Erin Jahns
Ask any hairstylist and they’ll tell you: of all the fringe styles out there (micro-fringes, wispy fringes, layered fringes, you know the drill), curtain bangs are the most versatile (not to mention chicest) of the bunch. Soft, face-framing and relatively low-maintenance, it's easy to see why they’ve become such a timeless staple.
Not only are they universally flattering—I'm yet to see a hair type that doesn't suit them—but they're also way easier to commit to than a standard fringe. You see, unlike blunter iterations, the appeal of curtain bangs doesn't vanish at the slightest hint of re-growth. In fact, a grown-out version only adds to the chic feel and, if you did want to switch things up, you can always blend it in with your layers to add an undetectable touch of volume and texture.
Beloved by French girls, curtain bangs are also the ultimate nod to that lived-in yet elegant aesthetic. They frame the face without feeling too structured, add movement and bounce without requiring hours of styling and strike that perfect balance between polished and effortless. Whether they're worn with a tousled up-do, bouncy waves or a sleek bun, curtain bangs can elevate virtually any style or hair texture.
As such, team Who What Wear—alongside our trusty team of celeb hairstylists—have spared no effort in collating the most elaborate edit of the best curtain bang styles we've seen. So without any further ado, let's dive in.
What Are Curtain Bangs and Why Are They So Popular?
According to Samantha Cusick, hairstylist and founder of her namesake London salons, "curtain bangs are the effortless, face-framing fringe that part in the middle and sweep softly to each side, like a pair of curtains being drawn, hence, the name," she says. "They skim the cheekbones, flatter almost every face shape, and give that 'I woke up chic' energy with very little effort."
"French-inspired curtain bangs, for one, are the cooler, breezier cousin of the classic version," continues Cusick. "Think softer, feathered edges and that slightly undone. They aren’t too perfect, which is what makes them feel so effortless."
Elsewhere, Babyliss ambassador and stylist Syd Hayes shares that "unlike blunt, straight-across bangs, curtain bangs create a gentle, flowing frame around the face that blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair without looking too 'out of place'."
"Unless you have super-coily or textured hair, they're wearable for almost any length or hair type," adds celebrity hairstylist David Lopez. Lopez also notes they can even simultaneously open up the eye area and hug in your cheekbones.
How to Style Curtain Bangs, According to the Pros
"Start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair and a little mousse or volume spray," says Cusick. Next, she recommends using "a round brush to dry the bangs forward first, then flick each side out to create that sweeping shape."
"If you have a strong cowlick, style your bang area first," directs Lopez. "This allows you to control the final shape of your curtain bangs before they're completely dry, and it will save you the headache of having to try and manipulate the shape too much."
To get more control and to ensure your curtain bangs reach their maximum potential in the smoothness and shine departments, Lopez recommends reaching for your hair dryer's concentrator (nozzle) attachment for pro-level styling and to help direct the airflow exactly where you want it.
"I push the bangs back and forth and from side to side as they dry to create a loose, flowy parting," he adds. For the record, most dryers come with the concentrator attachment, but they're also sold separately if you've lost yours or have a different model.
How to Ensure Your Curtain Bangs Hold
If you don't already own a set of creaseless clips, we highly recommend making the investment. They're a must-have in every pro stylist's kit, and Lopez says they're one of the best-kept secrets for keeping the shape and style of your fringe in place.
"Pinch your bangs together right at your hairline, set with a clip, and swoop each side out to create a 'C' curtain shape before gently clipping those ends as well," says Lopez. "Allow it to set for a couple of minutes and then release."
Can You Cut Your Own Curtain Bangs at Home?
According to hairstylist Chloe Swift, you should avoid cutting your own curtain bangs (and any other fringe for that matter). "You can’t get the same angles and elevation needed compared to a professional standing over and in front of you—don’t risk giving yourself a dodgy fringe that you then need to put up with for weeks or months," she says.
"Your hairdresser will also factor in your face shape, hair texture, and how the bangs will sit when dry," explains Cusick, reiterating that some elements are incredibly tricky to get right when you're cutting your own hair.
What to Avoid When It Comes to Curtain Bangs
"Avoid over-styling them into something too rigid," shares Cusick. "Curtain bangs should feel soft and effortless, not hair-sprayed to your forehead. Heavy products or too much heat can make them look weighed down instead of light and airy," she explains.
