Curtain bangs curly hair combinations have taken the beauty world by storm, and I’ve watched this trend explode across social media with absolute fascination. Remember those iconic 60s and 70s styles? They’re back and better than ever! While many people think bangs and curls don’t mix, I’m here to tell you they absolutely can – and the results are stunning.
I’ve spent years helping clients transform their curly locks with the perfect curtain bangs. Actually, these face-framing wonders aren’t just a passing fad – they’ve firmly established themselves as a versatile option that adds dimension and volume to curly hair. However, there’s definitely an art to getting them right. Curtain bangs for curly hair require specific care, including regular trims every four to six weeks and proper styling techniques. Additionally, when cutting curly curtain bangs, I always recommend cutting them dry to prevent that dreaded shrinkage surprise (yes, we’ve all been there!).
From my experience, the types of bangs for curly hair that work best are those tailored to your specific curl pattern and face shape. Throughout this article, I’ll share my professional secrets on how to style curtain bangs curly hair using the right products – think aloe-based gels and nourishing leave-in conditioners – that will keep your curly curtain bangs looking fresh and frizz-free. Whether you’re considering a bold change or just curious about this trend, I’ve got 15 stylist-approved looks that will inspire your next salon visit.
Curtain Bangs with Long Layers
Long layers paired with curtain bangs have become my go-to recommendation for clients with curly hair. This stunning combination has taken the hair world by storm in 2025, offering that perfect balance between boldness and subtlety.
Style Overview
Curtain bangs with long layers create a beautiful frame around your face, reminiscent of elegant drapes. They part down the middle with longer sides that seamlessly blend into your layers, opening at the center and sweeping outward to accentuate your features. For curly hair, this style brings a world of dimension and depth, providing robust volume that gently frames your face. The layers allow your natural curls to blossom fully, creating movement throughout your locks.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Unlike straight hair which can sometimes fall flat, curly curtain bangs offer natural lift and body without requiring extra styling. Furthermore, this combination flatters virtually all face shapes—elongating round faces, softening square jawlines, and balancing heart-shaped and oval faces. Moreover, these bangs are remarkably versatile and significantly lower maintenance than traditional bangs. As they grow out, they naturally blend with your layers, making them perfect for curly-haired individuals hesitant about commitment.
Styling Tips
To make the most of your curly curtain bangs with long layers:
- Use a medium round brush while blow-drying, pulling bangs away from your face for volume
- Apply curl-defining cream to enhance your natural texture and keep frizz at bay
- Try the “pineapple” technique overnight—gathering hair including bangs into a high, loose ponytail to preserve your curls
- Experiment with half-up styles that showcase your bangs while keeping hair out of your face
For products, invest in sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, as curly hair tends to be drier. A good leave-in conditioner applied to damp bangs will keep them looking smooth and frizz-free.
Belle Hathaway’s Take
In my years of styling curly hair, I’ve found that curtain bangs with long layers create the most flattering look for those embracing their natural texture. Indeed, the synergy between face-framing bangs and long curly layers enhances overall depth and structure, making curls pop with vitality. I particularly love how this style allows for versatility—you can wear it loose for a romantic vibe or pull it up into a messy bun where the bangs add a touch of softness. Of course, what makes this style truly special is how it celebrates rather than fights against your natural curl pattern.
Effortless Bob with Curtain Bangs
Bobs and curtain bangs go together like cheese and wine – a perfect pairing that works beautifully for curly hair textures. As a stylist, I’ve noticed this combination gaining immense popularity among my clients seeking both style and manageability.
Style Overview
The effortless bob with curtain bangs creates a soft, sophisticated look that’s both modern and versatile. The face-framing elegance of these bangs sweeps gracefully to either side, starting with a center part that gradually blends into a curly bob. This jawline-length style with textured ends celebrates natural movement while the curtain bangs highlight your eyes and cheekbones. The result? A chic, timeless look that feels deliberately tousled yet polished.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
For those blessed with natural waves or curls, this beachy bob is simply ideal! The lightweight nature of this cut lifts the weight that often pulls down curly hair, making your natural texture more defined and structured. Consequently, your coily or kinky strands appear tighter and bouncier. The bob length prevents the dreaded triangle effect common in curly hair, whereas the curtain bangs add dimension that balances the overall shape. Despite concerns about managing curly bangs, this style actually works with your natural pattern rather than against it.
