Curtain Bangs Are Making a Comeback, Here Are 55 Photos to Inspire Your New Do

Does the question “should I get bangs?” keep you up at night? If so, we might have the perfect solution in curtain bangs which look excellent on everyone no matter the shape of your face. So, what are curtain bangs? The style can be summed up as shaggy, casual bangs that frame the face and draw attention to the eyes. The hairdo got its start in the 1960s and 70s with icons like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot popularizing the look.

Today, curtain bangs have made a huge comeback as many women have discovered the fantastic style is flattering on them. These “gateway” bangs are not too blunt or severe and, instead, offer a softer approach to traditional bangs. Stars like Sandra Oh, Suki Waterhouse, and Dakota Johnson are rocking these bangs today and showing a new generation the effortless virtues of this carefree style. Let’s take a look at photos of curtain bangs for inspiration!

Let’s Take a Look at Some Glamorous Curtain Bangs Photos!

Go Long

If you’re not completely sold on the idea of shorter bangs, consider going long with them. Curtain bangs can be cut rather subtly and allow you to pin them back and/or grow them out relatively quickly. This look offers a lot of variety that you can pretty much style however you want and always be satisfied when you’re done.

You Know You Wanna

If you have already committed to the curtain bangs life, go a little shorter for a youthful, flirty look. For those who want some forehead coverage, shorter bangs are definitely the way to go. These bangs give off an incredibly youthful look and they’re sure to get you lots of compliments just because of how good you look with them.

Here for the Texture

Curtain bangs offer you the perfect opportunity to add tons of texture to your hairstyle. In the example above, we find a somewhat chunky cut that totally gives off the “too cool to care” vibe while also looking completely enviable. This style tells people that you’re up for whatever comes your way, You’ll enjoy whatever the day brings to you.

Silky & Smooth

If chunky and a bit messy aren’t the ways you want to take your curtain bangs, consider keeping them smooth. A similar look will offer a modest amount of texture but still looks appealing. It’s all about how clean this style looks compared to the others, and you can certainly tell the difference. It just depends on the specific person.

Be Blunt

Curtain bangs can be adapted for every length. We find a bold and blunt bang in this style that looks great on longer face shapes. These bangs really draw attention to your eyes and no matter what length the rest of your hair is, people will always go right for the eyes. There’s no doubt in our minds about it!

See?

No matter how long or short you plan to go, you can easily make curtain bangs work for you. We find a before and after look at just how versatile these bangs can be. How fun! When it comes to the length of your hair with these bangs, you can choose however long or short you want it to be.

Got Serious Curls? No Problem!

Many folks think that curls and bangs don’t mix but that could not be further from the truth. In fact, curls and curtain bangs are a match made in heaven. We’ll continue to explore these looks for our curly girls below. The bright orange bangs here really give this girl a look that stands out amongst the crowd. It works!

More Curls

We turn to the iconic Sandra Oh for more curtain bangs inspiration as she truly knows how to rock curls and bangs like no other. Let your curls frame your face like this and you won’t look back. This is definitely a good look on Sandra Oh and you might even find that it looks pretty good on you too.

Helmet Hair

Go big with your volume on the top for a retro 60s throwback that is equal parts glam rock and mod squad. If you want to serve rock star vibes, go with a mushroom shape that stuns. This style is stunningly beautiful and it looks extremely simple, clean, and cute. Who wouldn’t want to try this one on for size? 

Beachy Fringe

Curtain bangs are a perfect way to achieve a carefree, sunkissed, beachy look. Add some highlights for even more sunshine. Every day can be a vacation with hair like this! This look is perfect for a beach day. It’s the perfect look for when you want to be relaxing on a beach or even just when you’re running your errands.

More Fringe

Dakota Johnson has made this shag her signature look and she has had some form of it now for years. The soft curtain bangs, with a slight fringe, really frame the face well while the longer layers appear luxurious and sophisticated. The longer layers of this hairstyle really make her face stand out and make her eyes pop, and shine.

