Curtain bangs are bangs parted in the center that sweep to each side of the face, shorter in the middle and longer at the edges, like a pair of open curtains. Here's what sets them apart, who they suit, what to ask your stylist for and how to style them.
Curtain bangs at a glance
- Length: About eyebrow length in the middle, cheekbone length at the sides
- Shape: Center-parted, swept outward
- Maintenance: Medium
- Trim every: 4 to 6 weeks
What makes them different
They frame the eyes and cheekbones and blend into the rest of the hair, which makes them the easiest bangs to grow out. If you change your mind, they simply become face-framing layers.
Curtain bangs vs bottleneck bangs
Curtain bangs part fully in the middle. Bottleneck bangs have a short, narrow section in the center before they sweep out.
Who they suit
Almost every face shape. They soften square and heart-shaped faces, add width at the cheekbones on long faces, and on round faces a longer version creates angles. They work on straight, wavy and curly hair.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for curtain bangs
- Ask for curtain bangs and say where the shortest point should hit, usually the eyebrows or the bridge of the nose.
- Ask for the sides to blend into your layers at the cheekbone.
- Start longer than you think: they can always go shorter.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style them
Blow dry with a round brush: roll the bangs forward and up, away from the face, then let them fall to each side. A large velcro roller for ten minutes does the same job.
Variations
- Long curtain bangs: chin length, close to face-framing layers.
- Short curtain bangs: above the eyebrows.
- Wispy curtain bangs: thinner and softer.
- Curtain bangs on curly hair: cut dry, curl by curl.
Try them before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see curtain bangs on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What are curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs are bangs parted in the center that sweep to each side of the face, shorter in the middle and longer at the edges, like a pair of open curtains.
Who suits curtain bangs?
Almost every face shape. They soften square and heart-shaped faces, add width at the cheekbones on long faces, and on round faces a longer version creates angles.
How often do they need a trim?
About every 4 to 6 weeks.
