So, you’re thinking about getting curtain bangs? Yeah, I’ve been there. One day, you’re just minding your business, scrolling through TikTok, when the algorithm hits you with a 15-second tutorial that looks a little too good to be true, and next thing you know—you’re in your bathroom, shears in hand, feeling every bit confident.
Curtain bangs are having a moment. They’re everywhere, from Sabrina Carpenter to Billie Eilish’s effortlessly cool, barely-there version. Even TikTok’s latest “Lazy Girl Hair” trend swears that they’re the easiest way to make any hairstyle look put together. But are they actually effortless? I wish. The first time I got them, I thought I’d just wake up, shake my hair out, and go. Spoiler: that did not happen. Instead, I had wonky, half-curled, half-flat bangs that somehow always wanted to split in the wrong direction.
Before you make the chop, let’s go over everything you need to know, the good, the bad, and the greasy.
What Exactly Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are a soft, layered fringe that parts down the middle (hence the “curtain” name) and blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair. They aren’t as blunt or high-maintenance as traditional bangs, making them a great way to switch things up without full commitment.
But why are they everywhere? Aside from looking good on almost everyone, they also tap into the whole ‘70s blowout revival that’s been dominating trends in 2025. You know the look - big, bouncy hair, subtle layers, and that effortless, just-stepped-out-of-a-French-movie vibe. Curtain bangs add that instant softness to your face, which is why they work so well with today’s volume-heavy styling trends.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Bangs for Your Face Shape?
Curtain bangs can work for almost all face shapes, but some minor tweaks can make all the difference:
- Oval Faces: You can pull off almost any version of curtain bangs. Keep them medium-length and blended into your layers.
- Round Faces: Go for longer, slightly layered curtain bangs that hit around the cheekbones to help elongate your face.
- Square Faces: A wispy, feathered version will soften your jawline and balance strong features.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Longer curtain bangs that start at the cheekbones will help balance out a wider forehead.
- Long Faces: Fuller, voluminous curtain bangs that skim your brows will add width and create more proportion.
Curtain Bangs & Your Hair Type: What to Expect
Not all hair types behave the same way with bangs, and that’s something to consider before the final chop:
- Fine Hair: If your hair tends to fall flat, ask your stylist to cut slightly thicker bangs to create an illusion of fullness.
- Thick Hair: If your hair has a lot of weight, make sure your stylist texturizes the ends so they don’t overwhelm your face.
- Curly Hair: Yes, curly girls can rock curtain bangs! Just make sure they’re cut dry to account for shrinkage.
- Straight Hair: If your hair is super straight, adding a few soft layers can keep them from looking too blunt.
Styling Curtain Bangs (Because, Yes, They Do Need Styling)
Curtain bangs need some TLC in the morning. But styling them doesn’t need to take long, here’s what works:
- How to Style Curtain Bangs (~5 Minutes): Grab a thermal round brush and run it through your bangs for 30 seconds. The gentle heat and tension will refresh the shape without needing a full blowout.
- How to Style Curtain Bangs After a Shower: Blow-dry with a round brush, directing the bangs away from your face for that signature swoop.
- For a Tousled, Lived-In Vibe: Use a texturizing spray and scrunch them a little with your fingers.
- For Heat-Free Styling: Velcro rollers are your best friend. Pop them in while your hair is lightly damp and let them work their magic (or to speed up the process - use a Hair Dryer on low heat).
- For Greasy Bangs: Dry shampoo. The holy grail, spray a little before you head out for the day.
Are Curtain Bangs Worth It? (The Honest Truth)
It depends on you. When they’re styled right, curtain bangs look amazing. They can make even the simplest ponytail look put together, and they frame the face beautifully. But if you’re someone who wants a simple wash-and-go hairstyle, they might not be for you.
If you’re okay with spending a few minutes styling them in the morning, they can be a fun, low-commitment way to refresh your look. And the best part? They grow out way more gracefully than blunt bangs, so if you ever get tired of them, they’ll blend right into your layers without much fuss.
At the end of the day, hair grows—so if you’re curious, just go for it. Worst case? You learn a new way to pin them back. Best case? You unlock a whole new level of main-character energy.
For expert styling tools and more hair tips, check out Bombay Hair.