Something for You to Mull Over

The mullet has made a comeback, and Miley Cyrus is just one of many to rock this hairstyle. A mullet is simply a bold, short, and asymmetrical haircut. So if this is what you’re looking for, do as Cyrus has done and chop your hair off. This hairstyle is super cool and still going strong among the more trendy neighborhoods. 

Get Feathered

Farrah Fawcett delivered the gift of feathered hair to the world in the 70s and we think her disco glam look still translates today. Feathered curtain bangs are such a treat and look playful and charming, especially on rounder faces. This hairstyle gives you a more playful look and works well with quite a lot of different unique face shapes.

A Real Classic

Alexa Chung has made a classic shag haircut her signature and has had some form of shag for the better part of a decade, her easy curtain bangs can be pinned back or grown out before you inevitably decide to chop them off again! These bangs frame her face and bring lots of attention to her eyes and mysterious smile.

RELATED: 35 Laughably Bad Celebrity Hairstyles

Heavy Curtain Bangs

Want a hairstyle that screams punk rock? Consider getting heavy curtain bangs that do wonders for heart-shaped faces. These bangs offer tons of texture and whimsy and aren’t the least bit stuffy. This haircut offers you a lot of movement too and shows off your face in a way that compliments it. This hairstyle is a winner in our books.

Full-On Curls

Name a celebrity with better hair than Tracee Ellis Ross. Big, curly hair is just so dramatic and dynamic. If you’ve got some serious curls, really show them off with a shag. Don’t take our word for it. Ms. Ross’s hair is proof that curtain bangs are the perfect fit for lots of curls. Tracee makes this look too easy.

We Heart It

You can achieve a wonderful heart shape framing for your face with curtain bangs. Just layer them up toward a center part. As you can see, natural curls look fabulous in this style. You can even play with color a bit to get this hairstyle exactly the way you want it. It’s super versatile and makes you look super good.

Where the Fringe Meets the Waves

This is an example of a very delicate fringe on these curtain bangs that really highlight the eyes. The bangs cascade into the most luscious waves here and you could totally do the same with your wavy hair! There’s a lot to be said about how this hairstyle goes above and beyond to make you look good. We love It!

Curtain Bangs + Bob

Yes, you can add curtain bangs to your cute chopped bob. Some bobs can look severe with the hard line of the bob but you can soften things up with the addition of some curtain bangs. Voila! This look is perfect for people who want to try something a little more playful so you should try this hairstyle out.

Cute Baby Curtain Bangs

Here we come back to the tiny bangs, but these are a bit bigger than the micro bangs that we saw earlier. If you’d like a short haircut that feels fresh and modern go short with your bangs and either part them into mini curtain bangs or swoop them to one side for something dramatic. This hairstyle is a winner.

The Shortest Shag with Bangs

Are you looking for something that is effortless to care for and style? Consider getting a super short shag with curtain bangs. This cute look really opens up the face and shows off all of your features. This short hairstyle will carry you a long way and it’ll give you a nice signature look that people will remember you by.

Tie It Back & Show Them Off

After you’ve gotten the best bangs in the world, it’s time to show off! Tie back your hair and leave your bangs out for all to admire. This is a nice little hairstyle that almost reminds us of Tinkerbell, and we know how much spunk that little fairy had. If you wanna embody that, this is the hairstyle for you.

Big Bangs, Baby Shag

Go with dramatic bangs and a baby shag to accentuate the shape of your face. The bangs will draw attention to the eyes and the shaggy texture in the back will help soften the jaw. This haircut gives you a very youthful look without taking much effort to style or maintain. You can definitely get a lot out of this.

Experiment with Color

Don’t you dare be afraid to lighten up your curtain bangs with some color! We find these beautiful bangs in blonde and pink for a unique look. Make your bangs all your own with color! This dyed look will help you achieve a slightly edgy look while still letting you appear still somewhat youthful and soft. This look is great!

Long Curtains Sans Shag

Most curtain bangs are a part of a shag haircut but you can keep things smooth and unfussy with long bangs like these. They simply add an additional swoopy layer without looking unkempt. This look will give you a slightly mysterious vie and that might be exactly what you’re looking for. This look also says that you’re all about business.

