curly hair with bangs

Curly hair with bangs refers to a hairstyle where the hair is naturally or intentionally curly, and a section of the hair is cut to fall across the forehead known as bangs. This style combines the playful and textured look of curls with a framed forehead adding a touch of flair and personality to the overall appearance.

If like me you grew up thinking that having curly hair meant saying goodbye to bangs, and you spent years yearning for hairstyles that seemed out of reach, here’s a revelation: The idea that curly-haired individuals can’t rock bangs is simply not true.

Hairstylist Roz Murray debunks the myth explaining that it’s all about embracing your natural texture or opting for a bit of manipulation. So despite past misconceptions having bouncy curls doesn’t mean giving up on fringe.

Straight from a professional stylist, we bring you 44 expert-approved styles of curly hair with bangs inspired by icons like Stevie Nicks Dilone Georgia May Jagger and 90s Mariah Carey. Discover your perfect curly bangs style from hairstyling talents such as Ryan Richman Justine Marjan Bryce Scarlett Laurie Heaps Holly Mills and Devontae Washington.

Curly 80s Bob

Murray explains, Ciara’s bangs extend towards the sides, nearly blending with the top layer, resulting in a square shape. Achieved through either a curling iron or strategic use of clips for elevation, this style features a denser bang, minimizing the visibility of the ‘v‘ section.

Side-Swept Straight Bangs with Curly Hair

If your curls are feeling lackluster and undefined think about incorporating layers for improved definition and the desired volume and bounce suggests Washington. Choose a haircut that lets your curls move freely incorporating both short and long layers. A subtle side bang inspired by Camila Cabello, could be the ideal final touch to elevate your entire appearance.

Finger Coil Curly Bangs

Attaining Zendaya’s curly bangs involves finger-coiling the hair after applying curl cream or gel, Murray suggests. For optimal results, I advise using Bumble and bumble’s Curl Light Defining Cream ($37) to sculpt and enhance your curls.

Curly Peekaboo Bangs

Murray notes that Sandra Oh’s bangs have a more spaced-out section, allowing a subtle glimpse of her face. This effect is enhanced when the bangs are swept to the side. A helpful tip: use clips to maintain the curls’ shape during drying for a more compact look.

Tousled, Undone French Bob

Embracing a casually tousled and effortlessly undone aesthetic exudes chic vibes, offering a refreshing break from rigidly structured bobs according to Washington. To achieve this style simply wash and allow your hair to air-dry. After drying elevate texture using H&H Science’s Effortless Volume Dry Texture Spray ($39) for an added touch of flair.

Wet Pixie with Bangs

Embrace Taylor Hill’s classic wet pixie paired with bangs, a style that effortlessly combines edge and femininity catering to a variety of personalities and face shapes. For styling your curly pixie cut enhance its natural texture with a sea salt spray letting it fall and dry with ease as recommended by Washington.

French Bob

A chic chin-length French bob is elevated by charming loose curls at the ends and playful flipped-out bangs creating a stylish and trendy hairstyle.

Curly Faux Hawk

Storm Reid rocks a distinctive curly faux hawk, offering a unique approach to styling medium-length or long curls. The textured fringe at the front forms choppy pieces resulting in longer bangs gracefully falling just beyond her eyebrows.

Half-Up Half-Down

Half-up half-down styles are elevated with the perfect synergy of curly bangs. Embrace the charm of a loose wavy triangle fringe for a stunning and trendy look we adore.

Long S-Shaped Fringe

Take inspiration from Ilana Glazer and celebrate your natural texture especially on slightly longer bangs. Richman advises If you wake up and your bangs need a touch-up wet them gently and pat dry using an Aquis Wrap ($25) for a gentler approach compared to a cotton towel leaving your hair cuticle smoother as it dries.

Razor Bangs

We hope to have more than proven by now that you do not need to straighten your bangs if you have curly hair. But Kat Graham’s cute rezoed fringe with long Ombre waves is a fun modern take on the straight bangs/curly body contrast.

Tight Curls with Fringe

Achieving the best results for curly cuts, like this one, relies on the dry cut technique. Seek a hairstylist who specializes in working with dry hair, capturing the true length of your curls for a stunning outcome.

Betty Boop Bangs

Achieve the adorable Betty Boop bangs effortlessly with minimal styling, and enhance the look with a sweet oversized bow tied around the crown, as recommended by Alia Shaw kat.

For all hair lengths Richman advises using the Paul Mitchell Neuro Prime ($33) a lightweight primer with thermal protection and suggests twisting curls with your fingers before diffusing to prevent damage.

