

“The shortest part of the bang is in the center and gradually gets longer as it descends toward the cheekbones.” Finish the look by brushing them out so they don't look too “done,” then pinch the center together to get the face-framing effect. “A curtain bang has a downward sweeping angle from a middle part that creates a retro, ’70s vibe,” says Abramite. This is key, as the contrast is what creates the bang effect. Then, starting at the root, curl the first few inches of hair away from your face, leaving the midlengths to be natural. “I’ve learned a lot of people don’t actually know their own face.Start by sectioning out your “bang” area by using the same technique as above, and part it down the center. Ahead of meeting with a pro, Townsend recommends doing your own research to understand what will works best for you.“When people come to see me for a haircut, they often show me pictures of bangs on a different face shape,” explains Townsend. “Always have your bangs cut by a professional hairstylist who will give you a consultation first, taking into account your face shape, features, and lifestyle,” says François. Simply put: Leave curtain bangs to the pros. “If you can give your bangs 10 minutes, you’re done,” assures Townsend. In addition to more trips to the salon for bang trims, there’s also the additional maintenance like more cleansing (bangs tend to get greasy because they absorb the oil, sweat, make-up, and SPF from your face) and daily finessing - though many consider the latter to be far and away worth it. “Some people find the feeling of hair on the face uncomfortable or it might be more practical to have hair fully swept back day to day,” he says. For one, there’s the sheer physicality of bangs. “Before taking the plunge, consider if bangs will suit your lifestyle,” says François.

While curtain bangs are coveted for good reason, you do have to weigh if they’ll be right for you across the board. Photo: Getty Images Should I Get curtain bangs?
