If you've ever decided you want to get a haircut with bangs, only to be disappointed with the results once you follow through, you're not alone. It's true that bangs can be tricky and typically require quite a bit of upkeep (read: wrestling them into submission with a hair dryer every morning). Curtain bangs, on the other hand, are a different story — think of them as the trendier, more effortless version of blunt bangs. But what exactly are curtain bangs? Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland says that the hallmark of curtain bangs is when the fringe is cut shorter on the inside, and gets longer as the bangs get further away from your face. "Think of a curtain draping a window," she says. These bangs frame your face on both sides.
Curtain bangs are one of the most versatile types of bangs that you can try. "They can look good on everyone depending on your style," promises Cleveland. "The longer the bangs, the more narrow your face will look ... while shorter bangs can define your cheekbones." (Something to keep in mind if you're attempting to cut your own bangs!)
As far as upkeep goes, you don't need to worry about busting out the blow-dryer before you leave the house. "[Curtain bangs] are super low-maintenance because [they] flow into your hair naturally and you can style them however you want," says Cleveland. Check out our favorite celebrity spins on curtain bangs, with inspiration for every texture, length and style. Bonus: curtain bangs look amazing with updos.
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1
Voluminous Coils
Curtain bangs help give curly hair tons of shape and definition. Yara Shahidi makes this cool girl style look even cooler with tons of volume.
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2
Messy Updo
Halle Berry's curtain bangs are effortless and chic. Throw your hair into a messy bun to channel this style.
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3
Piece-y Ponytail
When wearing a ponytail, keep some longer side pieces out and part your bangs in the middle, like Camila Cabello.
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4
Half-Up Hairdo
January Jones' curtain bangs are beyond sweet. Bouncy curls and a pink ribbon help keep this look fresh.
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5
Curly Curtain Bangs
On the days when you just need to throw your hair into a topknot, curtain bangs still make you look like you put some effort into it. Take a page from Aisha Dee's book by leaving your bangs naturally curly so that they fall to the front.
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6
Waterfall Curtain Bangs
Selena Gomez's soft, piece-y updo is the perfect style to showcase curtain bangs. Curl a few side pieces to achieve this look.
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7
Sleek Half Updo
Kirsten Dunst proves that curtain bangs can be worn with straight hair, too.
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8
Face-Framing Updo
By nature, curtain bangs frame your face. Julianne Hough's undone updo makes her face the center of attention.
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9
Wavy Curtain Bangs
Is the thought of blow-drying your bangs every day preventing you from chopping your wavy hair? Sandra Oh proves that curtain bangs can work with practically all textures.
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10
Wispy Curtain Bangs
Keep the rest of your hair long and wispy, and chop your bangs to frame your face, like Elizabeth Olsen.
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11
Asymmetrical Part
Sarah Hyland's slightly off-center part looks edgy and easy to recreate.
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12
Side-Brushed Curtain Bangs
Sarah Jessica Parker has always been a major source of hair inspiration. Like SJP, go for bangs that reach just under your lower lashline, and sweep them to one side.
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13
Sculpted Spirals
The Emmys might have been virtual this year, but that didn't stop Zendaya from debuting her ultra-cool curtain bangs. Her undone updo adds tons of volume to her crown, making her bangs the star of the show.
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14
Long Curtain Bangs
Even J.Lo has tried curtain bangs. The singer kept them simple by pulling her strands back into a low ponytail.
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15
Short Curtain Bangs
Jameela Jamil usually wears her bangs thick and blunt, but here she sweeps them to the sides for a curtain-like fringe. For bangs like these, aim to cut so that they fall just under your eyebrows.
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16
Curly Updo
Tessa Thompson's curls are always enviable, but even more so when they're cut into face-framing fringe. Here, she sweeps the rest of her hair into a casual updo to keep the bangs front and center.
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17
Slicked-Back Updo
For further proof that curtain bangs are the ultimate versatile hairstyle, look no further than Priyanka Chopra's sleek updo.
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18
Long Curtain Bangs
If your curtain bangs are on the longer side, a style like Ciara's is effortless. Make your topknot messy and keep the rest of your hair sleek to achieve this look.
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19
Loose Updo with Curls
Alexa Chung basically started the curtain bangs trend. This romantic style doesn't just look elegant, it's easy to pull off since it doesn't have to be perfect.
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20
Feathered and Flipped
Chloë Grace Moretz is giving us major Farrah Fawcett vibes with this flipped out style. For an updated take on the '70s style, keep your bangs long, so that they still look softer when flipped out.
