How to Cut Curtain Bangs

Any hair professional will tell you to avoid cutting your own bangs, but if you already have your scissors at the ready, here's how to cut your bangs the right way.

Sharing her step-by-step guide, Contato says: "Start by sectioning away the hair you're not cutting, then wet your bangs and comb them so they fall directly in front of your face. The wetness will allow the elasticity of the hair to fully stretch, so you'll be achieving an even cut. Cut the middle section to the desired length you choose — bear in mind that this section will be the shortest point of your bangs.

"Once happy with the length of your middle section, add in the sides, one side at a time, whilst angling your fingers so that you have a short to long gradient. Over-directing the sides to the middle of the face helps to maintain the most amount of length as possible," she adds.

"You can reduce the weight by slicing into the bangs with your scissors. This ensures a softer finish, allowing the bangs to sweep away more effortlessly," Contato explains. Complete your bangs by blow drying and styling.

How to Style Curtain Bangs

You can probably tell that there's only a small difference between a regular fringe and a curtain bang, but Contato shares exactly how to style your curtain bangs, to elevate the style and get the most out of them. You'll need a hairdryer and a round brush for starters.

"The best way I like to style my client's curtain bangs is by spraying Wella Professionals Eimi Perfect Setting Spray (or at home, you can use Color Wow's Raise The Root Thicken + Lift Spray [12] (£10)) to the roots, before using a flat comb to dry the root area only at this point, side to side. This method ensures that the curtain bangs don't split too widely down the middle, but this can be left up to you.

"After this I take my round brush and hairdryer to blow dry the bangs in a bevelling motion which creates a slight tuck under on the ends. You can then use a velcro roller and allow them to cool down whilst maintaining volume and shape and then style them out on either side. For those who find it difficult to do this, another option is tucking the bangs behind your ears whilst they are still damp. The heat from behind the ears will warm up the bangs and mould them into that sweepy look!"

Curtain Bangs on Short Hair

If you've already had your bob haircut done, but are falling in love with curtain bangs, don't worry, you can still get involved with this style.

Contato says that curtain bangs suit pretty much everyone, depending on where they sit on each individual, which is usually up to your hairdresser to perfect. "Using the example of someone who has very strong cheekbones, you would want to highlight this feature more on this person as it could be considered as one of their best features. So as a hairdresser, it's our job to make sure we cut the curtain bangs around the lip area of the face so that when styled, they will sit on a person's face directly above their cheekbones, showing off that feature," she explains.

Curtain Bangs on Long Hair

On the other hand, if you already have lengths upon lengths, going for a curtain fringe might be a huge leap, so we're here to make sure it's the best hairstyle for you.

As with any hairdo, maintenance is key, so don't let your curtain bangs go too wild. Contato recommends regular trims, ideally every four to six weeks. Also chat with your hairdresser about how to style your bangs, tailored to your preferences: "By asking your hairstylist to teach you their way of styling your bangs, you're able to get that salon finish look day to day, then your bangs will look super stylish all the time."

Ross Kwan, Celebrity hair stylist and ambassador for TRESemmé, who's also worked with Maya Jama in the past, admits to reaching for a clip-on fringe for a temporary look, so don't feel like you can't too. "We are in a trend of the 70s at the moment, I'm loving it and curtain bangs are definitely trendy, but when I work with clients, I opt for a clip-on fringe to try it out first before committing to anything more permanent," he tells POPSUGAR UK.

"For extra shine when styling , add a small amount of the TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Cream Serum [13] (£7) in the fringe before you blow dry and finish oil to seal the cuticle of the hair," Kwan says.

Curtain Bangs With Layers

A good way of edging into the style is by cutting layers, so the jump into curtain bangs isn't as drastic and you're guaranteed an effortless blend. When paired with layers, curtain bangs form a soft, face-framing silhouette. The layers help bring volume and movement to your hairstyle, so this could be an ideal choice for all hair types, from curly to straight, thin to thick.

Long Curtain Bangs

Contato's main rule with curtain bangs is to try and avoid cutting your own, as I'm sure you've seen all over social media. "Always defer from attempting to cut your own bangs, most salons offer free fringe trims in between your appointments so make the effort to get booked in regularly," she tells us.