A Proper Guide to Curtain Bangs – Vogue
How to Style Curtain Bangs?
Especially when working with straight and wavy hair, it is convenient to shape the bangs while the strands are wet. Townsend recommends straightening and blow-drying hair with a flat brush like Mason Pearson and Harry Josh's Boar-Bristol offerings, then using a round brush, held vertically, to "flick" the bangs. "It's a little nod to the late '60s and early '70s that we're seeing right now, just modernized," says Townsend. For long, cheek-grazing curtain bangs, Velasquez prefers to break out a medium to large round brush. "Blow the entire section forward to add volume, and then blow the ends back and out to sweep the apples of the cheeks," he says. "Go a step further and set the section in a velcro for long-lasting volume—think '90s Claudia Schiffer." Alternatively, you can consider the natural route. "I'm a big fan of air-drying with the right cut and texture," says Velasquez, who likes Virtue's Frizz Block Smoothing Spray as a lightweight, moisture-resistant length moisturizer. "It complements all your features, letting the screen bangs live freely." Either way, if cowlicks are a problem, consider ditching the flat creaseless clips during your parting, or bring out the big guns, including Townsend's secret weapon: a beard iron for "a little heat" without burning the scalp. For curly hair, letting the bangs air dry is easy and effective, according to Francois. But for added definition, "twist a strand or two with finger coils in damp hair, then let curls set naturally before gently parting once hair is completely dry or use a diffuser on cool, low speed." When working with coily and kinky textures, pros like to do two strand twists or bantu knots on freshly washed bangs. "When completely dry, pull them out and shape them with an Afro pick or your fingertips, working in a little serum to amplify the texture," says Francois. On the other hand, kinky bangs can be left to dry naturally for a shorter "pixie bangs" effect.
Should I Get Curtain Bangs?
While screen bangs are tempting for good reason, you need to weigh if they're right for you across the board. "Before taking the plunge, consider whether bangs fit your lifestyle," says Francois. For one, there's the sheer physicality of bangs. "Some people find the feeling of facial hair uncomfortable, or it may be more realistic to lose hair completely over the course of a day," she says. In addition to more trips to the salon for bang trims, there's also the added maintenance of cleaning (bangs tend to be greasy because they absorb oil, sweat, makeup, and SPF from your face) and the daily finesse — though many consider the latter far and away. "If you can give your bangs 10 minutes, you're done," assures Townsend.
How to Cut Curtain Bangs?
Simply put: Leave curtain bangs to the pros. “Always have your bangs cut by a professional hairstylist who will give you a consultation first, taking into account your face shape, features, and lifestyle,” says François. Ahead of meeting with a pro, Townsend recommends doing your own research to understand what will works best for you.“When people come to see me for a haircut, they often show me pictures of bangs on a different face shape,” explains Townsend. “I’ve learned a lot of people don’t actually know their own face.” To that end, really take the time to understand your face shape and from there, he recommends drawing a rough sketch of your face on a piece of paper and shading the corners and/or the top of the head to see what helps give the illusion of an oval shape, which generally tends to be the desired goal for the most flattering results. “It’s a great way to prepare for a conversation with a hairstylist and give yourself more realistic expectations.”
How to Maintain Curtain Bangs?
Knowing that curtain bangs require two things: 1) Regular visits to salons for trims and shape-ups, usually every few weeks, and 2) Refreshing them daily is essential for maximum effect. In the spirit of keeping them fresh-looking, dry shampoo is your best friend. "Whether as an aerosol or loose powder, dry shampoos have become so user-friendly and you don't have to worry about that white powder residue anymore," says Townsend, who uses dry shampoo at every stage, from squeaky clean hair ("It's Absorbs sweat!”) in a few days for a refresh that adds volume and body. To revive curls, curls, and kinky textures, reset bangs every day or two with water or a spritz of a light styling mist like Francois Mist Nourishing Water.
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