9. Textured Curtain Bangs
This bangs hairstyle brings a choppy, layered look that adds depth and definition to the face. They are ideal for round faces, as they introduce a playful texture that elongates facial features.
Textured curtain bangs are best suited for wavy or curly hair types. They are styled with a texturizing spray for a tousled and casual appearance.
If trimmed regularly every 6–8 weeks, they maintain their distinct shape and add a modern touch to any look.
This style is particularly popular for its effortless aesthetic and low-maintenance appeal.
10. Shaggy Curtain Bangs
Shaggy curtain bangs offer a relaxed and carefree look with a messy, unstructured vibe. These bangs are great for enhancing symmetry in oval faces and adding volume to heart-shaped faces.
Their styling involves finger-drying with a blow-dryer to achieve a casual texture. It is followed by a touch of dry shampoo for added volume.
Shaggy bangs grow out naturally and require trims every 10–12 weeks. This low-maintenance style suits women with wavy and straight hair.
This hairstyle creates a laid-back, bohemian appeal that’s easy to style and maintain.
11. Curtain Bangs with Fringe
Curtain bangs with fringe combine longer curtain bangs with shorter soft fringes to create a balanced face-framing effect.
This style works well for square faces by softening angular lines. It also adds length to round faces for a balanced look.
I’d recommend a curling iron to define the fringe and a texturizing spray for volume. These bangs require trims every 6 weeks to keep their shape intact.
They are ideal for those who prefer a fuller, dimensional look that flatters various face shapes.
12. Baby Curtain Bangs
These are short, delicate bangs that end just above the eyebrows. They add width to the forehead area and balance a heart-shaped face.
They are ideal for oval faces too, and they bring a youthful and fresh look. Their styling is simple. Blow-dry straight with a small round brush, and apply a light hold spray to keep their shape.
Frequent trims, approximately every 4–6 weeks, are needed to maintain their length. Baby curtain bangs suit straight or wavy hair. They add a touch of sophistication with minimal effort.
13. Curved Curtain Bangs
This type of curtain bangs follow the natural curve of the forehead and create a graceful frame. It adds length to round faces and complements the natural symmetry of oval faces.
Their styling includes blow-drying with a round brush to achieve the curved effect, which gives a polished look.
Curved curtain bangs need regular trims to maintain their distinct shape. In my opinion, they are ideal for women with straight or slightly wavy hair.
This style is both flattering and easy to maintain. It provides a soft and balanced look.
14. Asymmetrical Curtain Bangs
It is a modern and bold hairstyle with uneven lengths. It provides a unique face-framing effect. These bangs soften square jaw lines and add dimension to oval faces that enhance their natural symmetry.
I’d suggest styling with a flat iron to emphasize the asymmetrical look. A shine serum further adds a polished finish.
Regular trims keep their edgy shape intact, and they work well with straight or slightly wavy hair.
Asymmetrical curtain bangs are perfect for those women who are looking to make a stylish and fashion-forward statement.
15. Swoop Curtain Bangs
Swoop curtain bangs are styled to one side. They create a dramatic, sweeping effect that balances the forehead and chin on heart-shaped faces.
This style works well for oval faces too and enhances symmetry. I’d suggest using a large round brush and blow-dryer to create volume at the roots. It is followed by a slight curl to complete the swoop.
Swoop bangs require minimal maintenance and occasional trims. They are versatile for both casual and formal occasions.
This style pairs well with medium to long, straight, or wavy hair for a glamorous and timeless look.
Pros and Cons of Curtain Bangs
Pros:
Curtain bangs blend naturally with both short and long hairstyles. They are a flexible choice that flatters different textures and lengths.
They grow out seamlessly and require less frequent trims. As they lengthen, they transition smoothly into face-framing layers, and maintain a stylish look without major upkeep.
Cons:
Curtain bangs often need daily styling to keep their signature parted look.
For a polished appearance, blow-drying, texturizing products, or a curling iron may be necessary, especially for those with straight or thin hair.
Factors like humidity, sweat, and hair texture can affect their shape which makes them less ideal for a “wash-and-go” routine.
Conclusion
Curtain bangs are a timeless and adaptable hairstyle that complement a range of face shapes and hair textures.
Their popularity continues due to their effortless face-framing effect, easy styling options, and low-maintenance grow-out.
By choosing the right cut and maintenance routine, you can enjoy a stylish and flattering look that enhances your unique features year-round.
FAQs
Are Curtain Bangs Hard to Maintain?
Curtain bangs are relatively easy to maintain compared to other bangs but do require regular styling to hold their shape. Trim every 6–8 weeks to prevent them from becoming too long or losing their shape, and use dry shampoo to keep them fresh without daily washing.
How Do You Know if Curtain Bangs Will Suit You?
Curtain bangs complement most face shapes and add dimension to various hairstyles. Consulting a stylist for a personalized opinion based on your face shape and hair type can also be helpful.
Can Curtain Bangs Work with Short Haircuts?
Yes, curtain bangs can pair beautifully with short haircuts, including pixie cuts, bobs, and lobs. They add softness, dimension, and frame the face even with shorter styles.
How to Style Curtain Bangs Without Heat?
After towel-drying, apply a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray for volume. A cool blow-dry setting can add a bit of lift if necessary. For added volume and texture, scrunch the bangs lightly with your fingers.
