THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CURTAIN BANGS

A curtain fringe is more than just a haircut - it’s a style statement that frames your face, softens your features, and brings a touch of effortless glamour to any look.

Worn by everyone from Brigitte Bardot to today’s A-list style icons, this versatile, easy-to-wear fringe works with almost every hair type and length.

Whether you wear it tousled and textured or sleek and polished, a curtain fringe can be the perfect update for your look - especially if you’re trying to grow out your fringe.

What is a curtain fringe?

A curtain fringe (also known as curtain bangs, especially in the US) is a face-framing fringe, parted down the middle or slightly off-centre, with pieces that are shorter in the middle and gradually longer towards the sides. The shape mimics the way a curtain naturally drapes open - hence the name.

This cut is designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair, making it low maintenance compared to shorter, blunter fringes. It can be worn soft and wispy for a boho, lived-in feel, or styled sleek for a more structured look.

How to ask your stylist for a curtain fringe

The best way of getting the curtain fringe you want is to arrive at your hairdresser armed with reference photos - your idea of a curtain fringe might differ from theirs.

As well as photo inspiration, it’s a good idea to have an opinion on the following:

• Length: Do you want your fringe to skim your brows or sweep your cheekbones?
• Blending: Should it merge into face-framing layers or stand out as a statement?
• Thickness: Do you prefer a full, voluminous look or a lighter, more airy style?

If you’re unsure, ask your stylist to cut your fringe longer to start with - you can always trim it shorter later, but growing out a too-short fringe takes patience.

If your stylist advises you against a curtain fringe, remember they have your best interests at heart and listen to their guidance.

Will I suit curtain bangs?

The beauty of the curtain fringe is that it flatters almost every face shape:

• Round faces benefit from the elongating effect of the curtain bangs’ longer sides.
• Square faces get softened edges with curtain fringes’ natural wispy texture.
• Oval faces are lucky - they can wear any variation of a curtain fringe effortlessly.
• Heart-shaped faces suit a centre part that balances the forehead with the jawline.

Curtain fringes also work with most hair textures, ranging from curly and wavy to straight - though you may need different styling techniques for each texture.

If you have fine or thin hair, you can have curtain bangs, but there are a few things to keep in mind so they work well:

• Ask for light layers to create movement and fullness.
• Keeping your fringe cheekbone to jaw-length, as very short or very long curtain fringes may not hold their shape.
• Fine hair can sit flat, so a round brush, blow-dry, or a bit of texturising spray can help give curtain bangs the volume and swoosh they’re known for. 

Types of curtain fringe hairstyles

Wispy curtain fringe

Light, airy, and romantic, wispy curtain fringes are especially suitable for people trying out a curtain fringe for the first time, or people with fine hair. This version uses lightly-feathered ends to softly frame the face, and are a mid-length option that skims the cheekbones.

Styling tip: Use Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protecting Spray before blow-drying with a round brush for gentle movement.

Full curtain fringe

Bold and glamorous, the original curtain fringe that gained popularity in the 70s uses more of the hair framing your face for a thicker, statement fringe. It’s ideal for adding drama and volume.

Styling tip: Add lift with Volume Lift Root Booster to keep your fringe bouncy and full throughout the day and into the night.

Layered curtain fringe

Layered curtain fringes seamlessly into your existing haircut, adding shape and volume without looking too heavy. This layered fringe cut is great for medium to long hairstyles - and suits thick hair that needs some weight lifted around the face.

Styling tip: Create a soft, flowing blend into your lengths by smoothing flyaways and frizz - our Secret Agent Touch-Up Crème will help you achieve a polished finish.

Textured curtain fringe

For an edgier, undone look, textured curtain bangs incorporate choppier layers to work with your hair’s natural movement, and works beautifully with natural waves and curls. To avoid your curls or waves ‘bunching up’, avoid cutting your fringe too short - your stylist will help you choose the best length for you.

Styling tip: Spritz our Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray onto your fringe to revive day two and three hair, and revive and enhance your natural curls and waves.

Short curtain bangs

Short curtain bangs sit higher on your face, usually around the cheekbones, for a fresh, youthful look. They open up your features and add softness while keeping styling versatile, whether you wear your hair up or down. This shorter length is perfect if you’ve experimented with fringes before, and you want to fully embrace updating your look.

Styling tip: Use a round brush while blow-drying to sweep your fringe outwards, then finish with our Volume Lift Thickening Blow-Out Spray to keep your bangs bouncy and lifted all day.

Can older people wear curtain fringes?

Absolutely. Curtain fringes are often more flattering with age than blunt-cut fringes because they’re softer, blend naturally into your hair, and can hide fine lines on the forehead without looking harsh. They also add movement and lightness, which can make hair appear fuller.

If you have fine or thinning hair, keep your fringe lighter and feathered, and style with volumising haircare products for lift without weight.

How to take care of a curtain fringe

Curtain fringes are relatively low-maintenance, but they need some upkeep to maintain their shape and look their best.

• Trim your fringe every 3-4 weeks to keep it looking neat and cared-for - this’ll also help you avoid split ends and minimise the appearance of damage if you frequently use heat styling on your fringe.
• Because fringes sit on your forehead, they can look greasy quickly - if you find your fringe needs washing more often than the rest of your hair, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner as often as you need to to keep your fringe looking fresh.
• If you’re blow drying and heat styling your fringe every day, always use a heat protectant spray to avoid damage from straighteners or curlers.

How to grow out a curtain fringe

If you decide to grow out your curtain bangs, you’re in luck - curtain fringes are one of the easiest fringes to transition. The longer sides blend naturally into your already-existing layers as they grow, so there’s no harsh ‘in-between’ stage.

• Ask your stylist to gradually soften and layer the fringe into the rest of your lengths.
• Use side-part styles and tucks behind the ear to disguise the grow-out phase.
• Add texture with sea salt spray or dry shampoo for a natural blend.