Long Curtain Bangs vs Short Curtain Bangs: The Viral Video Breakdown Everyone’s Asking About
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After My Curtain Bangs Styling Video Went Viral: Here's the Full Breakdown You Asked For
When I posted that curtain bangs styling video, I honestly didn’t expect it to take off the way it did. But within a few hours, my DMs were full. “How do I blow dry that?” “Wait… is that short curtain bangs or long?” “Which one suits round faces more?” You really wanted the full breakdown; so here it is.
As a hairstylist with over a decade of experience and someone who understands the real-life, gotta-leave-the-house-in-10-mins kind of mornings, I know how frustrating styling bangs at home can be. And if you’re torn between long curtain bangs vs short curtain bangs, you’re definitely not alone.
This post is for every one of you who’s:
Screenshotting inspo but I can’t tell what length it actually is
Tired of your bangs flipping the wrong way after you style them
Wondering if short curtain bangs are more high-maintenance than long ones
We're breaking it all down:
How to blow dry long vs. short curtain bangs (step-by-step)
What makes them different in shape, vibe, and upkeep
How to figure out which length flatters you the most
So whether you're all about effortless layers or love that full swoopy bang moment, this blog post will help you finally understand the real difference between long curtain bangs vs short curtain bangs and decide which one is your perfect match. Let's get into it.
Long Curtain Bangs vs Short Curtain Bangs: What’s the Real Difference in the Salon Chair?
If you’ve ever shown your stylist a photo of curtain bangs and said, “Just like this,” but ended up with something different, this is not rare. The thing is, even an inch of length can totally shift the look, feel, and styling needs of your bangs.
As a hairstylist, here’s how I break it down:
Long curtain bangs usually graze around the cheekbones or jawline. They blend seamlessly into long layers and give you that soft, effortless frame around the face.
Short curtain bangs hit above or at the brow, sometimes just grazing the tops of the eyebrows or sitting slightly below. They’re bolder, breezier, and a bit more of a statement.
While it might seem like a small detail, this subtle difference changes everything, especially when it comes to face-framing, volume, and how the bangs move during a blowout.
Long Curtain Bangs
Long curtain bangs are great for those who want something low-maintenance and easy to grow out. They offer more flexibility for styling as you can sweep them back, tuck them behind the ear, or curl them into soft waves that melt into layered hair. They also suit longer face shapes and work well with straight hair or wavy textures.
Short Curtain Bangs
Short curtain bangs, on the other hand, lift and open up the face, especially flattering on round or heart-shaped faces. Because they sit closer to the forehead, they tend to draw more attention and can make a bigger visual impact. They’re perfect if you’re after that vintage-inspired, Brigitte Bardot vibe, especially when paired with wispy bangs or blunt ends.
Both types work beautifully with curtain bangs and layers, but the difference in how they frame your features and how you style bangs at home; is major.
👉 Thinking about getting bangs but not sure if you should go for curtain or wispy bangs? Check out my guide on the Best Bangs for Your Face Shape to find your most flattering look!
How I Blow Dry My Long Curtain Bangs for That Perfect Face Frame
Okay! if you’ve got the video playing, you’ll see exactly how I blow dry my long curtain bangs to get that airy, face-hugging shape. It’s one of those techniques that looks simple, but the details matter and this is the exact process I use on clients and myself when I want that effortless swoop without the flop.
Let’s break down what’s happening in the video and why it works:
What I’m Using (Yes, the Tools Make a Difference)
| Product | Details | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Round Brush | A ceramic-core brush that holds heat, smooths the hair, and helps build that perfect shape. | 🛒 Shop the one I use |
| Blow Dryer + Nozzle | If you’re still drying without a nozzle, that's likely why your bangs won’t lay right. | 🛒 My go-to dryer |
| Sectioning Clips | Not cute, but absolutely necessary for control while styling. | 🛒 My go-to clips |
| Root-Lifting Spray or Foam | A lightweight boost for volume without stiffness — just a bit makes a big difference. | 🛒 Light lift option |
| Velcro Rollers or Flat Iron (Optional) | Extra finesse for smoothing or setting the final shape if needed. | 🛒 Shop rollers here |
The Exact Process You’re Watching
I start when my hair is about 80% dry; fully wet bangs are harder to shape and tend to fall flat.
In the video, you’ll see me section out my bangs, then over-direct each side away from my face using the round brush. This creates that curtain effect rather than a straight-down fringe.
While drying, I lift at the roots and use the brush to gently curve the ends under.
It’s a combo of tension, angle, and airflow and you’ll notice I pause and let them cool in shape before touching anything. That’s what makes the style last.
Optional: You can use a Velcro roller after blow drying, just while you finish the rest of your hair. It helps lock in that bend and bounce without needing to curl.
What I Want You to Notice
I’m not drenching the bangs in product; long curtain bangs are super easy to weigh down.
I’m not drying them flat against my forehead; I want that root lift for movement.
The way I let them cool? That’s not optional. It’s the difference between a bang that holds shape and one that deflates by noon.
Who This Styling Method Is Perfect For
This works best if your hair is straight to wavy, and you love a laid-back, low-maintenance look that still feels styled.
It suits oval and round face shapes, and it pairs perfectly with long layers or curtain bangs with layers.
If your vibe is “I want to look like I tried, but not like I’m trying too hard,” long curtain bangs styled this way are exactly that.
How I Blow Dry My Short Curtain Bangs for Lift, Curve & Sassy Shape
Now, watching the next part of the video, you’ll see the short curtain bangs switch things up fast. Compared to the longer version, short curtain bangs need more precision, more root lift, and a bit more sass to really come to life. These are not your soft, flowy layers, they’re bold, sculpted, and instantly face-framing.
