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.
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 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: 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.
