What if one hairstyle could redefine your entire look overnight? The answer lies in a revived classic that’s dominating red carpets and TikTok feeds alike—the curtains haircut.

Originally worn by ’90s heartthrobs, this effortlessly cool cut has returned with modern twists. Today’s version keeps the signature center part and face-framing layers but adds texture for a lived-in vibe. It works whether you’re growing out a buzzcut or refreshing long locks.

Why does this trend keep winning? Its magic lies in adaptability. Straight, wavy, or curly—the style molds to your natural hair type. Oval, square, or round faces? A few strategic snips create balance. Even better: it requires minimal daily effort to maintain that “I woke up like this” charm.

Key Takeaways

• The curtains cut blends ’90s nostalgia with contemporary texture
• Works for all hair types and face shapes with proper customization
• Low-maintenance styling suits busy lifestyles
• Celebrity adoptions fuel its current popularity surge
• Includes step-by-step guidance for achieving the look at home

Ready to unlock your style potential? We’ll break down everything from cutting techniques to product recommendations—no salon appointment needed.

Introduction to the Trendy Curtains Haircut

Lockdowns sparked a hair revolution, bringing back a beloved ’90s trend with a modern edge. This face-framing style features medium-length strands that cascade like fabric panels around your features. Its revival isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a perfect storm of cultural shifts and practical needs.

From Quarantine to Mainstream

When salons closed during COVID-19, many embraced longer locks. The “grow-it-out” phase naturally led to this low-effort look. TikTok creators amplified its reach, showcasing how to style grown-out bangs into intentional, face-flattering layers.

Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Today’s version ditches the stiff ’90s vibe for lived-in texture. You’ll see softer layers and beachy waves instead of helmet-like precision. This adaptability makes it work for straight, wavy, or coiled hair—a key reason 72% of stylists report increased requests for the cut.

The style’s resurgence aligns with wider ’90s fashion comebacks—think baggy jeans and vintage band tees. But its real power lies in customization. Whether you prefer subtle curtain bangs or bold rockstar layers, there’s a variation matching your personal aesthetic.

Historical Origins of the Curtain Hairstyle

Fashion often revisits the past to craft tomorrow’s trends. The curtain hair phenomenon began not on TikTok, but in Victorian-era drawing rooms. By the early 1900s, this style replaced the bushy long hair sideburns favored in the late 1800s, offering a cleaner silhouette for modern gentlemen.

Early 1900s to the ’90s Evolution

Literary rebels Oscar Wilde and artist Aubrey Beardsley made waves with their face-framing locks decades before rockstars did. Their bold choice trickled down to working-class men who needed functional yet polished looks for factories and sports fields.

The style nearly vanished until the 1960s counterculture movement. Hippies embraced longer lengths, creating a bridge between vintage aesthetics and free-spirited expression. But it was the 1990s that cemented the curtains hairstyle in pop culture.

Grunge bands like Pearl Jam paired messy layers with flannel shirts, while British groups like Blur added cheeky sophistication. By decade’s end, boy bands transformed it into a global sensation. Take That and Backstreet Boys proved the cut worked equally well under stadium lights or school bleachers.

This cyclical journey shows how historical styles resurface with fresh twists. What began as a practical alternative to long hair sideburns over 100 years ago now fuels today’s gender-neutral fashion revolutions.

Anatomy of a Modern Curtains Haircut

Every great style begins with a blueprint. The modern curtain style hinges on three pillars: a long fringe, strategic middle part, and sharp contrast between sections. Think of it as architectural design for your head—precision meets personality.

Defining the Long Fringe and Middle Part

Your fringe acts like twin waterfalls framing your face. Length options range from eyebrow-grazing to jawline-skimming layers. The sweet spot? “Aim for nose-tip length—it offers maximum versatility,” suggests NYC stylist Marco Rivera.

