In the ever-evolving world of beauty and fashion, some trends make surprising comebacks, echoing the cyclical nature of style. From scrunchies to ’80s power shoulders, the new-old is often in vogue. However, the trend making the biggest waves at the moment is the curtain bangs. With roots in the ’60s and ’70s and a celebrity endorsement list that reads like a Hollywood who’s who, curtain bangs have recaptured the spotlight in a big way. Whether you’re a TikTok aficionado or a nostalgic boomer, this hairstyle is captivating hearts across generations.
What Are Curtain Bangs?
The essence of curtain bangs is in their name—they drape gracefully around your face, much like a curtain does to a window. These bangs are usually parted in the middle, creating a symmetrical, face-framing effect. Unlike the rigid, straight-across bangs, curtain bangs have a soft, whimsical quality. They are shorter at the center—often between the middle and the bottom of the eyebrow—and gradually lengthen toward the sides. This unique styling makes them universally flattering, highlighting the eyes and complementing your bone structure.
The Art of Balance
The secret to the curtain bangs’ rising popularity might be in their balance of style and practicality. You can transition from a bang to a no-bang look on a whim because they blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair. For those wary of the commitment that comes with more dramatic bang styles, these offer a middle ground that’s just as fashionable but less demanding in terms of upkeep.
The Pandemic Effect
Curtain bangs surged in popularity in the past years, and some attribute it partially to the pandemic’s influence. With face coverings becoming a common accessory, many have opted for bangs to express their style above the mask line. Plus, the restricted social interactions gave people the freedom to experiment with their appearances without the fear of public judgment.
Should You Make the Cut?
Curtain bangs are remarkably versatile, adapting well to different hair textures and face shapes. Yet, before you make the cut, you must consider if they’ll fit your lifestyle. Curtain bangs do need some upkeep; they require more frequent cleansing as they can absorb oils and makeup from your face. But most people find this small extra effort worth it for the frame-worthy allure they add to their face.
Navigating the Look
If you decide to take the plunge, remember that the key is to find a stylist who understands your specific needs and facial features. Tailoring the length and fullness of the curtain bangs to suit your face can make a world of difference. And when it comes to styling, you’re in luck: curtain bangs offer a less demanding routine compared to other styles of bangs. You don’t need to be a slave to your blow dryer; a bit of air drying can make them look effortlessly chic.
So, whether you’re a bohemian spirit, a modern trendsetter, or someone looking for a fresh twist, curtain bangs offer a charismatic style that’s low-maintenance yet high-impact. Just like tie-dye and scrunchies, this resurrected trend proves that the best styles have a way of coming back around, and when they do, they’re usually better than ever.
1. Half-Up Hairdo with Curtain Bangs
This hairstyle brings to mind the classic, American girl-next-door allure reminiscent of January Jones. With softly falling curtain bangs framing the face, this look is elevated by a half-up, half-down style that makes room for bouncy, playful curls at the ends. The icing on the cake is a delicately tied pink ribbon that secures the half-up section, lending a fresh and youthful element to the overall aesthetic.
2. Medium Bob with Curtain Bangs
This medium-length bob is ideal for those who have thick, dark hair. The weight and volume of the hair are perfectly balanced by the addition of curtain bangs, which frame the face and add a sense of movement and flow. This style effectively combines traditional sophistication with a modern twist, making it versatile for both day and night looks.
3. Pastels Curtain Bangs
For women over 35 who are daring enough to go against the grain, this hairstyle is an eye-catching mix of long, pastel-colored locks coupled with curtain bangs. The vivid hues dance harmoniously through the lengths, while the darker, bold lips offer a striking contrast that only heightens the allure. This style is the epitome of whimsy meeting wisdom, showing that age is just a number when it comes to fashion-forward choices.
4. Waterfall Curtain Bangs
Imagine the beauty and grace of a waterfall captured in a hairstyle. This look features balayage highlights that seamlessly blend into the soft, cascading waves of the hair, all while being framed by subtle curtain bangs at the front. The result is an effortless, flowing look that mimics the natural yet captivating motion of water, making you feel as though you’ve just stepped out of a fairy tale.
5. Copper Shaggy Bob Cut
This hairstyle exudes a bohemian, free-spirit vibe. The shaggy bob cut features an array of layers that add texture and dimension to the copper-colored hair. The curtain bangs enhance the face by adding a soft, framing effect that balances out the edginess of the shag. The warm, copper color adds an extra layer of boldness, making this style unforgettable and undeniably stylish.
6. Black Long Sleek Hair
Sleek, shiny, and impossibly long, this hairstyle is the epitome of elegance and class. While the straight, black locks cascade down gracefully, the curtain bangs provide a soft framing effect that subtly draws attention to the face. It’s a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication, creating a versatile look that can transition effortlessly from day to evening.
