Hair Inspo From Celebs Who Have Rocked Chic Curtain Bangs

Behold, the chic curtain bang: fun, flattering, and undoubtedly fabulous. As the name would suggest, this fringe is characterized by a parted style that frames the face like curtains. Longer at the edges and tapering subtly towards the middle, these bangs are cut to drape seamlessly into the rest of the hair. Their versatility, too, is admirable. Equally at home in sleek and polished styles as in loose, carefree texture, they suit an array of hair types, haircuts, and face shapes.

Of course, curtain bangs themselves are nothing new. Their magic was introduced decades ago by 1960s icons like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. Today, we are seeing the renaissance of this retro style. It has been revived and reimagined by a new generation of stylish celebrities, who offer ample inspiration for anyone ready to embrace this sultry statement in the salon chair.

For Alexa Chung, the archetypal Tumblr It girl, curtain bangs are a cornerstone of her enviably cool aesthetic. The genius hair stylist behind her iconic hairstyle is London-based maestro George Northwood (who has also added Lily-Rose Depp and Dakota Johnson to his dazzling client list). 

The pair discussed the creative inspirations for Chung's hair in a YouTube series, referencing icons like Jane Birkin, Joan Jett, and even Kurt Cobain. On the subject of Chung's bangs, Northwood explained, "We connect your fringe to the rest a little bit," so as to avoid a mullet. In all, he creates a seamless, lived-in style — that matches the model's essence — with a long bob, one of the best haircuts to pair with curtain bangs.

As Sabrina Carpenter says in her Redken commercial, "I know a thing or two about a great bang." It's true. This signature addition took Carpenter from Disney starlet to a full-blown bombshell. Her curtain bangs are luscious and thick, and she curls them under for that picture-perfect look. 

Carpenter also isn't afraid to mix up how she styles her curtain bangs, putting them in the spotlight with this messy updo. On TikTok, "Sabrina Carpenter bangs" alone have become a viral sensation, inspiring many fans to take the chop and replicate her style.

Kelly Rowland's take on the curtain bang was nothing short of phenomenal. Flawlessly styled to enhance her natural bone structure, the bangs are feathered to perfection, curling back to frame her face. Paired with the glossy waves of a waterfall cut, the subtle layering gives the hairstyle movement and ease.

Sandra Oh graced the Producers Guild Awards with curtain bangs that were oh-so-charming. Her locks were softly parted in the center, which saw the hair lightly graze both her brows. Meanwhile, the soft texture and natural edges added a modern, unfussy loveliness.

Who's that girl? It's none other than Zooey Deschanel, one of the undisputed champions of the bang. When she parts her fringe, it looks perfectly undone. The subtle flick at the ends adds to the whimsy twee style we know and love Deschanel for, and her tousled waves look effortless, adding to the feminine feel.