(Beauty Report Card)

Styling My Curtain Bangs Has Never Been Easier, Thanks To These 10 Products

Foam rollers are seriously underrated.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: May 20, 2023

Samantha Scott

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I’ve tried bangs many times over the course of my 30 years. It all started in sixth grade when I gave myself a terrible straight-across fringe look out of pure boredom. After letting professionals take the reins and correct my haircut fail, I was left with a sickening side bang that carried me through the latter half of middle school into my early high school years. I returned to my DIY roots my senior year of high school when I cut my own bangs for my Nicki Minaj Halloween costume. And in 2017, I walked into my local Dominican salon with plans to get my usual trim and got a piece-y fringe on a whim, which I sometimes styled with a center part. This year, I finally took the plunge and got full-on curtain bangs. And now, I’ve nailed down the easiest routine for styling them.

After dabbling in curtain bangs five years ago, I found myself telling friends, coworkers, my mom — basically anyone who would listen — that I wanted to give the style another try. This time though, instead of acting on impulse, I made a plan. I spent an entire month researching stylists, but by the time I was ready to make an appointment, the girls were booked and busy. I couldn’t find any openings until two months out. Fortunately, my friend Shay recommended hairstylist, Renée Gadar, Aveda’s global artistic director. Her work on her Instagram spoke for itself, and I made an appointment for a few weeks later so I could settle into the style before my upcoming vacation to Vegas.

Not going to lie, I was spooked when Gadar made her first few snips, but I’m absolutely living for my latest bangs era. In addition to my fringe, she cut three inches off my length, resulting in a layered, shag-like look, that I style into a cascade of curls and waves. Currently, the bangs fall just below my eyebrows and my goal is to grow them out to cheekbone length for a true lived-in finish.

My curtain bangs paired with a claw clip updo.Courtesy of Samantha Scott

While my hair care routine has remained largely the same, I’ve made a few additions to ensure my curtain bangs stay in tip-top shape. Ahead, my go-to products and how I use them when styling my fringe.

Pantene

Pro-V Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner

I introduced this detangling leave-in conditioner to my wash days when I’m not treating my hair with a bond-strengthening product. It smells great and prepares my hair for any style.

RED By Kiss

1875 Ceramic Tourmaline Dryer

$25

Goody

Go Gentle Strength Infusion Round Hair Brush

I’ve never been good at the blow dryer/round brush combo, but I always try. Styling my hair this way always gives my strands an extra bounce that a flat iron can’t quite replicate.

CHI

Original 1'' Ceramic Hairstyling Iron

$100

I’ve been rocking with CHI since my freshman year of high school. My first flat iron lasted for over 10 years and my current one just hit year five. It’s the only brand that doesn’t destroy my natural hair. In every section, I do a first pass to press using the comb-chase method and a second pass to curl.

Annie

Dresser Comb

I buy this comb two at a time at the local beauty supply store because my dog will inevitably get her hands…well, paws on it or I’ll leave it a little too close to the flat iron and it’ll melt. It’s my go-to chasing comb and after heat-styling, I use the fine tooth side to perfect my bangs and face-framing pieces. The medium tooth side works well on the rest of my hair.

Machete

No. 1 Comb

$45

This is the fancy comb that I throw into whatever bag I’m carrying for on-the-go touchups. Safe from my dog and hot tools alike!

Annie

Foam Rollers — Large

I can’t believe I am foam rollers years old! I spent my childhood watching my mom style her hair using these same exact rollers, and now they’re a staple in my routine. I use this size on my bangs to maintain the style overnight and as I prep to go out, As a result, I’ve been able to use a lot less heat on my hair.

Annie

Foam / Rollers — X-Large

I also use this size on the face-framing pieces surrounding my bangs.

Oribe

Dry Texture Spray

$24

This texture spray FINALLY freed me from the shackles of dry shampoo. Now, I no longer deal with chunky white buildup as I stretch my style between wash days. I only apply it to my bangs so little goes a long way — the travel size lasts for months at a time.

Kristin Ess

Half Moon Hair Claw Clip

$12

When I’m not wearing my hair down, I throw it up into a claw clip and let my bangs hang – it’s so easy! I’ve amassed a small collection of this hair accessory as they’ve made a comeback, and this option from Target is a new favorite.

This article was originally published on May 20, 2023