Styling Tips
To achieve this effortless look:
- Start with damp hair and apply a lightweight mousse or curl cream to enhance your natural texture
- Use a round brush to blow-dry your bangs away from your face, creating that signature curtain effect
- For the bob portion, either diffuse your curls or let them air-dry naturally
- Apply a small amount of anti-frizz serum on your fingertips and gently smooth over your bangs
Maintenance is surprisingly minimal – regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the shape looking fresh. Additionally, this style suits various curl patterns, from loose waves to tight coils.
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve found that the effortless bob with curtain bangs is one of the most versatile options for my curly-haired clients. Previously, many avoided bangs altogether, fearing they’d be too high-maintenance. Nevertheless, I’ve seen firsthand how this particular combination brings out the best in natural textures. The structured perimeter of the bob paired with the softness of curtain bangs creates a balanced silhouette that’s both modern and timeless. Whenever a client is hesitant about commitment, I often suggest this style first – it grows out beautifully and can be easily transitioned into different looks along the way.
Wide-Set Curtain Bangs
For curly-haired individuals seeking a fresh update, wide-set curtain bangs offer a unique twist on this beloved style. I’ve seen countless clients light up when they discover this effortless yet striking option.
Style Overview
Wide-set curtain bangs don’t necessarily fall over your forehead like traditional bangs. Instead, they feature a noticeable middle parting with the bangs sweeping elegantly to each side, creating a youthful, fresh look. This style parts the hair down the center, allowing the bangs to frame your face like graceful drapes. The key characteristic is the wider gap between the two sides of bangs, which creates a soft, open look around your face. Essentially, they’re curtain bangs with breathing room!
Why It Works for Curly Hair
The beauty of wide-set curtain bangs for curly hair lies in their flattering versatility. Above all, this style enhances your natural texture while providing ample space for your curls to do their thing. The wider parting prevents that too-heavy look that can happen with curly bangs. Additionally, wide-set curtain bangs direct attention to your eyes and cheekbones, creating a balanced appearance that works for virtually any face shape. In particular, if you have a round face, this style adds height and dimension.
Styling Tips
To achieve perfect wide-set curtain bangs with curly hair:
- Use a round brush while blow-drying to create that signature curtain effect, rolling them away from your face
- For extra volume, set with a Velcro roller placed backward
- Apply a lightweight anti-frizz serum to keep your bangs looking polished
- Embrace your natural texture by allowing your bangs to air-dry for a casual, effortless vibe
For maintenance, trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the shape defined and prevent your bangs from becoming too heavy.
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve recommended wide-set curtain bangs to clients who want something different yet accessible. Initially, many curly-haired clients worry bangs will be high-maintenance, but I’ve found this style offers the perfect balance. The breathing space between the bangs allows curls to sit naturally without fighting against them. I often tell my clients that wide-set curtain bangs are like training wheels for those new to bangs—they grow out beautifully and can be adjusted as you become more comfortable. For this purpose, I suggest starting slightly longer than you think you want, as curls will spring up when dry.
Waterfall Curtain Bangs Updo
Updo hairstyles and bangs might seem like unlikely partners, yet waterfall curtain bangs create one of the most striking combinations I’ve seen for curly hair. This pairing has quickly become a favorite among my clients seeking versatility with their natural texture.
Style Overview
Waterfall curtain bangs are the perfect middle ground between traditional curtain bangs and straight-across fringe. These bangs feature varied lengths—the longest pieces hit around the cheekbone while becoming shorter toward the middle. What makes them special is their wispy, textured appearance that creates a shaggy, 70s-inspired look. Unlike blunt bangs, waterfall curtain bangs have a soft, gradient effect that frames the face beautifully when worn with an updo. The pieces flow naturally outward, resembling—as the name suggests—a cascading waterfall.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
The textured, layered nature of waterfall curtain bangs makes them ideal for curly hair. Firstly, they complement natural curl patterns rather than fighting against them. Since these bangs are highly customizable, they work across various curl types. When paired with an updo, they soften the overall look by letting face-framing pieces fall naturally. Additionally, for curly-haired individuals, these bangs can add volume where needed and reduce weight in thicker sections. The shaggy texture blends seamlessly with curly hair’s natural movement.
