I Keep Thinking About Getting Curly Bangs—Here Are 16 Styles I've Sent to My Hairstylist.
I’ll always remember the day I went in for a simple trim, and my hairstylist—someone I completely trust—joked, "Your hair is swallowing your face. Mind if I give you bangs?" A quick chuckle, a nod, and a dry cut later, I walked out with a fresh curly fringe that consumed 95% of my thoughts. It wasn’t anything too extreme—just shaggy curtain bangs that blended perfectly with some face-framing layers—but it transformed my entire appearance. Now that I’ve ventured into the realm of curly bangs, I’m eager to go even shorter. I won’t be satisfied until I realize my '70s rock-star fantasies!
With this in mind, I’ve been gathering all the curly bangs inspiration I can find. While it’s always a good idea to bring photo references to a haircut, it’s essential to thoroughly research before choosing curly bangs, as even minor differences in texture can significantly influence how those shorter, springy pieces look. "Since they are right on the money-maker, it's crucial to get them right if you’re going to play with it," agrees Dusty Schlabach, a specialist in curly hair and the founder of CurlMaps. Take a look at these 16 expert-recommended curly bangs styles before your next haircut. Personally, I have about seven bookmarked and ready to go.
1. Curly French Bob
What elevates the classic French bob? A curly fringe, naturally. They complement each other perfectly.
2. Curly Curtain Bangs
Chappell Roan inspires me to refresh my curtain bangs and go for a red hue.
3. Shorter Curved Fringe
For tighter curls (think 3b and 3c coils), celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas, co-founder of Arove, suggests a shorter curved fringe. "These are sculpted into shape," he says. "They stay in place and generally blend into your curls." Keep shrinkage and spring factors in mind before cutting, he advises.
4. Side-Swept Updo
Actress Isabella Briggs knows how to rock a curly updo, and I especially love the style she wore for Alice + Olivia's spring 2026 preview, featuring voluminous curls and brushed-aside, face-framing sections.
5. Curly Bottleneck Bangs
Sabrina Carpenter is known for her voluminous bangs reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot, but I’ve been loving the corkscrew curls she’s been sporting lately. Regardless of the style, her signature bottleneck bangs always look great.
6. Rounded Fringe With Volume
I must mention curl queen Tracee Ellis Ross in this list. Hairstylist and curly hair expert at Dippity-Do, Deisy Alfaro, agrees, noting that Ross's "layered volume always makes an impact." She adds, "I adore rounded curly cuts with fringe, particularly those that open up the face and showcase the cheekbones."
7. Curly Shag Bangs
Shaggy, curly bangs blend so seamlessly with the rest of your hairstyle that they’re nearly considered layers, according to Dueñas. "It’s just a shorter layer in the front with reduced weight," he elaborates. "It brings a soft touch, maintains bounce, and keeps that blended look."
8. Deep Side-Parted Bangs
Side bangs are making a comeback. They carry a glamorous, Old Hollywood vibe (like on Halle Berry) yet are relatively low-maintenance. "A side sweep softens and partially covers without becoming a heavy curtain you must constantly push aside," explains Dueñas.
9. The Veil
Schlabach coined "the veil" to describe softer, longer bangs that accompany a shag. "I love to cut these in without creating any blunt lines, allowing them to softly fall to the lash line and then transition steeply into the rest of the length. It adds a layer of mystery to the face by slightly closing it off," he says. This fringe works for long, medium-length, and short curly cuts and requires minimal styling, making it ideal for those seeking low-maintenance hairstyles. However, it isn't for everyone: "It sits right in the eyes, and while it looks chic, it can be bothersome for some," Schlabach notes. "The beauty and the downside of this choice is that it grows out quickly and can easily transition into face-framing rather than staying as a bang."
10. Shaggy Pixie
These shaggy pixie bangs exhibit layered, lived-in, effortless texture.
11. Eyebrow-Skimming Bangs
For a more refined look, consider one-length bangs that just graze the eyebrows. Pair them with a sleek bun for an elegant touch.
12. Baby Bangs
For the adventurous beauty enthusiasts, baby bangs are a trendy choice. Schlabach points out they’re easier to style with looser curls, and they’re usually cut high
Other articles
I Keep Thinking About Getting Curly Bangs—Here Are 16 Styles I've Sent to My Hairstylist.
You might say I have a slight obsession.
