I’ve seen numerous trends wax and wane, but there’s a timeless charm in medium haircuts with curtain bangs that simply don’t fade. This style, which first emerged in the 1970s, has made a resounding comeback, and for good reason.
It features shoulder-length hair, complemented by bangs that part in the middle or to the side, elegantly framing the face. What I adore about this look is its versatility—it gracefully adapts to all hair textures, lengths, and face shapes. Not to mention, it’s a breeze to maintain and adds a delightful volume and softness.
Curtain Bangs: A Commitment Worth Making
However, it’s crucial to recognize that embracing curtain bangs is a commitment. They require extra styling time and consideration of how they will grow out. If you’re contemplating this style, remember there are numerous variations to tailor it to your personal taste, including the length and texture of the bangs, and whether they’re parted down the middle or to the side.
A Trio of Medium Haircut Styles with Curtain Bangs
1. The Classic Bob with a Twist
The timeless classic bob, when combined with curtain bangs, receives a contemporary uplift. For this style, I suggest a chin-length bob with subtle layers, topped with soft curtain bangs that just graze the eyebrows. It’s a match made in heaven for straight hair and can be styled to sleek perfection with a flat iron.
2. The Layered Shag with Curtain Fringe
For those seeking added volume and texture, the layered shag with curtain fringe is your go-to. This style frames your face beautifully, bringing a softer, more approachable look. Aim for a layered shag full of texture, complemented by curtain fringe that gently touches below the eyebrows. It’s particularly stunning on wavy hair, exuding a playful, tousled vibe when styled with a curling iron.
3. The Wavy Medium Cut with Soft Bangs
For the naturally wavy-haired beauties, a medium cut with soft curtain bangs is an excellent choice. This style enhances the natural texture of your hair. Picture a medium-length cut with abundant layers, paired with curtain bangs that softly kiss above the eyebrows. A diffuser can bring out the best in your natural waves, offering a more defined and captivating look.
Customizing Curtain Bangs for Every Face Shape
As a stylist, I’ve learned that curtain bangs can flatter a myriad of face shapes. The key lies in choosing the appropriate length and style to complement your unique features. For instance, longer curtain bangs work wonders for round faces, creating an elongated appearance, while shorter, wispy ones soften the jawline of square faces. Heart-shaped faces benefit from shorter bangs that accentuate the eyes and balance a wider forehead, while oval faces have the luxury to experiment with various styles.
Style and Maintenance
Daily Styling Techniques
Styling these bangs can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right techniques, youcan achieve a chic and effortless look. After washing, blot your hair gently with a towel. Apply a heat protectant before blow-drying. Use a round brush while blow-drying for a smooth finish. For the bangs, blow-dry them in the opposite direction of your parting for volume, then style them with your fingers or a comb.
Long-Term Care for Healthy Bangs
Trim your bangs every four to six weeks to maintain their shape, especially if you have thick hair. Opt for a quality shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Limit the use of heat styling tools, and when you do use them, always apply a heat protectant. Embrace a low-maintenance look when you can; curtain bangs are versatile enough to look great in a messy bun or air-dried.
Trends and Inspiration: Reinventing the Classic
The medium haircut with curtain bangs offers endless possibilities for customization. For a color twist, try balayage. This technique paints highlights onto the hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed look. Think of adding blonde balayage to the ends for a striking contrast, or a “money piece” of highlights around the face for a brightening effect.
Channeling the 70s Vibe
The medium haircut with curtain bangs has a nostalgic 70s feel, reminiscent of the iconic Farrah Fawcett look. For a modern interpretation, maintain long, loose layers and use a curling iron to create soft waves.
Curtain Bangs for Different Face Shapes
Here are some tips for adapting curtain bangs to various face shapes:
Round Faces: Go for longer bangs that fall below the cheekbones to elongate your face.
Square Faces: Choose shorter, wispy bangs to soften your jawline.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Shorter bangs that hit just above the eyebrows draw attention to the eyes.
Oval Faces: Experiment with different lengths and styles; the possibilities are endless.
Pro Tip: When styling your bangs, spray a small amount of dry shampoo at the roots. It not only absorbs excess oil but also gives an instant lift and volume, making your bangs look freshly styled all day.
