Curtain Bangs Are the Decade-Defying Hair Trend You Need to Try

Move over blunt bob and frilly long layers, the staple hairstyle that is curtain bangs is making its way back onto the list of hair trends to love this year. Curtain bangs (also called fringe bangs) are taking over our social feeds and we couldn’t be happier for this chic look. Understandably, getting bangs isn’t an easy decision to make since they require a bit of extra work to maintain in the desired style. And then there’s the issue of the weather that may cause frizz and hair sticking out in random directions. Basically, what we’re trying to say is, bangs can be unforgiving when done wrong. 

Now, we’re not here to steer you away from curtain bangs, in fact, we want you to enjoy this iconic hairstyle feature. That’s why we’re diving into this trending style to help you avoid an all-around bad bang experience. Here, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about curtain bangs — including ways to style them and the products to get you there. 

What Are Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs were a super-popular ’70s hairstyle involving a short fringe (bang) cut styled with a part down the middle, framing your face on each side. Similar to how house curtains frame a window, the hair in the front of the head acts like a curtain to frame the face — giving this style its name. They’re usually on the longer side and have wispy, soft ends, creating a laid-back vibe. 

The good news is that curtain bangs work well with short and long hair and straight, wavy, curly and coily hair types. Plus, a curtain bang haircut is super versatile and can complement hairstyles like ponytails, up-dos, low buns and many other trending styles. 

Are Curtain Bangs Easy to Maintain?

If you’re still on the fence about curtain bangs, there are a few more reasons that might push you to try it out. First, they’re unbelievably easy to maintain and a lot more forgiving than other bang styles because of their longer length. All you’ll really need is a trim every six to eight weeks and a few styling products to keep them looking their best.

In the realm of how they look on your face, a nice set of curtain bangs can serve as a way to conceal uneven hairlines and show off your facial features with the added forehead coverage. They also help conceal any skin imperfections on your forehead that you might want to hide, like dark spots and breakouts. Just be careful with products in your bangs — you don’t want to make breakouts worse with product-loaded hair.

Who Should Get Curtain Bangs?

The short answer to this is everyone. If you’re wondering more specifically what face shape is good for curtain bangs, that’s a more complex answer. Typically, oval faces look great with the face-framing fringe, but that shouldn’t deter you if you don’t have one. 

Pretty much any face shape can sport the style, just ask your stylist to customize the bangs to suit yours. Since curtain bangs are typically longer than other bangs, they can elongate a round face, soften a square-shaped face, and highlight the best features of a heart-shaped face. Go over your options with your stylist and play with different looks before you commit to a permanent change — at least until your hair grows out that is.

What’s the Best Way to Style Curtain Bangs?

Though they’re typically easy to maintain, curtain bangs can be high-maintenance when it comes to styling. Since there’s a part in the middle, you will need to train your hair to maintain that shape, which might mean cozying up to your blow dryer and flat ironing often. 

To style curtain bangs, spritz damp hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In, which helps strengthen your strands against heat damage with its 450-degree heat protection. Then use a round brush to blow dry your bangs up and away from your face. Drying them this way will help give your curtain bangs some bounce. 

Finish the look by parting your hair down the middle or off to the side and applying a bit of the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In to tame any frizz or flyaways.

What Is the Difference Between Curtain Bangs and Drape Bangs?

Curtain bangs are sometimes confused with drape bangs, however, they couldn’t be more different. Whereas curtain bangs feature short strands in front of the head similar to traditional bangs, drape bangs add length to a hair look in a style reminiscent of long layers. Drape bangs serve as a perfect hairstyle for those who want to grow out their curtain fringe since it’s a longer form of the fringe style.. 

Both styles utilize the Gen Z beloved middle part, with drape bangs keeping the line in the middle of the head sharp for subtle framing pieces on the side. If you want to opt for drape bangs over curtain bangs, pick up a styling product with a lot of hold like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse that’ll thicken hair and add body, for a frizz-free look.

4 Hairstyles That Look Amazing with Curtain Bangs

Okay, so now you know how to style your curtain bangs, but what about the rest of your mane? Check out these four easy-to-do hairstyles that you can pair with your curtain bangs. 

1. Messy Bun

If you’re between wash days, this could be an excellent style for you. Use a dry shampoo to quickly refresh your hair by removing dirt on the scalp and giving hair some lift at the roots. Style your bangs as desired and sweep the remainder of your hair into a messy bun. Keep the bun low or high, it’s up to you.

Your bangs will frame your face nicely and draw attention to it since the rest of your hair won’t be distracting. Take your look to the next level by adding some hair accessories like sparkly barrettes or butterfly clips for a fun look. 

2. Tousled French Braid

We love mixing a gorgeous fringe with a braided hairstyle, and a tousled French braid gives long curtain bangs a carefree vibe. Before braiding your hair, clip your bangs away from the rest of your mane so it doesn’t get mixed into the French braid. Before tying hair into the braid, use a hair oil like L’Oréal Paris Sulfate Free Simply Clean Sheer Oil to add shine without weighing it down so you can keep that intentionally messy, chic look. Don’t worry about your braid being perfect, the more wavy it looks the more it creates a laid-back style. 

Then, release your bang and comb the strands with your fingers for a natural bedhead look. Be sure to spray a light touch of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented to keep your bangs in place. This lightweight formula is humidity-proof and minimizes flyaways and frizz.

3. Curly Bob

For the curly-haired folks who try this style, take it an extra step with a subtle bob that combines two TikTok trending looks in one. The key to a good curly bob is the right shampoo and conditioner to hydrate strands before you even start styling. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free which provides hair with 72 hours of moisture when used in the same regimen. The shampoo gently cleanses curls, eliminating buildup while the conditioner nourishes strands for a bouncier look ready for the bangs.

To keep the front pieces curly and bouncy, use a nourishing hair serum like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free, which adds shine and more hydration to the hair, so you can go about your day with fluffy (not frizzy), voluminous curls. 

4. Half Up, Half Down 

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is truly a magical ’do especially for curly girls since shrinkage won’t be as much of a worry due to the length of curtain bangs. Start by taking some hair from the top of your head for the half-ponytail portion and wrap it into a messy bun using the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-In Conditioner, which helps define your curls and keep them soft. 

Then pull out a few of your curtain bangs to frame your face, and lay your edges with a styling product for hold, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Invisi Gel, which keeps hair from lifting without any product flaking off your strands. With the rest of the length apply more leave-in conditioner to define the curls there as well. Let your curls come to life and you’re ready to go.

Next: 10 Easy Summer Hairstyles That You Won’t Need a Stylist For

Photo Credit: Larrabie Vance, IG/@hairabee; Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier