Disclosure: This chic curtain bangs page contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy.
One of the most manageable style of bangs, the ’60s-inspired fringe is making a comeback—thanks to its versatility and timeless look. If you want to make a subtle hairstyle change with maximum impact, we rounded up dozens of different ways to wear the trendy curtain bangs.
What Exactly Are the Curtain Bangs—and Why Get the Look?
Instead of just sitting straight across your forehead, curtain bangs fall around your cheekbones and are slightly parted at the middle, creating a fanned curtain effect that frames your face. The look was popularized by Sienna Miller and Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and it’s making a big comeback. Anyone can pull off the trend, regardless of hair length, hair type and face shape.
The key is to frame your face and style them according to your hair texture and hairline, and be strategic with the length and depth of your bangs. If you’ve got a square face shape, think of thicker, curtain bangs to soften the sharp appearance of your jaw. In fact, they’ll give the illusion of an oval face shape, which makes them ideal for round faces too.
If you’ve got thin hair, curtain bangs are a stylish trick to add layers and volume. You may also opt for a good texturizing spray to keep your fine hair fluffy. Some hair types might require to maintain the shape of these bangs, since they’re parted at the middle. They might look quite different on kinky hair types, but they’ll still look great depending on how you style them.
Also, you may easily keep their perfect shape with eyebrow scissors. A great thing, the ways of styling them are endless—think of topknots, ponytails, updo, braids, as well as tucking them behind your ears. Curtain bangs work well with all hair lengths, even on bob and pixie haircuts! Also, they blend seamlessly on a long and wavy hair.
Curtain Bangs Inspirations for You
Just Like a Goddess
Jennifer Lopez and Mandy Moore have sported the look, so why shouldn’t you? An ultra-long, wavy hair will always look ethereal with curtain bangs, letting you rock that goddess-worthy style. Whether you want to channel some Athena or Aphrodite vibes, these bangs are just regal for the prom, girls’ nights out and casual weekends.
A Gypsy Statement
Did you know gypsy hairstyles are made to evoke energy and freedom of independent women who make their own rules? If you aren’t a fan of floral crowns, feathers and bandana scarves, think of this look. Having some curtain bangs and your hair loose in an updo will make everything carefree for a music festival and beyond.
Delicate and Understatedly Beautiful
Long, sexy layers play well with curtain bangs—and no one says you have to spread out your fringe across your forehead. It takes the classic hairstyle to a whole new level, adding elegance and character to the look.
A Whimsical, Laidback Hairstyle
Bold pops of color make everything cool and unexpected, so why not have the hue on your bangs? The blue hair color isn’t permanent, as it fades the fastest—but it’ll still make your curtain bangs more eye-catching.
A Touch of Neon
In the past few years, neon hair trend became popular, where hot pink, electric yellow and lime green were found everywhere. Do you still remember when Katy Perry added the neon hue to her famous crop? If you want to paint your strands with a loud color, add some curtain bangs to the mix to keep them fresh and current.
Something Sleek and Subtle
Who says curtain bangs have to be obvious? Having a few face-framing fringes at the sides will add some flair to your straight hair. In fact, these bangs will add the illusion of volume to flat shoulder-length haircuts.
The Marianne-Inspired Curtain Bangs
Have you already watched the TV adaptation Normal People? You may have noticed the allure of curtain bangs, as the main character Marianne, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, sported the look. Apart from having that face-framing fringe, you may also add some personality with a topknot.
“I Woke Up Like This” Hairstyle
Sometimes, your bangs separate from its signature “curtain” effect, looking more spread out all the way across—but it’s totally okay. Just make everything intentional with a messy hair and a carefree attitude.
A Signature Curtain Part
Curtain bangs look chic in wispy ends, but they’ll also look beautiful when they’re longer and blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair.
Long, Buttery Blonde Bangs
If you’ve already got a beautiful blonde hair, just add some volume with curtain bangs, framing your face on the sides. A great thing, a light hair color and subtle fringe go well together.
Soft Curtain Fringe
If you’re looking for some romantic vibes, think of thicker curtain bangs that swoop on the side of your face. It’s a great trick for women with wider and more angular face shapes, as the fringe soften the strong features.
The Fanned Effect
If you have a wide forehead, think of this look to make your face appear narrower and longer. Curtain bangs are usually parted at the middle, but they can stay on the sides too.
Cascading Ash Blonde Bangs
There are many creative ways to wear curtain bangs, and this one gives off a romantic vibe. If you’ve got thin hair, simply add some volume at the crown and opt for subtle curls.
Layers and Lifted Roots
Are you looking for a carefree and glamorous hairstyle at the same time? The key is to make your layers more prominent and go for curtain bangs with wispy ends.
Quirky and Playful Fringe
Curtain bangs are great for pulling off a playful, youthful look. Just don’t forget your chic hair accessories—perhaps a headband to complete your statement.
A Touch of Texture
Air-dried strands are getting more popular, but you may also sport your natural hair texture. If you’re having lots of layers, simply go for longer curtain bangs that will blend into the rest of your hair.
Messy Hair Don’t Care
Curtain bangs look chic, effortless and carefree! A great thing, a messy texture goes well with your face-framing fringe, which is perfect for women on the go.
Sophisticated Curtain Bangs
If you think hair trends have no place at the workplace, think again. Curtain bangs are the most professional looking bangs that can take you from boardroom meetings to casual Fridays and beyond.
A Carefree, Blonde Bob
This look proves that curtain bangs are flattering in every hair length. In shorter haircuts, they tend to look more of layers than fringes, which is also chic and flattering.
Bohemian Bangs with Floral Crown
If you want to rock some bohemian statement in music festivals without looking too carefree, think of curtain bangs—and perhaps a floral crown. You won’t need those bandana scarves, crop tops and denim cutoffs anymore.
Long Locks and Curtain Bangs
Do you want to make some hairstyle change without sacrificing your length? Think of curtain bangs that won’t need much upkeep. You may skip those regular trims since they’re quite longer and easily blend with your hair.
A Glamorous Ombré Look
A set of subtle curtain bangs makes a signature ombré hair feel an entirely new look. Also, these face-framing fringes will make the color contrast more intentional and glamorous.
The Heart-Shaped Hairline Effect
It’s no doubt that a heart-shaped hairline—the V-shape at the center of your forehead—is an asset, but not everyone can have it. Fortunately, you can recreate the look by getting some curtain bangs, lifted roots and a wavy hair.
Effortless Curly Fringe
If you have a naturally fine and straight hair, you may simply add some curtain bangs and curl them all the way down. It will give you some flirty, romantic vibe without trying too hard.
The Duchess-Inspired Curtain Bangs
Do you still remember when Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, sported shorter hair and curtain bangs during her Ireland royal tour? Those face-framing fringes not only look regal and elegant, but also playful.
A Laidback, Cool-Girl Vibe
Curtain bangs are beautiful on their own, so you don’t need to stress over perfection. In fact, a slightly messy hair makes the ultimate cool-girl vibe sans the effort.
The Double Duty Curtain Bangs
Do you know curtain bangs can also help hide imperfections and uneven hairline? More than that, it’s the best style of bangs you should get in case you love wearing bold eye makeup, so your face-framing fringes won’t get in the way.
The Curtain Effect
The best thing about these face-framing bangs is that they’re long enough to be tucked behind your ears, thus creating the curtain effect. It’s also a great trick if you want to keep them off your forehead during the hot weather.
A Touch of Romance
Curtain bangs add a touch of romanticism to light hair colors, especially platinum and ice blondes. This look seems like the model just stepped out as a heroine from a romantic novel.
Curtain Bangs and Ginger Locks
Did you know red hair and blue eyes is the rarest combination in the world? Make everything more special and beautiful with curtain bangs!
Straight, Long Hair with Curtain Bangs
Curtain fringe works best with straight hair, as well as wavy strands as long as they aren’t too wavy at the front. A great thing, they can be easily hidden when you’re not in the mood for bangs.
The Modern Brigitte Bardot Bangs
These long, face-framing bangs remind us of the French actress’ signature hairstyle. A great thing, today’s curtain bangs can also look more of face-framing layers than a fringe.
The Urban Chic Curtain Bangs
If you’re a woman on the go, you want hairstyles that won’t take too much of your time. Also, curtain bangs are the ultimate accessory for long, wavy blonde hair.
The Modern Joan Jett Hairstyle
These wispy layers and curtain bangs remind us of Joan Jett vibes. It’s more approachable than a shag haircut and more feminine than her rock ‘n’ roll style.
The Retro Curtain Bangs
You may go for more noticeable curtain bangs that look charmingly hip and retro. Just complete your statement with a thick headband on top of your bangs!
Tousled Curtain Bangs
Sometimes, you have to be comfortable with heat styling just to keep your curtain bangs in place. This one gives a tousled look, adding bounce and volume to your hair.
Rose Gold Bob Hairstyle
Of all the bold hair colors out there, rose gold looks classy and elegant. It’s no surprise that it also looks beautiful with a bob haircut and curtain bangs. All you have to do is to rock the look with confidence.
Ultra-Heavy Curtain Bangs
These face-framing bangs remind us of Dakota Johnson’s most iconic hairstyle, but they’re more approachable and low-maintenance.
A Nod to Vintage Hairstyle
It seems every woman wants to have the look, as curtain bangs are incredibly chic and versatile. A great thing, you may also style them in a vintage way with retro waves!
Relaxed, Face-Framing Bangs
There are several variations of the curtain bangs, and they’ll look flattering even on shorter haircuts. As you can see, they work perfectly well on the sides, especially if you’re having a center part.
The Modern Curtain Fringe
If it’s your first time to wear curtain bangs, go for longer fringe that can still be tucked behind your ears. This is especially practical during the hot days of summer when you want to keep your hair out of your face.
Bangs are not created equal, as some are high maintenance and require frequent trims. A great thing, curtain bangs won’t need commitment as they grow out quickly. They can be easily blended into the rest of your hair, so you won’t have to deal with unflattering grow-out phase. Also, they’re a seamless transition to real bangs, in case you wanted to trim them shorter later on.
Indeed, these hairstyle inspirations have proved how chic and versatile curtain bangs can be. Just have a few of these photos on your upcoming appointment at the salon, so your hairdresser will have a reference. Making the decision to get bangs isn’t easy, but they’ll surely add some character and uniqueness to your look.