If you’re looking for change but aren’t ready to sacrifice length, curtain bangs are a great way to add interest to your haircut. You CAN have it all! They can be cut long or short; heavy to change your look entirely or just a few face-framing curls that accentuate your facial features. It’s common for the front hairline to naturally grow shorter than the perimeter on curly hair. Bangs help blend baby hair and camouflage breakage and thinning.
Ready to rock curtain bangs? Check out these 12 unique ways to wear curly curtain bangs to get some inspo for your next trip to the salon.
Curtain bangs paired with middle part add shape and interest to this long hair. Cutting just a few curls allows you to choose if you want to wear them forward or have them off your face. Use pin-curl clips at the root while air drying for extra volume.
Instagram / @curlsbysarahdee_
A short, tapered curly bob with curtain bangs blends naturally occurring baby hair with the rest of her haircut. Use gentle, sulfate free shampoos and conditioners to preserve moisture levels on wash day.
Instagram / @curlsbysarahdee_
High density curls can feel heavy when worn the same length as your perimeter. Curtain bangs open up the face and create a more flattering shape. Finger coiling a few curls around your hairline while wet styling can help direct stubborn curl patterns where you want them to go.
Instagram / @curlssbyv
By removing some length, adding bangs and reshaping, this transformation completely changed her look and brought attention to her eyes. For an airy, voluminous look, diffuse hair in all directions (upside down, side to side, even looking up). And, embrace a little frizz!
Instagram / @curlsbysarahdee_
Nothing makes texture pop more than a great curly shag haircut and highlights. For this curl type, rake your gel throughout wet curls then apply a foam overtop to swell the hair, soften definition, and add volume. Dry with a diffuser.
Instagram / @thehouseofcurls
Curly curtain bangs can work well on any hair length, short hair being no exception. This lady couldn’t be more right when she cut curtain bangs, indeed. Baby bangs on super curly hair frame her face perfectly. Try applying styling cream under gel on very wet hair. The styling cream provides moisture while the gel gives longevity to your wash and go.
Instagram / @curlsbysarahdee_
Frizz is our friend! Even overall and intentional frizz provides volume on fine curls. Flip your head over and with your fingers never leaving your scalp, make small circular motions to shake it out from the root. Part hair down the middle for balanced volume.
Instagram / @slickback_buttahtoast
Tone-on-tone balayage shows off your unique curl pattern. Darker roots add dimension and (bonus!) make regrowth less noticeable. Research hairstylists before coloring your fragile curls. An experienced stylist will understand how to create balance and dimension on textured hair.
Instagram / @slickback_buttahtoast
Short interior layers with curly bangs give the root area lots of texture and movement on this incredible shag. Once hair is 75% dry, gently scrunch out the crunch from your stylers as you diffuse to create a fuller, softer look.
Instagram / @slickback_buttahtoast
Tight curls stack on top of each other creating an effortless shape. This highlighted fringe boasts femininity, giving a short haircut versatile fun. If you want fullness, use hair oil or serum to separate curls after they’re dry. For a sleeker look, leave curls in larger defined curl clumps.
Instagram / @cutitkinky
Growing out a short haircut can be fun, embracing different lengths along the way. Here the sides and back were cut a little shorter leaving a very full bang area. After applying your styler onto wet hair, scrunch curls with a microfiber towel to remove excess water and speed up drying time.
Instagram / @curlsbysarahdee_
Pin your hair up in a bun or pineapple and let shorter pieces fall out to soften an updo. To refresh curls in between wash days, use a spray bottle to wet your hair and with just enough styling cream, foam or gel to add some slip, begin to finger coil, curl by curl. Air dry or hover diffuse without disturbing curls for maximum definition.
Instagram / @kingdomofcurls_
Curly bangs can absolutely be worn straight. However, if your bangs were cut straight, they may be shorter than desired once they curl up! Wavy hair can shrink up to 5%, curly hair can shrink up to 30%, and super curly hair can shrink up to 75% once fully dry. I recommend finding a hairstylist who has specific curly hair training to guide you along your curly bang journey.
When cut dry and customized for your curl type, curly curtain bangs can be low drama with minimal commitment. When you’re ready to grow them out, they simply blend with your shape and help provide volume overall. For more curly hair tips, check out @curlsbysarahdee_ on IG!
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