Cutting Curtain Bangs on Wavy Hair

Curtain bangs are defined by their arched shape, shorter in the center and gradually increasing in length toward the outer edges. When applied to wavy hair, the primary challenge is the spring-back factor; wavy strands retract significantly more than straight hair once the tension of the comb is released. Achieving a symmetrical result requires a dry-cut method to ensure the natural pattern of the wave dictates the final shape.

This guide focuses on the technical adjustments necessary to account for movement and density in wavy hair. By following these steps, you maintain the necessary weight to prevent the hair from appearing frizzy or unkempt.

  1. Prepare the sectioning. Part your hair in the center and create a triangular section from the highest point of your head down to the outer corners of your eyebrows. Ensure the hair is completely dry and styled in its natural wavy state. Brush the section forward toward your face to establish a clear perimeter.
  2. Establish the center length. Isolate a small central piece of hair, approximately one inch wide, right at the bridge of the nose. Hold the hair between your fingers without pulling it taut; you want to maintain the natural bend of the wave. Cut the hair at the level of your cheekbones to allow for the inevitable bounce-up.
  3. Create the diagonal sweep. Divide the remaining triangular section into two halves. Pull one side toward the opposite cheekbone to create a diagonal line. Cut from the center guide outward toward the outer corner of the eye, following an angle that mimics the sweep of a curtain. Repeat this on the opposite side, ensuring the length matches.
  4. Texturize for movement. Point cut vertically into the ends of the bangs to remove bluntness. Because wavy hair is prone to stacking, this thinning prevents the ends from becoming too thick or heavy. Keep the scissors vertical to ensure you are only removing weight and not altering the structural length.
  5. Style and settle. Using a wide-tooth comb, distribute a small amount of light hold product through the bangs. Scrunch the bangs upward with your palms to encourage the wave pattern to reform. Allow the hair to air dry completely without further manipulation to verify the symmetry of the wave.
The wave dictates the cut, not the hand.