By now, it’s clear that bangs are on the rise. The latest case? Curve bangs. But what are curve bangs, anyway – and how do they differ from other hairstyles? We’re glad you asked: for those who don’t know yet, A curved bang is a fringe with a curve that frames the face.
You’re not alone if you’re still wondering how exactly they differ from other (but similar) cuts, like curtain bangs and blunt bangs. Here’s what you need to know.
What are curvy bangs?
Curve bangs are essentially bangs that are curved to frame your face. “These types of bangs are designed to resemble the curves of your face, with longer layers on each side of your face, with the middle shorter,” says Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Haircare.
By comparison, “Curve bangs are a cross between two popular styles-curtain bangs and blunt bangs,” says David Cotteblanche, senior hairstylist at Fekkai Soho. “They’re shorter in the front, starting in the middle of the eyebrows and then running outward in a curve -creating a stronger, more defined look than curtain bangs.”
Curved bangs suit all hair types, but both stylists especially love this look for people with naturally straight hair. “Long, straight hair can be weighed down, and the curly fringe can shape the hair and add definition to the face,” Fitzsimons says.
How to style a curly fringe
Fortunately, styling curly bangs is so easy that you can get creative and original. “You can make these bangs thick, stringy, voluminous or straight,” Fitzsimons says.
First, condition the strands with a leave-in conditioner that protects against hot tools for a fuss-free hairstyle. Then, use a 1.5-inch curling iron to bend the bangs toward your face. You can also use hot curlers, which you leave in the hair for five minutes.
Finally, spread a pea-sized amount of a shine cream, such as Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Multi-Tasker, for added shine and to set your styling throughout the day, Cotteblanche says.
What to ask your stylist
Fitzsimons recommends providing your stylist with visuals when you ask for these types of bangs. That way, you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you want – and a style that best suits your hair. One example of celebrities you can look to for guidance is Kim Kardashian, who “absolutely blew away the curly fringe looked when she wore it with her hair half up,” he says. “It really helped to shape her face.”
You can also take a cue from Taylor Swift, who Cottenblanche cites as the most prominent example of this fringe cut, or Sarah Hyland, who he says has an edgier look that frames her face nicely thanks to this style.
But if you want to give more instructions to your stylist, just tell him that you want a more defined haircut than a curtain bang. If you’ve been toying with the idea of bangs, you might want to try a curve pony. Chances are, you won’t regret it.