59 Curtain Bangs Styles to Inspire You
Main image – @brittsully/Instagram
Let’s face it; bangs are having something of a moment, although let’s face it, the classic fringe cut is always pretty much everywhere.
Universally flattering, there are literally bang styles to suit every face shape and hair type – but for the fringe beginner, the curtain bang is something of a staple.
Despite loads of us having a bit of a love-hate relationship with bangs, curtain bangs can suit every shape face, and hair type. Braving the bangs cut is a really easy switch-up without having to chop off the length of your hair or cause any damage with colouring – perfect!
However, with so many different curtain bang styles out there, it can be tricky to decide which one is for you.
Fear not because we’ve spoken to not one, but three experts in the field to help you choose the perfect curtain bang, as well as adding in plenty of fringe inspo to help you pick the style for you!
YouTube sensation Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, stylist and Schwarzkopf digital artist Brendnetta Ashley, AKA Instagram’s Edgybgirl, and celeb hairstylist Mario Solis are here to help with all of your curtain bang needs.
The 5 main types of curtain bangs
Ok, so now you know how to style them. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a look at the 5 main types of curtain bangs and how they could work for your face shape.
1. Swoopy Side Bangs
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A classic side parting with a sweep of curtain bang is perfect for heart-shaped or oval faces. Peeping out from underneath a perfectly styled side curtain bang is always a flirty and glamorous look that will make heads turn!
2. Effortless Tousle Bangs
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If you have a square or round-shaped face, try a relaxed and tousled-style curtain bang. Spritz a texturising spray onto your damp bangs and gently scrunch them with your fingertips as they air dry. This carefree vibe will soften your features and give you that effortless appeal.
Brendnetta tells us that the “key things to consider are that short wispy bangs are a great way to soften a sharp jawline. Whereas, a strong side bang is perfect to create a slender look to a rounder face. Curtain bangs are the universal bang for all face types.”
3. The Curly Whirly Bangs
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Round or square faces can really rock the curly curtain bang. Grab a curling iron with a medium-sized barrel and create loose, bouncy curls on your bangs, or embrace your natural texture if you’re blessed in that department. Gently tousle them with your fingers to separate the curls for a whimsical vibe.
Curtain bangs are “coming back once again and are great for clients that love to style and curl their hair because they fall back so nicely and really give the client a beautiful face frame,” Mario tells LTG HQ. So, you’ve heard it from the expert – bangs are still banging!
4. Sleek and Polished Bangs
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Oval or rectangular-shaped face? Opt for a sleek and polished approach. Straighten your bangs using a flat iron until they blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair. Apply a small amount of hair serum to add shine and keep those frizzies at bay. Hello, sophistication!
5. Retro Glam Bangs
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Who doesn’t love a bit of retro glam? No matter your face shape, you can achieve a vintage-inspired look. Using a small round brush, blow-dry your inward to create a soft, face-framing curve for a polished finish.
Onto the inspiration!
59 curtain bang styles to flatter every face shape and hair type
Short hair curtain bang styles
1. Pixie-cut with curtain bangs
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These curtain bangs with a pixie cut are super cute and show just how versatile this cut can be.
2. Short layered hair with curtain bangs
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How cute is this shaggy, wavy, wispy short hair with sweeping curtain bangs?!
3. Short bob with curtain bangs
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A shorter bob can also benefit from the addition of some face-framing fringe.
4. Long bob (lob) with curtain bangs
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A longer bob with swooping curtain bangs is the epitome of effortless chic.
Long hair curtain bangs styles
5. Long straight hair with curtain bangs
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These delicate curtain bangs look *perfect* with some highlights and long, face-framing layers.
6. Long wavy hair with curtain bangs
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Curtain bangs pair perfectly with a tousled, wavy hair texture.
7. Long curly hair with curtain bangs
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Naturally curly hair? No problem. Brednettna told us that “If we are going for a curly look, always begin with the fringe damp so it can absorb the product better. Then apply OSIS+ Topped Up. It’s a curl mousse that will give you control and shine, while still having movement.”
8. Long blonde hair curtain bangs
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This cut harks back to the 70s when shag cuts (and rugs!) reigned supreme. Use your straighteners to flick the ends out slightly to really complete the look.
Wavy hair curtain bang styles
9. Wavy hair with curtain bangs
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Long, tousled wavy hair pairs perfectly with curtain bangs. To get this look, “just blow out the curtain bangs with a blow dryer, then curl them facing away from the face. I part on each side and blow them out a bit more to set it,” celeb stylist Annagjid advises.
If you do find that you bangs end up being a little shorter than you hoped though and you’re finding them tough to style, here’s how quickly they will grow out.
10. Short wavy hair with curtain bangs
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A short, shoulder-length haircut with curtain bangs is the perfect model-off-duty look.
11. Mid-length wavy hair with curtain bangs
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That in-between phase when your hair isn’t quite long but isn’t *quite* as short as when you first got the chop can be pretty annoying. But add a curtain bang, and your hair will feel much less ‘neither here nor there’.
