Curtains Haircut for Men: How to Get It Right

The curtains haircut is a medium-length style parted in the center with hair falling to both sides of the face. It gained prominence in the 1990s through musicians and actors and returned to contemporary barbershop menus in the 2020s. Here is how it works and how to get a version that suits you.

The Structure

Curtains requires enough length to fall past the ears or at least to ear level. The typical length range is 3 to 6 inches on top, with the longer sections at the front that form the face-framing "curtains." The sides can range from a full length matching the top to a light taper or fade; some versions have no taper at all, while modern interpretations often include a low taper to add structure. The center part is the defining element: the hair is parted down the middle of the scalp and falls naturally to each side in two symmetrical sections that frame the face.

Hair Types That Work Best

Straight and wavy hair produce the most defined version of the curtains shape because the parted sections fall flat and smooth, with a clear center line and even flow to each side. Wavy hair adds natural movement that gives the curtains style its most versatile, natural-looking version. Curly hair can wear curtains; the style becomes a curtained Afro or curl framing, which reads differently from the classic smooth-fall version but is a valid interpretation. Very fine hair may not have enough weight to fall cleanly to the sides; it tends to separate and flop rather than fall in smooth curtains sections.

Which Face Shapes It Suits

The curtains style works well on oval, oblong, and rectangular faces. The center part and downward fall of the hair create a neutral vertical framing that suits faces with natural length. For round faces, the center part creates a visual split that can emphasize horizontal width rather than adding vertical proportion; a slightly off-center part (not a full side part, but not dead center) produces better results on round faces. For square faces, the soft fall of curtains moderates the angular jaw structure.

Maintenance and Styling

Curtains needs a part that holds. Apply a small amount of light pomade or cream to the front sections, part with a comb, and allow to dry in place. The natural drying of the product sets the part. Blow drying the front sections downward and to the sides while the hair is damp speeds up the process and helps the hair learn the direction. At length, curtains can be worn with minimal daily product; the weight of the hair and the habit of the part hold the style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my hair need to be for curtains?

At minimum, 2 to 3 inches at the front to produce a visible curtaining effect. The classic long curtains style typically runs 4 to 6 inches at the front. Hair that is exactly 2 inches will frame the face to the cheekbone level; hair at 5 inches reaches the jaw. Most men pursuing curtains aim for 3 to 5 inches because this range produces clear curtaining without requiring the maintenance of very long men's hair. The grow-out from a short cut to curtains length typically takes 4 to 9 months depending on starting length and growth rate.

Is the curtains haircut low maintenance?

Relatively, once the length is established. The main daily effort is maintaining the center part. At longer lengths (4 to 6 inches), the hair develops a part-memory and falls naturally to the sides with minimal intervention. Haircut maintenance visits every 6 to 10 weeks trim the ends and keep the shape without removing the length. The grow-out phase has a slightly awkward intermediate stage (usually around the 2 to 3 inch length) where the hair is too short to fall cleanly but too long to lie flat; product and patience manage this period.

Should I ask for a taper with my curtains?

It depends on your preferred aesthetic. A low taper on the sides and nape adds structure and transitions the longer top sections into shorter sides cleanly. This version reads as more contemporary and barbershop-precise. No taper at all produces a fully grown-out, slightly retro aesthetic where the longer hair continues around the sides and back. Both are legitimate versions of the style. Most men who want curtains in a modern barbershop context opt for a light taper or light fade at the sides and nape for a cleaner finish.

What product is best for holding the center part?

A light-hold cream or water-based pomade applied to damp hair and combed through with a fine-tooth comb is the standard approach. Apply from root to mid-length, part, and allow to set as the hair dries. Avoid heavy products that make the hair look stiff or shiny; curtains look best with a natural, movement-allowing finish. A light hairspray applied after the part is set can extend the hold through the day without adding visible product weight.