There’s a new (actually, old) hairstyle stealing the spotlight, and it’s giving us major ’70s supermodel energy. Curtain bangs are officially having a moment again, and if the latest celebrity hair inspiration is any indication, this flattering, face-framing fringe isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The beauty of curtain bangs is that they manage to look effortlessly glamorous without appearing as though you’ve spent an hour in front of the mirror. Parted down the middle or slightly off-center, these longer bangs sweep away from the face like a pair of curtains, softly highlighting the cheekbones, eyes and jawline. Think French-girl chic meets California cool, with just enough retro glamour to make things interesting.
And the best part? Unlike traditional blunt bangs, curtain bangs are generally easier to grow out, style and adapt to different hair lengths. They can be worn with long, flowing layers, a bouncy blowout, a casual ponytail or even a messy bun. In other words, they’re the ultimate low-commitment hair makeover.
The Celebrity Curtain-Bang Club
If you need convincing that this look deserves a place on your beauty mood board, just take a peek at Hollywood.
Dakota Johnson: Perhaps one of the most recognizable modern curtain-bang devotees, Johnson has made her signature fringe part of her beauty identity. Her soft, wispy bangs skim her eyebrows and blend into longer layers, creating that perfectly undone look that feels both sophisticated and a little mysterious.
Sabrina Carpenter: The pop sensation has helped bring glamorous, voluminous fringe back into the spotlight. Her bouncy blonde blowouts, softly parted bangs and face-framing layers deliver full-on retro bombshell energy. It’s the kind of hair that practically begs for a round brush and a little extra volume.
Jennifer Lopez: J.Lo has long embraced face-framing layers and sweeping fringe that complement her signature glamorous blowouts. Her take on the look proves that curtain bangs can feel polished, sexy and red-carpet ready.
Suki Waterhouse: With her tousled texture and rock-and-roll sensibility, Waterhouse demonstrates how curtain bangs can look effortlessly cool rather than overly styled. Her softer, slightly undone approach is perfect for anyone who prefers a more relaxed beauty aesthetic.
Alexa Chung: The British style icon has helped make the lived-in, French-inspired fringe a fashion staple. Her slightly shaggy, casual interpretation pairs beautifully with tousled waves and an understated wardrobe.
Brigitte Bardot: We can’t talk about curtain bangs without paying homage to the original inspiration. The French screen siren helped popularize the voluminous, center-parted fringe that defined an era of sexy, undone glamour. Decades later, her iconic hairstyle remains a major source of inspiration.
How to Get the Look Without a Hair Disaster
Ready to join the curtain-bang club? Before you grab the scissors (please, step away from the bathroom mirror!), here are a few tips for getting the look right.
Bring inspiration to your stylist. Ask for soft, longer bangs that are shorter in the center and gradually lengthen toward your cheekbones. Your stylist can customize the cut to your hair texture and face shape.
Master the round-brush trick. For that signature Sabrina Carpenter bounce, use a medium round brush to lift the roots and sweep the bangs away from your face. A blow-dryer with a concentrator nozzle will help create that salon-worthy swoop.
Keep the products lightweight. Too much hairspray or heavy styling cream can flatten your fringe. A little volumizing mousse or texturizing spray will help keep bangs airy, bouncy and touchable.
Don’t forget the trims. Even longer bangs need occasional maintenance to keep their shape. Schedule a quick trim when they start creeping into your eyes, or ask your stylist to show you how to maintain the length safely.
And if you’re still nervous about making the chop, try styling your existing face-framing layers into a curtain effect before committing to a cut.