Complete Guide: How to Get & Style the Iconic Men's Curtain Hair (Step-by-Step!)
Welcome, gentlemen who want to look more stylish and characterful! You’ve probably often seen or heard about curtain hair, a hairstyle that has been dominating trends again in recent years. Curtain hair isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a timeless, versatile, and easy-to-maintain style if you know how.
Today, we will guide you step-by-step, from preparation to styling, so you can achieve and style the perfect curtain hair. This article is not just a list of inspirations, but a practical, in-depth, and inspiring tutorial that will help you look your best. Ready?
What is Curtain Hair? Why Modern Men Should Try It?
Before we dive deeper into the practical guide, let’s first understand its essence. Curtain hair, often also called curtain bangs, is a hairstyle characterized by long bangs parted in the middle or slightly to the side, draping down both sides of the face like curtains. This style was popular in the 90s and is now back in vogue thanks to top celebrities and actors who have successfully brought it back to the fashion stage.
Why is Curtain Hair So Popular?
- High Flexibility: Suitable for various hair types (straight, curly, wavy) and hair lengths (short to long).
- Easy Maintenance: With the right styling techniques, you can achieve a neat yet natural and effortless look.
- Masculine & Modern Impression: Provides a classic touch yet remains relevant to modern men’s lifestyles, elegantly highlighting facial features.
- Adaptable to Face Shapes: With minor adjustments, this style can suit almost all face shapes, from oval, square, to round.
At Salwa Salon, we believe every man deserves to find a hairstyle that highlights his unique charm. Curtain hair is one of the keys to that. Now, let’s prepare ourselves!
Important Preparation Before Getting a Haircut: The Key to Your Successful Curtain Hair Style
Achieving perfect curtain hair starts with thorough preparation. Don’t go straight to the salon without a plan! Follow our preparation guide:
- Understand Your Face Shape and Hair TypeThis is a crucial step. The most suitable curtain hair style for you greatly depends on your face shape and hair texture.
- Oval Face: Almost all curtain hair variations are suitable, including long bangs that fall naturally.
- Square Face/Sharp Angles: Slightly wavy or voluminous bangs will soften facial lines.
- Round Face: Choose longer and somewhat straighter bangs to give the illusion of a longer face.
- Straight & Fine Hair: Suitable for classic curtain hair or neat S-shaped curtains.
- Wavy/Curly Hair: You have great potential for curly curtain hair or natural, effortless curtains. Make the most of your hair’s natural texture!
- Thick Hair: Requires thinning in some areas so the bangs aren’t too heavy.
- Effective Communication with Your HairstylistThis is one of the most valuable tips from our experience: bring references! Find several pictures of curtain hair that you like and show them to your hairstylist. Explain in detail:
- Desired Bang Length: Is it eyebrow-length, past the eyes, or down to the cheeks?
- Bang Thickness: Do you want thin and light bangs or thick and voluminous ones?
- Parting: A pure middle part, slightly to the side, or flexible?
- Final Style: Do you want a neat, messy, wavy, or straight look?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss. Our professional hairstylists at Salwa Salon will be happy to help translate your vision into reality.
- Prepare Styling Tools and Products (After the Cut)To style curtain hair at home, you will need some “secret weapons”:
- Fine-tooth Comb: To create a precise part.
- Round Brush or Hair Rollers: To add volume and curve to the bangs.
- Hair Dryer: Essential for drying and shaping the bangs.
- Hair Straightener (optional): If you want a more dramatic and long-lasting curve.
- Hair Styling Products: Wax, pomade, gel, or hairspray. The choice of product will greatly influence the final result. (We will discuss this further in the styling section).
Investing in the right products will greatly help you maintain your curtain hair style every day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Curtain Hair (At the Salon/With a Stylist)
After thorough preparation, it’s time for execution. Follow this guide when you’re in the salon chair:
- Initial Consultation: Determining the Ideal Shape and LengthAs we’ve discussed, start with an in-depth discussion with your hairstylist. Show reference photos and explain your expectations. Our hairstylist will provide expert advice on the overall hair length, bang length, and layering level that best suits you.