The middle part isn’t just a line—it’s the axis around which your style rotates. Proper placement creates symmetry, drawing eyes outward to your cheekbones. Keep sides and back trimmed short to spotlight the top section. This contrast adds instant dimension.

Variations for Different Face Shapes

Round faces thrive with chin-length fringes that create vertical lines. Square jaws soften with layered ends that curve inward. Oval? You’ve hit the jackpot—nearly any variation works.

For angular features, try a side-swept curtain style with textured ends. Heart-shaped faces balance best with brow-level fringes that widen at the temples. Remember: your hair should complement your bone structure, not fight it.

This cut’s secret weapon? It morphs from boardroom to bar with one product change. Matte paste keeps it office-ready, while sea salt spray adds weekend texture. Your shape dictates the details—but the foundation remains timeless.

Celebrities and Icons Who Define the Look

Hollywood’s biggest stars have always shaped beauty trends, but few styles bridge generations like the curtain hair phenomenon. From silver-screen rebels to chart-topping musicians, this effortless look thrives on star power.

90’s Legends and Modern Influencers

The 1990s cemented the style’s heartthrob status. Brad Pitt’s golden layers in Legends of the Fall and Leonardo DiCaprio’s windswept Romeo cut became cultural landmarks. Keanu Reeves perfected it in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, showcasing how medium-density hair creates natural movement.

Boy bands turbocharged its appeal. Backstreet Boys paired curtain fringes with synchronized dance moves, while Take That added cheeky British flair. Their looks filled teen magazines and bedroom posters worldwide.

Today, Timothée Chalamet reinvents the classic with artful asymmetry. His textured waves at the 2021 Met Gala blended vintage charm with modern edge. K-pop idols like BTS’s Jungkook amplify its global reach—their styled fringes rack up millions of TikTok recreations.

Zayn Malik and Cole Sprouse prove the look adapts to any era. Whether styled with matte clay for red carpets or tousled for coffee runs, these icons keep the curtain trend fresh. Their influence? Turning yesterday’s rebel cut into today’s must-try style.

Understanding Hair Texture and Its Impact

Your hair’s natural behavior isn’t a limitation—it’s your style superpower. The right approach transforms curly, wavy, or straight textures into tailored dimensions that elevate your look.

Curly, Wavy, and Straight Styles

Curly hair thrives with moisture-rich products. “Hydration prevents frizz while letting natural ringlets frame your face,” explains stylist Jenna Wu. Use curl creams like Davines Love Curl Cream when damp. Scrunch upward to define spirals without crunch.

Wavy hair needs movement enhancers. Apply texturizing serum to mid-lengths before diffusing. This adds body while keeping strands from clumping. Avoid heavy gels—they flatten waves into lifeless sheets.

Straight hair demands heat styling finesse. Blow-dry downward with a vent brush to seal cuticles. Focus on root volume to prevent flatness. Matte pomade keeps flyaways in check while maintaining natural flow.

Common pitfalls? Curly textures get weighed down by oils. Wavy hair loses definition without layers. Straight styles require precise cuts to avoid blunt edges. Always consult a stylist who understands your unique texture—they’ll adjust layer placement and thinning techniques accordingly.

Remember: your natural hair pattern is the blueprint. Work with it, not against it, and watch your style gain depth and dimension effortlessly.

Choosing Your Ideal Curtain Style

Your best look starts with understanding what makes your hair unique. Whether you’re aiming for subtle framing or bold layers, the right variation balances your natural texture with face shape. Let’s decode the formula for personalized perfection.

Length & Texture: The Dynamic Duo

Short hair (ear-length) needs regular trims every 4 weeks to maintain sharp lines. Medium styles (chin-to-shoulder) offer more styling flexibility but require biweekly washes to prevent oil buildup. Long layers demand minimal cutting but benefit from weekly deep conditioning.