The medium haircut with curtain bangs is a timeless, versatile style that can be tailored to suit anyone’s personal flair. By working with a stylist who understands your hair type and face shape, you can achieve a modern, yet classic look.
Remember, the right haircut can elevate your style and boost your confidence. Keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun with your hair!
#1 Luxurious Medium Layers in Dark Brown with Elegant Curtain Bangs
This hairstyle features a luxurious cascade of long, layered locks that gracefully frame the face, adding both volume and movement. I appreciate how the subtle waves are styled to create a soft, natural look, complementing the rich, dark brown hue of the hair. The curtain bangs are a chic touch, parting elegantly to enhance the eyes and cheekbones, which is ideal for someone looking to soften their features while keeping a trendy, versatile length.
#2 Voluminous Medium Chocolate Cut with Effortless Curtain Bangs
The flowing layers in this medium-length cut bring out a voluminous yet manageable style that works beautifully with the natural wave of the hair. Its rich, chocolate-brown shade gives off a warm, inviting vibe, which is perfectly accented by the wispy, curtain bangs that frame the face with an effortless, modern edge. What's truly delightful about this look is the way the bangs sweep to the sides, opening up the face and making it a versatile choice for various face shapes looking to strike a balance between elegance and ease.
#3 Sleek Medium Jet-Black Style with Polished Straight Bangs
The silky, jet-black tresses in this medium-length cut fall just below the shoulders, exuding a sleek, polished appearance that's both timeless and striking. Gentle layers are snipped in around the face, enhancing the hair's natural straight texture and providing a subtle, softening effect that's incredibly flattering. Clean, unobstructed bangs that allow the health and shine of the hair to take center stage, something I find absolutely refreshing.
#4 Bold Ginger Medium Cut with Airy Feathered Ends and Bangs
This medium-length hairstyle captivates with its warm, ginger hue, a striking choice for those looking to make a bold color statement. The cut falls smoothly around the shoulders with feathered ends, offering a light, airy feel that's particularly flattering for fine hair textures. Its standout feature is the full, straight-across bangs that gently kiss the eyebrows, creating a stylish frame for the face that harmoniously balances the overall look, a detail I find refreshingly modern and appealing.
#5 Playful Medium Chocolate Layers with Whimsical Side Bangs
This playful medium-length hairstyle boasts dynamic layers that create a bouncy, voluminous effect, especially apparent in the lively waves. The chocolate brown shade is both deep and dimensional, giving the hair a healthy, lustrous sheen that's eye-catching. The bangs are lightly feathered and side-swept, framing the eyes and lending a touch of whimsy to the overall style, a detail that captures the essence of a fun, low-maintenance yet stylish cut.
#6 Sun-Kissed Medium Balayage with Seamless Curtain Bangs
The sun-kissed balayage of this medium-length hairstyle blends caramel and honey tones, creating a multidimensional color that is both striking and natural-looking. Its long layers add texture and movement, while the subtle outward flicks at the ends give a playful twist to the overall shape. I'm fond of the way the curtain bangs merge seamlessly into the rest of the hair, offering a soft, face-framing effect that accentuates the cheekbones and eyes.
#7 Edgy Medium Wheat-Blonde Shag with Tousled Curtain Bangs
This shaggy lob haircut embodies an edgy yet feminine vibe with its tousled layers and a soft, wheat-blonde color that gives it a sun-kissed finish. The curtain bangs fall effortlessly around the cheekbones, creating an airy, face-framing effect that works in harmony with the model's delicate features. I'm particularly drawn to the textured ends which add a playful movement, making it a perfect, low-maintenance style for those looking to add volume and a touch of bohemian flair to their look.
#8 Beachy Medium Blonde Elegance with Softly Parted Bangs
This medium-length hairstyle exudes beachy elegance with its cascading waves and a soft, buttery blonde balayage that perfectly complements sun-kissed skin. The layers are masterfully cut to enhance the hair's natural volume and movement, making it a breeze to style for that effortless, just-back-from-the-beach look. What I find especially charming is the middle parting, which allows the subtle curtain bangs to frame the face and highlight the eyes without overwhelming the model's delicate features.
