Ever caught yourself staring at photos of young Leonardo DiCaprio or a modern indie musician and thought, “Could I pull off that curtain fringe?” If you’re growing out your hair, bored of the same fades, or want a versatile look that reads both casual and carefully styled, curtain bangs for men might be the low-risk transformation you’ve been looking for. In this guide I’ll walk you through how to choose, cut, and style curtain bangs men actually wear—no fluff, just real-world tips.
Why curtain bangs for men are back (and why they work)
Curtain bangs are a soft, center-parted fringe that frames the face on both sides. They dominated the 90s and have returned as a staple in contemporary men’s hair trends because they:
- add movement and texture without committing to a full fringe,
- work with medium to long hair lengths, and
- complement both relaxed streetwear and smart-casual looks.
Whether you have straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair, the curtain cut creates natural framing for your cheekbones and jawline—making it a favorite among stylists and style-conscious men alike.
Curtain bangs men: how to choose the right cut
Not every curtain fringe suits every face. Here’s how to tailor the look to your features and hair type.
Face shape considerations
- Oval: You’re lucky—oval faces work with most variations, from soft wisps to chunkier curtains.
- Round: Opt for longer curtain bangs that fall below the cheekbones to elongate your face.
- Square: Softer, tousled curtains with texture will soften a strong jawline.
- Heart: Keep the fringe light and airy to balance a narrower chin.
Hair texture and length
For straight hair, point-cut ends and a bit of layering prevent a heavy, helmet-like effect. Wavy hair benefits from longer curtains that let the natural wave do the work. If your hair is curly, ask your barber for longer, controlled layers—short curly curtains often puff out.
How to style curtain bangs men love
Styling curtain bangs is quick once you know the steps. Below are beginner-friendly routines and product suggestions.
Daily styling routine
- Start with damp hair— towel-dry after a shower.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of light cream or sea salt spray to enhance texture.
- Use a round brush or fingers to part the hair down the middle, directing the fringe to fall on each side.
- Finish with a small amount of matte pomade or styling paste to control flyaways and add separation.
Products that work
Look for lightweight styling products: sea salt spray for texture, matte pomade for hold without shine, and a light hairspray for windy days. For fine hair, volumizing mousse helps; for thicker hair, a smoothing cream prevents frizz.
Maintenance: trims, styling time, and barber talk
Curtain bangs require regular maintenance to keep the shape and prevent them from becoming an unkempt curtain. Plan on trimming every 4–6 weeks. Tell your barber you want a soft, face-framing curtain—avoid heavy blunt cutting. Bring photos (classic and contemporary references) so the stylist understands the length and layering you want.
Growing out the look
If you decide the curtain fringe isn’t for you, growing it out is simple: ask for gradual layers and point-cutting to blend the bangs into the rest of your hair. You can also tuck longer curtains behind the ears for a transitional clean look.
Outfit combos that pair well with curtain bangs
Curtain bangs are versatile—here’s how to match clothing to amplify the hairstyle’s vibe.
Casual everyday
- Loose T-shirt, denim jacket, and slim jeans — the curtain fringe adds effortlessness.
- Chunky knit sweater with tapered chinos for an autumn-ready, cozy aesthetic.
Smart-casual
- Crisp button-down, bomber jacket, and Chelsea boots — curtains soften the structured pieces.
- Single-breasted blazer, plain tee, and clean sneakers offer a modern, approachable look.
Streetwear
Layered hoodies, oversized tees, and relaxed trousers lean into the indie, musician-friendly roots of the curtain style. The haircut balances oversized silhouettes with a focused facial frame.
Celebrity inspiration and variations
From classic icons to current influencers, curtain bangs come in many flavors—soft micro-fringes for a retro touch or longer, shaggy curtains for a rock-inspired edge. Use these references when you consult your barber to achieve exactly the look you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are curtain bangs suitable for all ages?
Yes. Curtain bangs are timeless and can be tailored to suit younger or older men by adjusting length, density, and texture. A softer, shorter curtain reads more youthful, while a longer, refined curtain can look mature and stylish.
2. How long will it take to style curtain bangs each morning?
Once you’ve found your routine, styling typically takes 3–7 minutes—dampening, applying a small product, and using your fingers or a brush to shape the part. More elaborate looks with blow-drying or curl-enhancing will take longer.
3. Can I keep curtain bangs if I have a beard?
Absolutely. A well-groomed beard complements curtain bangs nicely—short stubble adds contrast, while a fuller beard balances the face and creates a rugged, curated aesthetic. Check out our beard grooming guide for pairing options.
Final thoughts and next steps
Curtain bangs men can wear offer one of the easiest ways to refresh your look without committing to extreme change. They’re adaptable, stylish, and work with a wide range of personal styles—from indie to polished. Ready to try it? Book a consultation with your barber, bring a few photos, and start with a slightly longer curtain so you can adjust the length over time.
Want more hairstyle inspiration? Check out our guides on men’s haircuts and practical styling tips. If you’re thinking about pairing the look with facial hair, our beard styles guide can help you decide.
Try the look for 30 days: grow your hair to a medium length, ask your barber for soft, face-framing layers, and commit to a simple daily routine. Love it? Share a photo in the comments or book an appointment at your local stylist.
