The Ultimate Guide to Curtain Bangs in 2024: Everything You Need To Know

Spotted on everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Kelly Rowland, curtain bangs are the hair trend, taking over your social media feeds and Pinterest boards.

There's a reason for the hype: they're flattering, versatile, and surprisingly easy to maintain. If you want a quick glow-up with a gorgeous, vintage-inspired look, curtain bangs (also known as a 'gringe') could be your next haircut.

This timeless, elegant style has its roots in the fashion of the '60s and '70s. Think Brigitte Bardot, Goldie Hawn, and Farrah Fawcett. Curtain bangs are long, wispy fringes that frame the face beautifully. 

They're typically parted down the middle or slightly off-centre, blending into the rest of your hair. The secret is their softening facial features, adding a touch of laid-back glamour to any hair length or type.

Curtain bangs are incredibly versatile, and unlike a full, blunt fringe, they offer room to play. They can be tweaked to flatter all face shapes and hair types, from pin-straight to spiralling curls. Anne Hathaway, Yara Shahidi, and Sandra Oh all sport variations of curtain bangs, proving they can suit anyone when tailored to their unique features.

"Curtain bangs are the least intimidating of the fringe family, and are great for anyone who wants to try something different but isn't ready for the full shebang." – Lisa Satorn, Senior Stylist at Nine Zero One Salon

If you're still considering whether curtain bangs are the right look for you, let's explore why they've become the must-have style of the moment:

The Great Equaliser - Face Shape Flattery: One of the biggest appeals of curtain bangs is that they can be sculpted to enhance virtually any face shape. Here's a cheat sheet:

• Round faces: Longer curtain bangs, ending around the cheekbones, help elongate and add definition.
• Square faces: Slightly shorter, wispier curtain bangs that softly frame the jawline can balance out angular features.
• Heart-shaped faces: Curtain bangs cut just below the cheekbones add width to the lower part of your face, creating balance.
• Oval faces: Lucky you! Curtain bangs in almost any length will complement your face shape.

Versatility for Every Hair Type and Style: Whether your hair is thick or fine, poker straight or full of natural curls, there's a curtain bang style perfectly suited to your texture. They can be paired with a sleek blowout, textured waves, or a messy updo with equal levels of chic.

Trendy Yet Timeless: The '60s and '70s aesthetic that inspired curtain bangs remains consistently popular in fashion circles. This means your new fringe will feel both on-trend and classically cool.

Low-Maintenance Glamour: Since curtain bangs are longer and blend into your existing hairstyle, they're remarkably low-maintenance. That daily battle with a full fringe is a thing of the past; even when slightly outgrown, they still look fabulous.

Curtain bangs should only be cut by a professional who will consider specific considerations — like face shape and features — before cutting. The perfect curtain bang is all about proportions. 

How long your face is in comparison to your overall hairstyle and length determines how long your bangs should be cut. Your hair stylist will start by splitting your part at the centre and sectioning off the hair on both sides of your head. 

The sections should start an inch from your hairline. Then they’re cut at a slight angle—starting short at the centre of the hairline and gradually getting longer toward your ears. The longest part should hit the jawline.

Thinking about a change and ready to get curtain bangs? Find a Davines salon near you by using our salon locator. 
 

"Curtain bangs have this cool, casual, grown-out vibe... You can hide them away, sweep them to one side, curl the longer pieces – there are lots of different options." – Mark Townsend, Celebrity Stylist

Ready to try this iconic fringe? Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular styles, so you can find your perfect match:

• A touch of retro chic to beautifully frame your features. Style with a slight inward curl using a curling iron for added vintage appeal.
• Best for: Most face shapes, particularly those with prominent cheekbones. Ideal for straight, wavy, or gently textured hair.

• This style of curtain bangs offers a seamless blend with the rest of your hair, ideal for those wanting a subtle change.
• Best for: Square and oval faces looking to soften angular features. Works beautifully with various hair textures.

• Channel the effortless chic of Brigitte Bardot herself! This longer, feathered fringe offers a relaxed, lived-in vibe and is easy to grow out.
• Best for: All face shapes. Perfect for those with naturally thick, wavy, or straight hair.

• Think Farrah Fawcett-inspired glamour! This bouncy style adds instant volume. For that classic '70s swoop, blow-dry with a round brush and finish with a touch of Davines This Is A Medium Hairspray.
• Best for: Round, heart, and oval face shapes. Thicker hair textures can easily achieve this full-bodied look.

• Embrace your natural texture! Curtain bangs can be tailored for loose waves to tight coils. Define your curls with a touch of LOVE CURL Controller and Revitalizer, which are specially designed for controlling volume and elasticising curly hair. Then, let them air dry or gently diffuse.
• Best for: All face shapes, especially those wanting to showcase their beautiful curls.

• A versatile option before taking the plunge with a shorter style. They easily bend into your hair and offer soft, face-framing layers when your hair is up.
• Best for: Most face shapes. Those with fine, medium, or thicker hair can rock this look.

• This retro-modern style with shorter lengths above the brow offers an edgy twist. Works exceptionally well when paired with extra-long hair.
• Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces. Looks chic on straight or wavy hair.

• Embrace the '70s rock vibe with thinner, wispy bangs paired with a shag cut. Depending on your texture, wear messy or sleek for a bold look.
• Best for: All face shapes, particularly if you have naturally wavy or textured hair. Works well with medium to thicker hair.