7. Two Tone
This hairstyle is a captivating play of colors, perfect for those who love to make a bold statement. One side of the hair is dyed a smoky grey, while the opposite side is a rich, inky black. To top it off, the hair ends are tinged with a vibrant shade of purple. The curtain bangs, sharing the two-toned color scheme, add an extra element of intrigue, making this hairstyle an attention-grabbing masterpiece.
8. Side Swept
Designed for black women, this hairstyle oozes sophistication and elegance. Long, curly locks provide a stunning backdrop, while the side-swept curtain bangs add an additional layer of charm to the look. The curtain bangs offer soft framing, drawing attention to the face and harmonizing with the overall voluminous and curly style.
9. Dark Medium Bob
This dark, medium-length bob, commonly referred to as a MOB, is a modern take on the classic bob. The dark hues give it a mysterious edge, while the curtain bangs soften the look by framing the face. It’s a highly versatile style, equally suited for the office or a night out on the town.
10. Face-Framing Wavy Hair
Channeling a beachy, carefree vibe, this hairstyle features soft, wavy locks enhanced by a blonde balayage. The curtain bangs serve as the finishing touch, delicately framing the face. The waves and bangs together create a harmonious look that’s perfect for those who love a casual yet polished appearance.
11. Baby Curtain Bangs
A hairstyle that pushes the boundaries of convention, this look features baby bangs combined with curtain bangs for an ultra-modern effect. The left curtain bang is dyed a bright, canary yellow while the right and the rest of the hair are jet black. This hairstyle is definitely not for the faint of heart but perfect for those looking to stand out.
12. Center Parting with Layers
Embodying a youthful, playful vibe, this hairstyle features long, blonde locks with soft, wavy texture. The curtain bangs are perfectly centered, adding balance and harmony to the look. The roots showcase a brunette shade, offering a subtle yet noticeable contrast. Ideal for the cute girl-next-door, this hairstyle is both endearing and stylish.
13. Short dark bob with curtain bangs
A cute bob cut with curtain bangs for short hair. This hairstyle is a contemporary take on the classic bob, perfect for those who love an edgy, urban vibe. The hair is cut short, and the color is a deep, inky black, punctuated by striking dark green streaks that add a dash of unexpected color. The curtain bangs offer softness to balance the stark angles of the bob, making this a look that’s as versatile as it is eye-catching.
14. Long Curtain Bangs for Wave Hair
Designed for fine hair, this hairstyle combines effortless beachy waves with long, face-framing curtain bangs. The hair color is a warm brunette shade, adding a natural touch to the look. The curtain bangs extend a bit longer than usual, gracefully blending into the wavy locks. It’s the ideal style for those who want to add volume and dynamic shape to fine hair.
15. The Purple Hair
Fashion-forward and audaciously trendy, this hairstyle features long, luxurious locks that are predominantly black, except for the front section which is a vibrant purple. The hair is styled in big, bold curls, adding extra drama. The curtain bangs, sharing the black and purple color scheme, provide a touch of softness to this edgy look, making it a favorite for those who live and breathe fashion.
16. The Classic
This is the quintessential curtain bangs hairstyle, embodying timeless elegance and simplicity. Featuring shoulder-length, blonde hair, the curtain bangs frame the face gently and suit a variety of face shapes. It’s a go-to style that can be dressed up or down, perfect for those who appreciate classic beauty.
17. Shoulder Length Balayage
This hairstyle brings together the best of both worlds— the modern flair of balayage and the face-framing beauty of curtain bangs. The hair length sits comfortably at the shoulders and features a seamless blend of colors through a balayage technique. The curtain bangs add a finishing touch, providing soft framing that complements the colorful dimensions of the balayage.
18. Shiny Balayage
This hairstyle exudes a radiant, sun-kissed glow, thanks to the balayage coloring technique that gives the hair its shiny, multi-dimensional appearance. The curtain bangs bring an element of softness, effortlessly framing the face and accentuating the eyes and cheekbones. This style is particularly captivating under sunlight, where the balayage comes alive, making it an excellent choice for those who love a touch of natural glamour.
19. Medium Shag
This hairstyle offers a playful, bohemian vibe while retaining a sense of chic sophistication. Featuring balayage-colored hair, the style combines layers of shaggy hair with brunette balayage tones, creating an appealing contrast of texture and color. The curtain bangs add a touch of classic elegance, offering a softer, face-framing counterpoint to the shagginess of the hairstyle. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to inject some youthful exuberance into their look.
20. Long Brown Hair with Curtain Bangs
Embodying effortless beauty, this hairstyle features long, luscious brown locks that flow gracefully down the back. The curtain bangs serve as the focal point, gently framing the face and adding a subtle allure. The natural brown shade gives this style a wholesome, earthy feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a simpler yet still captivating look.
Curtain bangs have proven to be a versatile and flattering addition to a wide range of hairstyles. Whether you’re into the vibrant flair of balayage, the untamed spirit of a shaggy cut, or the understated elegance of long, natural hues, there’s a curtain bangs style that will enhance your look and highlight your unique features. By understanding your face shape and personal aesthetic, you can find the perfect style that not only complements your face but also resonates with your personality.