Styling Tips
To achieve a perfect waterfall curtain bangs updo:
- Pin most of your hair up in a bun or “pineapple” style, allowing the shorter bangs to fall naturally around your face
- Apply curl cream to your bangs and either air-dry or diffuse for definition
- For refreshing between wash days, use a spray bottle to dampen bangs, apply styling product, and finger-coil curl by curl
- Allow your natural texture to shine—frizz can be your friend for added volume and character
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my styling career, I’ve found waterfall curtain bangs with updos to be remarkably versatile for my curly-haired clients. Correspondingly, this style offers a perfect balance—keeping most hair up while maintaining softness around the face. Beforehand, many clients worry about managing curly bangs, but I’ve seen how this combination actually simplifies their routine. The layered texture creates natural movement that enhances rather than constrains curls. Furthermore, this style grows out beautifully, transitioning through various lengths without that awkward in-between phase that makes traditional bangs challenging.
70s-Inspired Shag with Curtain Bangs
The iconic 70s shag haircut has made a triumphant return, becoming one of my absolute favorite styles for clients with natural curls. This retro-inspired look combines the perfect amount of texture, movement, and face-framing layers.
Style Overview
The 70s-inspired shag with curtain bangs features choppy, textured layers that create incredible movement and volume, especially around the crown and face. Undeniably, curtain bangs are the quintessential feature of this modern shag cut – is it even a shag without them? These bangs typically fall just above the lashes and blend seamlessly with the feathered layers throughout the cut. As a result, you get that sought-after volume at the crown while maintaining length at the bottom. The overall effect is slightly tousled and effortlessly cool, with a distinct rock-star quality that feels both vintage and contemporary.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
One of the biggest struggles for curly hair is too much bulk at the ends and a flat top. Yet, this shaggy cut brilliantly shifts the weight of thick curly locks from the ends to the crown. The layered nature of the shag helps eliminate excessive bulkiness while emphasizing the beautiful texture of natural curls. Specifically, the layers create major volume at the hair’s midsection, giving this cut its classic shape. Hence, this versatile style works beautifully across different hair types—from loose waves to tight coils—and suits women of all ages!
Styling Tips
To enhance your 70s-inspired shag with curtain bangs:
- Apply curling mousse to define your curls while adding volume and controlling frizz
- Use your fingers to comb the product through damp hair
- Allow your natural texture to shine—this cut is designed to look slightly mussed
- For softer layers that aren’t choppy, ask your stylist for a modern approach to the classic 70s cut
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, finding a hairdresser confident in cutting curly hair has been a challenge many of my clients mention. Before making this commitment, I recommend looking for a stylist who specializes in Rezo Cut or Deva Cut techniques—these are widely respected within the curly hair community. Personally, I love how this style celebrates rather than fights natural texture. The shag’s rebellious nature makes it perfect for those tired of hiding their curls and ready to embrace their natural beauty. Finally, this cut grows out beautifully, making it surprisingly low-maintenance compared to other styles.
Color-Blocked Curtain Bangs
Ready to add some excitement to your curly curtain bangs? Color blocking has emerged as one of my favorite techniques for clients looking to make a bold statement with their hair. This trend involves dyeing large portions of hair in a single vibrant color, creating a striking visual impact that turns heads.
Style Overview
Color-blocked curtain bangs involve adding a contrasting or vivid hue to your fringe area, creating an eye-catching frame around your face. This technique breathes new life into traditional curtain bangs by incorporating a chunky panel of color that stands apart from your base shade. Pink has been particularly popular lately, but any vibrant shade works beautifully—from electric blue to fiery orange or even metallic silver. The contrast between your natural hair color and the bold accent creates a dramatic effect that’s both playful and fashion-forward.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Color blocking works remarkably well with curly curtain bangs because the natural texture adds dimension to the colored sections. The curves and coils of curly hair catch the light differently, making the color appear multi-dimensional rather than flat. Plus, curly textures create natural separation between strands, allowing the color to peek through in an organic, eye-catching way. Tone-on-tone balayage particularly showcases your unique curl pattern, while darker roots add dimension and make regrowth less noticeable. This technique also draws attention to your face-framing layers, enhancing your facial features.