• Purposefully textured for a relaxed feel. Perfect with second-day hair! Spray dry shampoo and add a touch of dry wax for definition.
• Best for: All hair textures and face shapes. Ideal for embracing a low-maintenance, tousled style.

• Subtle, blended, and highly versatile. Ask your stylist for a shape that can be tucked away for those days you want a different look.
• Best for: A tentative first foray into bangs! Suits all face shapes and hair textures.

• Stand out from the crowd with this daring variation! Consider vibrant colours or pastel hues. Reach for colour-depositing shampoo or temporary hair dye to test the waters.
• Best for: Adventurous spirits wanting a bold statement! Can be tailored to any face shape and hair texture.

The beauty of curtain bangs is that they're incredibly easy to style with just a few simple techniques. Here are some popular methods to achieve different looks:

Blow-Dryer and Round Brush Method:

1. This classic technique is ideal for creating that signature voluminous swoop of curtain bangs:

2. After washing, apply a heat protectant to damp bangs. Davines MELU Hair Shield is a great choice to safeguard your hair.

3. Section your bangs into two parts. Starting with one side, place a round brush underneath the bangs, near the roots.

4.As you blow-dry, lift at the roots, then gently guide the brush downwards, curling the ends slightly outwards. Repeat on the other side.

Using a Curling Iron for a Softer Look:

1. Curling your curtain bangs creates a gentler, more relaxed wave:

2. On dry hair, apply a light mist of heat protectant.

3. Take a section of your bangs and wrap it around a curling iron barrel (a medium-sized barrel works well), twirling away from your face.

4. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat on the other side.

5. Set the style with a light spritz of hairspray.

Styling Without Heat: Rollers and Air-Drying:

For a heat-free way to style your curtain bangs, try these simple methods below. 

1. Velcro rollers: While your hair is still slightly damp, roll your bangs into medium-sized velcro rollers, wrapping them outwards. Leave them in overnight or until your hair is completely dry.

2. Air-drying: Let your bangs air dry naturally. If you have curly or wavy hair, a touch of styling cream can help define your curls. This is the gentlest option for your hair!

The best thing about curtain bangs? They're famously low-maintenance. With a few simple tips, you can keep those fresh-from-the-salon vibes going strong:

Trimming and Growing Out Bangs

• Depending on your hair's growth rate, light trims every 4-6 weeks will keep your curtain bangs looking perfectly shaped. Your stylist can do this quickly and affordably between full haircuts.
• If you decide to change up your style, growing out curtain bangs is incredibly easy as they naturally blend into the rest of your hair. You won't have that awkward in-between stage like with traditional blunt bangs.

Keeping Bangs Fresh and Voluminous

• Regular washing is important, especially if you have fine hair or oily skin. Your scalp produces natural oils that can make bangs look limp or greasy faster.
• When you're short on time, dry shampoo is your best friend. It absorbs excess oil and adds instant volume for a refreshed look.
• Sometimes, all it takes to revitalise your bangs is a quick blast with your hairdryer and round brush or a few touches with a curling iron to restore their shape.
• Remember, curtain bangs are meant to be effortless! Don't stress too much about styling or maintenance – the ease of this style is part of its charm.

• Jameela Jamil shows that even the thickest tresses look amazing with curtain bangs. For bangs like hers, aim for them to fall just under your eyebrows.
• Alexa Chung is the queen of effortlessly chic. Her curtain bangs are the ultimate accessory.
• Dakota Johnson versatile curtain bangs have been thick and wispy, long and short, and everything in between.
• Halle Berry proves the curtain bang trend is ageless. If you fear you’re past your prime fringe years, let us assure you that you aren’t.
• Selena Gomez is a perfect example of how curly haired girls can make this look work for them. 
• Priyanka Chopra's fringe is a classic curtain bang, middle-parted and tapering down towards her longer face-framing layers.
• Taraji P. Henson styles her curtain bangs both parted down the centre, curled to the side, and blunt across.
• Chloë Grace Moretz gives major Farrah Fawcett vibes with her flipped out curtain bang style. Her bangs are long, so that they still appear soft when flipped out.
• Sandra Oh if the thought of blow-drying your bangs is stopping you from chopping your wavy hair, Sandra proves that curtain bangs look incredibly cool with practically all textures.

Can anyone wear curtain bangs?

Absolutely! The beauty of curtain bangs is their versatility. With the right cut, they can flatter any face shape and hair texture.

How long does it take to style curtain bangs? 

Styling curtain bangs can be surprisingly quick and easy. The time it takes depends on your styling method (blow-drying, curling iron, etc.) and your hair type.

How do I know if curtain bangs will suit my face shape? 

Don't worry, there's a flattering curtain bang style for everyone! We've got a whole section dedicated to helping you find the best look for your face shape.

I have fine/curly/thick hair. Will curtain bangs work for me? 

Yes! Curtain bangs can be tailored to look gorgeous with any hair texture. In fact, the right cut and style can beautifully enhance those natural features.

What's the difference between curtain bangs and regular bangs? 

Unlike full, blunt bangs, curtain bangs are longer, wispier, and parted in the middle (or slightly off-centre). They blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair for a soft, face-framing effect.

By now, we hope you're convinced that curtain bangs could be the style update you've been looking for. They're flattering on everyone, effortlessly cool, easy to style, and incredibly low-maintenance.

 If you're ready to revamp your look without a dramatic change, curtain bangs are your answer!

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor
cover photo by @michelledufflocq