If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest anytime in the last two years, you’ve seen them. They are draped across the foreheads of celebrities like Dakota Johnson, Sabrina Carpenter, and Matilda Djerf. They are the “It” accessory that doesn’t cost a fortune. We are talking, of course, about curtain bangs.
Unlike the severe, straight-across blunt bangs of the early 2000s, curtain bangs are effortless, romantic, and incredibly forgiving. If you are on the fence about getting a fringe, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for.
Here is everything you need to know about the most requested haircut in salons across America—from its vintage roots to how you can (carefully) cut them yourself.
What Exactly Are Curtain Bangs?
Think of a literal pair of curtains on a window. You pull them back to let the light in, right? That is exactly what this haircut does for your face.
Curtain bangs are a style of fringe that is parted down the middle (or slightly off-center) and swept to the sides. They are typically shorter in the center and gradually get longer as they move toward the ears, blending seamlessly into the rest of your hair.
The Vibe: They offer a soft, swooping look that frames the face, accentuates cheekbones, and adds instant volume. The best part? They are the “gateway bang.” Because they are long and textured, they are low-commitment. If you hate them, you can easily tuck them behind your ears.
The History: From Bardot to Today
While they feel incredibly modern, curtain bangs are actually a massive throwback. To understand the obsession, we have to look back at the 1960s and 1970s.
The undisputed queen of this look was Brigitte Bardot. Her messy, voluminous, “I just woke up like this” French-girl fringe set the standard. In the 70s, icons like Farrah Fawcett and Goldie Hawn adapted the look, integrating it with heavy layers and feathered textures (the “shag” cut).
The Comeback: Why are they back now? Fashion is cyclical. After the sleek, ironed-straight hair of the 2010s, the post-pandemic world craved texture, movement, and a bit of nostalgia. The curtain bang returned as the perfect solution for people who wanted a change without chopping off all their length.
Why Are They So Popular? (The Benefits)
Before we get into the specific types, here is why this cut ranks #1 on Google searches for hair trends:
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Face Framing: They act like a contour for your face. They draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
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Anti-Aging: Soft fringe softens the forehead lines and adds a youthful playfulness to the face.
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Versatility: They look great on straight hair, waves, and even curls. They work with a messy bun (making it look chic instead of lazy) and a high pony.
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The “Grow Out” is Easy: Unlike blunt bangs, which require trims every 2 weeks, curtain bangs just grow into face-framing layers. No awkward stage.
The Different Types of Curtain Bangs
Not all curtains are created equal. Depending on your hair texture and face shape, you’ll want to choose the right variation.
1. The Classic Bardot
This is the standard. It features a distinct part down the middle, shorter pieces in the center (around the bridge of the nose), and longer swoops hitting the cheekbones. It requires a bit of styling with a round brush to get that “bounce.”
2. The Long Curtain (The “Drape”)
Perfect for beginners. These are cut much longer, starting at the cheekbone and blending into the jawline. It’s barely a bang—it’s more of a short layer. It gives you the movement without the risk.
3. The Wispy Curtain
Ideal for thin or fine hair. Instead of a thick, heavy block of hair, these are cut sparsely. They are see-through and delicate, adding softness without taking too much density away from the rest of your lengths.
4. The Curly Curtain
Yes, curly girls can do this! The key here is cutting them dry (so you know where the curl shrinks to). Curly curtain bangs add immense volume to the top of the head and prevent the dreaded “triangle” shape often associated with curly cuts.
5. The Bottleneck Bang
The modern cousin of the curtain bang. It starts tighter at the top (like the neck of a bottle) and widens out at the cheekbones. It’s a bit choppier and more textured than the soft, classic version.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs (A DIY Guide)
Disclaimer: For the best results, go to a professional stylist. But, if you are feeling brave and want to do this at home, follow these steps carefully.
Tools You Need:
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Hair Shears (Do NOT use kitchen scissors or paper scissors. They will cause split ends).
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A fine-tooth comb.
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Clips.
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A mirror.
Step-by-Step for Long & Short Hair
The technique is generally the same for both lengths; the difference is where you stop cutting.
1. Create the Triangle Part your hair down the center. Use your comb to create a triangle section at the front of your hairline.
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Tip: The further back the point of the triangle goes, the thicker your bangs will be. For wispy bangs, keep the triangle shallow.
2. Section Everything Else Away Tie the rest of your hair back. If you have short hair, clip the sides down tightly so you don’t accidentally cut them.
3. The Twist Method (The Safety Net) Take your triangle section and pull it straight down in front of your nose.
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Pinch the hair between your index and middle fingers.
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Twist the section once (180 degrees). This twist ensures that the hair on the outside is longer than the hair in the middle.
4. The Cut
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For Long Hair: Slide your fingers down to about mouth or chin level. Cut below your fingers. (Always cut longer than you think—you can always take more off).
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For Short Hair (Bob/Lob): Slide your fingers to the tip of the nose or cheekbone. Since your overall hair is shorter, the bangs need to be proportionally higher to blend.
5. Point Cutting Release the twist. You will see a rough shape. Now, use the “point cutting” technique. Hold the scissors vertically and snip upwards into the ends of the hair. This softens the line so it doesn’t look like a blocky shelf.
6. Blending the Sides Split the bangs in the middle. Push them to the sides. If there is a disconnect between your bangs and the rest of your hair, take a small section of your longer hair, mix it with the side of the bang, and “slide cut” (slither the scissors down) to bridge the gap.
Styling Your Curtain Bangs: The Golden Rule
You cannot just wash and go with curtain bangs. They need a little heat to sit right.
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The Round Brush: Use a medium-sized round brush and a blow dryer. Wrap the bangs around the brush away from your face and blast with heat. Let it cool before unwinding.
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Velcro Rollers: The TikTok favorite. While your hair is warm, roll the bangs up in a large Velcro roller. Leave it in while you do your makeup. When you take it out—boom, instant volume.
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The Flat Iron: If you don’t use a dryer, use a straightener. Clamp the root, twist your wrist away from your face, and glide down.
Final Thoughts
Curtain bangs are more than just a trend; they are a classic style that has found a permanent home in American beauty culture. Whether you have a short bob or waist-length mermaid hair, adding these face-framing layers is the easiest way to refresh your look without losing your length.