Styling Tips
To make the most of your color-blocked curtain bangs:
- Start with properly cut curly curtain bangs—ideally cut dry to account for shrinkage
- Choose colors that complement your skin tone and base hair color
- Apply lightweight styling products that won’t dull your vibrant color
- Refresh color regularly with color-depositing conditioners between salon visits
- Consider temporary color options if you’re hesitant about commitment
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my styling career, I’ve seen color-blocked curtain bangs transform my clients’ entire look and confidence. Thus, I always recommend seeking an experienced colorist who understands textured hair. Many colorists are skilled with straight hair but lack experience with how color behaves on curly textures. Meanwhile, the right professional will understand how to create balance and dimension specifically for your curl type. I find this style particularly freeing—it gives my clients permission to play with their appearance without committing to all-over color. Afterward, many tell me they wish they’d tried it sooner!
Super Voluminous Curtain Bangs
Volume enthusiasts rejoice! Among all curtain bang styles for curly hair, the super voluminous version stands out as a truly magnificent option. My clients with naturally textured hair often ask me how to embrace rather than tame their abundance of curls.
Style Overview
Super voluminous curtain bangs celebrate the natural fullness of curly hair, creating a dramatic frame that enhances facial features. This style features bangs that are shorter in the middle and gradually extend longer on the sides, yet with an emphasis on maximizing height and width. The look appears regal and commanding, with curls that sometimes gloriously defy gravity. This cut creates a robust and voluminous presence that gently kisses your cheeks while maintaining that classic curtain-like parting down the middle.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Contrary to popular belief, tight curly hair that naturally defies gravity makes bangs absolutely stunning. Generally, the more volume, the better with this style! The inherent texture of curly hair provides built-in lift that straight-haired folks can only dream about. This particular style allows your natural curls to blossom fully while the curtain bangs offer a gentle frame that accentuates your face. Simultaneously, these voluminous curtain bangs add unexpected zest and character to your overall look.
Styling Tips
To achieve maximum volume with your curly curtain bangs:
- Use hot rollers on dry hair, rolling them away from your face in two sections and keeping them in for about 30 minutes
- Alternatively, use a large round brush while blow-drying, wrapping your bangs around it and releasing to create that perfect swoop
- Apply a lightweight dry shampoo at the roots for instant lift and volume refresh between washes
- Finish with hairspray to set everything in place, yet use your fingers to separate the ends for that curtain effect
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Considering my years working with textured hair, I’ve found that embracing volume rather than fighting it creates the most striking curtain bang styles. Many clients initially worry about looking “too big,” until they see how framing the face with voluminous curtain bangs actually enhances their features. As well as being visually impressive, this style celebrates the natural characteristics of curly hair. I often recommend this approach to clients seeking to make a statement while honoring their natural texture. The feedback? Pure joy at finally having a style that showcases rather than constrains their gorgeous curls.
Bardot-Inspired Curtain Bangs
The iconic Brigitte Bardot gave us one of the most seductive bang styles of all time, and I’m thrilled to see them making a spectacular comeback for curly hair. These ultra-fluffy, face-framing bangs have quickly become a favorite request in my salon.
Style Overview
Bardot-inspired curtain bangs are characterized by their romantic, flirty feel with a distinctive shape. They typically start just above the eyebrow and fan out gracefully below the cheekbone, creating that classic curtain effect with a middle part. Markedly different from standard curtain bangs, the Bardot version is slightly shorter in the middle yet maintains the same overall shape that elegantly frames the eyes. The bangs gradually extend longer toward the sides of the face, kissing the top of the cheekbone for that quintessential 60s-inspired look.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Curly hair textures bring Bardot bangs to life in ways straight hair simply cannot! Their naturally voluminous texture creates that perfect fluffy effect Bardot was famous for without much styling effort. Certainly, these bangs complement various curl patterns because they don’t fight against your natural texture—they celebrate it. The longer length makes them ideal for curly hair, accommodating shrinkage while still maintaining that face-framing effect. Bardot bangs can be adapted to suit different curl types, making them one of the most versatile types of bangs for curly hair.