Let’s break down what’s happening in this part of the video and how you can recreate the same lift and shape at home.
Tools I’m Using for Short Curtain Bangs:
| Product | Details | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller Round Brush | The tighter barrel gives me that clean curve that sits right above the brows. | 🛒 Shop the one I use |
| Blow Dryer + Nozzle | Helps me control where the heat goes for max volume and precise shaping. | 🛒 Shop my fave dryer |
| Sectioning Clips | These bangs are short — you absolutely need clean, organized sections for styling. | 🛒 My go-to clips |
| Volumizing Spray or Foam | Doubles as heat protection — gives volume and locks the shape without feeling stiff. | 🛒 My go-to spray |
What You’re Seeing Me Do in the Video:
I start with clean, damp bangs — not soaking wet, not dry.
I section out the fringe and over-direct them in the opposite direction of where I want them to land. While blow drying, I use firm tension with the smaller round brush, really focusing that heat at the roots for maximum lift.
I then curve the ends inward so they sweep into a soft arch that either kisses the tops of the brows or flows into a side-swoop, depending on your face shape and mood.
If I want extra hold, I’ll mist a light flexible spray and shape them gently with my fingers while they cool; nothing crunchy, just controlled.
What to Watch for (Because the Details Matter):
I “cup” the bangs with my fingers as they cool. This helps lock in the curve without over-styling.
I avoid over-blow drying; short curtain bangs shrink fast and get too tight if you blast them with heat for too long.
If the bangs separate or lose their shape, a tiny bit of texturizer or styling cream can bring them back to life without making them greasy.
Who This Bang Style Works Best For:
Short curtain bangs are for girls who love structure and lift.
They suit heart-shaped and oblong faces best, especially when you want to balance the forehead or draw attention upward.
They also work really well if you’ve got natural density or texture in your hair.
Heads up though
Short curtain bangs are higher maintenance. You’ll want to trim them every 3–4 weeks to keep the shape on point. But if you're into bold face-framing that instantly elevates your look? These are worth it.
Long vs Short Curtain Bangs — Which One Is Actually Right for You? (Stylist’s Final Verdict)
You’ve seen both styles in action. But if you’re still stuck wondering which version fits your face, hair, and lifestyle, this breakdown should help make it crystal clear.
Here’s how long curtain bangs vs short curtain bangs stack up:
| Category | Long Curtain Bangs | Short Curtain Bangs |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Effort | Low to moderate; flexible, works well with air-drying or quick round-brush styling | Moderate to high; needs more precision and root lift to get that sculpted swoop |
| Face Shape Match | Best for oval, round, and longer faces (balances proportions softly) | Great for heart-shaped, oblong, and angular faces (adds width, lifts features) |
| Hair Texture Compatibility | Ideal for straight to soft waves, blends into layers seamlessly | Works well on dense, textured, or naturally voluminous hair; needs hold to stay put |
| How It Grows Out | Grows out effortlessly into face-framing layers; easy to maintain | Grows fast past the brows; starts to lose shape quickly if not trimmed regularly |
| Maintenance + Trims | Every 6–8 weeks or longer; forgiving cut | Needs a refresh every 3–4 weeks to stay sharp |
| Lifestyle Fit | Low-maintenance, air-dry friendly, easy to style on busy mornings | Best for those who style daily or love a more polished look; not very air-dry friendly |
My Pro Take as a Stylist
If you're torn between the two, I always tell my clients: Start longer.
You can always go shorter later if you’re craving more shape or lift but growing them back out takes time, and long curtain bangs are way easier to work with while you decide.
At the end of the day, it comes down to how much effort you want to put in and the kind of vibe you're going for.
Soft and effortless? Go long.
Bold and sculpted? Go short.
FAQs: Long Curtain Bangs Vs Short Curtain Bangs
Are long or short curtain bangs better?
It depends on your face shape, hair texture, and how much styling you’re willing to do. Long curtain bangs are more versatile and low-maintenance as they grow out beautifully into layers and work for most face shapes. Short curtain bangs are bolder and offer more lift, but they need more frequent trims and daily styling to stay in place.
What hair length is best for curtain bangs?
Curtain bangs work with almost any length, but they blend best with medium to long layered cuts. If your hair is shoulder-length or longer, long curtain bangs will flow naturally into your layers. Short curtain bangs can pair well with a bob or lob, but they’re more of a statement piece than a soft blend.
What face shape do long curtain bangs suit?
Oval, round, and longer face shapes tend to suit long curtain bangs best. The length draws attention downward and softens features, making them ideal if you want a more balanced look. They also work well if you’re new to bangs and want something that’s easy to grow out or style.
Why don’t my curtain bangs look good when I style them?
Chances are it’s one of three things:
- You’re not lifting enough at the root during your blow-dry.
- You’re using too much product (which weighs them down).
- You’re styling them flat against your forehead instead of over-directing them away from the face.
The technique matters just as much as the cut. If you haven’t already, scroll back to the styling sections above. I walk you through the exact steps for both long and short curtain bangs.
Final Word from Haiirology
Still, debating long curtain bangs vs short curtain bangs? Save this post, rewatch the video, and bring it to your next salon visit — trust me, it’ll make the decision way easier.
And if you try one of these looks, tag me on Insta so I can hype you up. I love seeing how you make these styles your own.
Not sure which suits you best? Go longer first; we can always go shorter. You’ve got options, and I’ve got your back.
