When you feel an irresistible urge to change your hairstyle but don’t want to sacrifice much length or make a significant color alteration, consider getting bangs. Are you wondering how to cut curtain bangs to achieve that chic and trendy look? Look no further—this guide will walk you through the steps to perfect your style.
Fresh bangs can instantly revitalize your hairstyle. They offer a transformative effect without the need for drastic changes. However, bangs are a commitment. Regular trims are essential, styling can be time-consuming, and they might even contribute to forehead breakouts.
Curtain bangs are the exception to the bang rule. Their versatility shines through with flattering options for various face shapes and hair textures. Plus, they offer endless styling possibilities and a more forgiving growth-out period compared to blunt or baby bangs.
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What Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs act like soft, flattering frames for your face. As celebrity hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy describes, they’re essentially “fridge-cut bangs” parted down the middle. Unlike traditional bangs, curtain bangs are cut diagonally, starting below the eyebrow and blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair. This versatility is a key factor in their enduring popularity.
Beyond their versatility, curtain bangs have the added benefit of creating the illusion of more layers and boosting overall volume.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs
While it’s always best to have a professional cut your bangs, especially for a first-timer, we understand that salon appointments aren’t always feasible. So, if you’re brave enough to DIY, here’s a professional guide to help you achieve the perfect curtain bangs at home.
The best approach for cutting curtain bangs depends on your hair type. For those with straight to wavy hair (types 1A-2C), cutting while the hair is wet is sufficient. However, for curly hair (types 3A-4C), Bergamy recommends blow-drying the hair straight first and cutting longer curtain bangs. This ensures a seamless blend when you wear your natural curls.
- Step one: Begin cutting at the center of the bangs, where they will be shortest. Use sharp hair shears for a clean cut.
- Step two: Continue cutting from the center of the bangs towards the sides. Hold the shears diagonally as you move outward to create an angled shape. This will ensure a seamless transition between your bangs and the rest of your hair.
How to Style Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are relatively low-maintenance, but proper blow-drying can extend their life between washes. According to Bumble and bumble Flagship Stylist, Coco Santiago, styling is simple: section off your bangs, blow-dry them outward, then downward. To lock in the style and prevent frizz, cool the bangs with your hand after blow-drying.
To protect your hair during the styling process, Bergamy recommends using a heat protectant. For textured hair, a leave-in conditioner offers extra protection. When it comes to the right brush, she suggests a round brush for straight to wavy hair and a wide-tooth comb for textured hair. For an extra polished look, you can finish with a flat iron to add smoothness, volume, and body to your curtain bangs.
How to Touch-Up Curtain Bangs
To refresh your curtain bangs between washes, a quick blow-dry can do the trick. As Santiago suggests, section off your bangs and spritz them with water or a light styling product like Bb.Prep Primer. Then, repeat the same blow-drying technique you used initially to revitalize their shape.
For quick touch-ups between washes, dry shampoo is your best friend. As Bergamy points out, it effectively absorbs excess oil, refreshing your bangs. To revive curly curtain bangs that are losing their shape, a small amount of hair oil or gloss, like Contents’ Glossifyer, can help combat frizz. Reapplying your curl cream or gel will also help redefine your curls and restore their bounce.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs for Curly Hair
Curtain bangs offer a versatile and flattering option for those who struggle to make up their mind. From long and wispy like Jennifer Lopez’s to short and full like Dakota Johnson’s, there’s a curtain bang style for everyone. While professional expertise is ideal, the temptation to DIY can be overwhelming. If you’re ready to take the plunge and cut your own curtain bangs on curly hair, this guide is for you.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs for Curly Hair at Home
Achieving your dream curtain bangs requires precision and professional hair shears. If you don’t have professional shears, opt for the sharpest scissors available. A clean cut is crucial to prevent split ends and maintain the integrity of your hair.
The technique for cutting curtain bangs varies depending on your hair texture. Curly hair benefits from a focus on length and shape to define the bangs. Straight hair, on the other hand, requires careful layering to achieve the desired curtain effect.
Let’s break down the steps.
Start with fresh, dried hair
Curly or wavy hair shrinks when dry, so it’s crucial to cut your bangs when your hair is completely dry. This will prevent the dreaded “too short” surprise after your hair dries. Starting with clean, dry strands is essential for accurate cutting.
Follow your usual hair washing routine and ensure your curls are well-prepped. Hydrate your hair with a combination of cream and oil. Once you’ve applied these products, use a hair diffuser to dry your curls and enhance their natural pattern. The more defined your ringlets, the easier it will be to cut your curtain bangs accurately.
Section your soon-to-be bangs
Before cutting, isolate your fringe from the rest of your hair. Place a comb flat on top of your head and identify where the hairline starts to slope downward. This marks the beginning of your curtain bangs. Create a triangular section at this point. For wispier bangs, opt for a narrower triangle.
Divide and cut
The key to curtain bangs is a graduated length. They should be shorter in the center and progressively longer towards the sides, creating a flattering arch shape. To achieve this look, divide the sectioned hair into two parts: the middle and the sides.
Start by focusing on the middle section. Grab a small clump of hair and determine your desired bang length. To avoid cutting too short, aim for an inch or two longer than your preferred length. Hold your scissors horizontally and snip through the center of each curl. For wavy hair, vertical cuts can soften the lines. Remember, you can always trim more, but hair growth takes time.
Repeat the same technique for the side sections. Gradually increase the length of the hair as you move towards the outer edges of your face to create the desired curtain effect.
Adjust your curtain bangs
Resist the urge to overcut or thin out your curls. Shorter curls tend to become more voluminous and springy. To accurately assess the final shape of your bangs, apply curl cream and leave-in conditioner, then finger coil and diffuse your hair. You might discover that your bangs appear shorter than expected after drying.
Re-shape if necessary
Compare the length of the middle sections by holding them together. Repeat this process for the side sections to identify any uneven areas. Make necessary adjustments carefully, avoiding excessive cutting. If you desire shorter bangs, trim gradually and cautiously.
Tips on Styling Curly Curtain Bangs
- Mastering the art of cutting curtain bangs is just the beginning. While they’re relatively low-maintenance, especially for curly hair, a little extra care can go a long way. To tame frizz and enhance your curls, try using a conditioner like Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Straight Ultra. Its triple keratin benefits help minimize frizz, soften curls, and reduce breakage, making your bangs more manageable and defined.
- Proper maintenance is key to maintaining your curtain bangs. While air-drying might be tempting, it can lead to stiff curls. Instead, use a microfiber towel to gently remove excess water and then dry your hair with a diffuser for defined, bouncy curls.
- To enhance your newly cut curtain bangs, apply TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. This lightweight formula helps loosen the curl pattern, hydrate your hair, detangle knots, and add a lustrous shine. Perfect for both curly and finer hair types.
- Your new curtain bangs can be styled in countless ways, from a classic lob to a trendy shag. Experiment with different hairstyles to find your perfect look. If you need further assistance or want to refine your DIY creation, don’t hesitate to consult a professional hairstylist.