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Celebrity Curtain Bangs Inspiration for Your Next Hair Appointment

Dakota Johnson blunt fringe [Shutterstock]
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Curtain Bangs, But Make Them Iconic

Curtain bangs are having a very specific moment softer than a blunt fringe, more polished than grown-out layers, and endlessly flattering for women who want their hair to look done without constant salon upkeep. This isn’t a trend driven by TikTok. It’s being led by women with taste, longevity, and recognisable personal style.

From polished pop stars to cool British icons, curtain bangs have quietly become the fringe of choice for women who want face-framing impact without commitment. If you’re considering a fringe refresh before your next hair appointment, these celebrity looks are the ones worth screenshotting.

Why Curtain Bangs Work (Especially for Busy, Style-Conscious Women)

Curtain bangs sit longer at the sides, shorter in the centre, and blend seamlessly into the rest of your haircut. The appeal is practical as much as aesthetic: they grow out gracefully, work with most face shapes, and can be styled in under five minutes with a round brush or blow-dry brush.

They also signal a certain effortless polish — the same reason they’ve become a staple among women whose style skews timeless rather than trend-led.

Taylor Swift — Soft, Romantic Curtain Bangs

Taylor Swift’s recent fringe era leans classic and feminine. Her curtain bangs are softly feathered, slightly shorter through the centre, and styled with a gentle curve rather than volume-heavy lift. The result feels romantic, wearable, and grown-up ideal if you want a fringe that elevates long layers without overwhelming them.

Best for: Fine to medium hair, oval or heart-shaped faces, and anyone wanting a subtle, elegant change rather than a dramatic chop.

Lily Allen — Lived-In, Effortless Fringe Energy

Lily Allen’s curtain bangs feel deliberately undone. They’re slightly uneven, relaxed, and worn with minimal styling — the kind of fringe that works just as well air-dried as it does blow-dried. This is curtain fringe as cool-girl armour: unfussy, confident, and very British.

Best for: Wavy textures, low-maintenance routines, and women who want their hair to look stylish without appearing styled.

Claudia Winkleman — The Gold Standard of Fringe Commitment

Claudia Winkleman’s fringe is iconic for a reason. Her curtain bangs are thicker, heavier, and sit closer to a full fringe — creating drama while still retaining movement at the sides. This style frames the eyes beautifully and adds instant personality, especially when paired with long, glossy lengths.

Best for: Medium to thick hair, confident fringe wearers, and anyone who wants a statement look that still feels timeless.

Daisy Edgar-Jones — Modern, French-Girl Softness

Daisy Edgar-Jones wears curtain bangs in their most modern form: light, wispy, and perfectly blended into the rest of her cut. They skim the cheekbones, open up the face, and feel distinctly unfussy. This is the fringe equivalent of a great white shirt — quietly transformative.

Best for: First-time fringe clients, finer hair types, and anyone wanting a subtle, face-brightening effect.

Dakota Johnson — The Definitive Curtain Bangs Reference

If there were a curtain bangs blueprint, it would belong to Dakota Johnson. Her fringe is perfectly balanced: long enough to tuck behind the ears, short enough to frame the eyes, and thick enough to feel intentional. It’s the ultimate example of a fringe that looks expensive, not trendy.

Best for: Almost everyone. This is the safest reference image to take to your stylist if you want a universally flattering result.

What to Ask Your Hairdresser

When booking your appointment, avoid asking simply for “curtain bangs.” Instead, reference length, density, and styling intent. Bringing one or two of these celebrity references helps anchor expectations and avoids an overly short or blunt result. Ask for a fringe that:

  • Starts around the cheekbones
  • Is softly layered through the sides
  • Can be worn parted or blended into the rest of your hair
  • Works both blow-dried and air-dried

Curtain bangs aren’t about reinvention — they’re about refinement. The reason they work so well on women like Taylor Swift, Claudia Winkleman, and Dakota Johnson is because they enhance what’s already there. If you want your next haircut to feel modern, flattering, and quietly transformative, this is the fringe worth committing to.

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About Author

Charlotte “Lottie” James is a beauty journalist and former professional hairdresser with nine years’ industry experience. A trained AOFM makeup artist, she specialises in expert-led beauty advice, haircare, and makeup insights for Chic Style Collective.

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