Curtain bangs have become one of the most requested cuts across salons, and with good reason! This effortlessly cool fringe flatters almost every face shape, works with a wide range of hair types, and adds softness without a major commitment. Think Brigitte Bardot’s tousled look or the polished version worn by Sabrina Carpenter: iconic, relaxed, and always on trend.

They are versatile, flattering, and easy to grow out, which is exactly why they have taken over social feeds and salon chairs alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what curtain bangs are, why they’re trending right now, which face shapes they suit, and how to choose, style, and maintain your perfect version of the look.

Curtain bangs are a face-framing fringe, parted down the middle or just off-centre, that softly blends into the rest of the hair. They taper outwards at the cheekbones or jawline, creating a gentle, lived-in shape that adds movement and softness.

We love how this style feels retro and modern. Its roots trace back to the icons of the '60s and '70s — Brigitte Bardot, Farrah Fawcett, Goldie Hawn — and yet it still feels fresh today. Unlike blunt bangs that can feel severe or high-maintenance, curtain bangs are lightweight, wearable, and easy to tailor to different face shapes, lengths, and textures.

Depending on how they are cut, curtain bangs can act as a subtle highlight or a full-on style moment. Davines stylists often recommend curtain bangs to clients wanting a small change that still makes a big difference to their overall look.

Curtain bangs are everywhere right now. Across the Davines salon network, stylists are seeing clients arrive with screenshots of Dakota Johnson, Alexa Chung, or Jameela Jamil, asking for similar looks. The answer is usually yes, and that’s part of the magic of this style.

This fringe has become the style of the moment because it strikes the perfect balance between style and flexibility. Curtain bangs offer softness without the need for a full haircut, can be styled easily with or without heat, and grow out beautifully.

Here’s why they’re still gaining popularity in 2025:

• They flatter nearly every face shape
• They work with straight, wavy, and curly textures
• They grow out without that awkward phase
• They are easy to style and refresh at home
• They give instant polish with very little effort
• They look amazing up or down, making them perfect for everyday wear

Curtain bangs also continue to trend on TikTok and Instagram, where you’ll see endless tutorials, transformations, and styling ideas. But unlike some viral looks, these actually hold up in real life. That timeless appeal is what keeps them in demand season after season.

"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

One of the reasons curtain bangs are so popular is that they suit just about every face shape. The key lies in the length, softness, and placement. These are all elements that a professional stylist can customise to enhance your features.

Here’s how I tailor curtain bangs by face shape:

Round Faces

For round faces, longer curtain bangs that start around the cheekbones can help create the illusion of vertical length and soften the sides of the face. Think Selena Gomez or Kirsten Dunst; both wear curtain bangs in a way that adds shape without harsh lines.

Square Faces

Square faces have strong jawlines that benefit from a bit of curve. A slightly shorter centre that feathers out gently can help balance facial angles and draw attention to the eyes. Sandra Oh’s fringe is a great example, it draws attention to the eyes while balancing the angles of the face.

Oval Faces

Oval faces are the most adaptable, which means almost any version of curtain bangs can work. Stylists often vary the length based on personal style and hair texture. Dakota Johnson’s fringe is often a go-to reference for this shape. It’s versatile, polished and frames the face beautifully.

Heart Faces

Heart-shaped faces look best with curtain bangs that begin just below the brow and sweep outward. This helps add width to the lower half of the face while softening a more prominent forehead. Alexa Chung has a classic heart shape and wears this style to perfection.

If you're not sure where your face shape fits in, a quick consultation with your stylist can help you choose a version of curtain bangs that brings out your best features. Factors like bone structure, hair density, and natural parting are all taken into account to create a look that enhances your features

There are so many ways to wear curtain bangs. From barely-there softness to bold, shaggy shapes, the key is choosing a version that complements your natural texture and suits your routine.

• Soft curtain bangs are light, wispy, and easy to wear. Davines salon stylists often recommend them to clients who want a gentle change that still frames the face.       These work beautifully on fine or wavy hair and pair well with air-dried styles.
• Best for: Fine to medium hair, minimal styling routines, subtle face framing

• Long curtain bangs blend into the rest of the hair and give you the option to tuck them behind the ears or pin them back. They are great if you want a low-         commitment version of the look or a soft transition from a longer fringe.
• Best for: Most face shapes, especially oval or heart, works well with ponytails and updos

• Shorter curtain bangs typically fall just above the brow or sweep across the upper cheekbone. This style makes more of a statement and draws attention to the eyes. It works especially well with longer layers or very straight hair, adding structure and definition.
• Best for:  Oval and heart-shaped faces, bold styling, sleek finishes

• Inspired by Brigitte Bardot, these bangs are feathered, romantic, and full of volume. They’re typically styled with a round brush and a touch of lift at the roots to create movement without overwhelming the rest of the hair.
• Best for: : Medium to thick textures, vintage-inspired styling, blow-dry finishes

• These bangs are cut to complement a layered shag or wolf cut. They feel effortless, slightly undone, and full of personality. Use light texturising techniques to give them separation and softness through the ends.
• Best for: Naturally wavy or textured hair, bolder cuts, lower-maintenance styling

• Piecey bangs are all about texture. Try styling them with a bit of dry wax or pomade for definition. They’re ideal if you want a slightly edgier finish without losing softness.
• Best for:  All hair types, especially second-day styling or a tousled 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.

