How the curtain fringe became the style of the season

Where the post-break-up haircut was once a beauty move symbolic with fresh starts, the post-lockdown chop now reigns supreme – and there’s one style in particular that we’re all gravitating towards.

Research by Cosmetify has revealed the curtain fringe, or ‘curtain bangs’, to be the hairstyle with the biggest search increase compared to 2020, suggesting it’s shaping up to be the style of the season.

In another life, the curtain fringe was synonymous with '90s boybands, but the new way to wear the look is thankfully more Brigitte Bardot than teenage heartthrob, defined by longer, more tapered strands that fall flatteringly around the face (rather than in your eyes).

"The fringe trend never really goes away, and we’re constantly seeing different versions coming into fashion, whether they’re brand new trends or reinvented looks,” says celebrity stylist Nicky Clarke. “Side-sweeping bangs have been popular lately but we’re now starting to see a blunter version coming through with ‘curtain bangs’, adding a new twist. Curtain bangs are incredibly versatile, working on any length of hair, and allow the wearer to really take ownership of their look, pairing well with edgy rock chick looks or more pared back, off-duty styles. Styling the rest of the hair in soft, beachy waves that aren’t too done allows the fringe to look strong and be the focal point of the look,” he says.

There’s also a practical factor behind the rise of these cheekbone-skimming strands. With hair appointments rarer than gold (not to mention the unsettling thought of another surprise shuttering), the curtain fringe grows out with grace, rather than creeping into your eyes until you’re forced to turn to the kitchen scissors and a YouTube tutorial. Keep up with the trims, or don’t - the result will always look effortlessly cool.

Below, find all the inspiration you need to embrace the curtain fringe…

Alexa Chung has long been an advocate for the centre-parted fringe, wearing hers with varying lengths and degrees of texture throughout the years.

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Priyanka Chopra's recent hair transformation involved a flattering fringe that works worn straight or flicked softly out.

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Hershesons is well known for mastering the shapes of the season, including the curtain fringe.

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Suki Waterhouse's mussed-up texture highlights her 1970s cut to perfection.

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Clever contouring with colour can really enhance the shape of a long, retro fringe and loose layers.

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Georgia Jagger's signature '70s style is centred around a long curtain fringe that looks effortlessly cool with her natural texture.

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When teamed with caramel highlights and waist-length extensions, the curtain fringe moves into wholly glamorous territory.

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Halle Berry's heavily layered cut is precisely shaped to flatter her face while looking completely effortless.

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Using a round brush to blow-dry the fringe up and out creates easy, flattering volume.

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As Daisy Edgar-Jones knows well, curtain bangs are also a clever style to embrace while growing out a shorter fringe.

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Make-up artist Violette is known for her laid-back French-girl fringe, which looks all the more chic when parted loosely at the centre.

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Kaia Gerber's current cut shows that the curtain fringe works just as well on shorter, straighter hair.

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