The Curtains Haircut: What It Is and How to Style It
The Curtains Haircut: What It Is and How to Style It
The curtains haircut is a men's hairstyle where longer hair on top is parted in the center and falls to each side, framing the face similarly to how curtains frame a window. The sides are typically shorter, either faded or tapered, creating contrast with the longer top section. The style was prominent in the early to mid 1990s and returned to mainstream popularity in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Length and Proportions
The curtains style typically requires 3 to 5 inches of length on top for the hair to fall convincingly to each side. Shorter lengths do not fall with enough weight to create the characteristic drape. The sides can range from a tight fade to a more gradual taper. A tighter fade creates more contrast with the longer top section. A softer taper creates a more blended, less graphic profile.
How It Differs from Other Center-Part Styles
The curtains style is specifically defined by the center part combined with forward fall on each side. A standard middle part without the forward drape and face-framing fall is more of a parted hairstyle than a curtains style. The French curtains variant adds a fringe element, where the hair at the very front is slightly shorter and falls across the forehead rather than purely to the sides.
CADMEN Training
Longer men's styles and parted cuts are part of CADMEN's professional barbering curriculum. academy.cadmen.ca/in-person-training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the curtains haircut?
Getting the curtains haircut requires growing enough length on top to execute the style, then visiting a barber who understands the cut. The length requirement: the curtains style works best at a minimum of 3 inches of length on top, with 4 to 5 inches producing a more defined and flowing version. If your hair is currently short (under 2 inches on top), you will need to grow it out before attempting the cut. During the growing-out phase, maintaining clean sides and back while leaving the top alone is the standard approach. Tell your barber you are growing toward a curtains style so they leave the appropriate length on top while keeping the sides managed. The haircut itself: once you have enough length, a barber familiar with the curtains style will cut the top section to a consistent length (or with slight graduation toward the front, depending on the specific version you want), create the center part line, and execute the fade or taper on the sides. The center part can be scissor-cut or razor-part depending on how defined you want the line. What to tell your barber: bring a reference photo. "Curtains haircut" is widely understood in modern barbershops, but showing a photo eliminates any ambiguity about the specific version you want — how long, how tight the sides, how defined the part. Variations to specify: whether you want a skin fade or a taper on the sides, how far below ear level you want the taper to drop, whether you want the hair styled flat or with slight volume at the root.
What face shapes suit the curtains hairstyle?
The curtains hairstyle is particularly well-suited to certain face shapes because of how the forward-falling side sections frame the face. Oval face shapes: the curtains style is highly compatible with oval faces. The center part and side fall maintain the natural balance of an oval face without adding or removing visual width. The style draws the eye across the face horizontally, which is generally flattering for oval proportions. Square face shapes: the curtains style softens a square jawline. The hair falling forward and to the sides draws the eye to the hair rather than the jaw, and the volume at the sides can visually widen the forehead slightly to balance the strong jaw. The style is generally considered one of the better fits for square face shapes. Diamond face shapes: the forward fall of the curtains adds width at the forehead and cheek level, which complements the narrower forehead of a diamond face. The sides of the curtains provide the horizontal visual cue that balances the sharper midface width. Face shapes that require more consideration: round face shapes. The curtains style adds width at the sides and reduces height, which can make round faces appear wider or shorter. If you have a round face and want to try curtains, more volume at the root and less fall to the pure sides (slightly more of a swept-back interpretation) can counterbalance this. Heart face shapes. The wider forehead and narrower jaw of a heart face can look more pronounced with curtains, as the style adds width at the forehead level. This is not necessarily unflattering but is worth considering. The most reliable method: find reference photos of people with your face shape wearing the curtains style and assess whether the look resonates with you. Proportion guidelines are directional, not determinative.
What products do I need for the curtains hairstyle?
The curtains style benefits from products that add definition to the center part, control the side fall, and maintain some weight or direction without making the hair stiff. The product approach: for straight or slightly wavy hair. A light to medium hold pomade or styling cream works well. Apply a small amount to damp hair, distribute evenly through the top section, create the center part with a comb or your fingers, and direct the hair to each side. A blow-dryer set to medium heat can help set the part and reduce frizz if present. For wavy or textured hair. The curtains style on wavy hair can look excellent when the natural texture is enhanced rather than straightened. A curl-defining cream or a medium-hold styling cream applied to damp hair and left to air-dry can produce a textured, organic version of the curtains look that works with the natural wave pattern. For fine, limp hair. Hair that lies flat without body can make the curtains style look thin and lifeless. A volumizing mousse applied to the roots before blow-drying adds lift that gives the curtains section more body and fall. A light-hold product rather than a heavy one keeps fine hair from looking weighed down. What to avoid: heavy waxes or strong-hold gels on the curtains section. These create stiffness that prevents the natural fall and movement that defines the style. Very light, non-hold products (hair oils alone, for example) on straight hair may not maintain the center part position through the day. The center part maintenance: some men find the center part needs reinforcement through the day as the hair dries or moves. Carrying a fine-toothed comb and a small amount of product allows a quick touch-up if the part blurs.
