On my last trip to Paris, I noticed that many of the city’s most stylish residents were sporting flattering curtain fringes. Some had long, straight manes, à la Jane Birkin or Françoise Hardy; others had shorter, layered hair, like Catherine Deneuve or Brigitte Bardot, but they all shared one thing in common – bangs, and that of the curtain variety. A classic fringe that reflects effortless French style, it’s no wonder that it is also one of the most requested haircuts at the city’s salons.
There’s a reason it’s so popular – it’s flattering on most face shapes, easy to style and low maintenance too. What types of face shapes work best with bangs? You have likely heard the common rules about which types of faces are best suited to fringes. Oval faces can get away with almost anything, but there are also other tips that can help you determine whether a fringe is right for you, regardless of face shape.
One of the best-known tricks, which has recently gained popularity on TikTok, relies on taking a good look at your face and jotting down some numbers: After those three steps, you’ll have a three-digit number. Here’s what they mean: What haircuts work well with bangs? As mentioned, the curtain fringe is probably the most flattering of styles, plus it’s an easy way to make the face look more youthful. Super versatile, it looks great with loose hair and when it’s pulled up into ponytails and other up-dos.
However, a layered cut works best with a curtain bangs, because when you combine them you quickly notice movement, body and volume, no matter its length or texture. If you have fine hair, long layers add volume; with thick hair, inner or “invisible” layers help bring that same volume under control. A layered cut is also perfect if you’re in the process of growing your fringe out.
Bottom line: If you’ve been tempted by bangs, take the plunge. You won’t regret it. What about styling it? The beauty of this fringe lies in its effortless finish, which is why it’s so beloved in France.
Not to mention you don’t need to spend as much time styling it as you might with straight bangs. The more natural and undone they look, the better. When it comes to styling a curtain fringe, all you need to do is blow-dry it forward , rather than to the sides, with a round brush.
Once you’ve done that, part it and notice how the fringe sweeps back into the rest of the cut. If hair styling isn’t your forte, you’ll need a couple of key tools to help you nail your fringe. A good round brush is key, as well as a texturising spray, which adds volume and helps hold the fringe in place without weighing it down.
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