Styling Tips
To achieve perfect Bardot-inspired curtain bangs with curly hair:
- Use a 1-inch curling iron to style, curling away from your face from roots to ends
- Gently brush through with a soft bristle brush to create that signature fluffy look
- Set with a light, flexible hairspray that won’t weigh down your curls
- For added volume, try hot rollers or Velcro rollers placed backward from your face
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my styling career, I’ve found Bardot bangs to be the ultimate “gateway” to bangs for my curly-haired clients. Till recently, many avoided bangs altogether, fearing they’d be unmanageable with curls. Notwithstanding these concerns, Bardot-inspired curtain bangs offer that perfect balance of structure and softness. I often recommend them as a first step before committing to shorter fringe styles. The beauty of these bangs lies in their versatility—they can be worn tousled and natural or styled for a more polished look. Although they require regular trims every 4-6 weeks, the grow-out process is remarkably forgiving compared to blunt bangs.
Understated Curtain Bangs
Sometimes less is more. For clients seeking a softer approach to the curtain bangs trend, I often suggest the understated version that offers elegance without overwhelming your natural curl pattern.
Style Overview
Understated curtain bangs feature wispy, subtle framing that blends seamlessly with the rest of your hair. They’re characterized by soft, thinned-out edges along the bottom with a few shorter layers on either side that allow loose pieces to remain free even when hair is pulled up. The shape is angled just above the brow and softly blended longer towards the eye, creating a gentle frame rather than a bold statement. These bangs aren’t piece-y nor blunt, making them perfect for those hesitant about committing to dramatic fringe.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Understated curtain bangs are remarkably versatile for curly hair. Firstly, they can be easily pushed to the sides and integrated with the rest of your hair if you’re not feeling the bangs look that day. This makes them ideal for curlies who enjoy changing their style frequently or are growing bangs out. Moreover, their subtle nature feels “long and blended-in enough to make them easy to style and allow for the face to still feel open and ‘seen’ since one side of the face stays mostly ‘un-banged’.” They particularly flatter diamond-shaped faces by adding softness while maintaining your curl’s natural character.
Styling Tips
To achieve perfect understated curtain bangs:
- Blow dry with a medium-sized boar bristle round brush, pulling them away from your face
- For a French-inspired look, set them with lightweight hairspray after styling
- If growing them out, experiment with side-parting to create an asymmetrical, swept effect
- For a wind-swept appearance, part slightly to the side for that perfect face-framing effect
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve recommended understated curtain bangs as the perfect “starter bangs” for curly-haired clients. Thereafter, many discover they love the versatility this style offers. Even though these bangs appear effortless, they dramatically transform your look without requiring significant maintenance. I find they’re particularly suitable for busy professionals who want style without commitment. Additionally, they serve as an excellent transition option if you’re considering more dramatic bangs but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge.
Large Ringlets with Curtain Bangs
Embracing the natural beauty of large ringlets with curtain bangs creates one of the most eye-catching styles I’ve seen throughout my career. This look celebrates texture in its fullest form.
Style Overview
Large ringlets with curtain bangs feature defined spiral curls that frame the face with dramatic flair. The style focuses specifically on adding strategic layers to create more body and movement. The curtain bangs part in the center and sweep outward, opening like a theater curtain to showcase your features. In contrast to tighter curl patterns, these large, bouncy ringlets make a bold statement while maintaining a soft, feminine appeal. The bangs themselves can be as few as two, three, or four perfectly-placed strands that transform into a subtle framing element.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
For those blessed with luscious curls and big waves, this style answers the question of how curtain bangs fit with larger curl patterns. First off, the generous ringlets provide natural volume and dimension that flat-ironed styles simply can’t achieve. Subsequently, when combined with layers and curtain bangs, this style brings unexpected volume and zest to your look. The curtain bangs particularly accentuate diamond-shaped faces, creating a balanced frame that enhances your natural features. Plus, this combination allows your natural curl pattern to thrive while offering just enough structure.
