This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
Celebrating the big 4-0 is a momentous occasion, and what better way to honor this than with a timeless, sleek, and flattering hairstyle, such as a shag cut with curtain bangs? If you’re in need of a fresh, classic and voluminous new ‘do, professional hair stylists told us how to channel this celeb-fave style, as seen on stunning A-listers like Kaley Cuoco, Jessica Biel, and Miley Cyrus.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight on shags that’ll bring life to flatter tresses and highlight your eyes and cheekbones. We caught up with Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites and Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.
The Difference Between Dragging Through Your Day And Feeling Great On Your Feet? These Arch Support Insoles
Why A Shag With Curtain Bangs Is The 'Perfect' Cut For Volume & Movement Over 40
Those of us with thinning hair who want to maintain longer lengths can look to Abdullah's recommendation of long layers with bangs as a potential 'do.
This shaggy style creates movement while also disguising thinness, particularly around the crown where many experience hair loss. Kaley Cuoco's wispy curtain bangs offer a subtle, creative way to camouflage this issue, Abdullah says.
She notes that a fringe like this (also a look Jennifer Lopez has pulled off) is versatile, and can be parted in the center or worn down. They also "add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
Abdullah adds that bangs like these "can be worn short or long, curled or straight," and that the key is to "keep the bangs long enough to cover the eyebrows and frame the face and eyes."
Noticing your part widening over 40? Don't fret! Abdullah explains that curtain bangs paired with a shag will "make your hair appear thicker, and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair."
While anyone regardless of hair texture can try a shag, Abdullah says that the style ultimately works well for "women who want to hide thinning hair in the front." (Khloé Kardashian is also a fan!)
This cut creates "a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head." Cuoco isn't the only stunner known to rock a shag with wispy fringe. Jessica Biel is also no stranger to this look, which Rivera says is a "face-framing cut that works well for taking years off," if you wish to.
"The shag is also a great style for softening features," Rivera says, as it can take attention away from wrinkles, fine lines or age spots on the forehead as well.
Rivera goes on to say that a shag with bangs (which Miley Cyrus has also been sporting lately) is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile. A shag with layers of different lengths offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair," she says. "Adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look, she advises.
For anyone with hair on the longer side, Rivera points out that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture by "adding subtle layers to soften."
First popularized in the 70s, this daring 'do is frequently picked by celebs and mature beauties wishing to emphasize their facial features and radiant glow at any age, Rivera concludes.
Undeniably, the shag with curtain bangs never fails to go out of style (and we can see why!)
