Curtain bangs are a timeless and versatile hairstyle that compliments various hair types and face shapes. These ‘bangs’, better known as ‘fringes’ in the UK are known for their soft, sweeping style that frames the face, creating a flattering and effortless look. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, curtain bangs add a touch of sophistication while enhancing natural texture.
Curtain bangs have seen a rise in popularity, due to the influence of celebrities and familiar faces opting for the style to change up their own personal look.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about curtain bangs, from their rise in popularity to the best way to style and blend with your look. From iconic styles to cutting and styling tips, the Rush Hair team have you covered.
What Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are a soft, parted fringe style that frames the face symmetrically, similar to the illusion of ‘curtains’. This effortlessly chic look blends seamlessly into various hair styles, offering a flattering and customisable option for all. One of the biggest advantages of curtain bangs is their versatility. They work for all hair types: straight, wavy, curly and all face shapes; round, square, oval and heart shaped.
Curtain bangs first became popular back in the 1970s, first showcased by the likes of Farrah Fawcett and Brigette Bardot. In recent years, the theme of retro-revival has evolved across both the beauty and fashion sectors, with styles evolving through modern twists and techniques.
Key Considerations for Curtain Bangs
Face Shape
One of the biggest advantages of curtain bangs is their versatility. They complement all face shapes by softening sharp features or balancing rounded ones for a naturally flattering effect.
Round Faces: Creates the illusion of length for a more structured appearance.
Square Faces: Softens strong facial features with soft, feathered edges.
Oval Faces: Enhances the face’s naturally balanced proportions.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Frames the forehead and blends seamlessly into layers.
Hair Type
Curtain bangs are incredibly versatile and can completely transform your look and give a whole new feel to the hair. The bangs work for any hair type, including straight, wavy, curly or coily.
Hair Health
For hair to always look its best, maintaining strong follicles and overall hair health is essential. Healthy hair ensures that curtain bangs sit perfectly and remain easy to manage. To achieve optimal hair health, it’s important to follow a consistent and continual care routine both in the salon and at home.
In the salon, we recommend a deep conditioning treatment to nourish the hair, lock in moisture, and promote long-lasting shine. At home, hair care is just as vital – using a hydrating hair masque once a week helps maintain moisture and keeps hair looking its healthiest.
Professional Consultation
Consulting with a Rush stylist at one of our salons can help to determine the best options for you, your hair and overall hair goal. Our stylist will discuss with you the different options, such as length and cut, considering factors such as face shape, hair type and lifestyle.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs should be cut by a professional who takes into account important factors such as your face shape and features. Achieving the perfect curtain bang is all about finding the right proportions.
The length of your bangs is determined by the ratio of your face length to your overall hairstyle. Your stylist will begin by parting your hair in the centre and sectioning it on both sides of your head. These sections will start around an inch from your hairline. Bangs can be cut short for baby bangs, creating a bold and edgy look, or left longer for a more casual, effortless style.
The bangs will then be cut at a slight angle, beginning shorter at the centre of your forehead and gradually getting longer toward your ears. The longest part of the bangs should ideally reach your jawline.
Top Curtain Bangs Styles
Hollywood Curtain Bangs
Description: chic, face framing curtain bangs.
Celeb Reference: A favourite of celebrity Kaia Gerber.
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: shine is key here to ensure a glamorous finish.
70’s Bardot Bangs
Description: Inspired by the iconic Brigitte Bardot, these bangs have a lived-in, relaxed feel.
Celeb Reference: Selena Gomez has been a fan for years!
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: use a medium sized brush when drying, and pop in a medium sized Velcro roller to give extra sweep appeal!
Voluminous Curtain Bangs
Description: bangs with exceptional volume.
Celeb Reference: Sabrina Carpenter
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: blow-dry the bangs downwards.
Arched Curtain Bangs
Description: shorter in the centre and curving around the jawline.
Celeb Reference: Dakota Johnson
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: use a texturising spray to give a more dramatic effect.
Curtain Bangs for Long Hair
Description: a lived in, relaxed fringe for those with longer hair.
Celeb Reference: a favourite style worn by Suki Waterhouse.
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: use a sea salt spray to play into the lived in feel.
Wispy Curtain Bangs
Description: a lighter take on the curtain bang, this is a more effortless look.