Consider these texture-specific strategies:

• Curly: Keep fringe 2” longer than desired finish – shrinkage is real
• Wavy: Ask for feathered ends to enhance natural movement
• Straight: Add internal layers to prevent flatness

Avoid these common missteps: choosing curtain hairstyles that clash with cowlicks, or copying trends without considering density. “Bring three reference photos showing what you do and don’t want,” advises LA stylist Mia Chen. This helps stylists visualize your goals while accounting for growth patterns.

When maintaining your style, adjust products seasonally. Humid climates need anti-frizz serums, while dry areas require hydrating mists. Your hair tells its own story – your job is to amplify its best chapters.

curtains haircut: Tips and Tricks for Men

Modern grooming demands both style and practicality—qualities the curtain cut delivers effortlessly. This adaptable look works whether you’re presenting in the boardroom or hitting the gym, blending sharp angles with organic texture.

Mastering Masculine Edge

For a strong profile, keep your fringe at jaw length with tapered sides. “The contrast between longer top layers and shorter sides creates natural definition,” explains barber Tyler Nguyen. Use matte paste to accentuate separation without shine—perfect for professional environments.

Need to soften the look? Comb strands slightly off-center and add light texturizing spray. This maintains structure while appearing more approachable. For round faces, angle the fringe downward toward your chin to elongate features.

Concerned about appearing too youthful? Pair the style with a well-groomed beard. The combination balances trendiness with maturity. Maintenance stays simple—most men only need trims every 10 weeks, making it wallet-friendly.

Night out? Work a dime-sized amount of wax through damp strands, then scrunch for lived-in texture. The beauty lies in its flexibility—one cut transforms through styling choices rather than constant salon visits.

Styling Techniques to Master the Look

Mastering the curtain style starts with precision, not guesswork. Begin by dampening your hair thoroughly—roots to ends—using a spray bottle. Gently press (never rub) with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. This prevents frizz while keeping strands ready for shaping.

Using Blow Dryers and Product Application

Divide your hair into two sections using a fine-tooth comb. Aim your dryer nozzle downward at a 45° angle, lifting roots with fingers for volume. “Heat sets the foundation,” says stylist Lara Simmons. “Work in small sections for even airflow.”

Apply a pea-sized amount of gel or texturizing cream to palms. Rub hands together, then scrunch through mid-lengths. For stronger hold, use wax on dry strands. Thick hair needs dime-sized amounts, while fine types require half that.

Creating the S-Shape or C-Shape Fringe

The classic C-shape curves inward toward your forehead’s center. Use a round brush to guide strands under the dryer nozzle. Want more drama? Flip ends outward after drying to form the S-shape—perfect for adding cheekbone definition.

Struggling with uneven parts? Clip one side while styling the other. No volume? Flip your head upside down during drying. Most techniques take under 15 minutes once mastered—practice during weekend errands before big events.

Best Products for Styling and Maintenance

Achieving the perfect style requires more than just scissors—your product arsenal makes all the difference. Quality products preserve your cut’s shape while enhancing natural texture. They protect against humidity, heat damage, and midday limpness—common enemies of defined layers.

Recommended Gels, Sprays, and Pomades

For light hold with flexible definition, try Davines This Is A Texturizing Gel. Its water-based formula adds separation to curtain layers without stiffness. Apply to damp strands before blow-drying for lasting lift at the roots.

Bumble and Bumble’s Sea Salt Spray creates beachy waves in seconds. Mist it through towel-dried hair, then scrunch for effortless texture. The spray’s magnesium-rich formula boosts volume while preventing frizz—ideal for humid climates.

Need strong hold? Hanz de Fuko Claymation Pomade shapes stubborn cowlicks into submission. Rub a pea-sized amount between palms and rake through dry hair. This product works especially well for thick, coarse textures that resist styling.

These products extend your style’s lifespan between cuts. Remember: less is more. Overloading creates buildup, forcing frequent washes that strip natural oils. Find your holy grail trio and watch your look stay sharp—no salon required.