Why Curtain Bangs Are the Season’s Biggest Staple

Think you can’t rock fringe? Think again! Curtain bangs are making a comeback and, best of all, they look good on everyone. Unlike blunt fringe or baby bangs, which are notoriously hard to rock (power to you, if you’re one of the lucky few who can pull these off!), curtain bangs are softer, subtler, and flattering on all face shapes. Yes, all! If you’ve been wondering whether you can pull off bangs, the answer is yes. In fact, curtain bangs offer a noticeable change without too much commitment. Best of all, they can be dressed up or down for a polished finish or a laid-back, carefree vibe.

Still not convinced? Keep reading to see why curtain bangs are this season’s biggest staple!

What Are Curtain Bangs?

Once popular in the 1970s (think Brigitte Bardot and Farah Fawcett), curtain bangs are shorter in the center and angled to be gradually longer (about eye-length or longer) at the ends. Unlike classic fringe, which falls forward uniformly across the forehead, curtain bangs parted down the center and brushed loosely to either side of the face. Rather than being blunt and defined, they’re wispy and soft, creating a romantic, French-girl effect.

Why Are They So Popular?

As we mentioned, curtain bangs were a staple of the 1970s, but they’ve been making a huge comeback in recent months. One thing that makes this look so popular is that it’s sort of the “training wheels” of fringe, so to speak. For those who don’t want to make a total commitment, curtain bangs allow you to test-drive fringe without sacrificing a ton of length.

Another thing that makes curtain bangs so popular is the fact that they truly work on every face shape. Curtain bangs can be cut shorter or longer to suit your unique face shape for the most flattering result. And—while those with longer or wider foreheads make a great candidate for curtain bangs, as the look can help create the illusion of a more petite forehead—even those with smaller faces can still rock curtain bangs, as they can be brushed to the side to elongate the forehead.

Curtain bangs are also pretty low-maintenance when it comes to fringe. Unlike straight-across styles and blunt bangs, you won’t need to visit the salon every few weeks for a trim.

The Right Curtain Bangs for Your Hair Type

We’ve covered how curtain bangs flatter every face shape, but they also work on a variety of hair textures, from pin-straight to super curly, and all lengths. The key to finding your most flattering look is customizing the length and cut to suit your natural style.

Longer layers work well with silky, straight hair and looser waves, while curlier and more textured strands pair best with eye-skimming or shorter fringe. Of course, the best look is one that’s totally your own. Ask your stylist for their recommendations based on your face shape, hair texture, and length.

How to Style Curtain Bangs

There’s no denying it: any fringe is a bit high maintenance. If you’re used to a pretty low-key hair routine, you’re going to need to prepare for a little more styling than you might be used to. But we promise it’s worth it! And, one of the best things about curtain bangs is that they’re relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fringe. Because they can be worn straight, wavy, or even curly, you can ditch your flat iron and embrace texture.

Developing a style routine depends on your cut and your natural texture. Use a blow dryer and round brush to add volume, add a spritz or two of texturizer to bring out waves, or use your fingers and a bit of light-hold hair paste to create piecey texture. And, when you simply don’t have time to style, curtain bangs are easy to pin back.