12. Wavy hair with sweeping curtain bangs
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You can pair a wavier hair texture with a sleeker, swoopier bang for a look that’s the perfect balance.
Straight hair curtain bangs
13. Straight hair with curtain bangs and flipped layers
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If you’re a slave to the straightener, you can still enjoy the fringe benefits of a curtain bang.
14. Short straight hair with curtain bangs
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This blunt short bob looks slightly softer with some wispy curtain bangs added. The flicks on the end look perfect and are easily achieved by using your flat iron at an angle.
15. Mid-length straight hair with curtain bangs
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This mid-length cut with curtain bangs is chic and sleek while still maintaining some movement and shape.
16. Long straight hair with curtain bangs
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Adding a curtain bang to your longer tresses elevates a look and gives serious model-off-duty vibes.
Curly hair curtain bang styles
17. Smooth curly hair with curtain bangs
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Brendnetta achieves a smooth blow-out on curly hair like the style below by starting “in the fringe area first. The moisture in the hair will make smoothing curls out much easier.”
18. Short curly hair with curtain bangs
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A shorter curly cut with curtain bangs blends the naturally occurring baby hair with the rest of her haircut, leaving an irresistible bounce and tons of body.
19. Mid-length curly hair with curtain bangs
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The mid-length shag with curtain bangs looks *insane* on curly hair, creating loads of texture and a soft finish.
20. Wild curly hair with curtain bangs
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This style is feminine and soft with a rebellious edge. Tousle some of your curls away from your face and leave the rest wild for a gorgeous and effortless look.
Middle-part curtain bangs
21. Short hair with middle-part curtain bangs
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This cut is SO classic and super chic. Use a smoothing serum or product to create shine and use your flat iron to create a slick flick in your bangs.
22. Mid-length hair with middle-part curtain bangs
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Keeping curtain bangs shorter at the front and longer at the temples gives an effortless ’60s look.
23. Soft waves middle-part with curtain bangs
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Get romantic with tumbling waves and soft curtain bangs that blend into the rest of your hair.
24. Long curtain bangs with middle-part
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Having bangs needn’t mean you have to give up your centre parting. This chic look is the best of both worlds!
Thick hair curtain bang styles
25. Thick hair with curtain bangs
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Thick hair can really benefit from a curtain bang, as it takes some of the weight out of your hair and helps to frame the face.
26. Thick hair with wispy curtain bangs
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If you’re fearful about taking the leap into bangs, a wispier vibe can offer a stepping stone.
27. Thick hair with full curtain bangs
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A fuller curtain bang adds interest to a longer haircut – and can be a great way to grow out a more traditional fringe.
28. Thick hair with overgrown curtain bangs
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Overgrown curtain bangs will never go out of style, they’re really versatile and look great on any face shape.
Fine hair curtain bang styles
29. Wolf cut fine hair with curtain bangs
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The shag cut is also known as the butterfly cut or wolf cut. Mario told us, “Wolf cuts or butterfly cuts have a lot of texture and movement, also a lot of face-framing that allows the bangs to fall nicely without it looking to disconnect, this look may require a little more attention but can also look great messy.” Perfect for low-maintenance gals.
30. Fine hair with micro curtain bangs
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This alternative look is the ideal curtain bang choice for the fashion-forward.
31. Short hair with short curtain bangs
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Just because the rest of your hair is short doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy the curtain bang trend!
Curtain bang styles for round face shapes
32. Wispy curtain bangs for round face shapes
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Curtain bangs look great on every face shape, but those with round faces should opt for softer bangs that draw the eyes to the cheeks, giving the mirage of defined cheekbones.
33. Soft curtain bangs for round face shapes
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A choppier look can add some structure to a rounder face shape, while maintaining a certain softness and romance.
34. The modern mullet with curtain bangs
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Business in the front, party in the back, as they say! Forget the outdated look we imagine when someone mentions the word ‘mullet’, this cool and modern take on the cut is great for round faces.
35. See-through curtain bangs for round face shapes
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This layered cut with see-through bangs will frame and soften the cheekbones and create a more flattering silhouette. As your stylist for choppy layers around the front and longer layers through the back.
36. Textured curtain bangs for round face shapes
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Messy textured bangs will add structure to a round face, creating a lighter feel and balancing out the shape.
Curtain bang styles for oval faces
37. Baby bangs for oval faces
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A curtain bang will balance out an oval face, but it’s important to tailor the fringe length to your forehead length. Longer layers can balance a longer forehead, while a shorter bang can elongate a shorter forehead.
38. Long bangs for oval faces
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Longer bangs can also help to balance out a more oval-shaped face – and as a bonus, they can be tucked behind your ears!
39. Medium bangs for oval faces
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Medium bangs are slightly longer than micro bangs but shouldn’t hit your brows. The style works great on curly hair types and more textured bangs.
40. Side swept bangs for oval faces
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Sweeping your bangs to one side always adds a touch of elegance and glamour.
