What Are Curtain Bangs? Plus 13 Celebs That Rock Them

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For many women, making the commitment and getting bangs can be frightening. We totally understand why! A drastic haircut or color change can be scary, but bangs that can completely change the shape and look of your face?

Now that’s enough to spark nightmares or send your anxiety through the roof! But there are two ways that bangs can go, and both scenarios come with their own set of challenges. So, let’s explore these potential outcomes.

Scenario One: You hate your brand new bangs, but now you’re stuck with them until they grow out. Your bangs will inevitably reach a point where they’re hanging so low, they’re in your eyes, yet they aren’t quite long enough to tuck behind your ears. So, you’ll have to commit to wearing headbands or headscarves for the next month or so. Talk about annoying!

Scenario Two: You love your banging new bangs, but now you have to maintain them. Unfortunately, that means you’ll either have to learn to cut them yourself while avoiding a DIY bang disaster, or you’ll need to head to your hairstylist every few weeks to have them trimmed to the perfect length.

But there is one hairstyle trend right now that’s putting a lot of women wanting to cut bangs a bit more at ease. That hairstyle is curtain bangs.

Are you considering the idea of getting bangs, but you don’t want to make a significant commitment? If so, curtain bangs are the way to go!

Here’s everything you need to know about curtain bangs, plus 13 celebs who rock them in their own ways.

What Are Curtain Bangs?

Jennifer Lopez rocking curtain bangs — Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Just like the curtains hanging against your bedroom window, curtain bangs are a longer, face-framing style of bangs. They are often paired with a center part or a slightly off-centered part. There are many types of bangs that you can sport, but curtain bangs are one of the most versatile options.

You can rock curtain bangs no matter what type of hairstyle you currently have. Do you have a straight lob? Maybe you’re currently enjoying a mid-length shag or a choppy pixie cut.

Either way, wispy curtain bangs go with almost any hair length and hair texture, making them a fantastic option for anyone who wants to give their ‘do a revamp. The best part is that you don’t have to commit to a blunt look or micro bangs, both of which create a bolder look.

Depending on the length of your curtain bangs and how you choose to style them, they can give your face a completely different shape. For example, if your face shape is square or round, curtain bangs parted down the center can elongate your face and make it look more like an oval.

Want to create the illusion of a wider forehead? Decide on an off-centered part and sweep your curtain bangs to one side. On the other hand, if you already have a longer face shape, curtain bangs might not be for you. That’s because longer faces tend to look best with blunt, straight bangs instead, whereas curtain bangs will only make your face look even longer.

How to Style Curtain Bangs

There is no right or wrong way to style curtain fringe bangs, but there are some different tricks you can use to make this hair trend work for every mood, attitude, and occasion.

Long curtain bangs work whether you have short hair or long hair. But it’s how you dry them and style them that can make or break your look. So, no matter what you decide to do with the rest of your hair, here are some tips to make your curtain bangs the best part of your look!

Tip 1: Blow Dry Away From Your Face

If you use a blow dryer on your bangs, you’ll want to blow dry them away from your face. Start by parting your bangs down the middle. Then, grab a brush and dry them away from your face.

You’ll want to move them to either side of your face, not directly onto the middle of your forehead. Drying them downward can make them look too full, and they won’t have that wispy, side-swept look.

Tip 2: Grab a Flat Iron or a Curling Iron

Whether you blow dry or air dry your hair, straight curtain bangs require some flat ironing. Depending on how you hold your iron, you can create super sleek bangs that hang straight down the side of the face or more wispy ones that twist slightly outward.

If you want a more natural, wavy look, you can use a curling iron instead of a flat iron. Just subtly bend the bottom of your bangs rather than pulling them straight down.

Tip 3: Style Your Curtain Bangs To Go With the Rest of Your Look

We love a curtain bang with an updo, a messy top knot, a half-up-half-down look, and even a low ponytail. So, when you’re in the mood to pull your hair up or back, style your curtain bangs in a way that vibes with the rest of your look.

Are you going for a low ponytail or a messy top knot? Leave your curtain bangs a bit relaxed, too! Rocking a super chic, pulled-back updo? Flat iron those bangs so that they perfectly frame your face and don’t distract from the rest of your ‘do.

Love a playful half-up-half-down look? Let your curtain bangs fall naturally in soft, wispy waves, or flat iron them so that they lay directly against the sides of your face.

13 Celebs That Wear Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs became a serious trend back in the 1970s, with starlets and icons such as Brigitte Bardot and Goldie Hawn rocking them both on and off the screen. Today, you can spot them on a whole slew of influencers, models, actresses, and celebs, including:

Kaley Cuoco
Gabrielle Union
Jennifer Lopez
Camilla Cabello
Halle Berry
Katy Perry
Ariana Grande
Hilary Duff
Zooey Deschanel
Jameela Jamil
Selena Gomez
Yara Shahidi
Alexa Chung

Kaley Cuoco and Halle Berry often wear their curtain bangs in a natural, easy, unfussy way that’s part polished and part carefree.

Jameela Jamil wears her thicker, proving that curtain bangs don’t just have to be wispy or fringe-y to look stunning.

Hilary Duff usually prefers thinner curtain bangs, creating an all-natural, relatable look that matches her incredible style.

Jennifer Lopez rocks her bangs in a sleek and chic manner, with the occasional wavy and wild spin on them.

Yara Shahidi and Selena Gomez have pretty much perfected how to rock curtain bangs with curly hair.

The bottom line is that no matter what type of hairstyle, hair texture, hair color, or face shape you have, most people can pull off curtain bangs. It’s just about figuring how to make them work for you!

How to Maintain Curtain Bangs

Woman in black and white polka dot shirt with curtain bangs — Cubankite / Shutterstock.com

As far as bangs go, curtain bangs are pretty low maintenance. Because they’re typically cut longer than blunt bangs and fringe bangs, they don’t look unkempt like other types of bangs do as they grow out. Instead, they simply turn into face-framing layers.

If you’re ready to cut curtain bangs, head to a professional stylist, at least for the first cut. As they start to grow out, you can learn how to trim them by yourself at home or let them grow a bit longer until it’s time for your next visit to the salon.

Your curtain bangs will vary depending on your hair type and texture. It’s always helpful to show your stylist a photo of the kind of bangs you’re going for so that they can make your curtain-bang dreams come true.

Screenshot a few of your favorite celebs rocking their bangs and show them to your stylist before they start cutting. That’s the best way to ensure that you get the exact look you want!

Do Curtain Bangs Work for All Hair Types?

Whether you have wavy, straight, curly, thin, or thick hair, curtain bangs work well with all different hair types. Want a fresh new look but aren’t ready to dye your hair pink or chop your long tresses into a short bob?

Don’t worry! You don’t have to do anything that drastic. The curtain bang hair trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s the perfect choice for anyone hoping to switch up their look and rock a brand new ‘do for 2022!

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What Are Curtain Bangs? 13 Celebs That Rock Them: