Curtain Hairstyles Men Can Actually Pull Off

Curtain hairstyles have officially made their comeback. What started as a '90s Backstreet Boys and Brad Pitt signature is now one of the most requested curtain haircuts in hair salons, and for good reason. The style works on wavy or straight hair, adds instant volume, and suits most face shapes when cut correctly. If you're thinking about trying curtain hair at a hair salon for men, here's a straightforward guide to what works, how to style it, and which curtain variations actually suit most men.

Why Curtain Hairstyles Came Back

The curtain hairstyle fits the moment by being low-maintenance, slightly messy, and effortlessly cool. The middle part, the face-framing movement, and the soft s-shape all create a relaxed look that still feels intentional and polished. Thanks to K-pop, social media platforms, and icons like David Beckham, Johnny Depp, and Keanu Reeves, modern curtains are back in style.

1. Classic Middle-Part Curtains

If you picture curtain bangs sitting at chin length, parting down a natural middle part, and falling effortlessly on both sides, that's the core look of this haircut for men.

Classic Middle-Part Curtain Style Works Best For:

• Straight hair
• Wavy hair
• Longer or medium length hair (4–6 inches on top)
• Straighter hair types looking for movement

This hairstyle suits most natural face shapes, softens angles, and gives a naturally cool vibe without effort. Letting the fringe fall naturally keeps it from looking over-styled.

2. Wavy Curtain Hair

If you've got wavy hair, congrats, because this is the curtain hairstyle that always looks good. With a bit of curl cream on damp hair, you get an effortlessly cool hairstyle with a relaxed, tousled finish.

Key Features of Wavy Curtain Hairstyle:

• Softer S-shaped curtain hair
• Natural movement
• Great for men who prefer a laid-back look

Sea salt spray is the go-to product for this men’s hairstyle. It boosts natural waves and gives that subtle texture without weighing the hair down.

3. Fade Curtain Haircut

A more modern twist is the fade-curtain haircut, with short sides and a longer curtain fringe on top. It gives you clean edges, lifted roots, and that polished finish you typically get from a barbershop for men.

Fade Curtain Hairstyle Works Best For:

• Men who want curtains but not a fully '90s vibe
• Thicker hair types
• Anyone who wants something more structured

The contrast between tapered sides and a softly styled curtain fringe makes the look sharp, current, and highly wearable.

4. Curly Curtain Hair

Yes, curly hair can absolutely pull this style off, just in a more textured way. The curls create soft edges that fall forward like a natural curtain.

How to Style Curly Curtain Hairstyle for Men:

• Use curl cream or lightweight styling products
• Avoid heavy gels because they kill movement
• Let curls fall freely for a more organic shape

Curly curtains always look modern because they avoid the stiff, center-parted look of the old-school version.

5. Long Curtain Hair

Longer hair with long curtain hair framing the face gives a relaxed, artistic energy. It's the style worn by actors like Keanu Reeves.

Long Curtain Hairstyle Is Ideal For:

• Men growing their hair out
• Longer lengths past the chin
• Men who prefer a light, natural shape

You get flow, movement, and a subtle C shape around the face that looks great on camera and in real life.

How to Style a Curtain Haircut for Men

Here are some styling tips and a step-by-step routine for curtain hair by men haircut specialists at our barbershop in St. Paul, MN.

1. Start with Damp Hair

Curtains work best when styled from damp hair, not thoroughly wet or dry.

2. Create the Middle Part

Use fingers or a comb to find your natural middle. Don't force a center part that doesn't suit your hair, as it will fight you all day.

3. Blow Dry for Shape

Blow-dry both sides away from the roots to create that signature face-framing bend. A slight curve gives you the S shape curtain style.

4. Add Lightweight Products

Use one of these depending on your hair texture:

• Sea salt spray for volume and texture
• Curl cream for waves and curls
• Lightweight styling products for fine hair

Avoid heavy waxes because they flatten the fringe.

5. Maintain the Cut

To keep the style looking fresh, trim your hair every 4–6 weeks and keep the shorter sides clean if you have a fade. Let your fringe maintain shape but not get heavy.

Who Does the Curtain Hairstyle Suit?

Curtains are flexible. They suit men with:

• Wavy hair
• Straight hair
• Fine hair that needs movement
• Thick hair needing direction
• Longer hair wanting light framing

And they work for almost any face shape because the fringe softens the features.

How to Choose the Right Curtain Hairstyle

Curtain hairstyles suit most hair types, but choosing the right curtain style for your hair will make all the difference.

Straight Hair Curtain Hairstyle

If you have naturally straight hair, classic curtain styles work beautifully. Straight strands fall smoothly, giving you an effortless, face-framing shape with minimal styling. You can also try an S-shape curtain style for a more sculpted look. This adds a little movement without compromising the sleekness of your natural texture. Straight hair holds these shapes well, making it easy to maintain a polished finish day to day.

Wavy Hair Curtain Hairstyle

Wavy hair already has built-in movement, making it perfect for a wavy curtain or a more modern, airy style. This texture naturally creates volume around the face, helping the curtain shape open up and blend into your layers. You don't have to over-style it. Just encourage your waves with a light mousse or curl-enhancing cream, and the curtain effect will fall into place.

Fine Hair Curtain Hairstyle

For men with thin hair or fine hair, the key is keeping the overall length and density lighter so your curtain style doesn't get weighed down. A softer, feathered curtain helps create the illusion of thickness. Using a sea salt spray adds lift and grit at the roots, giving your hair more body and helping the curtain shape stay lively throughout the day.

Curly Hair Curtain Hairstyle

Curly hair pairs beautifully with a textured curly curtain look. Instead of forcing your curls into a perfectly symmetrical shape, embrace their natural pattern. By cutting your curtain pieces with your curl pattern in mind, you get a face-framing definition without bulk. A curl-friendly cream or gel will help maintain the curtain's shape while still allowing your curls to stay bouncy and expressive.

Bottom Line

Curtain hairstyles are back because they're versatile, easy to maintain, and incredibly flattering. Whether you want the laid-back look of the '90s, the textured version seen in K-pop, or a modern fade curtain haircut, most men can find a curtain hairstyle they can pull off with the right cut and minimal styling.

Get Men's Haircut at GENT Cut & Grooming

Ready to upgrade your look? At GENT Cuts & Grooming, our skilled barbers help you find the perfect haircut that suits your hair type, face shape, and personal style. From curtain hairstyles to sharp fades, our professional hairstylists make sure you leave looking fresh, confident, and totally 2025-ready.

But we don't stop at haircuts. We've got beard styling and shaves, custom facials, nose waxing, and even brow clean-ups. If you're in St. Paul, Edina, Eagan, Eden Prairie, or Apple Valley, MN, your next level look is just one appointment away. Call us today at 1-651-797-4294 and step out with a cut that turns heads.