like flared denim jeans and sky-high platform heels, curtain bangs have made a triumphant return in recent years.
first put on the map in the '70s by the likes of farrah fawcett and goldie hawn, the style is equal parts effortlessly chic and flattering.
so, what are curtain bangs exactly? it’s a fringe, only instead of being cut straight across, it’s characterised by a sharp middle part and soft face-framing layers on either side. this lowkey style suits a variety of face shapes, from round to oval, and works well with different hair types, whether you’re working with straight, wavy, or curly strands.
requiring less upkeep than a straighter, heavier fringe, they do still need to be styled into submission. to ensure your bangs look more bombshell than blah, getting the technique down pat is paramount.
the best products for styling curtain bangs
the right products will enhance the texture, volume, and shape of your bangs, ensuring they look their best all day (and night) long.
lightweight texturising spray: salty dog
salty dog salt spray is perfect for adding volume and movement without weighing your hair down. this lightweight spray provides a natural, tousled look, enhancing the texture and giving your bangs a beachy vibe.
flexible hold hair spray: miss malleable
need something to go the distance? miss malleable flexible hairspray offers a solid hold that maintains shape while allowing for natural movement. it's ideal for keeping your hair in place without making it feel stiff or crunchy.
smoothing serum: love touch or love perpetua
both a+ when it comes to taming frizz and adding megawatt shine, love touch shine spray and love perpetua shine drops are perfect for thick, thirsty hair. not only do they provide a smooth, polished finish, but they ensure your bangs look nourished and glossy, not dry and drab.
volumising mousse: macgyver
like a booty band workout for your hair, macgyver multi-use mousse adds lift *and* body. used with or without heat to create touchable texture and volume, this will soon become the mvp of your styling routine.
heat protectant spray: icon welder
a heat protectant spray that helps safeguard hair against heat and uv damage in one bottle? yep, icon welder has you covered. whether your go-to tool is a blow dryer, curling wand or straightener, spritzing this on beforehand ensures your bangs never look frizzy or fried.
how to get the perfect curtain bangs
whether you want to learn how to curl your curtain bangs or you’re going for more of a straight vibe, here is your failsafe guide on how to style curtain bangs.
how to blow-dry curtain bangs
- apply a heat protectant spray like icon welder to your damp bangs.
- use a round brush to lift the roots while blow drying.
- blow dry your hair in sections, directing the airflow downwards to reduce frizz.
- finish with a flexible hold hair spray like miss malleable and you’re good to go.
how to style long curtain bangs with a straightener
- start with dry hair and spritz on a heat protectant like icon welder.
- take small sections of your bangs and gently glide a flat iron from the roots to the tips.
- slightly curve the ends inward to create a natural, face-framing shape.
- apply a smoothing product like love touch for a sleek, glossy finish.
how to air-dry curtain bangs
- apply a lightweight texturising spray like salty dog to damp hair.
- part your hair down the middle and use your fingers to shape your bangs.
- let your hair air dry naturally (sitting in the sun will speed up the process, but watching netflix in bed works too).
- once dry, you can touch up with a volumising mousse like macgyver for a bit of added oomph.
