If You Don’t Know How to Style Your Curtain Bangs — Learn from Top Hairstylists

Curtain bangs have taken over, and for good reason—they add effortless style to almost any haircut. But if you’ve ever tried to style them yourself, you know they don’t always fall into place on their own. Instead of achieving that soft, face-framing look, they can end up looking flat, puffy, or just plain awkward. So, how to style curtain bangs properly? The secret lies in using the right tools and techniques.

Bekah, a licensed cosmetologist, puts it simply: “Curtain bangs fit all face shapes and are one of the easiest bangs to grow out. But they still need styling—otherwise, they won’t sit right.” And Brad Mondo, a well-known hairstylist, doesn’t hold back: “If you don’t style them, they look ratchet. And nobody wants ratchet bangs.”

So, whether you’re working with freshly cut bangs or trying to revive an old chop, the right tools and techniques will make a world of difference. Plus, you don’t need to be a pro to make them look good. You just need a game plan.

Must-Have Tools for Styling Curtain Bangs

Before diving into the techniques, let’s talk about what you’ll actually need. First, a blow dryer is essential. Bekah makes a point of saying, “Keep the concentrator nozzle on—it’s there for a reason.” Without it, you’re just blasting air everywhere with no control.

A ceramic round brush is key for achieving that signature bounce. If you’re going for a more relaxed, lived-in look, a flat brush will do the trick. And for a sleek, polished finish, a flat iron is your best friend. Don’t forget a good heat protectant—it might not seem like a big deal, but over time, skipping it will wreck your bangs.

And let’s not pretend hairspray isn’t part of the equation. Brad Mondo says, “A little mist under the bangs keeps them in place without making them stiff. You don’t want crunchy bangs.”

How to Style Curtain Bangs

Here you will find some of the best and easiest techniques to style your curtain bangs.

Using a Round Brush & Blow Dryer – For a Voluminous, Bouncy Look

This is the go-to method for that classic, bouncy, face-framing effect.

Start with damp bangs. If your hair is naturally frizzy or curly, style them while they’re wet. Otherwise, let them air-dry about 80% before you start. Bekah recommends sectioning off the bangs from the rest of your hair: “Clip the rest back so it doesn’t get in your way.”

Place the round brush under your bangs, rolling them away from your face while using the blow dryer. Keep the airflow directed downward to avoid frizz. The key is smooth, controlled motion—too much tension, and you’ll get overly curled 70s-style bangs.

Once dry, let them cool for a second before adjusting. Bekah suggests adding a light mist of hairspray while lifting them slightly with your fingers: “That keeps them airy and natural instead of stiff.”

Using a Flat Brush & Blow Dryer – For a Soft, Relaxed Shape

If you’re not into big volume, this is the method to go for. It’s less polished, a little more natural, and perfect for that undone-but-still-put-together vibe.

Start by blow-drying downward, using a flat brush to gently guide your bangs into place. Keep your movements loose—too much control can make your hair stiff. Use your fingers to separate them slightly as they cool so they don’t sit in one big chunk. If they’re still looking too puffy, give them a quick once-over with the brush again, just flicking the ends slightly outward.

Brad suggests finishing with a touch of dry shampoo if you want to add a little texture. It keeps them from looking too perfect and also helps them last longer between washes.

Using a Flat Iron – For a Sleek, Chic Finish

If your hair is naturally straight or you just like a more polished look, this is your go-to technique. Start with dry hair and always, always use a heat protectant.

Section out your bangs and comb through them to make sure they’re smooth. Take your flat iron and clamp it near the root. Here’s where a lot of people mess up—they either go straight down or curl too much. Instead, you want to gently turn the iron inward, then flick it slightly outward at the ends. It’s all about that subtle bend. Brad Mondo sums it up perfectly: “You don’t want them looking like parentheses.”

Let them cool before touching them too much. If they need adjustment, use your fingers to reshape them. Bekah swears by a dab of smoothing cream: “It keeps everything in place without making them greasy.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping heat protectant. It’s tempting to go without, but over time, your bangs will pay for it. Over-styling is another issue—too much heat, too much tension, or too many passes with a flat iron can make them look lifeless.

Another common misstep is using too much product. It’s easy to go overboard with hairspray, but the last thing you want is bangs that feel like cardboard. Brad puts it bluntly: “You want them to stay in place, not look like a helmet.”

And finally, if your bangs aren’t behaving, chances are they need a trim. Curtain bangs grow out fast. A little maintenance every few weeks keeps them looking fresh and easy to style.

What to Do When Your Curtain Bangs Aren’t Cooperating

If your bangs are falling flat, add a little dry shampoo at the roots and re-blow dry with a round brush to lift them. If they’re puffing up too much, use a flat brush instead of a round one to smooth them down. If they’re splitting in a weird way, wet them slightly and reshape them while drying. And if they’re frizzing up, run a tiny bit of smoothing cream through them and hit them with a cool shot of air from your dryer.

Bekah says, “It takes a little trial and error, but once you figure out what works for your hair type, it gets way easier.”