Curtain bangs are a versatile, face-framing fringe that has gained popularity for its soft, effortless appearance. This style is characterized by hair that is shortest in the center and gradually gets longer toward the sides, creating a gentle taper that opens up the face. The question of how to part the hair with this cut is common, as the “classic” look often features a specific symmetry, yet the style is flexible enough to accommodate different preferences.
The Role of the Middle Part
A middle part is not strictly mandatory for curtain bangs, but it is the traditional method for achieving the style’s most recognized appearance. The middle part, or sometimes just slightly off-center, provides the ideal foundation for the characteristic symmetrical drape. By distributing the hair equally on both sides, the middle part ensures the shortest length of the bangs hits the center of the forehead and flows outward in a balanced fashion.
This center division allows the hair to mimic the look of a curtain drawn back from a window, creating an even, face-framing effect. The symmetry achieved with a center part highlights the face’s natural balance and cheekbones, offering a classic, universally flattering look. When the hair is cut specifically for a middle part, the weight is distributed evenly.
Curtain Bangs with a Side Part
Opting for a side part moves the look away from perfect symmetry toward a more dynamic, asymmetrical style. With a side part, the hair’s weight is shifted, causing the bangs to fall heavier on the side opposite the part. This creates a denser, more sweeping effect on the longer side, while the hair on the side of the part is thinner and more tucked into the overall style.
A side part can be advantageous for adding volume, as the hair is lifted and pushed over its natural fall line. The resulting diagonal line from the part can also help to soften stronger facial features or create the illusion of length on rounder face shapes. Achieving this look often requires the bangs to be structurally adjusted during the cut to ensure the pieces blend into the rest of the hair despite the shift in weight.
Setting the Bangs Based on Your Part
Proper styling is necessary to train the hair to hold its direction and maintain the desired shape, regardless of whether a middle or side part is chosen. The most effective technique involves using a round brush and a blow dryer to manipulate the hair while it is still damp. To set the hair for either part, the blow dryer should be used to overdirect the bangs, pushing the hair in the opposite direction of its final placement to build root lift and volume.
For a middle part, the hair is often dried by brushing it forward and then pulling each side outward, away from the face, to create the signature swoop. If a side part is preferred, the hair on the heavier side is brushed across the forehead and then curled away from the face to ensure a smooth, sweeping bend. A light application of dry shampoo or a texture spray at the roots helps maintain the style by absorbing oil and preventing the bangs from collapsing.