Bangs can give any hair transformation a little bit of spice. After all, why have just a bob or long layers when you can also have a flattering fringe? And in case you're on the fence about bangs in general, you can simply go for the type that requires the least commitment: Curtain bangs.
Unlike a scene-stealing full bang, a curtain fringe will stay on the sides of your face, working its magic without requiring constant trims and blow-drying. It's also one of the best partners for short hair, especially simple haircuts that need a little shaping!
Up for a subtle change? Check out these short haircuts with curtain bangs for some ideas:
1. Round bob with curtain bangs
Transitioning to a short style like a round bob can be less daunting when you pair it with some face-framing details. Curtain bangs are perfect for this, particularly if you're someone who prefers a cut that doesn't require much maintenance. Plus, the barely-there difference in length between a jaw-length chop and a long fringe just looks super chic!
2. Wispy curtain bangs on mid-length hair
Long and mid-length hair often need the help of layers to achieve a more three-dimensional feel. But if you prefer your haircuts to be fairly simple or sans any dramatic texture, an airy curtain fringe on the sides of your face can give you the effortless texture you need.
3. Mix bang
"Mix bang" is a K-beauty hair term for a long side fringe made from varying lengths of hair. It's basically a more technical way to create curtain bangs, since it's usually tailor-made by the hairdresser for a client's face shape. Hairstylist Lee Eun Hye says that this is a must for short haircuts (like this neck-length 'do) to make them more flattering.
4. Permed fringed bob
Perming a round bob is another popular technique in K-beauty. The waves make the haircut appear more delicate, especially when it involves a curtain fringe that helps frame the face from the sides. If you have an angular face shape (square or heart) and want to give a bob a try, this is definitely a combo to consider!
5. Lob with blunt curtain bangs
For you round- and oval-faced folk, straight cuts are key to giving your mug a more structured appearance. For example, instead of a dainty side-swept fringe, opt for blunt bangs cut right below your cheekbones. We highly recommend pairing this with a lob because of the flattering contrast between the lengths!
6. Neo wolf cut
Yup, curtain bangs have a place in the internet-favorite wolf cut, too. Japanese hairdresser Kanami Miyoshi calls it the neo wolf cut, because while it sticks to the style's signature shaggy look, they added unexpected details like a soft cheekbone-grazing fringe and a gradient color to give it a more unique flair.
7. Chin-length bob with face-framing fringe
Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this haircut. A low-key curtain fringe can do wonders for certain hair types, specifically for straight, fine locks that require a lift and some shape at the front. Meanwhile, if you have a square-shaped face, this length can hug a pronounced jawline to achieve a softer finish.
8. French bob with V-shaped curtain bangs
Not a fan of a subtle fringe? Have your stylist use a thicker section of hair for your curtain bangs to create a more dramatic sweep. Like this French bob by hairstylist Linh Phan, you can enhance the look even further by adding an outward flip with a flat iron.
9. Bob with combination bangs
Full bangs have the tendency to look heavy on certain people, but fortunately, that's an issue you can easily fix by adding long bangs on its sides. What's even cooler about this combination is that once your hair grows out, you'll have two pairs of natural-looking layers that'll effortlessly frame your face!
10. '90s lob
Christy Turlington's inward flipped lob in the '90s has yet to lose its appeal three decades later. But if you want your version to look anything but vintage, experiment by adding soft layers and curtain bangs. This will give the classic cut more texture and some low-key cheek and forehead coverage.
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