Why Are Curtain Bangs Always Trendy? Face-Framing Fringe Styles

Before focusing on curtain bangs, we will reminisce about the good old days. If you have read my previous articles, I have covered some exquisite braided hairstyles like the Water Braid, Braided Ponytail, and Braided Bob. Each style has its beauty, requiring us to rethink our hairstyling concepts. But today, we change focus.

With time, curtain bangs have gained incredible popularity because it is one of the few hairstyles that prove a simple fringe cut can transform any haircut into a work of art. Curtain bangs defy the rigid structure of braids and, in their place, provide soft, face-framing fringe and hairstyling that brings with them an effortless aura. They give you the merge of sophistication with that blissful yet elegant look. The best part is almost any head shape, and hair texture can pull it off.

Curtain bangs are the answer if you have been longing for a fresh, classic tweak to your hairdo.

Be it natural or styled, wavy hair is versatile enough to rock an extensive list of haircuts and hairstyles. Wavy hair is usually not straight from the roots; the pattern of waves starts from the mid-shaft and has a loose curl at the end. This hairstyle sits right in between straight and curly hair.

Wavy hair with bangs has made the list of the most popular hairstyles this year and is a super easy go-to look. There is an endless list of ways to wear bangs and wavy hair. Everything from curtain bangs paired with long loose waves to an edgy micro fringe with a cropped bob is possible.

We have compiled a list of the best wavy hair with bangs that are convenient and simple to recreate using different products and easy-to-follow styling tips. Enjoy!

What are Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs frame your face in the same way curtains frame a window. Unlike typical bangs, these are more personalized and are designed to accentuate your features. Velasquez offers a simple definition: “The perfect curtain bangs create softness and balance around the face. Whether you’re going with a longer version with a center part to open up your cheekbones or more forward and framing the brow line, their purpose is to bring out all your positive features.”

 

Should I Get Curtain Bangs?

Although curtain bangs are highly sought after, they require careful consideration about how they might affect your lifestyle. “Before taking the plunge, consider if bangs will suit your lifestyle,” says François. There’s the physical aspect of bangs. “Some people do not like their hair touching their face, or it might be more practical to have your hair completely pulled back,” he explains. On top of the increased frequency of salon visits for bang trims, there are other expenses as well, such as more washing (bangs get filthy due to absorbing oil, sweat, makeup, and SPF from the face) and daily styling—although many people consider the latter to be more fulfilling. “If you can give your bangs 10 minutes, you’re done,” Townsend assures.

Which Face Shape Suits Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs are one of the most versatile and flattering fringe styles. This is according to celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Jess Elbaum, who states that they can work with most face shapes and hair types, including heart-shaped faces, square faces, oval faces, and round faces. The most common face shapes that benefit from this cut.

According to her, heart-shaped and oval faces can achieve proportion balance with a curtain bang while gaining a more refined appearance. In the case of square faces, curtain bangs tend to soften a more defined jawline, and in round faces, they aid in feature elongation and add to the overall dimensionality of the face.

What Is the Difference Between Face-Framing Layers and Curtain Bangs?

The most noticeable distinction between curtain bangs and face-framing layers is the length of the cut, where one cut is longer than the other. According to Elbaum, face-framing layers are “face-framing” because they comprise hair pieces that taper down to the sides like a frame. Although their length varies, they are the more extended cut that rests at the cheekbone or lower. She argues that bangs have a more even appearance; these bangs can also be made the only layer cut around the face.

How to Cut Curtain Bangs

In short: Don’t attempt curtain bangs at home. “Make sure to get any bangs you require from a skilled hairdresser who will first consider your lifestyle, face contours, and features,” says François. Before meeting a professional, Townsend suggests doing your research first. “When people come into my shop, they frequently bring images of bangs paired with different face shapes,” Townsend explains. “I’ve learned a lot of people don’t know their face.” The angle here is that you take the time to understand your face shape thoroughly, and to this, he advises sketching your outline on a piece of paper to help visualize an oval-drawn outline. The pencil drawing should have soft edges and/or corners to achieve an oval illusion which generally is the aim for most flattering outcomes. “This makes detailing expectations more realistic when attending a discussion with a hair expert.”

