Many think curtain bangs are boring, but actually they are very versatile. I remember a client a few years ago brought in a photo of a hairstyle with curtain bangs, and we absolutely nailed it. She was super excited. Then three weeks later she complained again that it didn’t look good on her. In this case, the problem was that the layers behind the bangs had grown long enough to shift the hair to where it naturally parted. The most important thing to remember is curtain bangs are not a stand-alone haircut — the rest of the hair should work with the bangs.
I like the different possible variations of the same haircut. Each look is really dependent on the hair texture and density, and where the stylist places the movement. There’s a lot of technical work in some of these and several are simply gorgeous reinterpretations of a classic concept on the right person. I chose these fifteen photos because I think they encapsulate the idea best, whether you plan to show them to a stylist or not.
#1: A Clean Reset with Bangs That Know Where to Land
I am sure the before and after will speak volumes, but I want to say that the thought process behind this bang placement is clear. They sit so well to open her face without losing forehead, and the little mid-length cut at the back is just enough to let the bangs shine. This is such a great example of a stylist who really got it and kept it simple. On this type of hair, being straight and of medium density, it will hold its shape for the first couple of weeks, so achieving this effect is not simple at all. Just remember that any hang trims are going to really help, because otherwise they’ll lose that intended look, of course, pretty quickly.
#2 Rich Chestnut Lob That Earns Its Polish
I enjoy the calmness of this one. The chestnut color has depth, but isn’t overly heavy, and the bangs blend into the length so seamlessly that you practically don’t even notice them. With hair this thick achieving that smoothness can be trickier than it appears. The lob length is doing the practical work here, keeping everything under control, while the curtain fringe remains soft around the eyes and accentuates her bone structure. For wider features, if you’ve been hesitant about bangs causing your face to look wider, this is the type I would recommend.
#3 Glossy Black Bob with Bangs That Catch the Light
It’s all about the surface here. Not every gloss gets to this level of shine, and that’s what really elevates this from a regular bob with bangs to something you’re going to appreciate from anywhere in the room. The bangs hit the brows, which draws all the attention to the eyes. I’m really curious about what product they’re using because that kind of shine on dark hair could be healthy ends, or a really good shine serum, or maybe both. Also, keep in mind that if you’re lifting from a lighter to darker shade to achieve this depth, you’re going to be hitting the salon for touch-ups sooner than you expect to maintain that level of saturation.
#4 Waves That Don’t Try Too Hard
I like that nothing looks like it’s fighting for attention. The waves are a bit loose and imperfect and the bangs are light and airy instead of more heavy and structured. The balayage is also very subtle which helps with the overall look dimensionally without being too in your face. With fine hair, this wave pattern can be a bit of a blessing as it provides the illusion of more hair where there really isn’t as much. The bangs also add a bit of fullness across the forehead as well. If your hair doesn’t wave on its own though, be prepared to use a wand or curling iron to get the look, and be honest with yourself on that before you pull the trigger.
#5 Caramel Balayage Bob with Bangs You Barely Notice
Wispy bangs, when done well, can give a great framing effect without declaring ‘look at my bangs’. These bangs are so wispy that they almost appear to be face-framing layers rather than an actual fringe, and on a heart-shaped face that kind of subtlety really makes a difference. However, what I really want to discuss is the placement of the highlights. The way highlights are placed is done so that warmth is concentrated around the face and has that lit-from-within look, and that level of detail is what separates a good balayage from one that looks like streaks. The layers take out just enough weight so that heavier hair can move freely without ‘sucking’ the style, which is the balance that a lot of bobs get wrong.
#6 Tousled Brunette Layers with a Feathered Frame
This style looks casual and effortless, but it is clear that a lot of skilled work went into this hair. The bangs are relaxed in texture which helps them focus attention to her face and help lighten the overall look which is great considering how much hair there is. With some extra hair, this style could easily go from a Monday morning coffee run to a dinner reservation, and that is what most of my clients are looking for when they sit in my chair.
#7 A Chestnut Bob That Knows Exactly What It Is
Let’s focus on the bangs for a moment. They are blunt cut and softened, and have just enough of a part to let the eyes do the talking. They are at the longest length where bangs look intentional and not like they are growing out. When this bob is done on fine to medium hair it creates an illusion of fullness in the hair that is tricking the ends to be cut to perfection. The ends are trimmed so it is contained, deliberate, and with a lot of movement. Someone with an oval or square face could come in with this and feel great about it for weeks although the bangs will need a cut sooner than the rest.
