If you’ve been scrolling TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve already searched how to style curtain bangs at least once. Curtain bangs are everywhere, and for good reason: they’re flattering, versatile, and look good on just about every face shape. Unlike blunt bangs that cut straight across the forehead or side-swept bangs that tuck dramatically to one side, curtain bangs are soft, parted in the middle, and feathered to frame your face—think of them like the perfectly undone “curtains” for your features.
What makes them so loved is their effortless vibe. They can be styled polished and sleek, tossed into a ponytail with face-framing movement, or worn loose for that French-girl nonchalance. Whether your hair is long and layered or cropped into a bob, curtain bangs instantly add shape and dimension without the heavy upkeep of traditional bangs.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Before you learn how to style curtain bangs step by step, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools and products on hand. The good news? You probably already own a few of these. Here’s what makes the difference between bangs that fall flat and bangs that look salon-fresh:
Tools:
- Round Brush: A medium-sized round brush (like the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush) is key for creating that soft, curved shape.
- Blow Dryer with Nozzle: A dryer that comes with a concentrator nozzle—such as the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer or the more budget-friendly Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus—helps direct airflow and lock in your style.
- Flat Iron or Straightener: A slim flat iron like the GHD Platinum+ Styler works wonders for touching up and refining your curtain bangs.
Products:
- Heat Protectant: Always prep your bangs with a heat protectant spray like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer or Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray.
- Volumizing Mousse or Spray: To give your bangs lift and bounce, try Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse or Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray.
- Lightweight Hairspray: A flexible-hold hairspray (such as L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray) will keep your bangs in place without making them stiff.
- Dry Shampoo: Curtain bangs tend to get greasy faster than the rest of your hair—Batiste Dry Shampoo or Kérastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo are lifesavers.
With these styling staples, you’ll have everything you need to make your curtain bangs look fresh every day—whether you’re going for sleek and polished or effortlessly undone.
How to Style Curtain Bangs (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you’ve got your tools and products ready, here’s exactly how to style curtain bangs at home—no salon trip required.
Step 1: Start with Damp Hair
Curtain bangs style best when they’re slightly damp. After washing, towel-dry your hair until it’s about 70–80% dry.
Step 2: Apply Heat Protectant
Spritz a heat protectant like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer all over your bangs to shield against heat damage.
Step 3: Add Volume Support
Work a pump of Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse into your bangs to give them body and bounce.
Step 4: Blow Dry with a Round Brush
Using your Olivia Garden Round Brush, wrap your bangs around the brush, then blow dry downward while pulling the brush forward and slightly to each side. Alternate left and right to get that signature parted effect.
Step 5: Shape with a Flat Iron (Optional)
If you want a sleeker look, take a slim straightener like the GHD Platinum+ Styler, clamp lightly at the roots, and curve your bangs outward toward your cheekbones. This helps them frame your face naturally.
Step 6: Lock in the Style
Finish with a light mist of L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray to hold everything in place without stiffness. For touch-ups between washes, a quick spritz of Batiste Dry Shampoo will refresh and revive your bangs.
Done right, this process only takes about 10 minutes, but it makes all the difference in getting that perfectly soft, face-framing movement.
How to Style Curtain Bangs for Different Hair Types
Curtain bangs aren’t one-size-fits-all. The way you style them will depend on your hair’s natural texture and length. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to style curtain bangs so they complement your specific hair type.
Straight Hair
If your hair is naturally straight, focus on adding movement. Blow dry your bangs with a round brush to curve the ends slightly outward. For extra volume, spritz a volumizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray before styling. Finish with a flexible hairspray so your bangs don’t fall flat throughout the day.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair already has a built-in effortless vibe. Apply a lightweight mousse such as Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse to enhance your texture, then blow dry your bangs with a round brush just enough to control the shape. Let the rest of your waves air dry or use a diffuser for a natural, tousled finish.
Long Hair
When paired with long layers, curtain bangs should blend seamlessly. Use a larger round brush (around 2–2.5 inches) so the ends feather out softly into the rest of your hair. A flat iron can also help polish the ends if you want a sleeker transition.
Short Hair
Curtain bangs can make short styles—like bobs and lobs—look more modern and edgy. Since short hair tends to fall heavier around the face, focus on blow-drying your bangs outward and away from your eyes. A bit of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will keep them light and airy instead of weighed down.
With these adjustments, curtain bangs can look intentional and flattering no matter your natural texture or haircut.
Curtain Bangs with Different Hairstyles
Once you’ve mastered how to style curtain bangs on their own, the fun part begins—pairing them with different hairstyles. Because curtain bangs are so versatile, they instantly elevate even the simplest looks. Here are three easy ways to wear them:
Ponytails and Curtain Bangs
A ponytail paired with curtain bangs gives you the best of both worlds: polished yet playful. Blow dry your bangs with a round brush so they swoop out and frame your face, then pull the rest of your hair back into a mid- or high-pony. For a more refined finish, smooth flyaways with L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray.
Loose Waves
Nothing says “effortless chic” like loose waves with curtain bangs. Use a curling iron or wand to create soft, beachy bends in your hair, then style your bangs with a round brush so they flow seamlessly into the waves. A spritz of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray adds volume and that coveted lived-in texture.
Sleek and Straight
If you love a more refined look, curtain bangs also shine when styled sleek. After blow-drying, run a straightener (like the GHD Platinum+ Styler) lightly through your bangs, curving the ends outward just enough so they frame your cheekbones. Finish with a shine spray such as Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine for a glossy effect.
No matter the hairstyle, curtain bangs add softness, movement, and a touch of personality that makes even the simplest look feel styled.
Conclusion: Making Curtain Bangs Work for You
At the end of the day, learning how to style curtain bangs is about finding what works best for your lifestyle, hair type, and personal vibe. They’re trendy yet timeless, low-maintenance yet high-impact—and that’s exactly why they’ve become such a go-to look.
With the right tools, a few reliable products, and some practice, you can wear your bangs polished for a night out, loose and undone for casual weekends, or tucked into a ponytail for effortless everyday style. Curtain bangs aren’t just a haircut; they’re a styling tool that instantly frames your features and makes any hairstyle feel more intentional.
Whether you’re working with long layers, short bobs, straight strands, or natural waves, curtain bangs prove that a little face-framing goes a long way. Consider them your shortcut to looking like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