- Basic Cut Process: The Foundation of Curtain Hair StyleThe hairstylist will start by cutting the sides and back of your hair. For curtain hair, the sides are usually not cut too short (unless you choose a variation like short curtain hair with a fade). The focus is on creating volume on top of the head, which will be the foundation for the bangs.
- If you want a neat and modern look, a thin undercut or a light taper fade can be an option for the sides.
- For a more classic and full look, leave the sides long enough to blend with the bangs.
- Bang Details: The Main Key to Perfect Curtain HairThis is the most important part! The hairstylist will precisely cut the bangs. Usually, bangs are cut longer in the middle and slightly tapered to the sides (layering) so they fall more naturally like a curtain. They will ensure the bangs are long enough to be parted and drape beautifully.
- Layering Technique: Bangs are often cut with gradual layering to avoid a stiff look and to have the right volume when styled.
- Importance of Balance: The hairstylist will ensure the bangs are balanced on both sides and suit your facial proportions.
- Finishing & Initial Styling: Learning from the ExpertAfter the cut is finished, the hairstylist will dry your hair and begin styling the bangs. Pay close attention to how they do it! This is your opportunity to learn the basic techniques of styling curtain hair. They will use a hair dryer and a round brush to give the bangs the right volume and curve.Don’t hesitate to ask for tips and tricks directly from them. Ask what products are best suited for your hair and how to apply them.
Daily Styling Guide for Various Types of Curtain Hair (At Home)
Now that you have the basic cut, it’s time to style it at home. Here is a styling guide for various curtain hair variations you can try:
- Classic & S-Shaped Curtain Hair (For Straight/Medium Volume Hair)This style is ideal for those who want a neat yet characterful look.How to Style:
- Precise Middle Part: After shampooing, towel dry your hair to 80%. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a straight and precise middle part.
- Shape the Bangs: Use a hair dryer and a round brush. Direct hot air while brushing the bangs outwards, following the curve of your face. Hold briefly to create volume.
- Lock the Shape: Apply a little hair gel or light hairspray to maintain the shape of the bangs. If you want a more defined ‘S’ or ‘C’ effect, carefully use a hair straightener to create waves at the ends of the bangs.
Recommended Products: Medium hold hair gel or flexible hairspray.
- Korean Curtain Haircut (For Voluminous and Curved Bangs)Want to look as cool as a Korean Oppa? The key lies in volume and curve.How to Style:
- Preparation: After shampooing, dry your hair until damp. Part your hair down the middle.
- Use Hair Rollers/Straightener: Take the front section of your bangs and roll them outwards (away from your face) with hair rollers. If using a straightener, clip the bangs and roll outwards to create a curve. Repeat several times.
- Add Volume: Direct the hair dryer towards the hair rollers (if using) or the straightened bangs, while slightly lifting the roots of the bangs to add volume.
- Finalize with Wax: Apply a small amount of hair wax to your fingertips, then gently comb it through the bangs to maintain the curved shape and volume. Avoid using too much to prevent an oily look.
Recommended Products: Matte finish hair wax for a natural look.
- Short Curtain Hair (Combined with a Fade)This style is suitable for those who like neatness but still want a casual touch. The focus is on the contrast between the bangs and the sides of the hair.How to Style:
- Dry & Part: Dry your hair completely. Create a middle part or a slightly off-center part.
- Lift Bangs: Use a small amount of pomade or styling cream on your palms. Apply it to the bangs and lift them up, then pull them to the side to give them a bit of volume while still falling naturally on the sides of your face.
- Tidy the Sides: Ensure the fade on the sides remains neat. You can use a small amount of product to keep the side hair from becoming messy.
Recommended Products: Water-based pomade for medium hold and a clean look.
- Curly Curtain Haircut (For Wavy/Curly Hair)Don’t think curly hair can’t have curtain hair! In fact, it gives a unique and charming look.How to Style:
- Embracing Natural Texture: After shampooing, apply curl cream or mousse specifically for curly hair when your hair is still very wet.
- Middle Part & Dry: Create a middle part. Let your hair air dry naturally or use a hair dryer with a diffuser to maintain the curl shape.
- Minimal Styling: Avoid brushing curly hair when dry to prevent frizz. Simply use your fingers to arrange the bangs so they fall naturally on both sides. Let your curls form the curtain on their own.