#9 Vibrant Medium 'Miami Blonde' with Casual Chic Curtain Bangs
This medium-length cut showcases a 'Miami Blonde' color, a vibrant and dimensional blend that mimics the golden hues of a beachside sunset. The hair is cut into long, sweeping layers that add volume and movement, ideal for the soft, tousled waves that give off a carefree, yet sophisticated vibe. I'm particularly fond of the way the subtle curtain bangs part in the middle, framing the face and drawing attention to the eyes, which is always a flattering look for those seeking a blend of casual and chic.
#10 Warm Cinnamon Medium Style with Full and Playful Bangs
This charming medium haircut is colored in a rich cinnamon shade that brings warmth to the complexion and is perfect for those looking to spice up their look. The hair is cut with seamless layers that add a breezy texture and encourage the natural, subtle waves to fall just right. I'm particularly smitten with the full, sweeping curtain bangs that gently cover the forehead, creating a playful yet sophisticated frame for the face, which is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to soften their features with a touch of whimsy.
#11 Boho Medium Cut with Contrasting Balayage and Soft Bangs
This medium-length hairstyle is a creative play of contrasts, featuring a dark base with balayage highlights that transition into a cool blonde, adding depth and dimension. The loose waves give it a relaxed, bohemian feel, perfect for a casual, yet trendy look. I'm particularly taken with the curtain bangs that are expertly blended into the rest of the layers, framing the face beautifully and adding a touch of softness to the edgy color transition.
#12 Chic Medium Ash Brown with Sleek Feathered Bangs
The medium-length haircut presents a chic and sleek look with its cool ash brown color, giving off an aura of understated elegance. Its subtle layers around the face create a soft, feathered effect that enhances the hair's natural straight texture, offering a versatile style that's both polished and easy to manage. I'm particularly fond of the side-swept bangs, which delicately skim the eye, adding a modern twist to the classic fringe and beautifully complementing the model's sharp features.
#13 Voluminous Medium Brunette Curls with Softly Parted Bangs
The pictured hairstyle exudes a playful yet elegant charm, featuring medium-length layers that cascade into bouncy, voluminous curls, achieved through a skilled blowout. The rich, deep brunette color provides a luxurious backdrop for the full-bodied waves, lending an air of classic sophistication. What I find especially captivating are the softly parted curtain bangs, which frame the face beautifully, adding a touch of romance and femininity to the overall look.
#14 Radiant Medium Honey Blonde with Sleek Layered Elegance
This sleek medium-length hairstyle flaunts expertly crafted layers that gently frame the face, while the honeyed blonde highlights add a radiant, dimensional quality. The hair's silky straight texture is accentuated by a subtle graduation of length, which gives a modern, refined edge to the classic style. What I really adore is the absence of bangs, which allows the natural beauty and flow of the cut to stand out, creating an effortlessly chic look that's both timeless and on-trend.
#15 Flowing Medium Auburn Layers with Gently Parted Bangs
This medium-length cut is styled with soft, flowing layers that create a beautiful, natural movement, enhancing the rich auburn hue of the hair. The fringe is gently parted in the middle, resulting in curtain bangs that effortlessly frame the face and highlight the eyes, a feature I find particularly flattering. I'm fond of the slight outward flick at the ends, which adds a playful yet sophisticated touch to the overall silhouette, perfect for those seeking a fresh and feminine look.
#16 Retro-Inspired Medium Copper Shag with Soft Curtain Bangs
The hairstyle presented is a modern take on the classic '60s shag, featuring textured layers that add volume and movement to the fiery copper locks. The bangs are cut in a soft, curtain style that frames the face and enhances the model's striking features, evoking a retro vibe with a contemporary twist. I'm particularly drawn to the playful bounce and the way the ends flick outwards, adding an effortless, rock-and-roll feel to the medium-length cut.
#17 Lively Medium 'Bronde' Waves with Whimsical Feathered Bangs
This medium-length haircut exudes a lively, bouncy vibe with its voluminous waves, achieved through a layered cut that promotes movement and body. The 'bronde' color—a seamless blend of brown and blonde—enhances the hairstyle's dimension and perfectly complements the model's sun-kissed complexion. I'm particularly enamored with the soft, feathered curtain bangs that lightly curtain the eyes, adding a touch of whimsy to this beautifully executed cut.
