Yahoo April 19, 2025

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Curtain Bangs Are Everywhere—Here Are 7 Ways to Wear Them

 

Few hair trends have managed to strike that elusive balance between timeless and trending quite like curtain bangs.

The face-framing fringe has officially cemented itself as the go-to haircut for 2025, showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re scrolling TikTok, flipping through a magazine or catching red carpet highlights, there’s one thing you’re guaranteed to spot: curtain bangs gracing the foreheads of just about every It-girl and A-lister alike. From nostalgic ‘70s shags to sleek, modern blowouts, this versatile cut continues to evolve with each season.

What makes curtain bangs so universally loved? For starters, they’re wildly flattering. Soft and sweeping, they draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones while adding movement and shape to any cut—without the blunt commitment of traditional bangs. Plus, the grow-out phase is painless, making them ideal for anyone craving a low-maintenance refresh. Still, not all curtain bangs are created equal. The magic lies in the subtle variations—from barely-there bends to full, voluminous layers—tailored to suit different face shapes, textures, and personal styles.

Curtain bangs aren't just a trend, they're a movement. And if you're ready to embrace the fringe, we've got the ultimate inspo. Read on ahead for 7 curtain bang hairstyles that celebrity hairstylists swear by, plus the expert tips to pull them off.

7 Best 'Curtain Bang' Hairstyles, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

 

1. The Classic

The quintessential curtain bang style trending right now is all about soft symmetry. Just look at Camila Cabello, whose signature fringe is parted down the middle, feathered at the ends and seamlessly blended into the rest of her hair for a laid-back, face-framing finish.

This version works especially well on straight or slightly wavy textures, adding just enough movement to elevate a simple style into something with dimension and polish. “Camila Cabello also wears curtain bangs parted in the center which works great with straight hair to change up your look a little,” says Raven Hurtado, celebrity stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

It flatters nearly every face shape, thanks to its ability to soften angular features and highlight cheekbones without overwhelming your look. Hurtado recommends styling with a large round brush, blowing the bangs away from the face to create volume and finishing with a medium hold hairspray to lock it all in place.

2. Old School Glamour

For an old-school glamour take on curtain bangs, look no further than Sabrina Carpenter’s iconic fringe. Her 'do channels retro bombshell energy with a center part and swooping, eyebrow-grazing ends that cascade away from the face with just the right amount of bounce, says Hurtado.

This style is all about volume and movement, making it a perfect match for wavy or curly hair textures that crave shape and definition. To recreate the look, reach for your go-to curl product—ours is Olaplex No. 10 Curl Defining Hair Gel—twist, then mold the bangs with your hands for a soft, sculpted swoop. Or use a large barrel curling iron to curl away from the face for a more polished finish. It's a glamorous, high-impact take on the trend that still feels super wearable.

3. Textured Fringe

Those with textured hair need not shy away from curtain bangs—in fact, with the right cut, texture can bring a whole new dimension to the style. While the parted fringe is often associated with sleek or softly waved hair, it can be just as striking on textured strands when tailored to suit your natural movement and volume. The key is tailoring the length and separation to fit your natural texture. A perfect example is Halle Berry’s tousled, textured fringe—her bangs are cut shorter with soft separation, creating a shape that frames the face without fighting the texture.

One of the best parts about curtain bangs, especially on textured hair, is how effortlessly they grow out. “It’s super easy and you can enjoy the different lengths as they grow out,” says celebrity stylist, Clariss Rubenstein. For a seamless transition, she recommends having your stylist snip the center of the bangs to help them part naturally—an especially smart move for textured styles where soft shape and movement are key.

4. Soft & Romantic

Soft, romantic curtain bangs offer a delicate, flattering touch that can effortlessly enhance any look. They’re perfect for adding a gentle frame to the face without feeling too heavy or dramatic. A great example is Jennifer Lopez, whose soft, wispy bangs capture the essence of romance with their subtle, flowing movement. These bangs work especially well on those with long, flowing locks or a relaxed style, as they provide a soft contrast to sleek or voluminous hair.

To mimic JLo's gorgeous fringe, hair stylist and John Frieda Hair Care Ambassador DJ Quintero recommends starting by applying John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to seamlessly blend the layers, then gently blow-drying the bangs with a round brush, ensuring they sweep away from the face for added volume. Finish with a light-hold hairspray, gently plucking the hair into place to keep them soft and natural, offering a romantic, polished finish that’s flattering on all face shapes.

5. French-Inspired

French-girl style has always been synonymous with chic styles—just a bit of je ne sais quoi. So it's no surprise that their bangs, often worn with an air of ease, have become just as iconic. Alexa Chung’s take on curtain bangs is the perfect example of this, with soft, subtle layers that frame the face in a way that feels natural, yet polished. The style embodies the art of looking effortlessly put-together, with just the right amount of volume and texture, perfectly capturing that Parisian charm.

Luckily, everyone can get in on this 'do. What makes curtain bangs so universally flattering is how they can be customized to suit any face shape or hair type. While many think the French-girl style is only for heart-shaped faces, this style works beautifully on a variety of facial structures when tailored to the individual, says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. For round faces, longer, wispy bangs can elongate the face, while for square faces, soft, textured bangs help to soften more angular features—and heart-shaped faces benefit from bangs that balance a wider forehead with a narrower chin. But no matter your shape, the right cut can make curtain bangs the perfect, universally flattering choice.

6. Short & Wispy

Short and wispy curtain bangs offer a fresh, youthful look that’s both playful and flattering. Take Jenna Ortega, for example—her bangs are kept short and light at the center, gradually getting longer as they reach eye level. This variation of curtain bangs works particularly well on straight hair, giving it a soft, delicate finish that adds just the right amount of movement, says Hurtado.

For styling at home, start by covering the hair in Hairitage Fry No More Heat Protectant Mist, then use a paddle brush to gently swoop the bangs back and forth as you blowdry, allowing for a natural lift at the roots that creates soft volume. Then, switch to a small round brush, working through the bangs and curling the ends away from the face in fluid, sweeping motions. This technique will give the fringe a subtle bend, adding just enough definition without feeling overly structured.

7. Long Curtain

For those not ready to fully commit to a short bang but still craving a fresh, face-framing look, long curtain bangs are the perfect middle ground. Take a cue from Billie Eilish, who effortlessly rocks this longer, more laid-back version.

The beauty of this style is its versatility—long fringes offer just enough drama to update your look while remaining easy to manage. It’s a subtle yet striking way to dip your toes into the curtain bang trend. Best of all, it’s a breeze to maintain, says Hurtado. You can air dry for a natural, soft effect, or if you’re in the mood for a little more shape, use a large barrel curling iron to gently curl the bangs away from the face for that effortless, bouncy finish.


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