Getting bangs is a big decision, and one stylists field a lot of questions about when clients show up with bang inspo pics. The style can instantly change your whole look. Not to mention, it's quite the commitment—bangs take about a year to grow out fully!
Luckily for anyone who wants to give it a go, experts say, when done the right way, bangs can look good on any and every hair type—from short and thin to curly and layered. But if you're still buzzing with nervous energy about making the chop? Consider wetting your feet with curtain bangs. This sideswiping style is more tapered than blunt and splits open in the middle to frame the forehead. They're also easier to grow out.
What are curtain bangs?
"Curtain bangs are bangs that appear to open in the middle of the face and frame it like a curtain does for a stage in the theater when it is pulled open," says Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. Typically, they drape in a way that the middle is the short point and tapers to each side, with the sides being the longest points, adds Dani Everson, owner and hairstylist of Clementine's Salon and Founder of SkinForYou. You've likely seen the style on the likes of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Dakota Johnson, Nicole Richie, Halle Barry, and Ariana Grande.
Meet Our Experts: Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, Dani Everson, owner and hairstylist of Clementine's Salon and Founder of SkinForYou
Who are curtain bangs best for?
Overall, bangs get a bad rap. Naysayers say they're hard to pull off and even more difficult to maintain. But our experts disagree, saying bangs—and particularly curtain bangs—are actually pretty universal.
Though they look best on those with oval and rectangular face shapes, curtain bangs are suitable for almost anyone, says Everson. The two tiny exceptions? People with more prominent noses typically look better with longer, side-swept bangs, says Labrecque. And, if you have a cowlick, a longer, heavier curtain bang will help ensure it doesn't pop up, adds Everson.
How do you cut curtain bangs?
Are you convinced yet? If you're ready to take the plunge, call your stylist. While you might be tempted to cut your own bangs—how hard could it be?!—it's actually quite challenging to nail the look, especially with an untrained hand. And butchered bangs aren't easy to remedy, particularly if you cut them too short right off the bat.
Once you're in the chair, Everson says your stylist will likely section out the bangs. Then, with either scissors or a razor, they'll cut so that the shortest length is in the middle of the face and cascades out to longer pieces hitting the sides of the face. To do this, your stylist may use a technique called "slide cutting," says Labrecque. "Slide cutting is when we angle the scissor behind our hand, keeping the blades steadily open and then pull from a shorter point to a longer point." This gives curtain bangs a soft, feathered edge as opposed to a blunt and more severe look.
How do you style curtain bangs?
It's best to style curtain bangs with a blowdryer and a medium-barrel round brush, says Everson, who recommends blow drying the bangs going away from the face backwards. (You can start with damp or dry hair, but beginning with damp hair will better set the look.) When they're dry, take some pomade (or dry texturizing spray) and pinch the bangs into the right place. Finish with a quick hairspray to set.
The Tools You Need to Style Curtain Bangs
How to style curtain bangs with a curling iron
If you're better at wielding a curling iron, you can achieve a similar look with this hot tool. Simply curl each side by clamping hair lightly inside the curling iron, then twist towards your face. Wait a few seconds and release.
How to style curtain bangs with a flat iron
Prefer to a flatter look with a little less volume? You can also style curtain bangs with a flat iron for a sleeker look. Hold each section of hair upwards, then while holding the flat iron horizontally, clamp hair and twist your wrist away from your face. Repeat on the other side.
How to style curtain bangs without heat
If your hair is color-treated or prone to split ends, you may wonder if you can style curtain bangs without using any hot tools, blowdryer included. Luckily, experts say it's totally possible—you just need a set of rollers and a little bit of time to let your hair air dry (overnight is ideal!). Despite the extra time, it's probably the easiest method. All you need to do is wrap hair around a roller (exact size depends on your hair texture, length, and how bouncy you want the curl) towards your face. Secure with a clip, then let dry and unroll.
And, no, you don't have to redo the look every day...
"Curtain bangs don't need daily upkeep other than blow drying or dry shampooing if they get oily," says Everson. "If you feel like the ends aren't as curled as you'd like, I recommend either wetting them down and drying them or taking a curling iron and bending the ends to your liking." Of course, you can always use dry shampoo for a quick refresh, says Labrecque.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