• Yes, you can absolutely wear curtain bangs with curly hair. The shape enhances the curl pattern and adds softness without shrinking the silhouette.
• Best for:  All curl types, especially when paired with curl-enhancing products like LOVE Collection.
• ​​"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

Curtain bangs are one of the easiest fringes to style once you know the techniques. Once you’ve got your routine down, it only takes a few minutes to get that soft, face-framing shape just right.

Blow-Dryer and Round Brush Method:

Wants that classic curtain bang swoop? This is the technique to use.

1. Start with towel-dried hair and apply a light heat protectant. I always use Davines MELU Hair Shield for smooth, protected styling.

2. Part your bangs in the middle and work with one side at a time.

3. Place a round brush underneath your bangs at the root and begin blow-drying, slowly curving the ends away from your face.

4. Let them cool before touching them, this helps the shape set properly.

This gives the fringe volume, movement, and just enough lift to feel polished but natural.

Curling Iron for a Softer Look:

If your bangs need a little extra help holding their shape, a curling iron is perfect.

1. Start with dry hair and spray a little heat protectant.

2. Wrap each side of your curtain bangs around the barrel, curling away from the face.

3. Hold for a few seconds, then release and let the curl cool.

4. Gently run your fingers through to loosen the shape.

This is especially useful if you’re restyling second-day bangs and don’t want to fully wash or blow-dry.

Heat-Free Styling

Feel free to experiment with heat-free methods, too, especially if they have naturally wavy or curly hair.

Velcro rollers: Apply to damp bangs, rolling them out and away from your face. Let them dry fully before removing.

Air-drying: For curls or waves, apply LOVE CURL Revitalizer to enhance texture, then let your bangs dry naturally. This keeps them soft and defined without heat.

Once you’ve found your favourite method, styling your curtain bangs becomes second nature!

One of the best things about curtain bangs is how low-maintenance they are. You’ll be surprised at how little effort it takes to keep them looking fresh. With just a few simple habits, you can keep that salon shape going strong between trims.

Keep the Shape With Light Trims

Refresh Between Washes

What’s the difference between curtain bangs and other types of bangs?

Curtain bangs are longer, softer, and parted down the middle or just off-centre. They frame the face on both sides and gradually blend into the rest of the hair. Most other bangs — like blunt, micro, or side-swept — are more structured and don’t offer the same grow-out flexibility.

Will curtain bangs suit me?

In most cases, yes. Curtain bangs can be tailored to suit all face shapes and hair textures. The length, angle, and thickness can be adjusted to highlight your features and fit your everyday routine. A quick consultation with your stylist can help decide what shape works best for you.

Do curtain bangs suit round faces?

Yes, they work beautifully on round faces. I usually keep the fringe longer and start it around the cheekbones to help create length and soft definition. This adds structure without taking away the natural softness of the face.

Are curtain bangs hard to maintain?

Not at all. Curtain bangs are one of the most low-maintenancefringes you can choose. They grow out easily, rarely need trimming more than once every four to six weeks, and are simple to refresh with a quick blow-dry or spritz of dry shampoo.

Can you style curtain bangs without heat?

Absolutely. Velcro rollers and air-drying both work well, especially for wavy or curly textures. I often recommend using a curl cream or light styling product to help shape the fringe without heat.

I have fine, curly, or thick hair. Will curtain bangs work?

Yes. I’ve styled curtain bangs for every texture, from fine and flat to thick and tightly curled. The cut can be customised to enhance your natural pattern or reduce weight where needed. With the right shape and products, curtain bangs can look amazing on any hair type.

Ready to Try Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs bring softness, movement, and personality to every haircut. Plus they work with such a wide range of hair types and face shapes. If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, this is such a simple way to update your look without going too far.

For personalised advice and the perfect cut, we always recommend visiting a trusted stylist. You can find your nearest Davines salon using our Salon Locator, where trained professionals can help you get the shape and finish that suits you best.

Your next great fringe moment might be just one appointment away!

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor
cover photo by @michelledufflocq