How to Style Curtain Bangs: Get The ‘70s Fringe

First things first - what are curtain bangs?

Curtain bangs are angled bangs that are shorter in the centre and longer at the sides. They’re a retro-style fringe that can be pulled back into a ponytail and are big news in the beauty world at the moment. We asked Babyliss’ Paul Percival - professional hair stylist and all-round haircare hero - to give us the low-down:
“The ‘70s is a huge trend in fashion and beauty right now, as are many ‘70s hairstyles like curtain bangs and the mullet. But I think the main reason why curtain bangs are so popular is they work on so many different people. They’re a flattering trend for pretty much everyone - and that’s rare.”

The good news? Curtain bangs are low maintenance, but they do require a little styling effort to achieve a flawless finish. Here’s our expert step-by-step guide to styling curtain bangs in three different ways - by using a flat iron, curlers and a hair dryer. But first, amp up the volume pre-style with a dynamic shampoo and conditioner duo.

How to style curtain bangs with a straightener

Step 1. Prep your tresses
First and foremost, use a heat protectant. Before you so much as glance at your hair dryer, you need to defend your tresses from the sky-high temperatures that come with heat styling.

After adding heat protectant, opt for styling products specifically suited to your hair type. For fine hair, look out for volumising mists. For medium to thick hair, choose boosting mists that will amplify your bangs and provide texture and shape that never falls flat.

Step 2. Roughly blow dry
Roughly blow dry your bangs to get them style ready. The latest range of high-performance hair dryers use fast-drying technology for less damage, which reduces frizz and flyaways while delivering salon-worthy results. Paul also recommends an all-in-one hair dryer with a round brush that dries and styles curtain bangs simultaneously.

Step 3. Use straighteners to curl
Comb through your bangs to ensure your hair is knot-free. Then, take small sections of your fringe and, with hot straighteners, twist them around your fringe and away from your face. Pull the straighteners downwards to give multi-directional waves, holding onto the heated section for a few seconds to allow it to cool before releasing. Do this multiple times until you’re happy with the amount of curl.

Step 4. Hold in place
Set your curls with hairspray to keep your fringe in place and out of your eyes, and brush out gently for a more natural look. Bear in mind curled bangs will naturally drop out slightly throughout the day to give a more relaxed, beachy wave.

How to curl curtain bangs with curling tongs

Step 1. Prep and add texture
Just like with a flat iron method above, make sure you use a good-quality heat protectant before you start styling to avoid singed strands. Samantha recommends adding a Texture Spray to boost volume and plump out your hair.

Step 2. Roughly blow dry
Use your hair dryer to roughly blow dry your bangs in various directions, getting them ready to style. Don’t fret too much over styling here - just get them dry. Styling comes next.

Step 3. Curl away
Time to get curling. Take small sections of your fringe at a time and wrap your curling tongs around your fringe. Curl in different directions to give natural-looking waves and continue until you’re happy with the number of curls.

The perfect tool for the job? It all depends on your hair type and what type of curl size you want for your fringe, says Paul. Curling tongs and wands will give you anything from coils to waves. For a springy curl, Paul recommends you simply wrap your hair around the tong for a bouncy finish. If you prefer wavy bangs, then gently twist the hair as you wrap it onto the wand for a softer, more subtle wave.

Step 4. Finish with hairspray
Brush out your curled bangs for a more natural look, or let them sit and drop out naturally as the day goes on. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold your bangs in place and keep them away from your eyes. Samantha’s top tip is to pinch the hair in the middle of the fringe parting, above the eyebrows. This will set your bangs with a lift, right at the point where you want to frame your face.

How to blow dry curtain bangs

Step 1. Roughly blow dry
First off, starting with wet hair, dry your fringe in multiple directions to give your bangs some bounce and volume. Then add heat protection that’s been specifically designed to boost your blow-dry - like this one.

Step 2. Style with a round brush
Next, take a round brush and use it to pull your fringe forwards, away from your head while you dry it. Use a nozzle at the end of the hair dryer to direct air flow and reduce frizz. For quick and easy results, use an all-in-one blow dry brush. Those with long curtain bangs can then pin into place with hair rollers for added volume and hold.

Step 3. Add a texture spray
To add even more volume and give your fringe a sleek texture, use a texture spray or dry shampoo and apply through your dried bangs for that effortless and undone finish.

Step 4. Add a hairspray
Finally, add some hairspray to hold everything in place and keep hair out of your eyes, and add a touch of extra shine with a drop of hair oil. Don’t forget to style the rest of your hair and you’re good to go.

So, there you have it: how to get curtain bangs in three simple ways with expert tips from the haircare professionals. With any of these methods - be it a blow dryer, straightener, or curler – you’ll be well on your way to nailing that Insta-worthy fringe in no time.