 

Byrdie’s Tips

Feeling apprehensive about trying out curtain bangs? Streicher mentions that everyone (yes, all hair textures) can pull off this look.

Are Curtain Bangs High Maintenance?

If you have coarse, curly hair, bangs are more complex to maintain, so the answer is no. However, if the hair is naturally wavy or straight, bangs can be maintained easily with a quick blow-dry.

Why Do My Curtain Bangs Curl?

Sometimes,, we have to style curtain bangs to make them perfectly. The wispy and curly curtain bangs at the cheekbone require some effort, but the results are worth it!

Elbaum mentions curly hair as a strong reason, and he is not wrong. Most hair, cut or not, tends to curl unless there is some control to prevent it from curling.

How to Maintain Curtain Bangs

With straight and wavy hair, it is easier to work with bangs while the hair is still wet. Townsend advises using a flat boar brush to blow-dry the hair straight down when using a hairdryer. After that, “flick” bangs up with a round brush held vertically. 

 

• Townsend states, “It’s a little nod to the late ’60s and early ’70s, which is what we’re seeing right now, just modernized.” Elbaum remarks that for smoothing out flyaways while maintaining the volume of curtain bangs, it is best to apply volumizing spray at the roots before blow drying with a round brush. The Sisley Paris Hair Rituel, The Blow-Dry Brush N1, and the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer are good options.

• When styling longer curtain bangs, Velasquez prefers to use a round medium to a large hairbrush. “Maximise volume by blowing the entire section forward and then sweeping the apples of the cheeks by blowing the ends back and out,” he explains. “To achieve the most volume, go one step further and set the section in a velcro—think Claudia Schiffer in the ’90s.’
• ” Alternatively, the au naturel route is an option. “I’m a big fan of air drying and the right cut and texture,” says Velasquez, who prefers air moisturizing lengths with Virtue’s Frizz Block Smoothing Spray. “This makes it possible for the curtain bangs to get their head out of the bangs that complement all the features.” If cowlicks are the problem, place flat creaseless clips at your parting to keep them tucked or use Townsend’s secret weapon: “a little bit of heat” from a beard iron to the scalp without burning. 
• Air drying the bangs is easy and effective for curly hair, says François.
• To achieve further definition, diffuse the hair on a cool low setting or let it set naturally after coiling or twisting the damp hair down for a while before separating the curls once the hair is dehydrated. The expert prefers to do two-strand twists and bantu knots on freshly cleaned bangs while working on coily and kinky textures.

 

•  In François’s own words, “When completely dry, pull them out and shape them with an Afro pick or your fingers while adding some serum to the hair to increase the definition.” Alternatively, kinky bangs can air dry for a short, pixie bang hairstyle.

28 Wavy Hair With Bangs Style  Inspirations

Short Wavy Hair With Bangs

Curator bangs go hand in hand with elegant bob hairstyles. Consider checking out classic bobs for another short, wavy hairstyle with bangs. This wavy bob hairstyle is one of our favorites. It’s super simple yet very stylish. The natural effect of this wavy hair bob is simply unmatched. It also helps that the hair is not too difficult to manage. And with the loose waves, you can add texture without curling your hair perfectly. Looser curls are also great to go with this hairstyle.

Wavy Bangs

Use bangs and fringe together if you plan to create full-on waves. Adding bangs to the waves you create can be helpful if you have longer bangs. The extra texture will help hold the bangs and the rest of your hair into position concerning the wavy strands.

Side-Swept Bangs

For more sophistication of the waves, turn the bangs in the side-swept direction. We adore how sharp this side shift sits and how it can even be used with hair tied up. Furthermore, side bangs with loose curls are an easy choice for those looking to grow their bangs out or even those with bangs well past their prime. Want to take a break from the blunt bangs? Side-swept never disappoints.

Curtain Bangs with Waves

Curtain bangs are the stylish bangs of choice at the moment. For curtain bangs, part your bangs down the middle for a contemporary twist. This tip is excellent for those who have longer bangs.