Go the Full Bardot

A touch of the 60s and a kiss of 70s glam can be found in this look which features some truly dramatic curtain bangs. This look is very much inspired by Brigitte Bardot and has a slight retro-cool vibe. This look is very cool and the fact that it covers your eyes gives you a hint of mystery and intrigue.

Julia Roberts Envy

You can go full Julia Roberts with super long locks with equally long curtain bangs to match. When bangs work into waves like this they are such a subtle, added textural element that brings so much visual interest to the style. The waves here give you a lot of movement to work with and will frame your face pretty well.

Swoop It Like It’s 1977

If you’re not trying to go all out with a feathered look, consider a slight swoop shape for your curtain bangs. We’re certain these 1970s-inspired bangs are still going to be a huge hit today. Still, this look is bound to get you a ton of compliments because it looks so good on anyone who wears it. It’s so fun!

Get the Wolf Cut

Equal parts mullet and shag, the wolf cut is a red-hot hair trend at the moment. If you don’t want to commit to a mullet but you love the texture and shape it offers, find a compromise in a delightful wolf cut. Some people even go on and shave the sides of their heads to add their own special flair.

Long & Swoopy

Let’s start by just complimenting this gorgeous copper color. Now, take a look at how long these curtain bangs are. We love the long, swoopy look. There’s a lot of flow in this haircut, so much so that we can’t help but think of the iconic redhead, Ariel. This flowy look will definitely help you catch people’s eyes.

Contemporary Shag

Micro curtain bangs are a thing and we’d love to see more. This chop is bordering on a mullet and the contrast between the front and the back is huge. It’s a nice amount of contrast that also gives you a bit of a rock and roll vibe, and if that’s what you’re looking for, this haircut is for you.

Bangs to Bob

These bangs really hug the face tightly and draw attention to the eyes. If you’d like a shoulder-length bob, you better believe some curtain bangs sweeten the deal. This style has a bit of a mushroom shape that frames the face and draws all your attention there. It definitely has a bit of a retro vibe that people look for.

Hug Those Cheeks

Here’s another example of curtain bangs that sit tightly around the face. These really hug the cheekbones and show them off. This style works really well if you have a round face and wanna bring some attention to it. Wouldn’t you like to try out this retro look and see how it works out for you? This is a winner!

Feathery Fun

Does this feathery shaggy look give you Farrah Fawcett vibes? Live your Charlie’s Angels fantasy with a cut like this one. There’s a lot of movement and layers in this hair cut and we have to say we really like it. The dye job here also makes it stand out quite a bit. It’s a very good look overall.

Brighten Up

Highlights at the front on curtain bangs help brighten the complexion. If you’re getting color with your cut, it’s very trendy to highlight the bangs nearest to the face. This hairstyle will brighten you up and give you a lot to work with when it comes to styling your hair. This hairstyle sets you up to succeed. Go for it!

Long & Luscious

We live for the ease of long and dramatic curtain bangs. If you want a look that’s understated and sophisticated, consider something similar. This hairstyle is guaranteed to make you look professional and let people know that you’re all about business. If that’s the vibe you’re going for, then this look might just be the one you should try out.

Do It with Texture

Wow! This blonde shag has some truly remarkable texture. Ask your stylist to really shag that shag for a low-key rock-n-roll look. You can see how much volume there is in this cut and the bangs prove just how much attention can be pulled to your eyes by a simple change. You just might be able to rock this look.

It’s Fashion

We urge you to experiment with color. Kids these days are really into these intense highlighter-adjacent colors which make for a bold statement. With how intense this color is, it’s almost like this girl is a character pulled right out of a comic book or tv show. It show’s how much color can affect how you’re viewed day to day.

Curls for Days

A middle part with modest curly bangs really serves. If you needed proof that curtain bangs and curls do indeed mix, this look proves it. This look is a lot of fun, and definitely worth a try for those that want to try something new, and fun. All the volume here gives you the added bonus of having hair that is ultra fluffy. You might be shaking your head a lot more just to have fun with the curls that are there.

