After Dakota Johnson started sporting her gorgeous curtain bangs in 2015, bangs have made a resurgence, and for good reason. They’re versatile, low-maintenance, and can flatter any face shape. But if you’re new to this trend, it may seem tricky to style them.
Here we’re giving you a step-by-step guide, as well as a video guide, on how to style curtain bangs.
We’re going to show you how to blow dry bangs straight with the rest of your hair. Personally, this is my favorite style of bangs. I love framing your face with this side swept look! It looks beautiful as bangs grow out, with every hair type, and with every face shape.
If you have curly hair, just diffuse as normal.
A common mistake when headed to the salon is not being aware of the amount of hair that should be cut. Some quick tips: If you have thick hair, make sure you don’t let your stylist cut too deeply. Adversely, if you have thin hair, you’ll need to cut deeper towards your crown to complete this look. If you aren’t ready to take the plunge, fake it with a cute ponytail using this temporary bang.
Step 1: Start with clean hair
Before you start styling your fringe, make sure your hair is clean and dry. You can blow-dry your hair or let it air dry 90%.
Step 2: Section your hair and protect
Next, section your hair so that you can focus on your bangs. Do you want a side part or middle part? For me, my facial features are best highlighted when parted on the side. If using a middle part, use a comb to create a triangle section at the front of your head, with the point of the triangle at the center of your forehead.
Protect your hair with a heat protectant. I love Simply Smooth’s Magic Potion and Chi’s silk infusion. If you use Chi’s Silk Infusion you only need about 2 drops! It’s amazing, however, you have to be careful not to use too much. I would just get the travel size to start.
A cult favorite heat protectant to consider is Olaplex Bonding Oil, which is great for flyaways and frizz in addition to heat. Again, all you need is 2-3 drops. If you like scented hair, this one is for you.
Step 3: Blow-dry your bangs
Using a paddle brush (some prefer a round brush) to blow-dry your bangs, start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, using the brush to create a slight curve. My favorite fringe brush is this travel brush by Aveda. I also use their full-sized paddle for my bangs and it works just as well.
Blow dry your bangs forward down, and to both sides of the face. Repeat.
If you have any frizz, a quick once over with a straightening iron will do the job!
Step 4: Add texture
To add some texture to your curtain bangs, use a texturizing, volume spray or dry shampoo. Spray it onto your bangs and use your fingers to tousle them. Personally, I love Oribe’s Thick Dry Finishing spray. It’s a product everyone should have in their haircare arsenal for every hairstyle.
I love Dry Bar’s Dry Shampoo because it has zero white residue left behind. They also make a tinted one for brunettes as well as some fun scents.
Step 5: Finish with hairspray
If you like to keep your curtain bangs in place, finish with a light mist of hairspray. This will help keep your bangs away from your face throughout the day.
Personally, I love Aveda’s Air Control hairspray because it has a light hold and lasts all day. You won’t need much so this aerosol will last you quite awhile. This spray smells a little bit herbal. Skip this if you are using the shine spray I’m suggesting since the scents don’t match.
Step 6: Shine and go
My favorite finishing touch is with a bit of shine. Davines makes this Shimmering Mist that I am obsessed with because it smells as good as it looks! I love pairing this when I’m wearing Viktor and Rolf’s Flower Bomb.
If you don’t like sweet smelling hair, my other favorite shine and go product is Simply Smooth Magic Potion, which is also a heat protectant you can use before you blow dry your hair.
Day 2 REFRESH: Use a hot brush!
Here is a guide to my favorite hot brushes for each hair type and style. I love wearing fringe with a ponytail or with a little extra wavy texture when my hair has a bit of natural 90s grunge. That Dry Shampoo will be your best friend here!
Since bangs require committing to a style, these bangs will make you look just a little more stylish; from a ponytail to headbands, to just leaving your hair down, you’ll look very polished.
The only look I don’t think these longer bangs are suited to is stick straight hair–they require some wave or curl. If you leave your hair down and have ‘stick straight’ hair that you aren’t curling into waves or curls, I would go a little shorter and use clips and other accessories during the growing out period.
Not convinced you can rock this look?
Here are a bunch of photos of some of my favorite curtain bangs.
If you do like to wear your hair stick straight, consider shorter, feathery, and/or blunt bangs since they’ll look a little more fashion forward with your gorgeous stick straight hair.
Styling curtain bangs is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create the perfect look for any occasion.
Leave a Reply