Curtain Haircut: The Complete Guide to Men's Curtain Hair
The curtains haircut has come a long way since its 1990s heyday. Once associated with floppy, centre-parted hair and a distinctly retro feel, today's version is more relaxed, textured and individual. The appeal is its versatility. A good curtain haircut works with straight, wavy or curly hair, can be worn longer or shorter, and styled anywhere from natural and understated to polished and defined. The key is balancing length, texture, movement, and shape. Here's everything you need to know about the modern curtains haircut, from choosing the right style to getting the most from your daily grooming routine.
What Is a Curtains Haircut?
A curtains haircut is characterised by longer hair through the front and top, with the fringe parted through the middle or slightly off-centre so that it falls naturally on either side of the face. Unlike a simple middle part, curtains are defined by the haircut's overall shape, not just where the hair is parted. The front usually has enough length to frame the face, while layering through the top helps create movement rather than allowing the hair to sit flat. The finished look can be adapted considerably. Sides can be left longer for a traditional appearance, or tapered and faded for a cleaner, more contemporary finish.
From 90s Curtains to Modern Curtain Hair
The curtains hairstyle has its roots well before the 1990s, but it became particularly recognisable during that decade. Longer, centre-parted hair became closely associated with music, film and youth culture, creating the classic 90s curtain haircut most people picture today. The modern interpretation keeps the defining middle part and face-framing shape, but is generally less rigid. Rather than forcing every strand into place, today's curtain hair is about natural texture, movement and a shape that works with the way your hair actually falls. That makes it a much more versatile haircut than its nostalgic reputation might suggest.
Who Does a Curtain Haircut Suit?
One of the strengths of curtain hair is how easily it can be adapted to different hair types and face shapes.
Straight Hair
Straight hair can provide the classic curtain silhouette, particularly if you have enough length through the fringe. Adding some texture and volume can prevent the hair from appearing too flat and give the style a more modern finish.
Wavy Hair
Natural waves can work particularly well with curtains. Instead of trying to straighten the hair into submission, use natural movement to create a softer, more relaxed shape.
Curly Hair
Curly hair can also work with a curtains haircut, provided the cut is designed around the natural curl pattern. Keeping sufficient length through the front allows the curls to frame the face without creating an overly structured parting.
Thick or Fine Hair
With thick hair, layering can help remove excess weight and allow the curtains to fall more naturally. For finer hair, the focus should be on creating lift and texture without weighing the hair down. A lightweight texturising product can help create the appearance of fuller hair while keeping the finish natural. Face shape is also worth considering, but there is no single face shape that defines whether curtains will work. The length of the fringe, position of the parting and shape around the sides can all be adjusted to complement your features.
7 Curtain Haircut Styles for Men
The beauty of curtains is that there isn't just one way to wear them.
1. Classic Curtain Haircut
The traditional interpretation features longer hair through the front, a defined centre parting and relatively soft sides. It's the closest to the classic 90s look, particularly when worn with straight hair.
2. Modern Textured Curtains
A more contemporary take, with texture and separation through the top rather than a perfectly polished finish. The result is more relaxed and effortless.
3. Long Curtain Haircut
Keeping additional length through the top and sides creates more movement and flow. This works particularly well for naturally wavy hair or anyone wanting a softer, more flowing style.
4. Short Curtains
A shorter fringe and cleaner sides make curtains easier to wear day-to-day while retaining the defining split through the front.
5. Wavy or Curly Curtains
Rather than hiding natural texture, this version uses it as part of the shape. The result is less uniform and more individual.
6. Curtains with a Taper or Fade
Pairing longer curtain hair with shorter, cleaner sides creates a sharper contrast and gives the haircut a distinctly modern feel.
7. 90s Curtains
For those who want the original aesthetic, keep more length through the fringe and sides and embrace the softer, slightly undone character of classic 90s hair.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Curtains Haircut
The word "curtains" can mean quite different things depending on the barber and the person wearing them, so be specific. Start by explaining how much length you want to keep through the front. The fringe needs enough length to separate and fall naturally on either side of the face. Then decide what you want around the sides and back. For a traditional style, you may want to retain more length. For something more contemporary, ask for a taper or fade. Finally, explain how you want the finished hair to feel. Natural and textured? Soft and flowing? More polished and defined? Taking a reference photograph is always useful, particularly when the desired length is important.
How to Style a Curtain Haircut
A good cut does most of the work, but the right styling routine brings it together.
1. Start with Damp Hair
Begin with freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Avoid saturating it with product at this stage. Curtains benefit from a light, flexible approach.
2. Establish Your Parting
Use your fingers or a comb to find your natural parting. It doesn't need to be perfectly symmetrical. A slightly off-centre part can often create a more natural result.
3. Build Texture and Volume
This is where a good pre-styler can make a noticeable difference. Daimon Barber Texture Tonic adds lightweight texture, volume and natural movement without leaving the hair stiff or crunchy. It can be used before blow-drying to create the foundation for the finished style.
4. Blow-Dry into Shape
Direct the hair away from the face on either side of the parting, using your fingers to encourage movement. Don't overwork it. The aim is to create shape and lift while retaining a natural finish.
5. Finish with the Right Men’s Hair Styling Product
For a soft, natural curtain with flexible control, Daimon Barber Forming Cream is a natural choice. Its medium hold and matte finish provide control without taking away the movement that makes curtains work. For finer hair that needs additional lift and separation, Daimon Barber Texture Dust can be worked into dry hair at the roots. It provides volume and a natural matte finish while remaining lightweight and reworkable. Its Glycerin-enriched formula is designed to help retain moisture rather than leaving hair feeling dry or brittle. If you prefer a more polished curtain with medium hold and natural shine, Daimon Barber Original Pomade provides smooth control while allowing the hair to retain its flow. The important thing is not to use more product than you need. Curtains look their best when the hair still feels like hair.
How to Maintain a Curtain Haircut
Curtains rely on length, so avoid trimming the fringe too aggressively if you want to maintain the characteristic shape. Regular trims are still important for keeping the sides, back and layers under control, particularly if you're wearing a tapered or faded version. Your everyday hair routine matters too. Conditioning helps keep longer hair manageable, while avoiding excessive heat and heavy product build-up will help preserve its natural movement.
Are Curtains Still in Style?
The modern curtains hairstyle has moved well beyond its 90s association. The reason it continues to work is simple: it can be adapted. Whether you prefer a short, textured version with a taper, longer flowing curtains or something closer to the original 90s style, the fundamentals remain the same: the right length, natural movement and a considered styling routine. A great curtains haircut shouldn't look overworked. Get the shape right, use the right amount of product and let your hair do some of the work. That's the modern approach to curtains: less about recreating the past, more about making the style your own.
Why the Curtains Haircut Remains a Modern Men’s Classic
The curtains haircut works because it combines relaxed movement with a considered shape. From the classic 90s look to more textured, contemporary interpretations, it can be adapted to suit different hair types, lengths and personal styles. The right cut creates the foundation, while the right styling products bring it to life. Whether you prefer a clean, polished finish or something more natural, curtains remain one of the most versatile men’s hairstyles to wear in 2026.
Want to explore more? Read our Men’s Hairstyles & Hair Trends 2026 Guide for more inspiration, or discover our premium Men's Hair Styling Products to find the right finish for your style.
