This is a hairstyle trend I’m really happy to see is still alive and well in 2022 after its 2021 comeback, not that it ever really went away.
‘Bangs’ is the US term for fringe and is said to have come from the word bang-tail, the practice of cutting horses’ tails straight across.
How glamorous.
Curtain bangs frame the face in the style of a long fringe with a parting that gently curves up at the sides like curtains at a window.
I wore my waist-long hair like this in the seventies before hitting my teens and succumbing to the cult of the Bay City Rollers. I chopped it all off in the style of Les McKeowen – even though the much older, more sophisticated (at least to 13-year-old me) Alan Longmuir, was my favourite.
This style suits all types of hair, thick and fine, and all face shapes.
It’s also (hurrah) a trend that suits older women. I tend to wear my hair up a lot of the time or in a ponytail and curtain bangs soften the overall look.
Of course, if you get one cut in (always go long first) and absolutely hate it, it’s no hassle to grow out.
STYLING
There are many videos on technique, but the easiest way is to separate the shorter pieces of fringe from the rest of the hair and roll the damp hair around a large brush and blow-dry.
- Apply a strong hold mousse or styling spray. Then roll the hair around the brush upwards (towards the back of your head) and the curve will be more pronounced.
- Roll the hair underneath ie towards your forehead for a more subtle curl.
- For fine hair that tends to droop, secure with a large velcro roller and leave for 30 minutes. Spritz with a light hair spray so it doesn’t look crispy.
The look is versatile, though hair with texture and a little movement looks better on older women.
Goldie Hawn has worn this style forever and I think it really contributes to the youthful vibe she always seems to give off.
CURTAIN BANGS FOR THE SLIGHTLY OLDER WOMAN
CURTAIN BANG UPDO STYLES – LOL at J Lo ‘smizing’
LONG HAIR – IF YOU DON’T LOOK LIKE HALLE BERRY OR PENELOPE CRUZ, LEAVE IT TO THE YOUNGER ONES
CURTAIN BANGS ON SHORT HAIR – THESE ARE REALLY CUTE
AND TWO STYLES PROBABLY BEST TO AVOID – No shade, they’re wigs!