41. Bottleneck bangs for oval faces
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According to Wella “Bottleneck bangs are a blend between a full fringe and a grown-out fringe, with the shorter, fuller bangs falling in the centre.”
Curtain bang styles for square faces
42. Sweeping bangs for square faces
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More square jaws can benefit from some face-framing layers to add some softness.
43. French bob with full fringe for square faces
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The key for this cut is texture, texture, texture! The French bob is usually cut at chin length or shorter, and still looks good as it’s growing out.
44. Effortless curtain bangs with ombre
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Ombre is the perfect low-maintenance choice, giving depth and dimension to square face shapes. Ask your stylist for some long sweeping bangs, making sure they fall around your eyebrows.
45. Separated bangs for square faces
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Separated bangs add a distinctly early ’00s feel with a modern twist.
46. Choppy curtain bangs for square faces
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Choppy bangs that are slightly longer at the sides are a super versatile option for those of us with a square-shaped face.
Curtain bang styles for long-face shapes
47. Short bob with sleek curtain bangs
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You can balance a sleeker bang with a more textured overall cut for a beautifully balanced ‘do.
48. A-shaped bangs for long faces
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A-Shaped bangs are like curtains for your face, parting near the centre or just off the centre of your forehead and angled away from the face.
49. The Daisy Fringe for long faces
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The Daisy fringe blends seamlessly into the rest of your hair for a much softer look – perfect for longer faces.
50. Grown-out bangs for long faces
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Grown-out bangs suit every face shape but, for those with a long face, these types of curtain bangs will make your face appear shorter.
51. Birkin bangs for long faces
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Inspired by Jane Birkin’s go-to fringe, this bang lands firmly between “blunt” and “wispy”.
Bang styles for heart face shapes
52. Blunt bangs for heart faces
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A blunt bang can be the perfect contrast with a more pointed chin.
53. Long textured bangs for heart faces
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Bangs are actually the go-to cut for those with a heart-shaped face, filling in the extra space on the forehead and balancing the width of the face.
54. Choppy curtain bangs for heart faces
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Those of us with heart-shaped faces will want to avoid a blunt cut. Ask your stylist for choppy curtain bangs and loads of layers to recreate this look!
55. Long side swept bangs for heart faces
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A bob cut with long side swept bangs looks incredible with fiery red hair!
56. Thin face-framing curtain bangs for heart faces
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This cut is ultra-flattering on most face shapes but especially so for heart-shaped faces, which are wider at the top and draw to a point at the chin.
Bang styles for diamond face shapes
57. Halle Berry
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The stunning Halle Berry has had a lot of hairstyles over the years, and plenty of different bang styles! These gorgeous choppy bangs look seriously soft and feminine and are the perfect shape for her diamond face.
58. 70s bangs for diamond faces
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Brednetta told us, “If we are going for a smooth blown-out look, begin with damp hair. Spray into the hair BLONDME Wonder Glaze Mist. It’s a great product to add shine while smoothing out the hair plus it is a heat protectant.”
59. Slightly off-centre curtain bangs for diamond faces
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This effortless look means you don’t even have to worry about getting your parting right in the mornings! Curtain bangs will balance a diamond-faced silhouette by elongating the face and widening the forehead.
How to style curtain bangs in 5 easy steps
The good news is, “bangs are a quick way to totally transform your look. The best way to determine which bangs suit your face type is to first determine your face shape,” Brendnetta tells us.
Determining the shape of your face is super important, “since bangs have the ability to accentuate your facial features, considering hairlines and face shape is important in order to customise the style to work for your specific hair type,” Annagjid adds.
So, ready to rock those fringe-tastic vibes? Look no further, here are the 5 amazingly easy steps to style your curtain bangs regardless of the texture of your hair and the shape of your oh-so-lovely face!
- Start with clean, dry bangs
- Apply a small amount of styling product, like a styling cream or gel, to your fingertips
- Use your fingertips to shape and mould your bangs into your desired style
- Use a flat iron or a round brush and blow dryer to further define and style your bangs
- Finish with a light hairspray to hold the style in place throughout the day
Annagjid tells us her secrets to styling clients’ bangs: “I just blow out the curtain bangs with a blow dryer, then curl them facing away from the face. I part on each side and blow them out a bit more to set it.
“For curlier hair types I like to style with a light hold gel or serum to define the curls and part in the middle. If you are looking to create angles around your face, I recommend side-swept bangs which help add dimension and is trending again in 2023.”
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The takeaway
The takeaway? Well, curtain bangs look great on any face shape, any hair length, and any hair texture. All you need to do is decide the best shape for you!
So what are you waiting for? To the salon!
Meet the experts
Annagjid “Kee” Taylor is a celebrity hairstylist, a hair YouTube creator with 1.3M+ subscribers, and a salon owner at Deeper Than Hair.
Mario Solis is a celebrity hairstylist, entrepreneur and Bellami educator, providing precise hair-cutting techniques, one-of-a-kind colour applications, and all forms of hair extensions.
Brendnetta Ashley, AKA Instagram’s Edgybgirl, is a stylist and Schwarzkopf digital artist.
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