Curtain bangs have made a major comeback, becoming one of the most versatile and flattering fringe styles. Named for the way they frame your face like curtains, these side-swept bangs offer a soft, face-framing effect that works with virtually any face shape and hair type. Let's dive into everything you need to know about styling curtain bangs to perfection.

What Are Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs are characterized by a middle or slightly off-center part, with shorter lengths in the center that gradually get longer toward the sides of your face. Unlike blunt bangs, they seamlessly blend into the rest of your hair, creating a soft, effortless look that's easy to maintain and grow out.

This style has roots in the '60s and '70s (think Brigitte Bardot and Farrah Fawcett), but modern iterations have been popularized by celebrities like Dakota Johnson, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kelly Rowland.

Why Choose Curtain Bangs?

• Universally flattering - They complement virtually all face shapes
• Low-maintenance - Easier to grow out than traditional blunt bangs
• Versatile - Can be styled in numerous ways (sleek, tousled, wavy, or curly)
• Face-framing - Highlights your features beautifully
• Works with any hair type - From straight to curly textures

Essential Tools for Styling Curtain Bangs

Before diving into styling techniques, gather these essentials:

• Round brush (medium barrel works best for most lengths)
• Blow dryer with nozzle attachment
• Heat protectant spray
• Styling products (texturizing spray, volumizing mousse, or lightweight serum)
• Optional: flat iron, curling iron, or hot brush
• Bobby pins and hair clips for sectioning
• Velcro rollers (for heatless styling)

Blow-Drying Techniques for Perfect Curtain Bangs

The Basic Blow-Dry Method

1. Start with damp, freshly washed bangs (or mist dry bangs with water to dampen)
2. Apply heat protectant to safeguard your hair
3. Section your bangs down the middle
4. Place a round brush underneath your bangs near the roots
5. As you blow-dry, lift at the roots and then guide the brush downward, curling the ends slightly outward
6. Repeat on the other side
7. Finish with a light styling product to hold the shape

Tips for Extra Volume

For those seeking more volume and bounce:

1. After your initial blow-dry, place the round brush at your roots and lift upward
2. Apply heat directly to the roots while the hair is wrapped around the brush
3. Allow the section to cool before releasing for maximum hold
4. Add a spritz of volumizing spray at the roots

Styling Curtain Bangs with a Flat Iron

A flat iron can create sleek, polished curtain bangs or add a subtle bend for texture:

1. Ensure your bangs are completely dry before using any hot tools
2. Apply a heat protectant
3. Section your bangs at your part
4. Hold the flat iron horizontally, clamp a section of your bangs, and twist your wrist away from your face
5. For a sleeker look, simply glide the flat iron down your bangs with minimal twisting
6. Repeat on the other side

Creating Soft Waves with a Curling Iron

For a more romantic, wavy look:

1. Start with dry, heat-protected bangs
2. Take a section of your bangs and wrap it around a medium-sized curling iron barrel
3. Curl away from your face (this is key for the curtain effect)
4. Hold for a few seconds and release
5. Allow the curl to cool before gently finger-combing for a natural look
6. Finish with a light-hold hairspray

No-Heat Styling Methods

Want to give your hair a break from heat? Try these heatless techniques:

Velcro Rollers Method

1. Start with slightly damp bangs
2. Apply a lightweight styling mousse
3. Section your bangs down the middle
4. Roll each section around a medium-sized Velcro roller, rolling away from your face
5. Secure with a clip if needed
6. Let air dry completely or sleep with them overnight
7. Remove rollers and finger-style for perfect waves

The Twisted Pin Method

This quick method works great for overnight styling:

1. With damp bangs, part down the middle
2. Twist each section away from your face
3. Secure with bobby pins or small clips
4. Sleep with these twists in place
5. Remove pins in the morning and finger-style for effortless waves

The Headband Hack

1. Place a soft elastic headband around your head
2. Wrap sections of your damp bangs around the headband
3. Let dry naturally or sleep with it overnight
4. Remove the headband for perfect curtain bangs without heat

Styling for Different Hair Types

For Straight Hair

Straight hair provides a great canvas for curtain bangs, but may need extra help holding a curve:

• Focus on creating volume at the roots with your blow-dryer
• Consider using a texturizing spray to add grip and movement
• Velcro rollers work exceptionally well for adding natural-looking bends

For Wavy or Curly Hair

Wavy and curly hair types can embrace their natural texture with curtain bangs:

• Apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp bangs
• Use a diffuser attachment on low heat to dry without disrupting your natural pattern
• Finger-coil sections for more definition
• For a sleeker look, use a round brush to smooth while maintaining some wave

For Fine or Thin Hair

Fine hair can achieve beautiful curtain bangs with these tips:

• Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots before styling
• Blow-dry with the head tilted forward for maximum volume
• Use a texturizing powder or dry shampoo at the roots
• Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh hair down

Quick Fixes for Curtain Bang Emergencies

For Greasy Bangs

Bangs tend to get oily faster than the rest of your hair. Quick solutions:

• Dry shampoo is your best friend—apply at the roots and massage in
• For a quick refresh, wash just your bangs in the sink
• Use a blow dryer for a 2-minute touch-up

For Stubborn Cowlicks

1. Dampen the cowlick area
2. Blow-dry in the opposite direction of the cowlick's growth
3. Use medium heat and high airflow
4. Finish with a small amount of styling paste to tame

Pairing Curtain Bangs with Different Hairstyles

Curtain bangs are incredibly versatile and work with various styles:

With Ponytails and Updos

• Leave your curtain bangs out when creating a ponytail or bun
• For a high ponytail, style your bangs to frame your face
• For a low ponytail, allow your bangs to blend naturally with face-framing pieces

With Wavy or Curly Styles

• Style your curtain bangs to match the texture of the rest of your hair
• For cohesive waves, use the same curling technique throughout

Maintaining Your Curtain Bangs

To keep your curtain bangs looking their best:

• Schedule regular trims every 4-6 weeks
• For curlier hair types, you can stretch this to 6-8 weeks
• Consider learning to do minor maintenance trims at home
• Avoid heavy conditioners on your bangs which can weigh them down

Styling Products That Work Best

The right products make all the difference when styling curtain bangs:

• Heat protectant: Always use before any heat styling
• Texturizing spray: Adds grip and lived-in texture
• Lightweight mousse: Creates volume without heaviness
• Flexible-hold hairspray: Sets your style without stiffness
• Dry shampoo: Refreshes bangs between washes and adds volume

Perfect Curtain Bangs for Your Face Shape

Adjust your curtain bangs to best complement your face shape:

• Round faces: Longer curtain bangs that hit at or below the cheekbones to elongate
• Square faces: Softer, wispier curtain bangs to soften angular features
• Heart-shaped faces: Curtain bangs that hit just below the cheekbones
• Oval faces: Almost any length works well—experiment freely!

Final Tips for Styling Success

• Always style your bangs first before the rest of your hair
• For a natural look, avoid using too much product
• Practice makes perfect—don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries
• If you're new to curtain bangs, start longer as they're easier to style and grow out
• Remember that curtain bangs should frame your face like curtains frame a window—symmetry isn't always necessary

With these techniques and tips, you'll be styling your curtain bangs like a pro in no time. Whether you prefer a sleek, polished look or tousled, effortless waves, curtain bangs offer endless styling possibilities for every hair type and face shape.

Have you tried curtain bangs? What's your favorite way to style them? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!