Styling Tips
To maintain beautiful large ringlets with curtain bangs:
- Apply a blend of almond and avocado oils as a pre-wash treatment to protect and fortify strands
- Rest your curls on a silk pillowcase overnight to preserve their shape and reduce friction
- For winter months, increase hydration treatments to prevent dryness and maintain bounce
- Turn just a few perfect curly strands into bangs for a subtle yet effective framing
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my years styling curly hair, I’ve found that large ringlets with curtain bangs offer the perfect balance between structure and freedom. Contrary to what many clients initially believe, curly hair—particularly with larger, defined ringlets—creates stunning curtain bangs that straight-haired folks often envy. In effect, this style nurtures the fullness and character your hair deserves. I often recommend this approach to clients who want to highlight their natural texture while adding face-framing definition. The beauty of large ringlets with curtain bangs lies in their versatility—they work across various curl patterns and face shapes, making them an accessible option for nearly everyone.
Gravity-Defying Curtain Bangs
Tight curly hair that naturally springs upward creates the perfect canvas for one of my favorite styles to recommend. For clients with coils that reach for the sky, gravity-defying curtain bangs offer a uniquely stunning option.
Style Overview
Gravity-defying curtain bangs showcase the natural upward tendency of tight curly hair, creating dramatic volume around the face. These bangs don’t fall flat but instead rise upward and outward, framing the face with bold dimension. Naturally, this style features a center part with curls that sweep to either side while maintaining significant height. The resulting look is confident and commanding, with curls that proudly stand up rather than droop downward.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Many people mistakenly believe that tight, springy curls aren’t suitable for bangs. Undoubtedly, the opposite is true! In fact, the more volume, the better with this style. Gravity-defying curtain bangs actually enhance the face and eye-framing effect precisely because they rise upward. This natural lift adds unexpected dimension to your overall look, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. Furthermore, this style celebrates rather than fights against your hair’s natural tendency to spring upward.
Styling Tips
To maximize your gravity-defying curtain bangs:
- For refreshing between wash days, use a spray bottle to dampen your bangs and apply just enough styling cream to add slip, then finger-coil curl by curl
- Air dry or hover-diffuse without touching your curls for maximum definition
- Rest your curls on a silk pillowcase overnight to preserve their shape and reduce friction
- Remember that tight curls can shrink up to 75% once fully dry, so account for this when cutting
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve noticed many clients with tight curls shy away from bangs entirely. In addition, many stylists lack confidence in cutting curly bangs properly. Therefore, I always recommend finding a stylist experienced with textured hair who understands shrinkage. Looking at photos of gravity-defying curtain bangs, one might think they’re high-maintenance, yet I’ve found they’re often more forgiving than other styles since they work with your natural texture. My clients with this style consistently report feeling liberated by embracing their hair’s natural tendency to reach upward.
Side-Parted Curtain Bangs
Despite what Gen Z might claim about side parts being “out,” side-parted curtain bangs offer a refreshing twist on this versatile trend for curly-haired beauties.
Style Overview
Side-parted curtain bangs feature an asymmetrical, wind-swept fringe that elegantly frames just one side of the face. Unlike traditional curtain bangs with their middle parting, this style creates a softer, angled effect with bangs “just above the brow and softly blended longer towards the eye”. The distinguishing characteristic is having one side of the face remain mostly “un-banged,” which keeps your face looking open and visible. These bangs aren’t blunt but have “soft thinned out edges along the bottom with a few shorter layers on either side”, allowing loose pieces to fall naturally even when the rest of your hair is pulled up.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
This style has remarkable versatility for curly hair textures. Chiefly, side-parted curtain bangs add a “French insouciance” that complements natural curls beautifully. The side positioning works wonderfully for those with strong cowlicks or growth patterns that naturally create side parts. Equally important, this style allows curly-haired individuals to embrace both trends—curtain bangs and a side part—simultaneously. The graduated length creates a naturally flattering frame that grows out seamlessly with your style.
