If you’re crying out for a makeover refresh that provides impact without the price tag, it’s time to seriously consider a fringe.
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While a blunt fringe adds an unrivalled sleekness to any look, there’s no denying, they can be seriously tough to maintain. However, before you pop the entire fringe family into the too hard basket, there is a distant cousin, the curtain fringe, that might be more your cup of tea.
Falling from a slight middle part, a curtain fringe creates a face-framing fanned effect across the forehead.
Delivering an effortless, soft look that will partner any hair texture, length or tone, the curtain fringe might also be of service if you’re wanting to pull off the world’s greatest cowlick cover-up job or if your forehead is your absolute pet hate (we bet nobody else has even noticed it but if you do, then that’s all that matters).
Quickly gaining popularity as being the lowest maintenance and most versatile of all the fringe varieties, the curtain cut can stop anywhere from the cheekbones to the jawline, allowing for the hair to still be tucked behind the ears or pulled back into an updo if required. This also means it’s minimal commitment.
Still need convincing? Here are our top 12 favourite curtain fringe looks to bring to your next haircut…
1
The perfect partner to her honey-layered highlights, JLo’s curtain fringe adds that extra wow to her voluminous waves.
Image via @chrisappleton
2
The perfect partner to a bold lip or eye, balance out strong makeup looks with whimsical, romantic bangs.
3
A simple way to add shape, without sacrificing your length.
Image via @swankyhairdesign
4
For those days when you want to pull your hair back but keep your face softly framed…
Image via @zotheysay
5
If you’re thinking, “that’s not a curtain fringe”, well, you’re right. It is however one of the many cute ways you can style or pin yours back for the days you don’t feel like having it out.
Image via @zotheysay
6
Arguably one of the most famous fringes out there; recreate Alexa Chung’s tousled waves by scrunching a sea salt spray through damp ends.
Image via @alexachung
7
If you’re still associating fringes with dead straight, not-a-hair-out-of-place type of looks, it’s time to reassess…
Image via @asiyami_gold
8
Have a play with different textures too – @joeyscandizzo has kept Steph Claire Smith’s curtain fringe straight and long, while the body has a soft, beachy wave.
9
In case we needed any further confirmation that there is no hairstyle Kerry Washington can’t pull off…
10
For more of a ‘70s vibe, bring the middle pieces inward, right down to your eyes and flick outward.
Image via @jaye_edwards
11
Even Margot made the move to a curtain fringe for this year’s Academy Awards
Image via @brycescarlett
Have you ever had a curtain fringe? If not, would you consider getting one?
Main image credit: @alexachung
I love the Kerry Washington and Margot Robbie fringes. I need to cover the 11 lines between my eyebrows!
I havnt had one but I love this look on Dakota Johnson.
Wow some of these are very 'Farrah'! My daughter got her new Curtain Fringe last week and it looks cute!
Not for me. Im done with fringes. I get one and almost straight away I want to grow it out.
Love it! I'm booked in to get my hair cut later this week to get a fringe, haven't had one in over 10 years!
I think when I was growing out my fringe around 13 years ago I had a sort of ad-hock curtain bang look and it's the only fringe look that I would do again (at the moment anyhow).
I've never had curtain fringe before, just side fringe. Don't know if I would look good in it
Alexa Chung has such great hair. I just read an article about a woman’s curtain fringe disaster where she took a reference photo to her hair dresser and ended up with a much different result than she was expecting. The issue was obviously that the woman has straight hair and in the reference photo there was definitely some blow wave action. If you don’t have some natural wave or can commit to styling, avoid the curtain fringe altogether. You will not be happy with it.
I have almost always had a fringe, I look terrible without one.
To fringe or not to fringe that is the question.
I think the curtain fringe is a great idea. I think that’s what I had (it’s now grown out since I haven’t managed to get to the hairdresser for over 6 months.
Have had fringes before but I found that they were hard to look after. Not so sure that a Curtain Fringe would be better, they certainly look great on Margot Robbie.
No. They are messy, hide the face, hair on the face…no. from me.
OMG this is coincidental, but I just got a curtain fringe cut in 2 1/2 weeks ago! Mine is around earlobe length so I can tuck it behind my ears if it annoys me, but surprisingly it's not annoying me that much so far (probably because of the tuck-behind-the-ear ability). I really love the look, especially when I have my hair up in a ponytail or bun as it frames my face nicely (although it's just as lovely when my hair is out). Funnily enough, I used a photo of Steph Clare Smith with the curtain fringe as inspiration.
I've had a blunt fringe before & it was far too much upkeep. I think that's partly why I'm digging the curtain fringe on me – not as much maintenance & I can grow it back out again during the warmer months.
Fringes are a god send.
I've only had a fringe once and never again! I was in primary school and my mum cut it herself. I had curly frizzy hair and I remember being laughed at when I went to school the next day.
Sounds great! I feel that I need a fringe similar to this. This is what I’ve got now.
So cute
I've always had a fringe but I don't think a curtain fringe would suit me.
These look great! I think my hair is too straight for this type of fringe though.
Fringes are just too annoying if you wear glasses.
I have had a fringe. I did like it but it grows so quickly and irritates my eyes.
They all look great !
A curtain fringe certainly comes in handy when you have a massive pimple right in between your eyes (I speak from experience!).
I feel like it is still a lot of maintenace.
I had one in the 80’s as a child. Never again.
I've had a curtain fringe many times but I didn't know that there was a name for it.
Hm.. I'm not sure about this. My curly hair just doesn't sit right in a fringe :S
I usually wear a choppy fringe which needs no styling. Whenever I've had a curtain fringe, it always needed styling to keep it out of my eyes.
I do love a side swept fringe which I can tuck behind my ears and don't have to blowdry or maintain much
I love fringes, excpet when all of a sudden its too long and i can't see lol
I quite like the look of fringes but they are so annoying to maintain I’m not sure I’ll ever have one again.
Love this style, but doesn't suit my face shape…
Never had a full fringe, wouldn't suit me
I love these looks.
My curtain fringe is natural as I have a cow lick right in the middle of my forehead and I hate it!
If only my hair wasn't falling…
need to learn how to style my own fringe now
I wear a fringe, but I can’t handle a curtain fringe – I get a migraine if my hair gets in my eyes.