Recommended Products: Curl cream or mousse to define curls.
- Long Curtain Haircut (Long Flow)For those with long hair, curtain hair can provide a masculine impression with little effort.How to Style:
- Let it be Natural: Dry your hair and let it fall naturally. Ensure the front hair length is about 12-15 cm or slightly past the eyes.
- Flexible Middle Part: Simply comb your hair with your fingers to create a flexible middle part.
- Minimal Product: This style is best with little to no product. The hair will fall naturally, forming a curtain. If necessary, use a small amount of hair serum for shine and to reduce frizz.
Recommended Products: Leave-in conditioner or light hair serum.
- Textured Comb Over (Professional Style Curtain Hair)Want to look professional with a touch of curtain hair? This style is the answer.How to Style:
- Side Part: After shampooing and drying, create a neat side part.
- Comb Back/Side: Take the section of bangs that would normally fall forward and comb it back or to the side (according to your part) using a fine-tooth comb.
- Lock with Product: Apply a strong-hold pomade or gel to ensure the bangs stay neatly in the desired position. This will create a smooth comb-over effect while still showcasing the length of the bangs.
Recommended Products: Strong-hold pomade or extra-strong hair gel.
- Effortless or Messy Curtain CutThis style is suitable for those who prefer a relaxed, yet stylish look without too much effort.How to Style:
- Leave it As Is: After shampooing, partially dry your hair. Let your hair fall naturally.
- Finger Styling: Use your fingers to comb your hair and create a not-too-neat part in the middle or slightly to the side. Let the bang strands hang freely, reaching your eyebrows or eyes.
- Minimal Product: A little sea salt spray can be added for texture, or leave it without any product at all. The messy look is key.
Recommended Products: Sea salt spray to add natural texture and volume.
- Side Curtain Hair (Side-Parted Bangs)If a middle part is too mainstream, you can try curtain hair with a side part.How to Style:
- Side Part: Create your desired side part.
- Create Curve: Use a hair straightener or hair rollers to create a curve in the bangs that goes outwards, away from the face. Ensure the top part of the hair remains thick for volume.
- Set with Hairspray: Lock the shape of the bangs with a light hairspray to keep them in place all day.
Recommended Products: Medium-hold hairspray.
- Short Blonde Curtain Hairstyle (With Color Accent)For those who want to stand out, combine short curtain hair with blonde or other light hair colors. Focus on a sharp cut.How to Style:
- Maintain Sharp Ends: Ask your hairstylist to keep the ends of the bangs sharp and straight.
- Neat Styling: Use gel or styling cream to style the bangs so they fall neatly at the front.
- Focus on Color: Hair care for colored hair is very important. Use shampoo and conditioner specifically for colored hair.
Recommended Products: Shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, hair styling gel.
Additional Tips from Salwa Salon for Maximum Curtain Hair Look
We want to provide some extra tips to ensure your curtain hair always looks its best:
- The Importance of Routine Hair CareNo matter how good a haircut is, it won’t look its best without healthy hair. Use quality shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your hair type. Get regular salon hair treatments (e.g., hair masks or creambaths) to maintain your hair’s health and shine.
- The Right Hair Styling Products Are CrucialDon’t just pick any product! Each product has a different function.
- Wax: Provides flexible hold with a natural/matte finish.
- Pomade: Offers stronger hold with a shiny or matte finish.
- Gel: Strongest hold, suitable for very neat looks, but can feel stiff.
- Hairspray: To lock the hairstyle in place for longer-lasting results.
Consult with our hairstylists to find the most suitable products for your style and hair type.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!Curtain hair is very versatile. Don’t hesitate to try different partings, volume levels, or hair styling products. You might discover a new style that better suits your personality!
- When to Return to the Salon?To maintain the ideal shape of your curtain hair, we recommend getting a haircut every 4-6 weeks. Regular trims will preserve the structure of the bangs and prevent the hair from looking stiff or shapeless.
Conclusion: Time to Look Iconic with Curtain Hair!
Curtain hair is a very smart choice for modern men who want to look stylish, masculine, and adaptable. With this step-by-step guide from Salwa Salon, you now have all the knowledge to get and style your dream curtain hair.
