You are currently viewing How to Style Bangs: Curtain, Blunt, and Side-Swept

How to Style Bangs: Curtain, Blunt, and Side-Swept


Bangs can completely transform your look, adding dimension, framing your face, and highlighting your features. With the variety of bang styles available, such as curtain, blunt, and side-swept, you have plenty of options to suit your face shape, personality, and lifestyle. And, if you’re working with wigs or hair replacements, getting bangs just right can make all the difference in achieving a natural, seamless appearance.

Curtain Bangs: The Effortless, Face-Framing Style

Curtain bangs are a versatile, face-framing option that gives a soft, airy look. Parted down the middle, they’re designed to swoop outwards, creating a soft frame around the face and blending seamlessly with longer layers. In the words of professional stylist Emily Heser, “Curtain bangs are the gateway to bangs, because they’re super versatile. They’re long enough to grow out or pin back if you want, but they can also be cut into a shorter look.”

Why Choose Curtain Bangs?

Curtain bangs have gained immense popularity due to their ability to complement almost any face shape. The soft, parted style frames the face, bringing out your cheekbones and adding a touch of elegance without the commitment of a full fringe. This versatile style creates a casual, effortlessly chic vibe that feels both modern and classic, often reminiscent of the 70s but with a contemporary twist.

If you’re new to bangs, curtain bangs are an excellent choice. They’re less of a drastic change compared to blunt bangs, as they blend seamlessly into longer layers. This means that they grow out beautifully, requiring fewer trims and making the transition easier if you decide to grow them out altogether. Curtain bangs are also low maintenance: they don’t need daily styling, and even on a busy day, they look intentionally tousled and natural.

For those with thin or fine hair, curtain bangs can add the illusion of volume around the face. And if you’re someone with thicker hair, curtain bangs lighten up the front of your hairstyle, giving it more movement and softness.

How to Style Curtain Bangs

  1. Part Your Hair: Use a comb to create a middle part. Curtain bangs fall evenly on either side of the part for a balanced look.
  2. Blow-Dry with a Round Brush: Start by blow-drying your bangs with a round brush to add volume and shape. Curl the bangs outward for a soft, feathery effect.
  3. Add Texture with a Light Hair Spray: For a more tousled appearance, finish with a light spray or texture powder to keep them in place.
  4. Maintenance Tips: Trim curtain bangs every few weeks to maintain their length, and consider using a light serum to reduce frizz.

Blunt Bangs: Bold and Statement-Making

Blunt bangs make a statement with their straight-across, even cut. They give an edgy, sophisticated look and pair well with both short and long hairstyles.

Should You Try Blunt Bangs?

Blunt bangs can be a bold and stylish choice, but they’re not for everyone. Before committing, consider the following checklist to decide if blunt bangs are the right style for you:

  1. Do You Like Low-Maintenance Styles?
    • Blunt bangs require regular trims (about every 2–4 weeks) to keep their sharp edge. If you prefer low-maintenance haircuts, consider another style.
  2. Are You Okay with Styling Them Daily?
    • Blunt bangs often need to be styled each morning to stay smooth and polished. If you don’t mind using a blow dryer or flat iron regularly, they could be a good fit.
  3. Do You Have Straight or Slightly Wavy Hair?
    • Blunt bangs work best on straight or slightly wavy hair.
  4. Do You Enjoy a Bold, Eye-Framing Look?
    • Blunt bangs draw attention to the eyes and create a strong frame around the face. If you enjoy making a statement with your style, they might be perfect for you.
  5. Is Your Forehead Height Average to High?
    • Blunt bangs can flatter average to high foreheads, balancing proportions and creating symmetry. Those with shorter foreheads may find them harder to pull off.

How to Style Blunt Bangs

  1. Blow-Dry with a Flat Brush: Blow-dry your bangs while brushing them straight down. A flat brush is ideal for creating a sleek, polished look.
  2. Use a Flat Iron for Precision: Run a flat iron over the bangs to ensure they lay flat and smooth, achieving a sharp, bold edge.
  3. Finish with Shine Spray: Add a touch of shine spray to enhance the blunt cut and give it a glossy finish.
  4. Maintenance Tips: Blunt bangs need regular trims to keep their shape, as even a slight growth can change the look.

