The curtain haircut is defined by a fringe that splits at or near the centre and falls to either side of the forehead, framing the face like a pair of drapes. It first peaked in the ’90s and has returned in many forms, which is exactly what this gallery shows: the classic C-shaped middle part, an S-shaped fringe that flips outward at the ends, a short version with a hard part for low upkeep, and long, swoopy layers that reach past the cheekbones.
The sides make a big difference. Tapered sides keep things soft and classic, a high or drop fade adds sharp contrast, buzzed sides or a disconnected undercut create a sculpted outline, and a mullet keeps length at the back. Hair type matters too: straight and wavy hair forms the curtain shape most easily, fine hair benefits from layers and texturising products, and curly hair can wear the style air-dried for a looser, grungier result.
Fringe length should suit your face. Eyebrow-skimming bangs work for most shapes, while S-shaped and side-parted variations add angles to round faces.
1. Middle-Parted Mullet
A curtain fringe adapts to almost any cut, including this modern mullet. Length is left at the back for attitude, while soft, flowing bangs part at the centre and skim the eyebrows. Texturising spray keeps the back lengths separated and lived-in.
Inspiration: @pepe_hairstylist
2. Classic Curtain Style
Long, tapered hair split at the centre and curved into a C-shape captures the classic ’90s heartthrob look. Bleached tips add a playful touch. The clean lines are especially flattering on men with a softer jawline, adding definition to rounder contours.
Inspiration: @ianlevinsonhair
3. With S-Shaped Bangs
Rather than curving inward like a C, an S-shaped fringe bends in once and flips outward at the ends. That movement sharpens round faces with extra angles and offsets a broad forehead on heart-shaped faces. Here it sits on a mullet with a temple fade.
Inspiration: @tomy_the_barber
4. Short with a Hard Part
Put off curtains by the upkeep? A shorter version keeps the effect subtle and is quick to maintain, with no long sessions at the barber. A defined hard part brings structure and crispness to what would otherwise be a casual cut.
Inspiration: @rebels108
5. With Shaggy Layers
Shaggy layers falling loosely around the face give a laid-back, casual feel. The style is easiest to manage on thick hair with a slight wave or curl. Use sea-salt spray for grit or a matte paste for a piecey, natural-looking texture.
Inspiration: @jeen.hair
6. With Buzzed Sides
Clipping the back and sides short gives a curtain cut a sculpted, minimal outline. It works best on straighter hair; very thick wavy or curly hair tends to puff out into a thatched shape when cut into a wedge like this.
Inspiration: @fadeydavey
7. Long Flowy Style
Longer than most curtain cuts, this flowing style suits wavy or straight hair. Its fringe stays long so it melts into the rest of the hair. A little volumising mousse at the roots adds the lift needed for that ’90s heartthrob feel.
Inspiration: @bestmenshaircutsnyc
8. With a Side Part
Changing your part is an easy way to tweak a curtain cut. Use the highest point of your eyebrow arch as a guide, line a comb up with it and part from there. This position often suits your natural face shape and shows the cut at its best.
Inspiration: @leandrogonzalez
9. With a High Fade
Wavy and straight hair are ideal for this look, as they take the curtain shape easily and blend neatly into a high fade. For the glossy wet finish, style with a firm gel or a high-shine pomade and comb the fringe apart while damp.
Inspiration: @lenaloomis
10. Sleek Middle-Parted Style
For a polished, minimal effect, go for a sleek middle part with tapered sides. Ask your barber for exactly that, then at home blow-dry the hair smooth and finish with a light wax for hold and a salon-quality look on straight hair.
Inspiration: @pepe_hairstylist
11. With Long, Swoopy Bangs
A slightly off-centre part, a tousled finish and a cut that works with the hair’s natural texture combine to create an easy, stylish feel. Long, swooping layers around the face make this a particularly flattering option for diamond-shaped faces.
Inspiration: @kiyo_meynewyork
12. For Fine Hair
Fine hair can absolutely carry a long curtain cut. Keep styling light and natural with mousse or sea-salt spray for texture, and ask for layers, which add body and movement so the hair looks fuller and less flat.
Inspiration: @jesphair_
13. Short with a Drop Fade
Curtain cuts combine well with all kinds of fades and tapers. This one combines a shorter fringe, a drop fade and a razor-cut design at the nape. The fade will need regular touch-ups to stay sharp, so factor that into your decision.
Inspiration: @daniel67_bber
14. Medium-Length Style
UK stylist James Wakeley created this relaxed, medium-length curtain cut, which proves you can look cool and feel comfortable at the same time. For medium and longer curtain cuts, a styling cream or salt spray gives the best lived-in texture.
Inspiration: @james_wakeley
15. With Tapered Sides
For a classic approach, tapered sides shorten gradually towards the back so the curtain fringe stays the focal point. Ask for a razor cut, which gives a softer, more textured result than scissors and a naturally lived-in look.
Inspiration: @coreykingcuts
16. For Curly Hair
Curly hair brings its own texture to a curtain cut. Air dry with curl cream for a relaxed, slightly grungy effect. Co-washing, which means cleansing with conditioner instead of shampoo, can tame frizz on dry curls and leave them softer and shinier.
Inspiration: @jaysoncuzins
17. With a Slicked-Back Finish
Slicking the curtains back gives them a polished finish for formal events. Apply strong gel or pomade to damp hair, comb back from the roots, blow-dry on low to set and finish with a fine spritz of hairspray for added hold and gloss.
Inspiration: @spukthebarber
18. With Disconnected Undercut
A disconnected undercut brings sharp contrasts in length, strong angles and face-framing exactly where it is needed. Pair it with a centre part to echo the clean geometry of the cut and keep the overall look bold and dramatic.
Inspiration: @malefocus
19. With Pompadour Volume
Adding pompadour-style volume on top of a curtain cut creates height and a vintage edge. It works best on short to medium hair; longer lengths require more product to hold the shape and can end up falling flat.
Inspiration: @jovaras_mazrimas_jay
20. Textured Curtain Hair
Short back and sides taper up into longer hair on top in this clean, polished variation. On top, the hair has volume and a gentle wave, brushed back and to one side, which suits men who like a neat, graduated cut.
Inspiration: @barber_frew
Getting the curtain fringe right at the barber
- Grow the front to at least eyebrow length before the appointment; shorter fringes will not fall into a proper split.
- Say whether you want a C-shape (curving inwards) or an S-shape (flicking out at the ends), as the cutting is slightly different.
- Specify the sides clearly: scissor taper, skin fade, buzzed undercut or full length for a mullet.
- Point out any cowlick at the front hairline, since it can decide where your part will sit naturally.
Blow-drying for a fringe that stays split
Most curtain cuts depend on the way the fringe is dried. While hair is damp, comb a centre or slightly off-centre part, then direct the dryer nozzle down onto the roots and push each side away from the part with your fingers or a round brush. Once dry, work a pea-sized amount of cream, matte paste or sea-salt spray through the lengths. For a sleek or wet look, swap to pomade or gel and comb into place instead.