Curtain bangs are having a serious moment in the beauty world. This effortless fringe frames the face in a soft, flattering way, and the best part is that they suit almost everyone. But while getting curtain bangs cut is step one, the real magic comes in learning how to style them so they enhance your best features. Whether you want to draw attention to your eyes, soften a strong jawline, or balance your face shape, there are clever styling tricks to make your bangs work for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to style curtain bangs with different techniques, tools, and finishes so you can highlight what you love most about your face.
What Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are a style of fringe that’s parted down the middle or slightly off-centre, with longer layers that frame the face on both sides. Think of them as a “curtain” gently opening around your features. They’re versatile, low-maintenance compared to blunt bangs, and they grow out beautifully.
Among the many types of bangs, curtain bangs are especially popular because they suit almost every face shape and can be styled in different ways to highlight your best features.
Their biggest advantage is how adaptable they are. Curtain bangs can be styled sleek, voluminous, wavy, or messy, depending on your mood. Because of their soft, face-framing quality, they can also be customised to highlight different areas of your face.
Why Focus on Styling Curtain Bangs?
A great haircut gives you the foundation, but styling is what transforms curtain bangs into a feature-enhancing tool. By directing volume, adjusting parting, or using texture, you can subtly change how your features appear.
For example:
- Want to make your cheekbones pop? Add volume at the sides with a round brush.
- Looking to soften a broad forehead? Go for a tousled, face-hugging finish.
- Keen to highlight your eyes? Keep the centre parted and softly feather the edges.
Styling is about working with your hair’s natural texture and choosing techniques that bring attention to the right places.
How to Style Curtain Bangs to Highlight Your Eyes
Curtain bangs are perfect for drawing attention to your eyes because they naturally fall around the upper part of your face. The trick is in keeping them feathered and open enough so your eyes aren’t hidden.
Styling tips for eye focus:
- Blow-dry forward and then sweep outwards: Use a round brush to roll the bangs forward, then flick them back slightly to create a soft curve that frames the eyes.
- Keep the parting clean: A defined centre or slightly off-centre part directs the eye line towards your gaze.
- Pair with eyeliner or mascara: A polished curtain bang style naturally spotlights your eye makeup, making your lashes and liner stand out more.
This technique works especially well for people with large, expressive eyes or those who want to emphasise coloured contacts or bold makeup looks.
How to Style Curtain Bangs to Accentuate Cheekbones
If you’ve ever wanted sharper-looking cheekbones, curtain bangs can help. Because they taper towards the cheek area, they create a line of focus that naturally draws attention there.
Here’s how to do it:
- Add volume to the sides: Use a round brush or a large roller at the midpoint of your bangs, creating a swoop that ends near the cheeks.
- Keep the ends soft and flicked out: This movement draws the eye horizontally, accentuating the natural contour of the cheekbones.
- Pair with bronzer or blush: The bangs will naturally guide attention to your cheeks, so a hint of colour enhances the effect.
This look is especially flattering for round faces, as it adds dimension and breaks up width while sculpting the cheek area.
How to Style Curtain Bangs to Soften a Strong Jawline
If you feel your jawline looks a bit sharp or angular, curtain bangs can add balance by drawing attention upward and softening the face’s lower half.
Styling steps:
- Opt for a slightly longer curtain bang: Let the ends hit around your jawline or just above it. This length creates harmony with your natural bone structure.
- Add wave or texture: Loose, tousled styling keeps the finish soft and prevents the jawline from appearing too harsh.
- Blow-dry with a curved finish: Directing the bangs inward towards the jawline creates a gentle frame, visually softening the lower half of the face.
This is ideal for square or angular face shapes that benefit from a touch of softness.
How to Style Curtain Bangs for a Smaller Forehead
Not everyone wants to show off a large forehead, and curtain bangs can be adjusted to balance proportions. By lowering the visible hairline, you can visually create more symmetry.
Try this approach:
- Part slightly off-centre: This creates dimension and makes the forehead appear narrower.
- Style with light volume at the roots: Avoid pressing the bangs flat; a little lift at the top ensures the bangs don’t overwhelm your face.
- Keep the length above the brows: Shorter curtain bangs skim the forehead and give the illusion of more balance.
This method works well for oval or long faces that can sometimes appear too elongated without framing.
How to Style Curtain Bangs with Heat Tools
Heat styling gives you precision and polish. Here’s a quick breakdown of techniques:
- Blow-dryer + round brush: The classic method. Roll bangs inward, then flick out at the ends for a curtain-like shape.
- Flat iron waves: Gently twist the flat iron outward at the mid-lengths for a subtle flick.
- Hot rollers: Perfect for long-lasting swoops and volume with minimal effort.
Tip: Always use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage, as bangs sit front and centre where breakage is more visible.
How to Style Curtain Bangs Without Heat
Prefer a low-maintenance, no-heat method? It’s definitely possible.
- Use Velcro rollers: Place a medium roller at the roots of damp bangs, leave to dry, and then brush out for soft volume.
- Pin and set overnight: Twist bangs slightly inward, secure with clips, and let them set as you sleep.
- Air-dry with mousse: Apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair, then guide the bangs into shape with your fingers as they dry.
These methods are kinder to your hair and work well if you’re going for a natural, effortless vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling Curtain Bangs
Even though curtain bangs are versatile, a few common mistakes can throw off the look:
- Overloading on product: Too much hairspray or gel makes bangs stiff instead of soft.
- Skipping trims: Overgrown bangs lose their shape quickly and can overwhelm the face.
- Forgetting balance: If your bangs are styled but the rest of your hair is neglected, the look can feel incomplete.
Aim for light styling products, regular maintenance, and a cohesive hairstyle overall.
Closing Thoughts
Curtain bangs are one of the most adaptable hair trends, and with the right styling, they can be your best tool for highlighting your favourite features. From framing your eyes and cheekbones to softening your jawline or balancing your forehead, the way you style them truly matters.
Experiment with different techniques—whether you prefer heat styling, rollers, or air-drying—and find what works best for your face shape and lifestyle. With a little practice, your curtain bangs can become the most flattering part of your hairstyle, enhancing your natural beauty every single day.
