If there’s one thing we’ve confirmed about beauty in the past year or so, it’s that the trends of yesteryear unequivocally will come back around; it’s just a matter of when. And if you’ve been on any social media platform within that time period, you’ve most likely witnessed this growing phenomenon somewhere on your timeline: curtain bangs. Falling in line with the resurgence of 60’s and 70’s beauty trends, the wispy, carefree hairstyles of the era have made their way to the mainstream this past year via TikTok and IG.
Back then, it was Farrah Fawcett, Brigitte Bardot, and Goldie Hawn (who still dons her curtain bangs to this day), and today it’s Billie Eilish, J Lo, and Dakota Johnson. And it’s no surprise, but–the curlies have been truly rocking the cut, as well. Celebs like Yara Shahidi and Zendaya are often seen with beautiful coily curtain fringes. Selena Gomez posted a rare photo of her natural curls and curtain bangs to IG last year.
When you want to frame your face (no matter its shape”), curtain bangs give that kind of subtle, non-committal fringe action that completes an effortlessly cool aesthetic. And if you’re wondering if your curls can pull off curtain bangs, the answer is probably yes (especially with the right stylist). Ahead are some of our favorite variations on this nostalgic hair reboot, along with some maintenance and styling tips–just in case you decide to go for the chop.
1. Curtain Bangs and Long Layers
Photo: @Taylordiorr
You can spice up long curly layers with long bangs like Taylor-Dior. “Good hair days hit different when each and every product you use is black-owned,” she says–and we have to agree!
2. Curtain Bangs and Effortless Bob
Photo: @the_arthistory
Bangs and bobs go together like curly hair and leave-ins. Mitali cut her hair by short hair specialist Sylvie Prud’Homme, director of The Loft Toronto.
3. Wide-set Curtain Bangs
Photo: @jaymejo
Curtain bangs don’t have to fall over your forehead. Wide-parting the bangs in the middle can create a young and fresh look. Jayme Jo really nailed this look.
4. Waterfall Curtain Bangs and Updo
Photo: @meetalymisstree
Bangs and an updo will probably never go out of style, and we’re glad about it. Mitali’s natural deep waves really do the style justice.
5. 70’s Inspired Curtain Bangs
Photo: @tara.mera_the_creator
Truthfully, the 70’s shaggy bangs alone have inspired most of the fanfare around shaggy cuts this year. Cutting specialists at The State salon in California absolutely understood the assignment with this transformation.
6. Color-Accented Curtain Bangs
Photo: @gataimpecavel
When your bangs aren’t getting enough attention, add color! Color blocking (dying large portions of hair one color) has been very on-trend this summer. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your look.
7. Super Voluminous Curtain Bangs
Photo: @bwatuwant
Brit’s curls and shape look completely regal. Whether you’re a definition stickler and like your bangs super defined, or prefer a more voluminous look – this cut can go either way!
8. Bardot Curtain Bangs
Photo: @krissy2295
Hairstylist Kristyn incorporates inspiration from Brigitte Bardot’s 60’s curtain bangs with her natural texture and a 70’s shag shape. She’s currently “more about the volume and the fluff these days” rather than focusing on “perfect waves/curls.”
9. Understated Curtain Bangs
Photo: @sirinens
If there’s ever a day when you’re not completely feeling curtain bangs, one benefit is that you can push them to the sides and integrate them with the rest of your hair. This is great for curlies who like to change their look daily or want to grow the bangs out.
10. Curtain Bangs and Large Ringlets
Photo: @aoki_hair
Aoki achieved these results on her client by focusing on adding layers to create more body.
11. Gravity-Defying Curtain Bangs
Photo: @nisa_maranda_jones
Because tight curly hair sometimes defies gravity, some people think that bangs are a no-go. Honestly, from what we can tell, the more volume, the better. Nisa’s cut and volume add to the face and eye-framing effect.
12. Curtain Bangs and Side Part
Photo: @imsaskiaaa
According to Gen Z, side parts are a thing of the past, but it’s possible the jury is still out on that one. And good news, millennials, if you’re creative, you can do both curtain bangs and a side part. Saskia pulls it off wonderfully here.
13. Beautifully Frizzy Curtain Bangs
Photo: @shyinstar
One of the best parts about bangs is that they can give shape to your hair even if you choose to do minimal styling. Any curly who embraces frizziness will be very pleased.
14. Fanned-out Curtain Bangs
Photo: @toni_macaroni
Toni’s shapely bangs add so much character to her cut. This haircut is by stylist Callum Townsend.
15. Curtain Bangs on Stretched Hair
Photo: @tierechristyan
Most curlies love how flexible natural hair is. Even in a stretched state, curtain bangs still work. If you find yourself doing a twist out, braid-out, or rod-set, with a good cut your bangs should still be ready to go.
16. Curtain Bangs and Messy Pony
Photo: @morelike.jess
Curly curtain bangs can transform the simplest of styles. It’ll definitely add some “oomph” to your quick ponytail.
17. Curtain Bangs on a Wash and Go
Photo: @manebymell
Here Mell is rocking her bangs after a fresh wash’n’go. Run over to IG to see her full process and the products used.
18. Curtain Bangs and Free-Flowing Shag
Photo: @florence.hair
This cut is reminiscent of a 70’s rock star, and it absolutely works. This updated shag and curtain bangs, courtesy of a_h_salon (who has done some phenomenal cuts with curtain bangs–check out her IG), will give maximum bounce and volume.
Are you considering taking this look to your stylist for your next cut? Tell us what you think in the comments.
