How To Style A Curtain Fringe

Joining the lobs, bobs and other hair trends we’ve come to know and love this season, is a face-framing cut that flatters just about everyone: the curtain fringe.

In case you’re not up to snuff on the latest haircut terminology, a curtain fringe is a grown-out fringe parted down the middle, trimmed to frame your forehead rather than covering it.

And while bombshells like Brigitte Bardot introduced the look in the 60s, celebrities like Alexa Chung, Dakota Johnson and homegrown beauty Steph Claire Smith have put it back on our radar in recent months.

So, what’s great about curtain fringes? We spoke to Ali Holmes, co-owner of Wildlife Sogo Surry Hills and KMS Style Council Member, to find out why this comeback style is more than just a fabulous option for those who are sitting on the to-cut-or-not-to-cut fence and how exactly to style your curtain fringe if you do decide to take the plunge.

Will my face shape suit a curtain fringe?

If you’re considering a curtain fringe but aren’t sure if it will suit, Ali says there’s no need to worry. “A curtain fringe suits pretty much all face shapes.” She also notes that it’s a great alternative for fringe first-timers or anyone who struggles with a traditional fringe due to a cowlick. “The only person I wouldn’t put a curtain fringe on is someone with a small forehead.”

Haircuts and a curtain fringe

Due to the non-committal nature of a curtain fringe, Ali assures us that any cut from a bob to super long hair works with this style. The only catch? “With longer lengths you might need to add a few layers to blend the fringe to the baseline,” she explains.

Ready for the snip? Step-by-step, Ali teaches us how to style a curtain fringe.

How To Style A Curtain Fringe

Step 1

Firstly... never blow dry with the middle part ready-made. Always pretend there is no part to begin with. Spray the fringe with a light mist of KMS Therma Shape 2 in 1 Spray for hold.

Step 2

Blow dry the entire fringe to one side creating a deep side part, then switch sides and completely dry in the opposite direction.

Step 3

Blast the whole fringe forward so it’s sitting in front of your eyes.

Step 4

To find the middle part hold your hand on top of the fringe and blast cold air into the middle of your forehead. This will give a soft ‘accidental’ middle part instead of a hard line.

Step 5

Always finish with KMS Working Hairspray a buildable spray that offers hold with a natural finish.

Would you try a curtain fringe?

227 Member Comments

onlyoni 19 Jun 2020 8:53 AM

A curtain fringe doesn't suit me but I have a full fringe which I trim myself in between salon visits when it gets below my eyebrows.

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Shop A Everyday 18 Jun 2020 11:43 PM

I cut my own fringe twice during ISO and it is still pretty good

Shop A Everyday 29 Dec 2019 1:13 AM

Mine grows way too fast lol

Petal 9 Dec 2019 10:13 PM

I've had a curtain fringe in the past but I didn't know the technical term for it.

Hayley644 18 Nov 2019 8:21 AM

I have a fringe and always have, a curtain one wouldn't suit me though.

Lucrecia629 18 Nov 2019 6:57 AM

I don't think the photo of Dakota Johnson is going to inspire anyone to try a fringe. Quite the opposite. But I suppose it is a good representation of what it's like to have one. When hair is nice and neat it looks amazing, but every time the wind blows... Watch out!

misfortune8 18 Nov 2019 5:31 AM

I've got a regular fringe, but if it gets too long, it triggers a migraine. So, I keep it just at brow length.

Jessica712 17 Nov 2019 6:29 PM

I love the curtain fringe look.

bebeautiful34 17 Nov 2019 9:57 AM

Nope, my round face does not suit a fringe. Tried it once, never again

beautyfun 16 Nov 2019 5:51 PM

I carnt have a fringe because I have a cowlick. It just falls wrong.

Shop A Everyday 16 Nov 2019 4:39 PM

very pretty indeed

Janefre 16 Nov 2019 4:37 PM

I had a fringe for a good twenty or so years then in my 30's I grew it out and have never looked back. Reading this I'm tempted to get a fringe again but just know the upkeep would annoy me to no end. I love just quickly throwing my hair up out of my face and getting on with the day.

2663anne 16 Nov 2019 1:25 PM

Fringes don’t suit me but I love the look of a curtain fringe.

Wn0873 16 Nov 2019 12:31 PM

I wear glasses so a fringe is just way too annoying for me.

sootyblack_14 16 Nov 2019 9:32 AM

Love the look, but has never suited my face shape...

skincare junkie 16 Nov 2019 8:42 AM

Love a curtain fringe. So easy to maintain!!

Claire88 17 Nov 2019 9:02 PM

Don’t you have to trim regularly? I’ve done that before with disastrous results...lol

skincare junkie 17 Nov 2019 11:10 PM

I used to have a straight blunt fringe which needed to be trimmed every 3 weeks.. In comparison this doesn't really need any maintenance. If it grows out I just let it be (become more like a side part/middle part look)

Chrystalage 15 Nov 2019 11:48 PM

I have a side fringe which sits comfortably out of the way. A curtain fringe would drive me insane

Ethelinde 15 Nov 2019 8:55 PM

I don't think I can pull them off.

Susmat 15 Nov 2019 8:01 PM

Small forehead me...!

Tee631 15 Nov 2019 7:59 PM

Thinking about it now I want bangs

cityglenda 15 Nov 2019 5:54 PM

I would except I don't like a centre part. I wonder if it would work with a side part.

Sally10 15 Nov 2019 5:44 PM

My hair is curly, so not sure about this.

Ellyloves 15 Nov 2019 4:53 PM

It looks great but it’s so hard to maintain

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How to style a curtain fringe

Will my face shape suit a curtain fringe?

Haircuts and a curtain fringe

How To Style A Curtain Fringe

Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

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227 Member Comments

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