Like a Rock Star

Channel glam rock with severe curtain bangs with choppy layers. Let the back of the hair flow down for a mullet-meets-shag look. All she needs is a guitar and microphone because she looks ready to rock. The contrast in length of the front and back adds a bit of flair to these choppy layers and makes you look super interesting.

Curtains Meet Pixie

Yes, curtain bangs look fantastic on a pixie cut. Further, bangs will also work with a side part. This hairstyle is gonna be pretty simple, and easy to maintain. Both the sides and back are cut super short and close to the head. This is the perfect summer look that you should go for if you want to go short.

Accentuate the Eyes

With curtain bangs that hit right at the eye line or just above the cheekbones will really make your eyes pop. Bonus points for a hair color that contrasts with your eye color.  This style looks clean and the color is gorgeous. Some people just really know how to rock color. We definitely recommend seeing what works best for you.

Little Mullet Shag

Shaggy almost-mullet hair is the biggest trend of the year. We find this adorable bob with shorter curtain bangs up front to be most appealing. There’s so much texture to love. This hairstyle works really well for those who want something really lightweight. It’s a really cute style that doesn’t require too much upkeep at all. This one rocks!

Bebe Bangs

These bangs sit right above your eyebrows and give you a gentle and laidback look. This is yet another bob meets shag looks and we can honestly say that it looks pretty good. Those baby bangs can take you a long way if you know how to rock them. Go ahead and show us that you can rock this style!

Turn Up the Volume

Let those curls loose if you’ve got them. This hair’s mantra seems to be “go big or go home.” and they definitely decided to go big, not that we can blame them. This hairstyle is such a nice look and works extremely well with her face. Not to mention this color suits her and she looks ready to rock on.

Short & Sassy

How cute are these shorter looks with curtain bangs? If you’d like a carefree vibe, go for something similar. This cut really gives her a very youthful vibe and brings out her bright blue eyes, This is absolutely the perfect haircut for her and we can tell just by her expression that she is really happy with the choice she made.

A Tight-Fitting Shag

We’ve seen a lot of big shag cuts but a cut that sits tight around the face is also very nice. These cute flippy bangs draw your eye to the face without being over-the-top. This haircut looks like it was made for her actually. Sometimes a person just embodies a look, and we can’t help but agree, that it looks good.

Fade Into You

Yes, undercuts and shaggy bangs work well together. Get a nice fade below and let those top layers do the talking. This one absolutely gives you more of an edgy vibe. This style is for people who want to try something a little different and out of their comfort zone. This might also be just the style you’re looking for.

Casual & Cool

Here’s a very sweet bob that’s got subtle curtain bangs. For something easy and breezy, consider doing the same. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. This color is also very easy on the eyes. With this hairstyle, there’s so much other fun that you can have just by playing around with it and seeing how you like it most.

Heavy

Who else can’t get enough of heavy bangs? If you’ve got a thick head of hair, show it off with a cut like this. These heavy bangs just go to show you that this hairstyle can work for anyone who wants to try it out. In the end, it all depends on what you’re going for but we love this.

So Smooth

If tons of texture feels like a step too far, you can always go smooth and sleek. This hair is a shag but the majority of the layers are long which works very well. This hairstyle actually looks very clean and we can see how this could be more of a glam look for those who want to try it.

Flipped

We’re getting another feathered look with this cut that feels like it traveled from back in time to bring the seventies to us today. Notice how the highlights really make these layers pop. We love how these bangs and her long locks bring a lot of flow to this look. It’s very clean and all the layers really stand out.

On Fire

Experiment with color and you could walk away with a look that’s equally evocative. This fire-engine red would be the perfect color to make blue or green eyes really sparkle. But even if you’re eyes aren’t blue or green and you still want to go with this bright red, then you should absolutely go for it. This color is fantastic.