Celeb Reference: Hailey Bieber
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: play on the hair’s natural texture and allow it to air dry.
Full Curtain bangs
Description: as near to a full fringe you can get.
Celeb Reference: Hilary Duff
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: dry each curtain section as one, focussing heat on the roots to encourage lift.
Curtain Bangs for Coily Hair
Description: as near to a full fringe you can get for those with coily hair.
Celeb Reference: Zendaya
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: go for the tousled effect, to fit in with hair’s natural texture.
Baby Curtain Bangs
Description: soft, short and subtle curtain bangs.
Celeb Reference: Liv Kate Cooke
Suitable Hair Types: with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips: always finish the look with a dry shampoo, this prevents oil transferring from the forehead to the hair.
Bouncy Curtain Bangs
Description: curtain bangs with a lot of movement.
Celeb Reference – JLO
Suitable Hair Types – with so much versatility, these work for all hair types.
Styling Tips – use a shine spray to finish, this adds a feeling of luxury.
Styling Techniques for Curtain Bangs
In order to style curtain bangs, begin with damp hair – towel drying the hair until it is around 75% dry. Styling hair which is slightly damp, allows you to mould the shape and achieve your desired look. Next, lightly distribute Goldwell Style Sign Ultra Volume Top Whip Mousse throughout the hair – this adds lift and volume throughout. Begin blow-drying the hair, using a large barrel brush. Pull the bangs forward and away from the face when blow-drying, rolling the brush under the hair to create movement and encourage volume. For extra definition, use a straightening iron lightly, pulling it through the mid-section of the bang and flicking the end outwards, to give the curtain effect.
Maintaining Curtain Bangs
Bangs/fringes noticeably grow a lot quicker than the rest of the hair, and are often much more prone to breakage, being exposed more than any other section. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks allows the bangs to maintain their shape whilst also ensuring they remain seamlessly blended with the rest of the hair. The regular trim also allows the stylist to remove any damaged ends and ensure they remain healthy and flattering to the overall look.
As well as trims, a continuous and careful home care routine is vital, to ensure hair remains healthy and luxurious at all times. Indulging in a hair mask once per week, reducing heat usage and protecting hair from natural elements is all very important.
When it comes to bangs, the maintenance level often depends on the style and how much effort is required to keep them looking fresh. Wispy bangs are generally considered a lower-maintenance option compared to full or voluminous bangs, as they are much lighter and cut with a more subtle line, as opposed to a blunt or thicker line.
Conclusion
Curtain bangs have remained exceptionally popular due to their versatility and timeless appeal. Their versatility, suiting various face shapes, hair types, and styles has made them a go-to choice for clients of all ages.
Book Your Curtain Bangs Appointment at Rush
Ready to transform your look with the perfect curtain bangs? Book your appointment today at your nearest Rush Salon and let our expert stylists create a style that perfectly frames your face and suits your vibe. Visit us at Rush Hair and get ready to turn heads!
FAQ’s
Curtain bangs are extremely versatile and suit every single face shape – round, square, oval, heart – these can be tailored to every individual.
When asking your stylist for curtain bangs, it’s important to share reference pictures, to give them an exact feel for what you are looking for. Other ways to ask for these would be to say ‘soft, face-framing bangs’ or ‘70’s inspired sweeping bangs’.
Curtain bangs are known for creating a youthful and fresh appearance, resulting in a younger look.
Yes! Curtain bangs are suitable for both long and shorter looks, cut and styled to complement the rest of the hair. For shorter styles such as bob cuts, pixie cuts, or even textured cuts, curtain bangs bring a feminine touch and can make the hairstyle feel more complete and polished.
You should look at visiting the salon for a trim every 4-6 weeks.
Yes, you can style curtain bangs on any hair type! Curtain bangs can blend seamlessly on curly hair, working with your natural texture, resulting in a relaxed feel.
For Defined Curls: If you want a more defined look, you can define your curls with a curl cream or mousse and use a diffuser when blow-drying. This helps keep the curl pattern intact while shaping the bangs.
For a Softer Look: For a more relaxed finish, you can use a styling gel or cream, scrunching your hair to enhance the curls, and let the bangs dry naturally. This will create a loose, tousled curtain bang look that blends with the rest of your curls.