GET THE LOOK
How to Style Curtain Bangs: Classic & 70s Volume Looks
Create soft, face-framing curtain bangs that feel easy to style and effortless to wear. In the guide below, we show two ways to style them. From a classic, everyday finish to a fuller, 70s-inspired look with more volume and lift. Whether you want something more refined or a dramatic, bouncier finish, both are designed to frame the face and blend naturally into the rest of the hair.
Follow the steps below to learn how to style curtain bangs for each look.
SHOP THE LOOK
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY 400ML
GHD PICK ME UP - ROOT & VOLUME SPRAY
GHD THE BLOW DRYER - RADIAL BRUSH SIZE 2 (35MM BARREL)
NEW GHD SPEED IONIC HAIR DRYER IN BLACK
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY 400ML
GHD PICK ME UP - ROOT & VOLUME SPRAY
GHD THE BLOW DRYER - RADIAL BRUSH SIZE 2 (35MM BARREL)
NEW GHD SPEED IONIC HAIR DRYER IN BLACK
How to style classic curtain bangs for a soft, face-framing finish step-by-step
PREP BANGS WITH HEAT PROTECTION
Start with damp curtain bangs and mist ghd Pick Me Up evenly all over. Hold the bangs away from your face as you spray to ensure the application is even.
SECTION THE BANGS
Split the bangs into two even sections, creating a soft triangle shape across the forehead. This helps keep the style balanced and makes it easier to shape each side evenly.
BLOW-DRY WITH A ROUND BRUSH
Working one side at a time, place a medium round brush under the hair and guide ghd Speed over the top as you move through the lengths.
FLICK ENDS AWAY FROM FACE
As you reach the ends, gently flick the brush away from the face to create that soft, winged shape. This is what gives classic curtain bangs their signature, face-framing finish.
REFINE WITH CURLING TONG
For extra definition use ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong, curling away from the face. Hold each curl for 3-5 seconds before releasing to help define the shape.
SET THE STYLE
Finish with a light mist of ghd Perfect Ending to set the shape and keep everything in place, without weighing the hair down.
FINAL LOOK
SHOP THE LOOK
GHD RISE HOT BRUSH
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY 400ML
GHD PICK ME UP - ROOT & VOLUME SPRAY
NEW GHD SPEED IONIC HAIR DRYER IN BLACK
GHD THE BLOW DRYER - RADIAL BRUSH SIZE 2 (35MM BARREL)
GHD RISE HOT BRUSH
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY 400ML
GHD PICK ME UP - ROOT & VOLUME SPRAY
NEW GHD SPEED IONIC HAIR DRYER IN BLACK
GHD THE BLOW DRYER - RADIAL BRUSH SIZE 2 (35MM BARREL)
How to style 70s curtain bangs step-by-step
PREP BANGS WITH HEAT PROTECTION
Start with damp curtain bangs and mist ghd Pick Me Up all over. Hold the hair slightly away from the face as you apply to protect your eyes and coat the hair evenly.
BLOW DRY WITH ROUND BRUSH FOR VOLUME
Using a medium round brush, lift the bangs away from the face and guide ghd Speed over the top as you work through the hair. Rotate the brush as you move, to create more shape.
BUILD LIFT THROUGH THE ROOTS
As you continue drying, keep the brush close to the roots and follow through with the hairdryer as you move down the hair. This creates lift at the base and builds the volume needed for a fuller, more defined finish.
ADD EXTRA VOLUME
For extra height, switch to ghd Rise and work it underneath the bangs, rotating as you go. This builds additional volume at the root, giving the fringe a more full-bodied 70s finish.
REFINE SHAPE
Once dry, adjust the bangs so they sit evenly on both sides. The aim is a thicker, more defined curtain shape that still moves naturally without over-styling.
SET THE STYLE
Finish with a generous mist of ghd Perfect Ending to lock in volume and keep the shape in place. This encourages long-lasting lift while smoothing any flyaways.
FINAL LOOK
Top Tips for Styling Curtain Bangs at Home
- Work with your natural parting. This helps curtain bangs fall into place more easily and keeps the look balanced.
- Build shape first, then refine. Getting the direction right with your brush makes styling the rest of your curtain bangs much easier.
- Keep product light. This helps curtain bangs hold their shape without heaviness.
- Let the style set before adjusting. Give the hair a moment to fall naturally before going back in.
Who Curtain Bangs Work Best For
Curtain bangs are one of the most adaptable fringe styles and suit most hair types, with the finish depending on how they’re styled. A more classic, parted look is lighter through the front, making it a good option if you prefer something softer or have finer hair. The fuller, 70s-inspired style has more dimension through the fringe, which works perfectly on thicker hair or if you want a bolder finish.
Curtain bangs suit most face shapes, as they can be adjusted to frame the face. Wearing them slightly longer and more parted helps open up the face, while a fuller, thicker fringe creates a more dramatic look.
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS
How to blow-dry curtain bangs for a voluminous finish?
To blow-dry curtain bangs for volume, use a 35mm round brush to lift the hair away from the face while directing the airflow through the roots and lengths. This builds shape and movement, helping the bangs sit softly with a fuller, more lifted finish. Shop our range here.
Are curtain bangs easy to style on long hair?
Yes. Curtain bangs are easy to style on long hair, as the extra length helps them blend naturally into the rest of the hair. This makes them more forgiving to work with and easier to maintain day to day.
How do you keep curtain bangs in place all day?
To keep curtain bangs in place all day, shape them properly while blow-drying with ghd Speed and set your style in place using the cool shot. Once the bangs are sitting where you want them, a light mist of ghd Perfect Ending final fix hairspray will help hold the finish and control flyaways.
How to style curtain bangs with straighteners?
Curtain bangs can be styled with straighteners to create a softer, more defined, face-framing shape. Particularly for fuller styles like butterfly bangs. For a full step-by-step using Chronos hair straighteners, see our butterfly haircut with bangs guide.