A Curtain Bob Is The Perfect Way To Freshen Up A Short Hairstyle

By Charlie Colville

1 month ago

The curtains have yet to close on our bob obsession


Will we ever get tired of a good bob? Probably not. And our latest fixation comes complete with curtain bangs (another ever-popular hair trend), making it the go-to look of the season. Here’s how to nail a curtain bob, according to hairstylists.

What Is A Curtain Bob?

‘A curtain bob is a hairstyle similar to a midi or regular bob, sitting between below the ear and above the shoulder,’ explains explains celebrity hairstylist Gustav Fouche. ‘It’s characterised by curtain bangs, which can be positioned anywhere from the corners of the eyes to the cheekbones. This style breaks the traditional bob by introducing shape and movement through the front.’

And its quickly proving to be one of the biggest bobs of the year, with over 85 million posts on TikTok and a celebrity fanbase made up of Selena Gomez, Lily Collins and Sabrina Carpenter.

@hecktorized Curtain Bangs For Classic Bob Why Not? #hecktorsalon #bobcut #hairstyle #haircut ♬ original sound – Hecktor’s Salon – HECKTOR’S SALON

But what sets it apart from the crowd? As Gustav mentioned, the key feature of this cut is its curtain bangs – which sets the overall look apart from your classic bob. ‘The addition of a long or grown-out fringe creates more shape and symmetry at the front,’ he adds. ‘It’s typically styled with more bounce and volume than a standard bob, giving it a softer, more dynamic look.’

Who Suits This Haircut?

Gustav assures us that the versatility of the curtain bob also gives it an edge. ‘This bob suits most face shapes, depending on its length and texture,’ he notes. ‘For round faces, a slightly longer length is recommended, while square faces should avoid styles ending at the jawline. The versatility in length, ranging from the bottom of the ear to above the shoulder, makes it adaptable for everyone, while the addition of interest at the front can enhance facial features or subtly disguise certain imperfections – making the look very flattering.’

@hairby_chrissy Cutest bob eva @tills ❣️❣️For her color formula go to habiteducation.com #bob #shorthair #styleshorthair #habitsalonoc #summertime #orangecountyhairstylist ♬ Daylight – Harry Styles

How To Ask For Curtain Bob In The Salon

Since this is a bob that incorporates curtain bangs, Gustav recommends having an in-depth consultation with your stylist to determine the length and shape. ‘When visiting your stylist, ask them to assess your face shape to determine how best to frame your features,’ he says. ‘For example, if you have a round face, avoid bangs that fall in the middle of the face as they can exaggerate roundness; instead, opt for slightly shorter or longer bangs. Tailoring the cut to enhance your features is key.’

He also suggests bringing in plenty of reference photos, so that your stylist can understand which elements of the cut you want to try – and then work on tailoring them to you.

How To Style A Curtain Bob

There are no strict rules on styling a curtain bob, which means the floor is open for experimentation. ‘This hairstyle can be worn straight, with a soft wave, or curly,’ confirms Gustav. He also notes that this is a cut that suits sleeker styling. ‘A slight bend or smoother, straighter look is currently more on-trend than very curly styles,’ he says. ‘Though naturally curly hair works beautifully when styled to enhance its texture.’

What Next?

Expect sleeker, more elegant renditions of the curtain bob going forward. ‘The trend is moving towards more straight and polished looks, offering a sophisticated edge,’ forecasts Gustav. ‘We’re likely to see shorter hairstyles, such as cropped pixies with longer, fringed sections at the front, becoming popular. This will provide a gradual shift for those transitioning from longer styles to shorter cuts before potentially growing them out again.’

Hair Inspiration

 

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Featured image: LFW Street Style SS20 (c) Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council