Frizzy, unruly hair can be endlessly frustrating. No matter how much you brush, style, and smooth it, the puff keeps fighting its way back. If you’re ready to find a flattering look that makes the most of your texture instead of fighting it, curtain bangs may be the answer.
Curtain bangs, also known as wispy bangs, are long, swept fringe that blends seamlessly into face framing layers. This soft fringe is back in fashion thanks to stars like Brigitte Bardot and Zooey Deschanel rocking the look, as seen in this guide to curtain bangs for curly hair. The key question is, can curtain bangs actually help temper frizzy hair? Or will they just contribute to the frizz?
To help you decide if curtain bangs are right for your hair type and texture, let’s explore the potential pros and cons.
The Case for Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs offer several advantages that make them a strong contender for frizzy manes. Here are some of the reasons this fringe just might be a game changer:
They Break Up Frizzy Volume
Curtain bangs help divert some of the frizz and volume to a smaller section at the front. This helps take away that “triangle” or pyramid shape that frizzy hair can create when allowed to expand. The bangs soften and frame the face instead of allowing a poofy halo.
The Length is More Forgiving
Unlike blunt bangs that demand precision, curtain bangs have a softer shape that blends with layers. If your hair is a little frizzy or poofy one day, the edges still swoop seamlessly. Short bangs can stick straight up when frizzy. The length of curtain bangs makes them cooperate better.
Easy to Style and Adapt
The longer length also makes curtain bangs easy to finesse as needed. You can blow dry them back or across your forehead depending on your look that day. When frizz is really wild, sweep the bangs into a ponytail or pin them back. Short bangs don’t allow that flexibility.
Layers Help Diffuse Volume
Bangs paired with face-framing layers can help take weight and puffiness out of the rest of your hair. Adding layers removes some bulk, decreasing the “triangle” effect. The layers make frizzy hair more manageable.
Low Maintenance Styling
Curtain bangs are forgiving when it comes to styling too. Simply blow drying them forward with a round brush or your hands smoothes everything into place. No need for precise flat ironing or curling daily. You can air dry and finger style for casual days.
Softer Finish
Blunt bangs cut straight across can accentuate frizzy textures, creating a harsh line on the forehead. The tapered, swooping shape of curtain bangs appears softer and more blended. It complements frizzy hair better than severe lines.
Face Framing Flattery
Curtain bangs draw attention to your eyes, cheekbones, and lips by beautifully framing your face. This helps make frizzy hair less of the focus. The right curtain bang shape can balance facial features and highlight your best assets.
Works for All Face Shapes
Whether your face is long, round, heart-shaped or oval, curtain bangs can be cut and swooped to flatter. The adaptability makes them universal. They can balance and accentuate facial features for any face shape.
You Can Still Pull Hair Back
While bangs can be limiting for pulling hair into ponytails or buns, curtain bangs seamlessly blend into styles. You still have the option of putting your hair up to remove frizzy volume when needed. Curtain bangs give you style flexibility.
Fringe Benefits for Thick Hair
For those blessed with abundantly thick manes, curtain bangs remove some of the heavy bulk. They effectively take away a portion of hair at the front that contributes to triangle hair. Thinning out thick hair with long bangs can be a godsend.
Overall, the flowing shape, adaptability, and softening effects make a strong case for curtain bangs on frizzy dos. When cut and styled well, they could be the elegant solution you’ve been seeking.
Watch Out for Potential Pitfalls
Of course, curtain bangs also come with some caveats. There are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure they enhance your frizzy hair instead of exacerbating it:
Too Short at the Temples
Bangs cut too short at the sides will stick straight out from frizzy hair instead of blending. Make sure your stylist keeps the edges long and tapered to integrate into your layers.
Blunt Cut Ends
Ask for point cut ends with texture rather than bluntness. This helps the ends move and sweep more fluidly. Avoid thick, blunt lines that can accentuate frizz.
Requires Some Styling
While low maintenance, curtain bangs do need a bit of styling TLC. Letting them air dry without any prep can create a poofy mess on frizzy hair. Take the time to blow dry properly.
Not for Super Thin Hair
Those with fine, thinning hair should avoid curtain bangs. They will remove needed volume and can expose thin spots at the hairline. Bangs work best for thick manes.
Can StillFrizz in Humidity
Curtain bangs help control frizz but won’t eliminate it, especially in humid weather. Be prepared to style them on very frizzy high humidity days.
May Need More Frequent Trims
The ends of curtain bangs tend to need trimming more often. Letting them grow out shaggy can revert their smoothing benefits. Schedule trims every 4-6 weeks.
Could Increase Styling Time
While curtain bangs don’t require intensive labor, they do add 5-10 minutes of blow drying or styling to your routine. For low maintenance types, this could be an adjustment.
Get the Cut Right for Your Hair
In the end, getting your curtain bangs cut and shaped properly for your hair texture and growth patterns is essential. Avoid box chain salons and seek out experienced stylists familiar with curly and frizzy hair types.
Bring inspiration photos of curtain bangs on similar hair textures. And communicate clearly:
– Length you prefer at the temples, arch, and sides
– If you want them to blend seamlessly with layers or be more defined
– How much fringe you want over the eyes and forehead
– How you primarily plan to style them – forward or swept back
The right cut should enhance your facial features, remove some frizzy bulk, and blend seamlessly into your hair. It may take a few trims to perfect the shape and flow. Invest time and care into the cut, and curtain bangs can be a game changing addition to temper frizz.
Styling Tips for Frizzy Hair
Once you have the ideal curtain bang cut for your hair texture, styling them well is key. Here are some tips:
Blow dry forward and down – Direct the heat and airflow down and across your forehead to promote a smooth swoop.
Use a round brush – Gently roll the ends forward away from temples as you dry.
Apply serum beforehand – Oils, silicones, and frizz serums help smooth and protect.
Point the ends – Twist curtain bang tips slightly inward as you blow dry to encourage an inward sweep.
Curl them under – Giving the ends a slight curl under can counteract frizzies and puff.
Backcomb at roots – For volume-challenged fine hair, gently tease at the part before smoothing bangs down.
Refresh midday – Carry a miniature hairbrush or comb to tidy bangs as needed.
Style with headbands – On no-wash days, sweep bangs back under a headband or snood.
Embrace the Fringe
If you’re tired of fighting a losing battle against persistent frizz, give curtain bangs serious consideration. A flattering fringe could be the missing ingredient to complementing your texture instead of clashing with it. Take your time researching experienced stylists. Communicate your hair needs and goals. Then be patient as you grow into the ideal curtain bang shape. With proper cut and care, you may just find this trendy fringe is the frizz-fighting secret you’ve been searching for.
