Like any hairstyle, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. Translation: If you put effort into learning how to style curtain bangs, you’ll reap the benefits. This isn’t necessarily intuitive, so we asked stylists the 101 on styling curtain bangs so you can become a master ASAP. Let’s get into it. As with any style, there are a few different variations that come with curtain bangs. They can be shorter, hitting just below the cheekbone, or a bit longer. They can be light and wispy, or dense for a statement look. If you’re looking to complement your unique face shape, there are a few things to keep in mind. As Pucciarello says: For a flat, fringe-like look, some stylists opt for a paddle brush—like pro stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago Shelly Aguirre. “I don’t recommend a round brush because you don’t want the bangs to get too round,” she says. By keeping the roots flat but the ends swooped, you’ll achieve the classic curtain bangs style—not too round, not too flat. You can use either brush for this approach, but a round brush will deliver more bounce and volume. If you have a widow’s peak, then you’ll want to work on reversing the natural sway of your part. Do this by blow-drying your widow’s peak in the opposite direction that it naturally falls. This will help relax the kink so you can part your hair straight down the middle. It’s important to note that it may take some time for your widow’s peak to lie flat. To assist the process even more, be sure to set your bangs with clips (more on that to come). And remember, you can still rock curtain bangs with a widow’s peak! If you want a subtle swoop, then don’t wrap too much of your bangs around the brush. Or, use a paddle brush to minimize the curl. However, if you do want a dramatic swoop, then spending a few extra seconds blow-drying the ends and twisting your brush is a must. The roller method: Roll up your bangs on a wide Velcro roller. You’ll want to make sure the bangs are getting pulled up and back, not forward—this will prevent the over-curl. Leave the roller for a few minutes or until your bangs feel completely cool. Then, gently pull it out toward the back of your head and drape your bangs as you see fit. The clip method: If you don’t have a roller on hand or you want to minimize the volume of your look, then using creaseless clips is for you. After you finish your blow-dry process, drape your bangs like curtains and clip the ends. If you pinch the bangs at the top, then your fringe will be more visible. If you keep them fairly separated at the top, then they’ll be more subtle. Both: If you really want to nail a classic curtain bang look, Maine recommends doing both. Finding the right process may take a few tries, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t love the result on your first go.
