When talking about long layers and curtain bangs, I don’t think the interaction with the bangs and layers gets enough credit. When done correctly, the bangs and layers avoid looking stiff and create a fluid movement throughout the entire style. It’s so typical for me to have clients come in wanting ‘just some layers and bangs’, assuming it’s the most basic cut. While it can take little time to do, there’s often a very big difference between an average, cookie cutter cut and a designed cut, and that’s the level of detail in planning how the bangs are integrated with the layers.
About two years ago, I worked with a client who had been growing her hair out for two years and was terrified of letting anyone touch it. However, she did want something different. We decided to do a long-layered cut with curtain bangs, and when I turned her around she cried. Not because it was a super big change, but because it still kept her essence, just a better version of her. This is what good curtain bangs do, they don’t say “I just got a haircut, but they make everything about your features and your hair just come alive. Here are 15 photos of this style that I love, and I think at least a few of them will make you want to book an appointment.
#1: Soft Brunette Layers That Just Melt Around the Face
The cut focuses on a seamless feel. The bangs will not be a separate element. They flow and dissolve into the layers and, of course, everything flows together. The ends are softened, giving movement without being thin, wispy, and/or looking super light. For rounder face shapes, this is one of the most flattering looks. The layers create a gentle lengthening effect without it being overdone. It looks super natural! That being said, the bangs will need to be trimmed every three to four weeks. Once they start hitting your eyelids, the whole vibe really shifts — and, def not in a good way.
#2: Rich Chestnut Waves That Basically Style Themselves
The chestnut tones are stunning and will give the natural look we are going for. The loose flowing waves and curtain bangs are just the right amount. This color will be really great on you if you have medium to dark skin tones because it warms up your complexion. I do have to say that this color will need maintenance to look fresh so I recommend a color depositing shampoo to use between appointments. All in all this is one of those high impact low maintenance looks!
#3: Midnight Waves with That Really Full, Lived-In Volume
Thick hair can often feel heavy, so it makes sense that you have, in the past, avoided getting layers because of how weighty your hair can feel. With these layers, it looks as if they are getting rid of excess weight, so they can add some nice movement without there being a lot of hair dragging everything down. The curtain bangs here are actually quite minimal, bordering on almost non-existent, which I think is a good call, given how much hair is on the rest of the head. Additionally, it is recommended that you do some round brushing to get the hair to fall into a pattern, but trust me, it will be worth it in the end.
#4: Deep Ebony with Swooped Bangs That Ease You Into the Whole Bang Thing
I tell clients, “I think I want bangs but I’m scared,” I can show them this example. The bangs are soft, and love how they blend into the layers. This natural ebony color is also a major plus, as color processing is required to keep it looking rich and glossy, so if this is your natural color, congrats, you’re saving some $$$. The subtle layering gives just the right amount of texture while keeping the overall length consistent. This is one of those styles where it looks like you didn’t put in much effort, but people will say something looks different and won’t be able to pinpoint it.
#5: Golden Balayage with Layers That Catch the Light in the Best Way
What a great balayage job. Rather than looking striped, the brunette shades transitioning into light gold look sun-kissed. The face-framing layers add brightness to your complexion while making it look lighter without going full blonde! If you have thick, heavy hair, these layers will take weight off and enhance the movement. I will say the balayage does need to be touched up every few months, or it can look a bit neglected, but that’s just the nature of this type of color work.
#6: Sleek Layers with Bangs That Have Just the Right Amount of Mess
I enjoy how curtain bangs look with very straight hair. There is beauty in some imperfections, and bangs help achieve a more messy and less polished look. The smooth long layers and bangs create a mix of different textures, and together can create something very special. The haircut is very low maintenance and will look great on those with straight thick hair. You may want to keep some texture spray handy to keep that messy look up, but then the hair will be pretty low maintenance overall.
#7: Raven Black Layers with Bangs That Taper So Nicely at the Temples
The way that bangs have been tapered is particularly noteworthy. Rather than simply cutting them straight across, these bangs seem to be cut longer in the center and shorter on each side. This design helps to draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The straightness and thickness of the hair also creates a beautiful fall of the cut, further elevating the entire style. It is true that haircuts like this typically require a lot of upkeep, but with bangs and that fresh cut look, the tapering will actually be what determines the maintenance level. Overall, I would say this is a low maintenance hairstyle.
