It’s official: the fringe has reclaimed its throne. While hair trends often flicker and fade, curtain bangs have proven to always stay afloat, dominating our social media feeds and salon chairs well into 2026. This resurgence is a love letter to the effortless ’70s French aesthetic (famously championed by Brigitte Bardot) with a distinctly modern twist.
Curtain bangs have now shed the heavy, high-maintenance reputation of decades past. “Modern curtain bangs have evolved to be softer, more blended and highly customisable,” explains Harshada Bavkar, creative director and lead at Looks Salons. “Unlike the structured versions of the past, today’s styles seamlessly merge into face-framing layers, making them easier to grow out without an awkward phase”.
Whether you’re looking to soften a sharp jawline or simply want a low-commitment refresh, here’s how to style curtain bangs, with insights from industry experts:
What to keep in mind?
Before you commit to the chop, weigh your hair’s natural texture against your daily routine.
“The texture of your hair plays an important role. If you have fine hair, you will need to use volumising products to prevent your bangs from looking flat,” says Amit Yashwant, hairstylist and co-founder of Manemaniacs. “To achieve a swooping look with naturally wavy or curly hair, you must use heat tools to style and maintain your bangs,” he adds. While curtain bangs are often considered low-maintenance, they still require upkeep, including professional trims every four to six weeks to maintain shape and ensure neat, blended-in growth.
Who should (and shouldn’t) get them?
The appeal of curtain bangs lies in their versatility. It’s a low commitment style that works especially well for oval, heart and long face shapes.
- Round faces: Opt for longer bangs that fall past the cheekbones to elongate the face.
- Square faces: Choose soft, feathered versions to soften a strong jawline.
- Heart faces: Shorter centers with longer sides help offset a wider forehead.
That said, if you have a particularly small forehead, Yashwant suggests skipping bangs altogether to avoid overcrowding the face. Similarly, if you prefer a no-heat routine, this may not be the easiest style to maintain, as achieving that signature swoop often relies on a little thermal help.
6 expert tips to style your curtain bangs at home
Achieving that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon finish doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to style curtain bangs, like the pros do it:
1. Master the signature ‘C’ shape
“For that classic swoop, start while your hair is still damp. Use a small or medium round brush and a blow-dryer with a nozzle attachment.” says Yashwant. “Direct the hair downward first, then over-direct each side, away from the face to lock in the shape”.
