If you took a poll of whether curtain bangs are the most popular style of bangs right now, you’d probably get a resounding yes. Not only is the trendy cut one of the chicest ways to do bangs but it’s also gained more than one it-girl’s stamp of approval. It’s not hard to see why they’ve become so beloved—falling slightly below the brow and having a soft part allow the bangs to frame the forehead instead of fully concealing it. This also makes them the ideal candidate for a variety of hair textures, including waves and curls.
Still, styling them can have a learning curve once you leave the salon. Too much heat can cause them to look limp, while the wrong brush can make them appear poofy. But, learning how to style curtain bangs can help make them a dreamy update to any hairstyle. Ahead, we chatted with two hairstylists to get their expertise in styling curtain bangs.
Featured experts
- Devin Graciano is a hairstylist and the CEO of Goldie Locks
- Glen “Coco” Oropeza is a celebrity hairstylist and Prose Spokesperson
Who do curtain bangs work for?
Curtain bangs have become popular for two main reasons: versatility and adaptability. “Unlike other styles of fringe, curtain bangs work for almost every face shape and different textures,” says Devin Graciano, hairstylist and CEO of Goldie Locks. Put simply, they are completely customizable. Curtain bangs allow you to accentuate your best attributes and facial features. “Personalization is a key element that helps make the style suitable to your desires. Your stylist can add subtle touches to complement your face shape,” says Graciano.
How to style curtain bangs
Know your face shape
Before you begin to style your bangs, you’ll need to ensure they are cut for your face shape. “If your eyes or your cheeks are your favorite feature and you want to accentuate them, curtain bangs can highlight them with ease,” says Glen “Coco” Oropeza, celebrity hairstylist and Prose spokesperson. However, they can also be used to soften certain areas and add shape. “For long face shapes, curtain bangs are good for camouflaging excess length,” he notes.
Understand your hair texture
“Curtain bangs have a soft balancing and face-framing ability that works for straight and wavy hair types,” says Graciano. The style of curtain bangs tends to be smooth, light and fluffy, making a bit of texture ideal for styling. “Wavier textures may require a bit more tension while styling to smooth them out, but it will also add to the volume of bangs and give them a feathery look,” she says.
Invest in a good hairbrush
To add dimension to your style, your curtain bangs need to be light and airy. When styling your hair, Oropeza notes that a round brush that’s slightly smaller than you would typically go for will work best. Graciano agrees, adding that a brush with a little tension can help grip the hair for the smoothest finish.
Always blow dry, never air dry your bangs
There’s a time and place for air drying, but when you have curtain bangs, a hair dryer is your best friend. “Avoid air drying and focus on drying your fringe first to keep any natural parts and separation that may interrupt the process at bay,” advises Graciano.
Add volume, not bulk
This may be easier said than done the first time around, but once you get the method down, it’s a breeze. Oropeza recommends beginning with damp hair and blow-drying the bangs away from the crown first before following with a round brush. “The key is to let them cool for 10 to 15 seconds before removing them from the brush,” he says. Once you’ve let the curl set, remove the brush and tweak the bangs with your fingers to get the desired look.
Products for styling curtain bangs