#8: Deep Midnight Waves That Are All About the Volume
This is for my clients with thick hair who want their hair to look like it’s in a shampoo commercial (and I mean that in the best way possible). The way the layers are cut will really create a full and lush movement. Plus the solid dark color makes everything look super dense and healthy. If you’re going to do this, then just know that deep conditioning treatments will be your best friend because with longer hair, bouncy, defined waves take a lot of moisture. This will beautifully frame oval and heart-shaped faces, and lets be real, the volume is reason enough to go for it!
#9: Espresso Waves with Bangs That Really Know What They’re Doing
Of course, the fringe sits perfectly; it seems the stylist knows how to curve bangs around specific features, as well as how to balance foreground coverage with cheekbone highlights. The subtle depth of the espresso shade is stunning, and the wavy colouring, to be honest, alters the hair look without going overboard. More styling work seems to be needed here, as this will take a while and some effort to keep the burnt waves and maintenance, but for thicker hair, the volume will work in your favour as curls retain their shape longer.
#10: Glossy Auburn Layers with the Prettiest Feathered Bangs
I really love this Auburn color. It has a lovely warm copper color, that just glows in the light. The feathered curtain bangs are also super pretty. They look a bit wispy and like an effortless style, but I know that there is a lot of work that goes into styling them every day. For that look, you are going to want a small round brush to get that spread. With colors at this brightness, you should be willing to go to the salon often, especially with an Auburn due to how quickly it fades. When it’s fresh, there is really nothing like it.
#11: Warm Chestnut Layers That Add Dimension Without Going Crazy
I would recommend this style for someone who wants to feel like they made a big change without a change that’s too out there. The chestnut color is warm and natural, and the layers give movement and dimension to the hair. The curtain bangs give a nice subtle emphasis to the cheekbones that is perfect because you see it but can’t quite put your finger on it. For medium or thick hair, this is going to give a really nice voluminous shape. Just keep the ends in mind, because with longer hair, split ends will creep up and make the whole look tired.
#12: Rich Brunette with the Gentlest Bangs That Still Make a Difference
Several clients request curtain bangs and seek the softest, most ethereal bangs. I would recommend something like this. These bangs are such that they appear like long face-framing pieces that just happen to fall across the forehead. The softening effect is lovely on someone with more angular features like this. I appreciate the brunette color as it is basically zero maintenance on the color front. This cut is going to work with your hair rather than against it if your hair is naturally straight or if it’s wavy. For the length, just keep a good leave-in conditioner in your routine and you’re set.
#13: Mocha Layers with That Polished Inward Curl at the Ends
I really love the ends of your hair! The little inward curl is such a nice touch, it really completes the whole style. The mocha color is lovely and neutral enough to suit just about everyone. Your layers are conservative enough that you’re keeping your density, while still getting shape and movement. If you prefer your hair to look done, but not overly done, this is perfect. You’ll probably want to use a round brush or blow dry brush to achieve that end curl every time, but once you get the technique sorted it’ll only take about 5 minutes.
#14: Burgundy Waves That Are For Someone Who Wants to Go For It
I appreciate bold looks, and this one is very different . The color burgundy is very rich and dramatic, and all the editing layering makes it look nice. The framing of the bangs also looks nice. For round face shapes, bangs and layers do very well because they provide good balance. To be honest, this style takes a lot of maintenance. This color is very bright now, so touch ups will be needed frequently. The length and bangs will require a lot of work, and you’ll need to style it often. If you like to get creative with your hair, or want a change, this style will completely transform your look.
#15: Elegant Ebony Layers That Manage Thick Hair Without Losing the Fullness
This clever thick hair haircut uses layers to help control the volume so that it looks like it more manageable. Your look is still thick and plush but it’s not very overwhelming. Everything has a nice shape and flow to it. As for the bangs, they’re curtain bangs which are round and square face shapes benefit from them as they draw attention to the face. If ebony is your natural shade then you are lucky as this look is pretty low maintenance color wise. Just keep the ends healthy as they will be the oldest part of your hair at this length and they will show if you neglect them.
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