Hair

Curtain Bangs Look Incredible on Everyone

Yes, you can pull them off.  
Curtain bangs
@salsalhair; @mechesalon

"That sounds like a question for your therapist," my boyfriend replied offhandedly, after I asked him, yet again, whether I should get bangs. It's something I've asked him hundreds of times and a thought that rolls around my head when I'm trying to fall asleep at night. To me, the most defining characteristic of womanhood is sitting in front of the mirror, wondering if the right type of bangs will change your life.

Now, I wouldn't go as far to say that bangs can be life-changing, but I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from them. If you prefer yourself bangless, please, continue on. But if you've ever wondered, Can I pull off bangs?—the answer is a resounding yes.

It's important to note here, though, that not all bangs are created equal. After lusting over straight-across bangs since middle school (thanks to 500 Days of Summer and Alexa Chung, obviously), and accepting they will never work with my round face, I finally got curtain bangs three years ago, and I haven't looked back since.

Bella Cacciatore

Curtain bangs, for the uninitiated, are those shaggy, effortless bangs that—as the name suggests—frame your face perfectly, much like a curtain does with a window. The look has roots in the ’60s and ’70s (think Jane Birkin), but today's take on it works with a range of styles and textures: messy waves, curly shags, sleek blowouts, high ponytails, you name it.

"Curtain bangs are the gateway to bangs, because they're super versatile," says Emily Heser, stylist at Cutler Salon in New York City. "They're long enough to grow out or pin back if you want, but they can also be cut into a shorter look." The style has steadily become both a celebrity and Insta-girl fave for its easy-going vibe.

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Celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown has noticed that curtain bangs have become increasingly popular in the last few years, largely due to how easy they are to manage. "They don’t take on the commitment of adding a full-throttle bang to your hair," she says. "They’re less work and are so easy to grow out."

Like I mentioned before, I never felt that I could pull off bangs, but these couldn't be more flattering. They add a little something to my otherwise plain haircut but still give me a bit of style. I love the vintage reference, and they add movement to my hair, so it doesn't feel so...blah. But best of all, they really give the illusion of more pronounced cheekbones since they hit right above your cheeks. (For that reason, a stylist once told me they're the perfect "selfie bangs" because they frame your face and bring attention to your eyes, so do with that what you will.) Plus, if I ever decide I'm over them, the grow-out will be seamless.

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Since getting The Bangs, I've made it my personal mission to spread the gospel of how good they are, and anytime someone asks me whether they should get bangs, I'll answer with a firm yes. No matter what hair type, hair length, or face shape someone has, I assure them they can pull these bangs off.

If you're feeling so compelled, I recommend starting with cheekbone-grazing bangs—ask your hairstylist for a fringe you can tuck behind your ears—to ease your way in before getting anything shorter, plus the ability to tuck them gives you nice versatility. Tim Dueñas, hairstylist at L.A.'s Nine Zero One salon, agrees and says to ask to "keep the edges longer than the middle and the ends soft starting in the center of the pupils and working to the jawline."

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Consider this the push you need to give them a try. And if you don't like them? At least hair clips are trending.

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.