Although they're generally considered low maintenance, Hayes still recommends going in for a trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the desired bounce and texture. He also points out that your choice of haircare products and styling tools is equally as important to ensure a consistently flattering look.
Curtain Bang Hair Inspiration
1. Effortlessly Blended
Priyanka Chopra's soft and wispy curtain bangs seamlessly blend with her thick, mid-length hair.
2. Elevate Your Ponytail
Not only are curtain bangs chic and beautiful in their own right, but they also have the added benefit of immediately elevating the look of ponytails or messy buns.
3. Bouncy and Layered
Sabrina Carpenter's 'do is widely considered as the pièce de résistance of curtain bangs, and with good reason.
4. Chin-Length Elegance
Longer curtain bangs can be styled with a tighter curl for more movement and bounce.
5. Textured and Airy
These ever-so-subtly layered curtain bangs can instantly add an elegant touch to any look.
6. Blended With an Updo
Selena Gomez looks fabulous rocking her Brigitte-Bardot-esque updo with her soft, wispy bangs.
7. Curly and Ethereal
If you love a curly look, try tonging your curtain bangs like BLACKPINK's Rosé.
8. Side Split Your Fringe
Style your curtain bangs slightly to one side to give the look an update.
9. Subtle Fringe With Long Layers
This barely-there curtain bang softly parts at the centre, blending seamlessly into long layers.
10. Casual Chic
If you're after fuller fringe, try these soft curtain bangs that effortlessly shape around the face—perfect for low-effort, everyday styling.
11. Wispy and Glam
This dreamy, face-framing fringe pairs beautifully with the undone texture of the updo, adding softness and balance to the overall look.
12. Tousled and Pared-Back
These naturally layered curtain bangs melt seamlessly into the relaxed waves.
13. Vintage Glamour
Leave it to Kaia Gerber to show us how to make curtain bangs feel red carpet–ready, pairing sculpted waves and a softly curled fringe.
14. Edgy Layers
Camila Cabello makes a strong case for rocker-chic curtain bangs with this tousled, bouncy style.
15. Blended With a Bob
Who said that curtain bangs only belong in longer hairstyles? Sydney Sweeney's eye-level fringe seamlessly blends into her Old Hollywood-style bouncy bob.
16. Sleek and Sculpted
If you're a fan of slicked-back styles, consider these sculpted, cheek-length curtain bangs your new go-to.
17. Sweeping Lengths
One for longer hair, these curtain bangs blend seamlessly into textured waves, creating a soft yet impactful look.
18. Beginner-Friendly Chop
Not ready to commit to a bolder fringe? These seamlessly-blended curtain bangs are a great way to test the waters.
19. Thick and Side-Swept
If you've grown tired of a mid parting, these thicker, side-swept curtain bangs might be just the thing to take your 'do a new level.
20. Blow-Dry Glam
Let’s be honest—no one does high-glam quite like Jennifer Lopez. This bouncy, full-bodied style gets an added dose of softness thanks to the fluttery fringe.
21. '90s Layers
If a '90s Pamela Anderson vibe is what you're after, this wispy, voluminous fringe is the ultimate finishing touch—impactful, elegant and full of movement.
22. Modern and Sultry
Are we the only ones still obsessed with Dua Lipa’s cherry cola hair? Her face-framing, wispy curtain bangs are the ultimate cherry on top (pun fully intended), proving that you don’t need texture to pull off a fringe.
22. Sleek Lob
While curtain bangs work on any hair length, there's something extremely chic about them set against a lob length.
24. Feathered Statement
Thanks to the exaggerated swoop and light, airy layers, these blown-out curtain bangs add a subtle retro touch—perfect if you're after more bounce and texture.
The Best Hair Tools and Products for Styling Curtain Bangs
Lightweight yet mighty, this hairdryer from Babyliss is a must for both haircare veterans and beginners alike.
Perfect for a subtle and bouncier touch, this round brush makes easy work of styling your bangs without sacrificing the volume.
While it's far from affordable, the Dyson Airwrap has cemented its status as one of the most versatile styling tools around, and we couldn't agree more.
Non-creasing clips are essential if you want to secure your bangs in place to ensure a stronger hold, and you can't go wrong with these clips from Brushworks.
If you're considering getting any kind of bangs, a heated round brush will be your best friend, and our choice falls on this clever thermal brush from Amika.
If you love a voluminous look, you need to stock up on thermal rollers to secure your curtain bangs and give them enough time to set before brushing everything out.
This story was originally published on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.