The Shag

Looking for something trendy? Try the new shaggy bob. This style best suits curly and wavy hair, but if your hair is straight, add some curls with a straightening wand.

Wolf Cut with Face Farming Bangs On Wavy Hair

One of the more daring hairstyles featuring bangs that look great on naturally wavy hair is the wolf cut, a hybrid between a shag and a mullet. Bangs that contour the face are gorgeous when paired with wavy hair.

Shoulder Lenght Wavy Hair with Bangs

All hair types look great with a shoulder-skimming style, but wavy shoulder-length hair with bangs is stunning on everyone. Go for a shorter fringe that blends well with your waves.

French Bob With Straight Bangs on Wavy Hair

I strongly recommend a French bob for someone looking for a stylish, super-short cropped bob with fringe. With ruffled bangs, your hair will blend beautifully, or you can straighten your bangs for a straighter look.

70s Fringe

As Chloe Grace Moretz showed us here, consider adding body and bend to your curtain bangs.

’80s Curtain Bangs

This faux mullet in the 80s style reminds us of retro Joan Jett. The only styling needed is an air dry (possibly aided by some texture spray).

 

Curtain Bang Combo

Why have one type of bang when you can have more? This shag cut features curtain bangs and some flipping front fringe that is sandwiched in between.

Air-Dried Curtain Bangs

These curtain bangs have a very unique air-dried finish. The texture is wavy and accentuated by well-kept tips.

Relaxed Curtain Bangs

Coarse hair type? You should still consider curtain bangs. Because of the coarser nature of your locks, you might find it easier than some finer textured types to maintain the signature curtain partition.

Tousled Curtain Bangs

As an example, most hair types can wear curtain bangs. People assume that curls automatically preclude any kind of fringe, but this example shows how beautifully it works with this hair type.

 

Byrdie Tip

Streicher recommends having Streicher’s dry texture spray readily available for maintaining curtain bangs. “R+Co BALLOON Dry Volume Spray is the ultimate bang spray,” she states. It keeps them fluffy with volume and absorbs any oils from your forehead that could cause separation.

 

Subtle Wave Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs can also be paired with wavy hair. This might be the easiest way to wear bangs, but the more I see them, the more evidence I find to support that they can work with almost any hairstyle.

Curtain Bang Pixie

This haircut features a close-cropped pixie cut at the back that flows into a longer front, allowing some curtain fringe to be styled.

Wispy Curtain Bangs

When the stylist mentions ultra-heavy curtain bangs, it can concern individuals with thick hair. There is no need to fear; your stylist can customize the bangs so they can be thinned out if they feel too overwhelming. January Jones illustrates how even thin curtain bangs can make a significant impact.

Ambiguous Curtain Bangs

Sometimes, the bangs themselves do not need to be so prominent—Curtain bangs can be concealed by waving out the hair, which is fantastic for when you want the bangs to take a back seat (or if you’re in the process of growing them out).

Eye-Grazing Curtain Bangs

The look demonstrates how slightly turning out the fringe enhances the character of your hair. Even grown-out bangs can contribute to a sultry appeal, irrespective of the length they are cut to.

Curtain Bangs and Topknot

Face-framing fringe elevates a classic topknot style to new heights. It will always look great.

Blunt Bangs

A textured curtain bang will give one’s style life and shape. Like Winnie Harlow, try a half-updo that complements a sharp, blunt curtain bang with the perfect soft curtain framing.

Quick Tip:
When styling curtain bangs, use a round brush and a blow-dryer to sweep them away from your face for that effortless, salon-like bounce!

FAQs:

Which face shape suits curtain bangs?

Curtain bangs flatter all face shapes, especially oval, round, and square, by adding soft framing.

What haircut is best for curtain bangs?

Layered cuts, shags, lobs, and long hair with soft waves pair best with curtain bangs.

Are curtain bangs still in style in 2025?

Yes! Curtain bangs remain a timeless trend, loved for their effortless and versatile look.

Are curtain bangs suitable for round faces?

Absolutely! They create the illusion of length and balance, making round faces appear more defined.