Long Live the Shullet

The stylist who shared the above image coined the term “shullet” to describe a shag cut that’s also mullet-adjacent. We seriously can’t get enough of this trend. This style is one of your favorites because it looks like it’d defying gravity. The curls at the top look almost cloudlike, and there are hints of color that make this look stand out.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Attention All People With Curly Hair, You’re Going to Want This OUAI Product

Balance

If you’d like a slightly androgynous look, consider cutting a pretty high bob or chop. Yes, it can still be blunt in the back and work with curtain bangs in the front. This super youthful style feels very 80s punk rock. Are you ready to rock? And the color, which is like a rose gold, is really pleasing to see.

There you go! What did you think of these curtain bangs photos? Are you ready to get some? We hope you feel inspired to finally get those bangs you’ve been wanting. If the idea has been bouncing around your head, go ahead and take the plunge as you will not regret the way that this hairstyle accentuates all the best parts of your gorgeous face! If you’re looking for the latest and greatest among emerging styles today, take look at some other cuts that are moving the needle and trending right now.

In addition to the mid-length bob, Bashir says we’ll also be seeing more layered haircuts — which are perfect for adding volume, movement, shape as well as framing the face.

RELATED: Discover the Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Your Hair

The experts say that 2022 will be less about the long, thick inches and more about classic medium-length to long-length hairstyles. Hair will still be nice and thick, but with lots of layers shown off by a blowout and heavy side part.

If you’re a fan of less is more, then this cut is perfect for you! Be it French-inspired, effortless hairstyling or natural color, Bashir adores the idea of simplicity for 2022. “Lots more color that feels natural but with an elevated gloss or natural highlight,” Bashir says.

RELATED: 33 Famous Haircuts You Will Love Rocking Too

Ah the cutain bang style! This layered fringe look is here to stay this year. Experts especially love the curtain bangs with a gorgeous blowout instead of beach waves.

Another big trend for clients will be hair extensions about 17 to 21 inches long (and if you’re new to extensions, that means hair that hits somewhere between your chest and waist). And as hair only grows half an inch-ish a month, the best way to get long lengths by 2022 is to make that appointment with an extensionist soon.

RELATED: 25 Haircuts That Will Make You Feel Young Again

“Life drastically changed after many months of quarantine and so did our habits, routines, and priorities,” Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair, says. “We’re learning to embrace our truest selves—this means embracing our natural color and texture.” With all of this in mind, Grenia expects people to be practical, natural, and faithful to their true colors next year.

Oh and Bashir says that in 2022, the motto is more healthy, shiny hair. To get that coveted shine, opt for an at-home hot oil treatment or see your colorist for a hair gloss that enhances your natural color.

Oh and back to the extensions — celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles says a thick, short bob with a center part or heavy side part will be a massive trend for 2022. But if you don’t have a thick head of hair, never fear! You can use extensions to fake fuller strands. That’s right, extensions aren’t just for length. Your stylist will also be able to blend the extensions into your bob to add natural-looking volume.

RELATED: 35 Hot Hair Color Trends You Should Try

This one will make millennials happy: the side part is now soooo 2022. Celeb hairstylist Anthony Campbell believes lots of clients will be asking for a side-swept, slightly longer bang in 2022.

According to celeb hairstylist Weezy, one-dimensional color, such as soft black, subtle chocolate brown, or warm ginger, will be taking over the balayage look and becoming the must-have hair color trend.

The wet-look hairstyle is also a must for 2022. Grenia says we can expect to see lots of gels and products for slicked-back looks like this.

RELATED: 35 Beautiful Short Haircuts for Women Who Want a Change

Did we mention dramatic straight hairstyle is also in this year? “I see sleek, long, and straight being very big in 2022,” Rubenstein says. And we love to see it.

Another one of Weezy’s top 2022 hair trends is light, soft, effortless curls. Weezy uses a wider barrel hot tool to achieve the look so that it creates more of a nice, soft wave.

And last but not least, chic bobs with a heavy side part or center part is in, in, in — according to Valles. Like Lizzo says “I do my hair toss, check my nails — baby how you feelin’?”

With these new styles, we are feeling “good as h***.”