How to cut Curtain Bangs at Home and Style Them

I have cut and styled curtain bangs for numerous clients over the years. Curtain bangs are one of the most requested hairstyles as they frame the face beautifully. However, cutting and maintaining them can be tricky if you don't know the proper technique. In this post, I will share my experience and expertise on how to cut curtain bangs and how to style curtain bangs perfectly for any face shape or hair type.

How to cut curtain bangs with layers

The first and most important step is cutting curtain bangs with the right layering. Layers add dimension, movement and body to your bangs. To start, section off the front pieces of hair that will become your bangs. Clip or pin the rest of the hair away. Now, start cutting the layers by holding the hair straight out from the face with your fingers or a tail comb. Cut the front layers about 1-2 inches long.

As you move back through the section, continue cutting the layers gradually longer. For example, the second layer should be cut 1/2 inch longer than the front layer. The third layer 1/2 inch longer than the second and so on. This creates a soft waterfall effect when your bangs are down. Always cut the hair diagonally with pointed forward movement of the scissors for a natural texture.

How to Cut Curtain Bangs in 7 Easy Steps

1. Get a pair of hair trimming shears and a flat comb

You shouldn't use regular scissors from your kitchen, even if they're super sharp. Professional hairstylists use special hair shears for a good reason, and you should do the same. Using these shears will make your haircut look neater, cleaner, and more like it was done by a pro. 

Before you begin cutting your hair, either ask a friend to lend you their shears or get your very own set. You can buy these special shears online or from a store that sells hair salon supplies nearby.

And if you don't have one yet, make sure to get a flat comb with fine teeth to help with your haircut.

2. Find a picture of the bangs you want

Keeping a picture of your goal bangs right in front of you can be super helpful. A pic can inspire you as you trim and style your hair. It can also remind you not to impulsively make your hair very short. Look through magazines or search online to find a picture of the hairstyle you like.

Feel free to collect a few pictures to inspire and guide you.

3. Detangle and dry your hair before you cut

Cutting curtain bangs is simpler when your hair is dry. Normally, hair gets cut when it's wet, but a dry cut helps you make precise angles and get the length you desire.

If your hair is wet or damp, quickly blow-dry it until it's totally dry.

Wet hair makes it hard to see how your hair naturally grows or any stubborn cowlicks. Dry hair falls more naturally.

4. Make a center part and section out your hair

First, divide your hair down the middle of your head using a fine-toothed flat comb. This helps ensure your bangs are even. Then, find the top of your head by starting at your forehead with the comb and moving it back until it lies flat. This spot in the center of your head is where you'll start with your bangs.

To create your bangs, make a triangle shape. Use the top spot on your head and the arch of your eyebrows as your guides. Part your hair on a diagonal from the top of your head to the top of the arch of your right brow. Secure this section of hair with a small clip. Repeat this step on the other side.

Now, you have the hair section you'll cut into bangs. Comb this section straight down, so it falls in front of your face.

5. Cut your bangs straight across at chin level

Start by cutting your hair longer than you think you want. This step is really important! Run a comb through your hair until it reaches your chin. Once it's at your chin, put your first two fingers right under the comb. This is where you'll begin cutting. Cut straight across the whole section while holding the scissors parallel to your chin.

By cutting just under your fingers, you'll make your bangs chin-length. Don't go any shorter for now. You can trim more later if you want to.

A common mistake when cutting your own bangs is making them too short. To avoid this, make your initial cuts longer than you originally planned. You can always make them shorter later, but once you cut too much, you can't put the hair back.

6. Part your bangs down the middle and cut each side at an angle

Let's talk about how to trim your bangs. First, look at the shape of your eyebrows. They can be your helpful guide. 

Now, take a small section of your bangs, just a bit above the ends. Hold this section between two fingers. Make sure your fingers are in line with the angle of your eyebrows, but a little lower. 

Grab some scissors and snip just under your fingers. Do the same on the other side, but cut in the opposite direction. 

Now, brush your bangs to the side of your face, and voila, you've got a fresh look!

Remember, the angle of your eyebrow can help you with the angle of your bangs. 

Oh, and don't forget to step back from the mirror a bit before cutting. This way, you can see the whole picture and avoid cutting too much by mistake.

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7. Make vertical cuts to feather your bangs

This last part will make your bangs seem more like they belong and not out of place. First, brush your bangs so they fall nicely in front of your forehead. Now, hold your scissors straight up and down, and carefully trim the ends of your bangs.

Don't make the cuts in a straight line. Instead, cut in different spots as you go along your bangs, making about 4-6 little trims in all. This will make your bangs match the rest of your hair better.

Remember, these trims should be super short, so you don't take off much length at all.

20 Alluring Curtain bangs for straight hair

Curtain bangs straight hair

Straight hair beautifully frames the face with curtain bangs but can also look heavy if not cut and styled properly. For straight hair, I always cut bangs on slightly damp hair for more precision. Cut the front layers slightly shorter than normal, about 1 inch long maximum. Taper the layers gradually longer as you move back but don't let any layer extend below the brows.

Blow dry the bangs with your fingers while lifting the roots for volume. On dry hair, use a round brush to sweep the bangs to one side. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep flyaways in place.

20 Alluring Curtain bangs for Curly hair

Curtain bangs curly hair

Cutting curtain bangs for curls requires a slightly different approach than straight hair. Curls have a tendency to bounce up more so you'll need to cut the bangs slightly longer. Start by saturating the section with a leave-in conditioner to weigh down the curls. Now cut the front layers around 1.5 inches long on damp hair.

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Again, gradually increase the length as you move back but go more gradual this time, increasing the length by 1/4 inch at a time. Let the bangs air dry or diffuse them to see the final curled shape. For styling, scrunch in a light curl cream and don't brush the bangs once dried. Finger comb as needed for a soft tousled look.

15 Best Ways To Flaunt Short hair with curtain bangs

Short curtain bangs

Short hairstyles look absolutely chic with chin-grazing bangs. The trick here is to cut the front layers wispy and short, around an inch long at most. You want them to stay tidy and out of the eyes so avoid heavily layered choppy bangs. Cut a gentle U-shape into the bangs with scissors pointing slightly inward.

Blow dry the bangs straight back while lifting the roots with a round brush. For maximum volume, backcomb the roots with a small tooth comb before drying. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to hold the lifted roots without crisping the ends.

Short hair with curtain bangs

On short haircuts, balancing the proportions of bangs to hair is important. For chin-length bobs and pixies, I like to cut bangs that hit right at eyebrow level. This adds softness and femininity without overpowering the short style. Section the bangs and cut them with scissors held parallel to the hairline.

Start with the middle and cut whispy layers moving outwards on both sides. Always cut from the inner to outer parts of the section to maintain a round shape. Blow dry the bangs upwards and away from the face. Finish with a volumizing powder or spray at the roots to maintain lift.

So in summary, cutting curtain bangs correctly with proper layering and tailoring them to your hair type and face is key for success. Be patient during the process and don't rush. With practice, you'll master cutting these beloved bangs perfectly!