How to style curtain bangs like every cool girl you know

Curtain bangs are one of the most versatile, face-framing haircuts you can get. Universally flattering, loved by French girls, and easy to grow out if you change your mind, they’re the ultimate low-commitment way to refresh your look.

While curtain bangs never really fall out of fashion, they’re having a major moment right now with celebrities, influencers and the fashion crowd. That said, not all curtain bangs behave the same way. Styling them depends on your hair texture — straight, wavy or curly — and the tools you use at home.

If you’ve ever washed your hair only to find your bangs refusing to sit right, you’re not alone. According to hairstylist Larry King, the secret lies in how you style them, not how much effort you put in.

How to style curtain bangs

Blow-dry them forward

One of the biggest mistakes people make is drying curtain bangs with a middle part already in place.

“You shouldn’t dry curtain bangs while the hair is parted,” King explains. “That’s when you get awkward flicks instead of bangs that flow into the haircut.”

Instead, blow-dry the entire fringe straight forward over your face. Use a round brush and gently curl the hair under as you dry. Once the bangs have cooled and settled, part them down the middle for that soft, effortless shape.

Tools to try:
Alan Truman Volumo
Philips BHD321/06 Hair Dryer

Use mousse for shape and hold

For added grip and volume, a lightweight mousse is key.

“You can apply mousse with a comb, or if you want extra volume, apply it directly onto the round brush before blow-drying,” says King.

Once the bangs have shape and hold, gently mess them up with your fingers. Finish with a small amount of styling cream to separate and soften the hair. King points to Daisy Edgar-Jones’ current curtain bangs as a great example of texture-driven styling that still feels relaxed.

Products to try:
Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Grip Extra Strong Mousse
Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream

Pin and diffuse for effortless placement

If you want a low-effort, heat-minimal approach, this trick works wonders.

Apply a soft, non-sticky mousse to damp hair, then pin the fringe exactly where you want it to sit. For longer curtain bangs, you can even pin them back behind the ears.

Once pinned, use a diffuser to gently dry the hair. This helps set the shape without disturbing it. When you unpin, the bangs naturally fall into place — no aggressive styling required.