Your Guide To Rocking Easy And Dynamic Curve Bangs

Bangs of all lengths and styles have been having more than just a moment. From dramatic side bangs to breezy, wispy bangs, there are now more trendy options to choose from whenever you feel like adding a fresh, new twist to your look. Now, with curve bangs rocking the scene, wondering whether you should get bangs doesn't feel as emotionally laden as it used to.

Curve bangs combine two different styles: the curve cut (also known as C-cut), which has soft layers gently curving in to cup the cheeks and the chin, and the trendy curtain bangs that frame the forehead and cheeks before flicking outward from the face. This makes the style incredibly versatile: Aside from bringing your features into soft, flattering focus, curve bangs work for pretty much any face shape. It also looks great whether your hair is up in a bun or left down loose and casual. And it's not just wavy hair that can sport this style well. "Long, straight hair can get weighed down, and curved bangs have the ability to shape the hair and add definition to the face," celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons told InStyle.

The best thing about curve bangs is how low maintenance they are since their layers keep framing your face as they grow out. No awkward in-between period between a fresh cut and a month's worth of length; just an easy and dynamic look you can keep rocking with confidence until you get a trim.

Because of its similarity to curtain bangs, it can be confusing at first to describe to your hairstylist the look you are going for. A simple guide is to remember that while curtain bangs end by feathering away from the face, the curve bangs' layers create C shapes that curve toward the cheeks and the jaw. They are actually quite reminiscent of the iconic Rachel cut from the '90s with how piece-y yet voluminous they look. 

To give your stylist a clearer idea, bring a few pictures of your inspiration, preferably presented from different angles. "[Tell your stylist] that you want curve bangs that accentuate your bone structure and enhance your cheekbones and for the bangs to be thick enough for the style to stay shaped all day long," stylist Fabian Lliguin advised to Byrdie. Salon owner Louise O'Connor also shared a tip on TikTok to include a reference photo that shows where you want your bangs to hit your jawline. Explain to your stylist, too, that you want your curve bangs to look breezy and move effortlessly so they can determine the layering techniques that would work with your hair type and texture to achieve that effect. 

Although curve bangs look best when cut long enough to graze the jawline, they also work great at earlobe length for creating a wispy, delicate look. This length makes it easy to tuck your hair back whenever you want to keep your face bangs-free. You can also ask your stylist to pair this cut with short and blunt fringe to create a more dramatic frame for your face. "[It is] shorter in the front, starting in the middle of the eyebrows, and then curve out — creating a stronger, more defined look than curtain bangs," hairstylist David Cotteblanche described to InStyle.

Want to add some flair to your new cut? Play your curve bangs up with some color. Balayage is a great option since having subtle highlights on the side fringes creates an additional face-framing effect. Applying lowlights right beside them increases the definition between the hair sections, resulting in an interesting contrast between the gentle shapes formed by the layers. And much like the cut of the bangs, growing out a color job happens more seamlessly with this style because the softness of the C curves mitigates any harsh difference between your dyed strands and their natural roots.

Thanks to the style's natural versatility, curve bangs can be made to appear romantic, striking, and even edgy. Set the layers to frame your face by parting your hair in the middle then using a large round brush to curl your bangs inward as you blow dry them. You can also use a curling iron with a large barrel on your bangs for better definition; just remember to apply some heat protectant before styling to avoid hair damage. A more low-maintenance approach is to pin back your hair to one or both corners of the forehead and encourage the fringes to take on a C shape. You can also tuck the longer layers behind your ears to set them in place. Finish with a few drops of lightweight finishing oil applied mid-strands for some shine.

Curve bangs look chic and ultra-feminine with an updo, whether it's a sleek topknot, a messy bun, or a preppy ponytail. Sport it, too, with a half-up, half-down hairstyle that emphasizes the flattering cascade of bangs and fringes. 

Although curve bangs lend themselves well to naturally wavy hair, straight-haired folks look fantastic with them too. No need to spend hours in front of the mirror forcing your strands into voluminous layers. Since the C-curve cut already lends some body to the bangs, you can sport them in sleek, face-framing tendrils that look chef's-kiss perfect with Y2K-inspired makeup.