Side-Swept Bangs: Soft and Versatile

Side-swept bangs bring softness to your face with a delicate, angled cut. They’re versatile, easily blending into the rest of your hair, and they can be styled to either side.

What are Side-Swept Bangs?

According to Shiva Tavakoli, Founder of JOON Haircare, “Side-swept bangs—or side bangs—are where the front section of hair is cut shorter than the rest and swept to one side of the face.” Side-swept bangs suit nearly every face shape, making them one of the most universally flattering bang styles. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for a bang style that’s easy to maintain and grows out gracefully.

Side-Swept Bangs Face Shape Guide

Side-swept bangs are a versatile choice that can be tailored to suit any face shape. Here’s a guide to choosing the best side-swept bang style based on your unique facial features:

Round Face

  • Goal: Add length and angle to create balance.
  • Best Style: Opt for longer side-swept bangs that start above the brow and gradually angle down to the cheekbone. This elongates the face and creates a flattering frame that minimizes roundness.

Oval Face

  • Goal: Enhance the natural symmetry and structure of the face.
  • Best Style: Oval faces are the most versatile and can pull off most side-swept bang styles. Try bangs that start at the eyebrow and flow naturally to one side. A soft angle will enhance your cheekbones without overwhelming your features.

Heart-Shaped Face

  • Goal: Balance a wider forehead with a narrower chin.
  • Best Style: Go for a long, wispy side-swept bang that starts just below the eyebrow and tapers down toward the cheek. This draws attention away from a broader forehead while softly framing the lower half of the face, enhancing the chin and jawline.

Diamond Face

  • Goal: Highlight the cheekbones and soften a narrow forehead.
  • Best Style: Try a softer, slightly shorter side-swept bang that hits around the eyebrow, then gently tapers down to the cheek. This style draws attention to the cheekbones while balancing a narrower forehead and jawline.

How to Style Side-Swept Bangs

  1. Blow-Dry with a Round Brush: Begin by blow-drying your bangs with a round brush, angling them to one side. This will help you create volume and shape in the direction you want.
  2. Add a Curling Iron for Extra Movement: For an added wave, use a curling iron to gently curl the ends of your bangs.
  3. Use a Light-Hold Spray: A light-hold spray will keep your side-swept bangs in place without making them stiff.
  4. Maintenance Tips: Side-swept bangs are relatively low maintenance. Trimming every few weeks is enough to keep them looking fresh and tidy.

Styling Bangs on Wigs and Hair Replacements

If you’re using a wig or hair replacement, styling bangs can add a personal touch and enhance the natural look of the piece. However, bangs on wigs require specific care to keep them looking their best.

Tips for Styling Bangs on Wigs

  1. Work with an Expert: Bangs on a wig may need to be cut differently than on natural hair. Consider consulting with a hair replacement service to get the shape, length, and style you desire.
  2. Choose Heat-Friendly Options: If your wig is heat-resistant, use low heat settings to style bangs. Avoid high heat as it can damage the fibers.
  3. Add Lightweight Products: If you want texture, use wig-safe products. Sprays and serums designed for natural hair may weigh down wig fibers or make them appear greasy.
  4. Consider Clip-On Bangs for Variety: If you want to experiment, clip-on bangs are a great option. They can be added to a wig or natural hair, offering a change without commitment.
  5. Maintenance Tips: Wash wig bangs sparingly to avoid damaging the fibers, and store the wig properly to prevent flattening or misshaping.

In Summary

Bangs can be a fantastic way to change up your look, frame your face, and add personality to your hairstyle. Whether you’re drawn to the soft, face-framing effect of curtain bangs, the bold statement of blunt bangs, or the versatile elegance of side-swept bangs, each style offers unique benefits to suit different face shapes and personal tastes. By understanding the maintenance needs and best styling techniques, you can keep your bangs looking fresh and flattering.

Contact Eldorado Hair Replacement Center for Maryland Hair Loss Solutions

Whether you’re looking to style bangs on your natural hair or need expert help with wigs or hair replacements, Eldorado Hair Replacement Center is here to help. With a variety of options for hair restoration and styling, Eldorado can guide you in choosing the right bang style for your needs. Contact us today to discover how we can support your journey to feeling confident and looking great. You can also schedule a free hair analysis to learn about your Baltimore hair replacement and restoration options.