#8 Copper That Actually Commits
What I appreciate about this copper is that it isn’t playing it safe. The tone is warm, rich, and really fully saturated. On a mid-length haircut with these kinds of soft waves, it should have lots of room to really show off its dimension. The copper is going to be stunning. The swoopy fringe that is going to be cut at the cheekbone feels almost vintage, like something from a 70’s French film, but with the texture it keeps it modern. I do want to be honest with you, though. Copper is one of the color families that fades the fastest. If you want to keep the color at this level of brightness, it will mean using color-depositing shampoo, and coming in for salon visits way more often than you may be used to. If you’re willing to do the work, the amount of work you have to put in is justified.
#9 A Blonde That Feels Like It Belongs
The blonde looks so natural. It’s not too cool or too warm, and there’s a believable sun-kissed quality that makes it look like it has always been there. The curtain bangs are feathered and help soften the angles of a heart-shaped face without closing anything off. With finer hair like this, the feathering is actually tactical as it offers a more forgiving grow-out. Meaning you’re less likely to be trapped to a six-week trim schedule just for the bangs. The mid-length is versatile enough that you could pin it up, or leave it down and it would still feel finished either way.
#10 Chestnut Layers That Move the Way They Should
I think the distribution of this cut is quite nice with volume sitting where it is supposed to, and movement feeling natural and not forced. The curtain fringe being softer, will be able to frame without taking over the face, and with medium density hair like this, it creates a really nice balance to the overall shape. If you have a wider face and have been holding back from having bangs, this gentle fringe is the perfect way to narrow things down a little which will not be obvious. A light mouuse in the mid lengths before blow drying will help this stay looking full without feeling stiff.
#11 A Chestnut Wave That Does the Work for You
The stylist knew how to work with the hair’s texture in order to make styling easier. The natural waves create a rhythm that is difficult to replicate with tools, while the warm chestnut color adds dimension as it reflects light. The bangs are a gentle curtain style, which is great for accenting the eyes and providing definition to the face. For medium-thick hair, the combination of layers and length here is about as low maintenance as you can get and it’s great that they put thought into it because it’s a sweet spot that a lot of hair cuts miss.
#12 Curly Mid-Length with Bangs That Actually Work with the Curl
This stylist knows how to properly cut bangs on curly hair, and how that’s different than cutting bangs on straight hair. These bangs have been cut to frame the face the right way; not bouncing up too short, and not falling too flat. The shape is amazing; there’s lots of volume, and it doesn’t look like it’s fighting to escape. That’s saying a lot considering the density of this curly hair. A defining cream is going to be key to keeping that definition, especially as second and third day hair gets frizzy.
#13 Red Curls with a Fringe That Frames Beautifully
The boldness of the red color here really brings the curls to life. The color looks different in each curl which adds an amazing depth that you just don’t get with a flat single-process. The curtain bangs are soft enough to move with the curl pattern and not against it, and they are framing her face in an effortless way. But I do know that there was thought behind it. I find this combination of a bold color and natural curls really interesting. This is because with both of these elements, neither is trying to override the other. This mid-length is perfect on thicker curl patterns because it gives enough weight to keep the shape defined without dragging the bounce out.
#14 Warm-Toned Waves with a Quiet Curtain Bang
I would have to say that the tonal work done is really impressive here. There is a nice combination of warm and cool tones throughout which adds a dimension that is not usually seen on shorter hair that is lighter in color, and avoids the hair looking flat and one-note. The curtain bangs are quite understated and feel like an afterthought, but they are doing some work in the sense of softening the face and making the whole haircut feel more intentional. For fine to medium density hair, those subtle layers in the mid-length are just right in terms of movement to keep it interesting, while still maintaining the body. If your hair is not naturally wavy, a bit of texturizing spray and a scrunch while it is damp should get you to that point.
#15 Full Curls, Soft Bangs, and a Shape That Flatters
This style is built around the curl, and the bangs are integrated into that design rather than being layered on top of it. They offer a supportive frame to the face without being too heavy, which is the difference on fuller, denser curls between a fringe that works and one that gets lost. Overall, the shape has nice height and dimension especially for rounder faces as it draws the eyes up and creates length. To maintain those defined curls at home will take some commitment with the right products and drying technique, but the foundation of this cut is so good that even on a lazy day it will look like you meant it.
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