If you’ve ever admired the soft, face-framing look of curtain bangs but thought they were only for salon pros, think again. These long, wispy bangs are totally doable at home with the right tools and technique. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, learning how to cut curtain bangs can give you that polished, trendy look without breaking the bank. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to trim or shape your own curtain bangs like a pro.
Let’s be real—sometimes your bangs grow out too fast, and you're stuck with a fringe that’s neither short nor long enough. That’s where this handy tutorial comes in. Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a refresher, you’ll find the steps simple to follow and the results totally worth it. All you need is a sharp pair of scissors, a comb, and maybe a diffuser if you're working with curly hair.
So, if you're ready to give your style a fresh, modern update, keep reading. We’ve got all the tips, tricks, and tools you’ll need to cut your own curtain bangs with confidence. No fancy training or salon appointment required—just a little patience and a steady hand.
Table of Contents
- What Are Curtain Bangs?
- Why Cut Curtain Bangs at Home?
- Tools You'll Need
- Step-by-Step Curtain Bangs Cutting Guide
- Styling Tips for Perfect Curtain Bangs
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Curtain Bangs?
Curtain bangs are long, feathered bangs that part in the middle and fall like curtains around your face. They’re not thick or heavy like traditional bangs, which makes them super flattering for all face shapes. These bangs blend with the rest of your hair, giving you that effortless, soft look that works with short bobs or long flowing locks. Unlike blunt bangs, curtain bangs grow out gracefully, so you don’t have to worry about them getting too short or awkward-looking too fast.
Why Cut Curtain Bangs at Home?
Not everyone has time or budget for regular salon visits, and curtain bangs can start to look messy if they’re not maintained. The good news? You can totally cut them yourself at home. With a few simple steps, you can save money and still look fabulous. Plus, once you get the hang of it, trimming or reshaping your curtain bangs becomes a quick part of your haircare routine. It’s kind of like giving yourself a mini makeover every few weeks.
Tools You'll Need to Cut Curtain Bangs
Before you start cutting, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. Using regular household scissors can lead to split ends and uneven cuts, so it’s worth investing in a few basics:
- Sharp hair-cutting shears
- A fine-tooth comb or rat-tail comb
- Clips or hair ties to section off hair
- Thinning shears (optional, for softening the ends)
- A blow dryer and diffuser (especially if you have curls or waves)
Once you’ve got everything ready, you’re all set to begin. Just make sure your hair is dry and detangled for the most accurate cut.
Step-by-Step Curtain Bangs Cutting Guide
Step 1: Decide on the Length
This is super important. Curtain bangs usually start at the brow level and taper down toward the cheekbones or even jawline. To find the starting point, comb your bangs forward and measure from the top of your forehead down to just above your eyebrows. That’s your base length.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Use your comb to create a triangle-shaped section starting from the crown of your head, going down to just past your temples. Clip the rest of your hair back so it doesn’t get in the way. This triangle is where your curtain bangs will come from.
Step 3: Comb the Bangs Forward
Take the sectioned hair and comb it straight forward. This helps you see how long your bangs will fall when you wear them. If you have waves or curls, blow dry the section first so you can see how the bangs will lay once styled.
Step 4: Create the Middle Part
Use your comb to split the sectioned bangs into two equal halves. That’s your curtain part. Make sure it’s centered and even. This is what gives curtain bangs their signature look—so take your time to get it right.
Step 5: Start Cutting
Hold one side of the bangs between your fingers, and trim just a little at a time. Start at the longest point (usually around the cheekbone) and gradually taper up toward the temples. Repeat on the other side. Remember, you can always cut more, but you can’t glue hair back on, so go slow.
Step 6: Point Cut for Softness (Optional)
Once you’ve got the basic shape, use point cutting to soften the ends. This means turning your shears vertically and snipping upward into the ends, not all the way across. This adds that wispy, lived-in look that makes curtain bangs so flattering.
Styling Tips for Perfect Curtain Bangs
After you’ve cut your curtain bangs, how you style them makes all the difference. Here are a few easy tricks to keep them looking fresh and face-framing:
- Use a round brush and blow dryer to smooth them out if you have straight hair.
- Let them air dry or use a diffuser for a more natural, wavy look.
- Texturizing spray or dry shampoo can add volume and help them fall perfectly around your face.
- Brush them out or finger comb for a soft, lived-in style that doesn’t look too polished.
If your bangs start to curl inward, try flipping them under with a curling iron or round brush. If they’re too straight, a light curl can help them frame your face better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cutting Curtain Bangs
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps when cutting your own bangs. Here are the most common ones to watch out for:
- Cutting them too short: Always start longer. You can always trim more later.
- Using the wrong tools: Regular scissors can crush hair and cause split ends. Use sharp, professional shears instead.
- Not parting them correctly: A crooked part can throw off the whole look. Make sure it’s centered before you start cutting.
- Skipping the styling step: Even the best cut bangs can fall flat without the right styling. Give them a quick blow dry or spritz to shape them just right.
If you mess up, don’t panic. Curtain bangs grow out faster than you think, and they’re easier to fix than blunt bangs. Just give them a week or two and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut curtain bangs on curly hair?
Absolutely! In fact, curtain bangs look amazing on curly hair because they blend in naturally and follow the hair’s texture. Just make sure to cut them when your curls are dry or stretched for a more accurate shape. You can Learn more about how to style curtain bangs for curly hair here.
How often should I trim my curtain bangs?
Depending on how fast your hair grows, trimming your curtain bangs every 3 to 6 weeks helps keep their shape. If you like them a bit longer, you can stretch it out to every couple of months.
Do I need special training to cut curtain bangs at home?
Nope! You don’t need to be a pro to get great results. Just follow the steps carefully, use sharp tools, and take your time. If you're nervous, start with small trims and work your way up.
For more detailed tutorials or visual guides, you can check out professional resources like Allure or Byrdie for expert insights on curtain bangs and other trending hair styles.



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