“That sounds like a question for your therapist,” my boyfriend replied offhandedly, after I asked him, yet again, whether I should get curtain bangs. It’s something I’ve asked him hundreds of times and a thought that rolls around my head when I’m trying to fall asleep at night. To me, the most defining characteristic of womanhood is sitting in front of the mirror, wondering if the right type of bangs will change your life.
Now, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that bangs can be life-changing, but I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from them. If you prefer yourself bang-less, please, continue on. But if you’ve ever wondered, Can I pull off bangs?—the answer is a resounding yes.
It’s important to note here, though, that not all bangs are created equal. After lusting over straight-across bangs since middle school (thanks to 500 Days of Summer and Alexa Chung, obviously), and accepting they will never work with my round face, I finally got curtain bangs three years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.
Ahead, here’s everything you need to know about getting curtain bangs.
What are curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs, for the uninitiated, are those shaggy, effortless bangs that—as the name suggests—frame your face perfectly, much like a curtain does with a window. The look has roots in the ’60s and ’70s (think Jane Birkin), but today’s take on it works with a range of styles and textures: messy waves, curly shags, sleek blowouts, high ponytails, you name it.
“Curtain bangs are the gateway to bangs, because they’re super versatile,” says Emily Heser, stylist at Cutler Salon in New York City. “They’re long enough to grow out or pin back if you want, but they can also be cut into a shorter look.” The style has steadily become both a celebrity and Insta-girl fave for its easygoing vibe.
According to Eduardo Ponce, Balmain Hair USA West Coast ambassador, curtain bangs have an important distinctive feature. “Curtain bangs are a middle-part bang on the longer side,” he says. Sorry to all side part fans! “The cut is meant to frame the face and isn’t as harsh as front bangs.”
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Are curtain bangs low-maintenance?
Celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown has noticed that curtain bangs have become increasingly popular in the last few years, largely due to how easy they are to manage. “They don’t take on the commitment of adding a full-throttle bang to your hair,” she says. “They’re less work and are so easy to grow out.”
Ponce agrees, adding that you can grow the style out fairly easy if you’re not a fan. First, you’ll want to pay a visit to your hairstylist. It may seem counterproductive, but getting a trim will help the style seamlessly blend. “Always keep them healthy by using proper hair care,” Ponce says. “Tip them often, more so in the middle. By tip, I mean feather the ends with shears, as this will help them grow faster. You can also add layers to switch up your cut and to blend the bangs out.”
Do curtain bangs look good on everyone?
Like I mentioned before, I never felt that I could pull off bangs, but these couldn’t be more flattering. They add a little something to my otherwise plain haircut but still give me a bit of style. I love the vintage reference, and they add movement to my hair, so it doesn’t feel so...blah. But best of all, they really give the illusion of more pronounced cheekbones since they hit right above your cheeks. (For that reason, a stylist once told me they’re the perfect “selfie bangs” because they frame your face and bring attention to your eyes, so do with that what you will.)
Since getting curtain bangs, I’ve made it my personal mission to spread the gospel of how good they are, and any time someone asks me whether they should get bangs, I’ll answer with a firm yes. No matter what hair type, hair length, or face shape someone has, I assure them they can pull these bangs off.
How do I ask for curtain bangs?
I recommend starting with cheekbone-grazing bangs—ask your hairstylist for a fringe you can tuck behind your ears—to ease your way in before getting anything shorter, plus the ability to tuck them gives you nice versatility. Tim Dueñas, hairstylist at LA’s Nine Zero One salon, agrees and says to ask to “keep the edges longer than the middle and the ends soft starting in the center of the pupils and working to the jawline.”
If you’re especially nervous about getting bangs, Ponce says you can do a no-commitment trial beforehand. “Ask the stylist to mock a curtain bang with the ends of your hair,” he says. “It has them test out a bang before committing. I would also recommend to have them start longer when cutting and work their way to a length that feels comfortable for you.”
How often should I trim curtain bangs?
“It all depends on how fast your hair grows,” says Ponce. “I would say typically four to six weeks to keep them fresh!”
How do I style curtain bangs?
You’ll be styling your curtain bangs often, so make sure to protect strands from hot tools and blow-dryers. “Always use heat protection, especially on a fringe,” says Ponce. “I love cocktailing Balmain Hair’s Thermal Protection Spray and Volume Mousse Strong. This will also give you UV protection and help against frizz and color fading.” Using a medium round brush and a blow-dryer, work the hair up and away from the face. “You can also use hot tools like a curling iron or Balmain Hair’s Cordless Straightener, but I personally love handling bangs with a blow-dryer and round brush,” Ponce adds.
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