How To Style Curtain Bangs: Stylist Tips & How To Determine Which Length Is Best For You

Whether it's the result of a fresh breakup, the irresistible urge to revamp your look, or even the answer to a semi-botched haircut, curtain bangs are ever-present. While the look may have had moments in the spotlight here and there, the swooped, lived-in style is timeless at its core. 

"Curtain bangs are bangs parted in the middle, framing each side of the face (just like curtains)," pro stylist Dominick Pucciarello tells mbg. "Soft and sweeping, this type of fringe is longer than typical bangs [and] shaggier," he adds. The look is a tad more "lived-in" than a blunt-cut bang. 

As with any style, there are a few different variations that come with curtain bangs. They can be shorter, hitting just below the cheekbone, or a bit longer. They can be light and wispy, or dense for a statement look. 

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to tools. You'll need a blowdryer regardless, but which brush you use will deliver a different look. If you want your bangs to curl under (think '80s bangs look), then commit to a round brush. 

After separating your bangs from the rest of your hair, start with "The roots facing down toward the face but the ends sweeping upward toward the top of the head, which can be counterintuitive," celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty Joseph Maine tells mbg. "Almost as if you are trying to flip the ends upward," he adds. 

By keeping the roots flat but the ends swooped, you'll achieve the classic curtain bangs style—not too round, not too flat. You can use either brush for this approach, but a round brush will deliver more bounce and volume. 

If you have a widow's peak, then you'll want to work on reversing the natural sway of your part. Do this by blow-drying your widow's peak in the opposite direction that it naturally falls. This will help relax the kink so you can part your hair straight down the middle.

"Then, take a small round brush pulling the hair toward the face but wrapping the hair around the brush away from your face so you get a soft, lived-in look," Pucciarello explains. This will help nail down the curtain effect—close at the top, swooping away at the bottom. 

If you want a subtle swoop, then don't wrap too much of your bangs around the brush. Or, use a paddle brush to minimize the curl. 

After your blow-dry job is done, you'll want to set your bangs in place to cool down. This will ensure the style lasts. There are two ways to do this—either with clips or with a Velcro roller (or both). 

The roller method: Roll up your bangs on a wide Velcro roller. You'll want to make sure the bangs are getting pulled up and back, not forward—this will prevent the over-curl. Leave the roller for a few minutes or until your bangs feel completely cool. Then, gently pull it out toward the back of your head and drape your bangs as you see fit.

The clip method: If you don't have a roller on hand or you want to minimize the volume of your look, then using creaseless clips is for you. After you finish your blow-dry process, drape your bangs like curtains and clip the ends. If you pinch the bangs at the top, then your fringe will be more visible. If you keep them fairly separated at the top, then they'll be more subtle. 

Now it's time to top it all off. You can opt for hair spray or styling cream—whichever fits your fancy. "I like to finish the style with True Botanicals Hair Cream Oil to add extra shine and hydration," Pucciarello says.