There’s no denying that curtain bangs are back (or perhaps they never truly left and are a timeless staple). From Tik Tok to New York Fashion Week, you can almost always spot an it-girl rocking French-inspired, 60s-esque parted fringe. The cut itself is known to open up one’s face, frame it subtly and add extra volume when the rest of the hair is tied up or pinned back. We asked professional hairstylists if the style can make women over 40 look younger, and what 3 inspiring examples to bring to your next stylist visit!
Can Curtain Bangs Make You Look Younger? Yes, and Here’s Why
Curtain bangs, or longer fringe parted down the center is an immensely popular style for many reasons. For anyone aiming to bring a youthful energy to their look or who just wants to change up their tresses, this low-maintenance yet classic cut could be the perfect way to change up your style.
Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles explains that curtain bangs are a “type of fringe cut that creates a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head.” They are often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance. The style, as seen above on Dakota Johnson, is “easy to achieve,” she says and “looks great on many different hair types.”
“Curtain bangs make your face appear smaller and slimmer when they come down to cheek level,” says Abdullah, noting that curtain bangs make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair. “The style works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front,” she adds.
Rebekkah O'Neill, master stylist and founder of The Orchard Hair agrees and notes that unlike fringes that can “close your face off,” if cut in a blunt or heavy way, wispy, curtain bangs “add a little something around your face without shutting it off and making it appear smaller.” O’Neill says that these bangs “cover your forehead which disguises fine lines and wrinkles, making you appear younger.”
Both stylists note that people of all ages are opting for curtain bangs, seen also on Kirsten Dunst, because of how easily customizable they are and how they can fit and frame any face shape.
“A lot of women love curtain bangs because they add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling,” adds Abdullah. “They can be worn short or long, curled or straight.”
O’Neill adds that whether you have straight, wavy or curly hair, these bangs can be cut to work for your type. “People with many different hair types are going for curtain bangs,” she says. “People that have curly hair find that having those short pieces round their faces allows the curls to spring up, frame them and accentuate their features.”
So, with all of that said, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to give this cut a go. Abdullah provided three potential ways you could rock curtain bangs and inspiration to show your stylist.
Curtain Bangs Cut #1— Lob
A "lob," or long bob is a great way to experiment with having short hair without having to commit to a chin-length bob. This style, as seen on Zooey Deschanel, works well with curtain bangs, Abdullah says, because they can add volume and texture. "The key is to keep the bangs long enough to cover the eyebrows and frame the face and eyes," she says.
#2— The Shag
From Patti Smith to Debbie Harry to Alexa Chung seen here, the 70s-inspired, rockstar-layered shag is a timeless cut staple that features curtain bangs. Abdullah points out that curtain bangs will give a youthful appearance to "anyone with long hair," but are especially popular with an accompanying shag since its many layers creates instant volume.
#3— Bob
The French-girl-esque bob is another classic style that will never look outdated. As seen here on Kerry Washington, a shorter haircut looks less drastic with soft, eyebrow-grazing curtain bangs added to it. This cut can really frame any face shape and layers can be added, as well. Abdullah says that bobs can bring out "wrong angles on mature women," if cut too heavily, so the curtain bang "allows this classic look a softer touch."
Overall, we could go on all day about the many different ways to wear, cut and style curtain bangs. This versatile hairdo works on any age, hair type and color— and it's often dubbed timeless for this reason. Whether you want to look younger or just want to change up your current locks, this cut can be life-changing and a forever go-to once you experience it.