#18 Glamorous Medium Balayage with Natural Flowing Waves and Bangs
This hairstyle is a stunning example of a medium-length cut with seamless layers that create a natural flow and soft waves, which add both texture and a touch of glamour. The dimensional balayage, blending cool and warm blonde tones, gives the hair a lively, sun-kissed appearance that's versatile for any season. I'm particularly fond of how the long, sweeping bangs effortlessly part to the sides, framing the face and drawing attention to the eyes, making it a flattering choice for those looking to update their style with a sophisticated yet easy-to-maintain look.
#19 Relaxed Medium Dark Chocolate Shag with Trendy Bangs
This tousled medium-length cut boasts shaggy layers that deliver a relaxed, bohemian vibe, perfect for a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The rich, dark chocolate hue enhances the hair's texture, while the curtain bangs add a trendy, face-framing effect that draws attention to the eyes. I'm drawn to the effortless, wavy styling, which gives the hair an undone elegance that's both contemporary and versatile.
#20 Graceful Medium Chocolate Curls with Modern Elegant Bangs
This medium-length hairstyle is a harmonious blend of soft layers and waves, creating a voluminous look that embodies effortless grace. The chocolate brown color is rich and lustrous, adding depth and warmth to the cascading curls. I'm particularly captivated by the curtain bangs that part just so, framing the face beautifully and accentuating the model's features with a touch of modern elegance.
#21 Bold Medium Straight Cut with Caramel Ombre and Feathered Bangs
This chic, straight medium-length haircut boasts a striking contrast with its dark roots melting into a warm caramel ombre, offering a bold yet seamless transition. The cut features a clean, blunt line that enhances the hair's sleek texture, while the long, feathered bangs provide a soft curtain that elegantly frames the face. I'm particularly taken with the precision of the cut, how it manages to be both sharp and soft, creating a look that's modern, versatile, and absolutely on-trend.
#22 Glamorous Medium Brunette with Dynamic Caramel Highlights and Bangs
This hairstyle showcases a glamorous medium length with subtle layers that enhance the natural wave, creating a voluminous and dynamic look. The deep brunette base accented with delicate caramel highlights adds a rich contrast and dimension to the waves. I find the long, sweeping curtain bangs particularly striking as they soften the face and add a romantic flair to the overall style, which is both modern and effortlessly chic.
#23 Chic Medium Tousled Cut with Honeyed Balayage and Light Bangs
This effortlessly chic medium haircut boasts a tousled, textured look with shaggy layers that enhance its natural volume and movement. The sun-kissed balayage with honeyed tones melds beautifully into the deeper brown base, creating an organic, lived-in color effect. I'm especially fond of the feathery curtain bangs that lightly frame the face, offering a laid-back yet sophisticated style that complements the tousled waves perfectly.
#24 Rich Medium Mocha Cut with Voluminous Textured Layers and Bangs
This textured medium haircut is a masterpiece of layering, creating a voluminous and flowing look that exudes both movement and softness. The rich mocha hue is woven with subtle highlights, adding depth and dimension that enliven the curls and waves. I'm particularly taken with the curtain bangs that softly part, framing the face in a way that enhances the model's features while maintaining a breezy, carefree elegance.
#25 Sunlit Medium Brunette with Golden Highlights and Sweeping Bangs
This layered mid-length haircut is styled with a sweeping curtain fringe that effortlessly frames the face, accentuating the model's striking eyes. The soft golden highlights woven throughout the rich brunette base create a warm, sun-kissed effect, enhancing the hair's texture and movement. I'm particularly fond of the way the layers fall, adding a playful bounce to the ends, which complements the natural, lived-in styling of the cut.
Amy is an hairstylist and the editor-in-chief at Snazzy Lair, where her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the direction of the publication and ensuring its continued success. With over a decade of experience in the hairstyling industry, Amy has honed her craft to perfection. She possesses an innate talent for transforming hair into works of art, and her dedication to her clients' satisfaction knows no bounds.
