How to Style Curtain Bangs Like a Pro

Once again, curtain bangs (also called fringe bangs) have made their way onto the list of hair trends to love this year. And now, we couldn’t be happier to see even more of the wispy hairstyle take over our social feeds. These face-framing bangs add a soft and subtle touch of sultriness to your look.

Understandably, getting bangs isn’t an easy decision to make since they require a bit of extra work to maintain and keep styled the way you want every day. Also, if you get a fringe wrong, you could become fodder for social media memes — even some of the biggest celebrities couldn’t escape that fate. Basically, what we’re trying to say is, bangs can be unforgiving when done wrong.

So in order to help you escape the clutches of social media trolls and to avoid an all-around bad bang experience, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about curtain bangs, below — including ways to style them and the products to get you there.

What Are Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs used to be a super-popular ’70s hairstyle involving the fringe (or bangs) styled with a part down the middle, framing your face on each side. Much like how a curtain frames a window, the hair in the front acts like a curtain to frame the face (hence the name!). They’re usually on the longer side and have wispy, soft ends, giving them a laid-back vibe.

The good news is, curtain bangs work well with short and long hair, as well as straight, wavy and curly hair types. Plus, they’re super versatile and can complement many hairstyles like ponytails, up-dos, low buns and more.

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 to keep them looking their best.

They can also help disguise an uneven hairline — a nice set of curtain bangs will hide any sign of crookedness and make for a seriously chic hairstyle. 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 exacerbate any breakouts with your hair.

Who Should Get Curtain Bangs?

The short answer to this is everyone. If you’re wondering more especifically 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. Because curtain bangs are typically longer than other bangs, they can really elongate a round face, soften a square-shaped face, and highlight the best features of a heart-shape face. Go over your options with your stylist and play with different looks before you commit to a permanent change.

What’s the Best Way to Style Curtain Bangs?

Though their low-maintenance 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 iron 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.

3 Hairstyles That Look Amazing With Curtain Bangs

Now you know how to style your curtain bangs, but what about the rest of your mane? Check out these three easy-to-do hairstyles 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 the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair or Blonde Hair 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. Your bangs will frame your face nicely and draw attention to it since the rest of your hair won’t be a distraction.

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.

Start by separating your bang from the rest of your hair so that you don’t end up braiding it back — secure it with a clip while you work on the rest of your mane. With the remaining hair create a French braid all the way down to the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie if necessary. Don’t worry about it being perfect, the more tousled it looks the more it creates a laid-back style.

Then release your bang and fingercomb it for a natural bedhead look. Be sure to spray a light touch of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented to keep your bangs in place.

3. Half Up, Half Down

This half-up, half-down hairstyle is a truly magical ’do that works on various hair types and lengths. For curly girls, shrinkage isn’t a worry due to the length of curtain bangs.

Start by creating a half ponytail and turning 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 don’t forget to lay your edges to get this fun and carefree look.

If you’re ready to try curtain bangs out for the first time and want to DIY at home, make sure to check out some tutorials before doing so. Or you can always turn to a professional who will be able to create the perfect fringe for your face shape.

Next: 5 Stylish Ways to Wear Long Hair With Bangs

Photo Credit: Larrabie Vance, IG/@hairabee