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“Curtain bangs” are exactly what they sound like. Bangs that are parted in the middle or at another point and are therefore reminiscent of an open curtain. However, they are not like grandma’s old curtains or a thick dressing room curtain, but more like an elegant stage curtain. The face is beautifully framed by the parted bangs.
The curtain bang fringe was already popular in the 60s and 70s when Brigitte Bardot wore the wispy curtain bangs. Now it is experiencing a revival and stars such as Heidi Klum and Dakota Johnson are wearing the butterfly haircut with curtain bangs with confidence, making it the absolute hairstyle trend of 2025.
What are curtain bangs?
As the name suggests, the bangs are parted in the middle like a curtain and styled towards the ears on both sides. The length of the bangs doesn’t matter. It just shouldn’t be too short so that the hair can fall casually to the side.
Are curtain bangs still in 2025?
Curtain bangs continue to be the hairstyle everyone is talking about in 2025, and they're exactly as theatrical and charming as they sound. Far from heavy drapes, curtain bangs today resemble the subtle sophistication of sheer fabric softly falling into place.
Originally famous in the carefree styles of the 1960s and '70s thanks to icons like Brigitte Bardot, curtain bangs have reclaimed their spotlight, with celebrities like Jenna Ortega and Sydney Sweeney showcasing updated versions that blend vintage flair with contemporary chic.
Who looks good with curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs (or French bangs) suit every face shape and every hair type. They are for those who don’t want compact bangs and prefer a fringed look. They also give a hairstyle update in no time at all without changing much. They are well suited to making the face look narrower, while classic bangs tend to make the face look wider.
Different types of curtain bangs
Regardless of whether you wear curtain bangs medium-length, long or short – the bangs variation is always on trend. Everything from hair length to a bob hairstyle is possible. Here are our favorite variations of the hairstyle:
1. Soft curtain bangs with a side parting
Regardless of hair texture and length, curtain bangs with a side parting are a good choice. In contrast to the middle parting, curtain bangs with a side parting create a real statement look. If the hair is also cut in layers, you get even more volume, which is particularly beneficial for thin and fine hair.
2. Curtain bangs for medium-length hair
Curtain bangs go very well with a long bob. But they can also be combined with a haircut with short layers. If you opt for this hairstyle, you’ll be right on trend with the so-called curtain bangs with layers.
3. Short curtain bangs
Bob hairstyles are timeless classics and can be easily combined with short curtain bangs. A blunt bob is perfected with curtain bangs.
4. Long curtain bangs
Long curtain bangs are the perfect solution for anyone who is still hesitant about having their bangs cut. The front section of hair reaches down to the chin. These light curtain bangs go wonderfully with all layered cuts and can be styled voluminously.
Curtain bangs VS Waterfall bangs
Curtain bangs part down the middle (or just off-center) and sweep outward like an elegant set of stage curtains. The strands are shorter near the center of the forehead and gradually lengthen toward the temples, gently framing the face and enhancing the cheekbones.
Waterfall bangs, in contrast, mimic the natural motion of falling water. They flow diagonally across the forehead, often starting higher on one side and tapering into the rest of the hair in delicate layers. Unlike the symmetrical drama of curtain bangs, waterfall bangs offer a more romantic, breezy look.
How to cut curtain bangs?
Snip, snip, front hair off. And yes, it’s true: in principle, curtain bangs actually involve cutting the front hair to a shorter length. Of course, like classic bangs, they can be shorter or longer. As a rule, however, the “curtain bangs” flatter the eyes and cheeks perfectly – and therefore end in the middle of the face.
If you want to be completely modern, the short bangs remain almost the same length – but in most cases, the hairdresser adjusts the bangs with a slight graduation. This really makes the bangs look like a gathered curtain – shorter in the middle of the face and getting longer towards the ears. The genius: the graduation frames the face perfectly.
How to style curtain bangs?
Want to know how to style your curtain bangs? With just a few minutes and the right tools, your curtain bangs can frame your face like a dream.
Start with a clean center part
Curtain bangs are all about symmetry, so begin by creating a defined center part. This gives your bangs a balanced starting point to naturally fall on either side of your face. Comb them down and slightly apart while they’re still damp to guide the shape as they dry and prevent them from splitting awkwardly.
Use a blow dryer for the signature swoop
To get that iconic curtain-like curve, grab a blow dryer like our Laifen Swift Special with a concentrator nozzle. Roll the bangs under and slightly back while aiming warm air at the roots.
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• Salon-quality finish – Ionic technology smooths and shines.
• Lightweight design – Easy handling for long sessions.
• Temperature control – Smart heat protects your hair.
• Low noise – Quiet motor for peaceful drying.
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Add a soft bend with a flat iron
If your bangs have fallen a bit flat during the day or you're in a rush, a flat iron can revive their shape. Lightly twist the iron outward at the mid-shaft, not the roots, to create a gentle swoop that mimics the natural fall of curtain bangs.
Don’t skip the heat protectant
Curtain bangs often need daily touch-ups if you're using heat tools. Always apply a lightweight heat protectant before blow-drying or straightening.
Pair with versatile hairstyles
Curtain bangs add charm to updos, braids, and ponytails too. Whether you're going for a bun or a boho plait, let your bangs fall naturally around your face. Their softness balances structured styles and adds a relaxed finish every time.
How to blow dry curtain bangs?
In this part, learn how to blow out your curtain bangs to elevate the skills of your routine next time:
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Step 1. You need to start with damp hair.
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Step 2. For better results, apply a heat protectant spray.
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Step 3. Use a round brush to lift your bangs at the roots.
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Step 4. Direct the airflow from your hairdryer downward.
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Step 5. Brush and blow dry each side outward, creating a curtain effect.
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Step 6. Lastly, you can finish with a cool shot to set the style.
For best results, try Laifen Swift Special with a diffuser. This hairdryer is gentle, fast, and helps achieve a smooth, natural look. Pros include reduced frizz, quick drying time, even heat distribution, and a lightweight design. This makes it easy to handle and perfect for achieving great results at home. It will help you experience a better and soft hair drying experience every time.
Summary
Curtain bangs are super versatile. Your hair can be a little longer, but it can also be shorter. Ideally, they shouldn’t look too perfect, but rather have a “random” style and look casual. Ideally, the sections should be slightly graduated towards the front.
The prerequisites for the curtain bangs hairstyle are a parting and a lush hair texture. It doesn’t matter whether you have curly or straight hair. Curtain bangs also suit practically all face shapes – however, they look particularly good on people with square and round faces. The latter are elongated by the curtain. For angular faces, the bangs soften the hard contours somewhat.
FAQs
Q1: Which face shape suits curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs are surprisingly versatile and suit a wide range of face shapes. They work well with oval, heart-shaped, and square faces. For round faces, they help elongate the appearance of the face by drawing the eye downward.
Q2: What are alternatives to curtain bangs?
If curtain bangs aren’t your style, there are plenty of chic alternatives to consider. Side-swept bangs offer a softer, asymmetrical look, while wispy bangs bring a light, airy feel across the forehead. Blunt bangs provide a dramatic edge, and bottleneck bangs are a more recent trend that blends the softness of curtain bangs with a slightly fuller fringe near the brow.
Q3: What is the difference between normal and curtain bangs?
The key difference lies in the shape and styling. “Normal” bangs, often called blunt or full bangs, fall straight across the forehead in a uniform line. Curtain bangs, on the other hand, part in the center (or slightly off-center) and sweep to the sides, framing the face like open drapes. Curtain bangs are softer, more layered, and often easier to grow out or blend into other hairstyles.
Q4: Who can pull off curtain bangs?
Almost anyone can pull off curtain bangs with the right length and layering. They’re forgiving because they can be customized to suit different textures, face shapes, and personal styles. They're also a great option if you're trying bangs for the first time.
Q5: What are the main types of bangs?
There are several types of bangs to explore, each offering a unique style. Popular options include blunt bangs (thick and straight across), side-swept bangs (angled and elegant), curtain bangs (parted and face-framing), choppy bangs (textured and edgy), and micro bangs (short and bold). Each type can transform your overall look and give your hairstyle a distinct personality.