Styling Tips
To achieve perfect side-parted curtain bangs:
- Blow dry with a “medium-sided boar bristle round brush” to create that signature swept effect
- Set with lightweight hairspray that won’t weigh down your curls
- For added dimension, consider “subtle blonde highlights through the lengths” to enhance the framing effect
- When growing out, these bangs “simply blend with your shape”, eliminating awkward transition phases
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career working with curly clients, I’ve found side-parted curtain bangs to be surprisingly versatile. Accordingly, they offer a perfect compromise for those torn between current trends and what naturally works for their hair pattern. I often recommend this style to clients who feel intimidated by traditional bangs—it creates a “fresh new feel” without requiring a “huge adjustment”. The beauty of this variation lies in its adaptability—it works across various curl patterns and face shapes while offering that perfectly imperfect French-girl vibe we all secretly crave.
Frizzy and Free Curtain Bangs
One of the biggest myths I’ve had to debunk as a stylist is that frizz is the enemy. For beautifully textured hair, embracing frizzy and free curtain bangs can create one of the most authentic, low-maintenance looks.
Style Overview
Frizzy and free curtain bangs celebrate natural texture rather than fighting against it. This style features a soft, tousled wave through the ends with an “adequate amount of lived-in texture”. Instead of perfectly defined curls, these bangs have a deliberately undone quality that frames your face with character. They’re not piece-y or blunt but have “soft thinned out edges along the bottom”. The overall effect creates what I call beautifully controlled chaos—structured enough to frame your features yet free enough to move naturally.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Curly hair naturally creates volume and dimension—qualities that make curtain bangs shine. Notably, “one of the best parts about bangs is that they can give shape to your hair even if you choose to do minimal styling”. This approach works exceptionally well for anyone who “embraces frizziness”, turning what might be considered a hair challenge into your signature feature. The natural texture adds body and movement that perfectly complements the curtain effect, framing your eyes and cheekbones without appearing too controlled.
Styling Tips
For perfect frizzy and free curtain bangs:
- Start with freshly washed hair and apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture
- Use curl-defining cream sparingly—enough to enhance natural texture without weighing down your bangs
- Air-dry whenever possible to maintain that authentic, lived-in texture
- For special occasions, try “a messy top knot or curly poof made even more elegant by curly curtain bangs framing your face”
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve watched countless clients fight against their hair’s natural tendencies. Nevertheless, the most confident, radiant clients I work with are those who’ve learned to embrace their texture. I love recommending frizzy and free curtain bangs to clients tired of high-maintenance styles. Seeing someone recognize the beauty in their natural texture is truly rewarding. Remember that this style isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity. The slightly wild, carefree nature of these bangs brings personality and character that polished styles simply can’t match.
Curtain Bangs on Stretched Curls
Many curlies adore the flexibility natural hair offers—it’s like having multiple textures in one! Stretched curtain bangs exemplify this versatility, offering a stunning alternative for those who occasionally want a different look without committing to heat styling.
Style Overview
Stretched curtain bangs maintain the classic middle-parted curtain effect while elongating your natural curl pattern. This technique showcases your texture in a more lengthened state, whether through twist-outs, braid-outs, or rod sets. The result is a softer, slightly elongated version of your curls that frames your face elegantly. For anyone hesitant about traditional curly bangs, this option provides the perfect middle ground—defined yet relaxed, structured yet natural.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
The remarkable aspect of stretched curtain bangs is their adaptability. “Most curlies love how flexible natural hair is. Even in a stretched state, curtain bangs still work”. This style celebrates your natural texture while offering a slightly different esthetic. Furthermore, it works beautifully with various styling methods—”If you find yourself doing a twist out, braid-out, or rod-set, with a good cut your bangs should still be ready to go”. During transitional seasons or humidity changes, this technique gives you consistent styling options regardless of weather conditions.
