If you have textured or curly hair, though, seeking a stylist skilled in dry cutting is essential for the most flattering curtain bangs. Curls tend to shrink as they dry, Christopher explains, so this technique helps gauge how the curls will fall. Cutting curls while they are dry also enables the stylist to give each curl individual attention for the softest, most consistent curtain bang look, adds Los Angeles-based hairstylist Karen Arechiga.
How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon
By this point curtain bangs are a universally understood term by professional hairstylists, but you can mention that you want “long, soft bangs that can be parted in the middle or slightly to the side,” Christopher says.
Bringing photos to your appointment that show your dream curtain bang look will also be much appreciated by your stylist. (Lucky for you, we included some images below for your consideration.) You can then point out what you like—and dislike—about each look. “Pictures are always helpful,” says Aguilar, “even if they’re photos of something you want to avoid.”
Be sure to tell your stylist how you realistically style and wear your hair daily, Arechiga adds. If you air dry your hair, say so. More of a blow-dry person? Your stylist will definitely want to know that.
Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.
Our experts strongly recommend not cutting curtain bangs at home. (You can go on TikTok to see plenty of curtain bang tutorials that end in tears.) “Bangs quite literally frame your face,” Aguilar says. “If you mess up, it won’t matter if the rest of your hair looks great because your bangs aren’t flattering.” Plus, she notes, most stylists do free bang trims for existing clients.
But if you simply must have DIY curtain bangs, “invest in good-quality hair scissors for a clean cut,” Christopher says. Need a suggestion or two? Try the Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors, which are made from lightweight Japanese stainless steel that stays perfectly sharp, or Tweezerman’s Stainless 2000 Styling Shears, which are super easy to maneuver for precise bang trimming.
Once you have your shears on hand, start with dry hair, so you can see the true length you’re working with. Next, create a triangle-shaped section at the front of your face with the top point starting from the crown of your head. Then angle the section down toward your temples on each side before pulling back the rest of your hair, Christopher explains.
From there, hold your professional-grade hair scissors diagonally from the ends of your hair, and cut an inverted V shape with small snips. This method creates texture and helps you avoid blunt edges, he says. The shortest parts at the middle should start near the center of your brows and the longest should be at the highest points of your cheekbones or even layered down to your jawline, Robinson adds.
How to style curtain bangs
If your curtain bangs are cut well, you should be able to air-dry them without disastrous results, especially if you want to wear your fringe in its naturally curly or wavy texture. “Curtain bangs are cut to look breezy and effortless,” says Robinson. “If too much heat or effort is applied while styling, it will break that illusion of ‘I woke up like this.’”