Styling Tips
To achieve perfect stretched curtain bangs:
- Prepare by applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner to damp hair
- Choose your stretching method—twist-outs create looser waves, while braid-outs offer more defined patterns
- Allow your hair to fully dry before unraveling to prevent frizz
- Use minimal product to avoid weighing down the bangs
- Refresh between styles with a light misting of water and minimal manipulation
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve found stretched curtain bangs to be an excellent gateway style for clients transitioning into wearing their natural texture. Many are surprised at how much they love the versatility this technique offers. I often recommend this approach for professional settings where clients want a more predictable look without resorting to heat styling. The beauty of stretched curtain bangs lies in their adaptability—they work across various curl patterns and face shapes while offering that perfectly imperfect look we all secretly crave.
Messy Ponytail with Curtain Bangs
Quick, effortless, yet undeniably chic – the messy ponytail with curtain bangs has become my secret weapon for clients seeking stylish solutions for their curly hair.
Style Overview
The messy ponytail with curtain bangs combines casual ease with face-framing elegance. In essence, this style features a tousled updo with deliberately undone texture, while curly curtain bangs cascade around your face, adding structure and dimension. The contrast between the secured hair and the free-flowing bangs creates visual interest that elevates this seemingly simple style. What makes this look special is how it transforms the most basic ponytail into something that looks intentionally styled rather than hastily thrown together.
Why It Works for Curly Hair
Curly curtain bangs can completely transform even the simplest hairstyles, adding significant “oomph” to a quick ponytail. Likewise, this combination works beautifully because it celebrates rather than fights your natural texture. The ponytail portion keeps most of your curls contained and manageable, while the bangs create that perfect face-framing effect that accentuates your features. For curly-haired individuals, this style offers the perfect balance – keeping hair off your neck and face during warmer months while still maintaining that softness around your features.
Styling Tips
To create the perfect messy ponytail with curtain bangs:
- Begin by sectioning off your bang area in an oval shape, carving out however much you want for your fringe
- Brush remaining hair upward in the direction of your desired ponytail position
- Secure your ponytail, then gently pull sections to create volume and that “messy” effect
- Style your curtain bangs using a flat iron or wax stick to shape them into place
- For edges, apply a small amount of gel to create your desired pattern
For refreshing this style, simply re-wet your bangs and apply minimal product to reshape them while keeping the ponytail intact.
Belle Hathaway’s Take
Throughout my career, I’ve found the messy ponytail with curtain bangs to be the ultimate lazy-day solution that still looks intentional. In the same vein as other styles we’ve discussed, this combination honors your natural texture while offering structure. What I love most about recommending this style is seeing the relief on clients’ faces when they realize they don’t need elaborate routines to look polished. For those with busy lifestyles, this approach delivers maximum impact with minimal effort. The curtain bangs element transforms what might otherwise be a forgettable ponytail into a standout style that frames your face beautifully.
Conclusion
Curtain bangs have undoubtedly revolutionized styling options for curly-haired beauties. Throughout my years working with textured hair, I’ve watched countless clients discover newfound confidence after embracing these versatile fringe styles. Whether you prefer the dramatic flair of gravity-defying volume or the subtle elegance of understated framing, curtain bangs offer something for every curl pattern and face shape.
Many clients initially approach me with hesitation, wondering if their natural texture will cooperate with bangs. Actually, curly hair creates some of the most stunning curtain bang effects – dimensions and movement that those with straight hair often try to recreate artificially! The key lies in finding a stylist experienced with textured hair who understands how to cut your bangs dry to account for shrinkage.
Remember that proper styling makes all the difference. Lightweight products like aloe-based gels and nourishing leave-in conditioners will keep your curly curtain bangs looking fresh between salon visits. Additionally, silk pillowcases have saved countless clients from the morning frizz battle, preserving those perfectly framed curls overnight.
Choosing curtain bangs represents more than just a hairstyle decision – it’s about embracing your natural texture rather than fighting against it. The beauty of these styles lies in their adaptability. Your bangs will look slightly different each day, offering endless variety with minimal effort.
My greatest joy comes from seeing clients leave my chair with that mixture of excitement and confidence that comes from finally finding a style that celebrates rather than constrains their natural beauty. Therefore, I encourage you to take the plunge – whether you choose bold 70s-inspired volume or subtle face-framing wisps, curtain bangs might just become your signature look for 2025 and beyond!