Circular Bob

Defining Alison Brie’s short, curly hairstyle is a bit tricky. Is it a rounded bob or a stylish take on a bowl cut? Regardless the combination of flawless ringlets and smudged black eyeliner exudes a sultry and effortlessly cool vibe.

Geometric Curls

Solange rocks bold curls sporting a wide geometric shape with a lifted crown for that ’80s flair effortlessly complementing her natural hair. The micro bangs elegantly frame her forehead adding a touch of edgy sophistication to her stunning look.

Cascading Short Fringe

Embrace a flirty and youthful vibe like actor Joey King with a close-cropped pixie cut featuring short curly bangs cascading in layers across the forehead.

Achieve lift and shape effortlessly with a lightweight mousse such as Deva Curl’s Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam ($34) for a soft and natural look without any crunchy texture.

Messy, Textured Bangs

Juno Temple’s textured full head of curls paired with choppy bangs is a stunning look. To maintain those perfect bangs between washes Scarlett suggests using a curl refreshing spray.

Opt for Ouidad’s Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray ($22) to revive and uplift your bangs without weighing them down ensuring a fresh and lively look every morning.

Grown Out Fringe

Stylist Cherin Choi’s stunning ash-brown Ombre showcases ’70s fringe gracefully framing the client’s face seamlessly blending into cascading layered waves over her shoulders for a timeless and chic look.

Center-Parted Fringe

The center part is trending for good reason. It’s both modern and retro, and as Tessa Thompson shows us, it can absolutely work for curly hair as well as straight. We love her brow-grazing fringe and layered ends.

Super Long Shag

This ultra-lengthy shag haircut features charming bangs that gently frame the face. Marjan suggests aiming for a length about two inches longer than your initial idea then gradually adjusting to shorter lengths as curly hair tends to contract and bounce back when trimmed.

Curly with Straight Bangs

Embrace a contemporary twist on the ’00s vibe by combining sleek straight bangs with a curly foundation. Infused with Maisie Williams’ playful pink hue and shadowed roots, this look exudes a modern edge.

Fluffy Bangs

Get the Tracee Ellis Ross vibe with a sleek bun and voluminous bangs! Straighten your hair, grab plenty of gel and hairspray to maintain that polished look. When it comes to bangs the more curls the more fabulous

Pseudo Bangs

Not prepared for the commitment of caring for curly bangs? Achieve the look by tying your hair into a sleek ponytail, positioning the curled ends just above your forehead for a faux fringe.

For a low-maintenance routine before bed that preserves your natural curls and minimizes frizz, adopt the pineapple ponytail technique using a simple hair tie. It adds a touch of fashion and chicness, and pulling out the bangs can elevate your overall appearance suggests Washington.

Supersized Curls

Who cares about trends? Natasha Lyonne consistently rocks her distinctive big curls and wavy fringe. For those coveted curly bangs at the salon Marjan suggests Ask your stylist to grasp the curl’s end and cut gradually with shears facing downward ensuring the ends are lighter. This technique delivers a defined curl pattern without overwhelming your face.

Finger Waves

Achieve stunning faux curls for your ultra-short pixie cut with finger waves. Rowan Blanchard’s interpretation showcases a subtle curl framing her face not only keeping her bangs away but also contributing to the timeless elegance of her appearance.

Artsy Triangle Hair

At the Mousey Browne Salon in Brooklyn, New York, they refer to it as the “intentional triangle.” While “triangle hair” is usually talked about with caution among those with curls, this is evidence that you can embrace it intentionally and still achieve a fantastic look.

Beachy Bangs

“Capture beachy vibes with a twist on curly bangs inspired by Lizzo. Embrace bangs with a subtle wave, mirroring loose curls flowing beyond the shoulders. Elevate the look with sun-kissed balayage for an extra touch of vacation-inspired flair.”

Windswept Fringe

Lily Collins’ casually tousled bangs may appear effortless, yet achieving this look requires careful styling. Marjan simplifies the process: Use the GHD Air Professional Performance Hairdryer ($199) with a diffuser attachment to gently dry your hair. If you’re confident, consider individually trimming each curl after diffusing the front strands forward to achieve the ideal face-framing effect.

Barely-There Bangs

FKA Twigs’ ultra-short baby bangs make a bold statement, not for the timid yet undeniably cool. Delicate curls grace her forehead’s apex, complemented by a tousled updo that adds to the overall edgy charm.

Baby Bangs

Yara Shahidi’s stylish baby bangs and curly lob are both trendy and timeless. To perfect your bangs, Mills recommends using a curling iron: If you notice any stray curls or hair simply touch them up to ensure they flow in the right direction. Opt for a medium setting, considering your comfort and proximity to your face.

Micro Spirals

His unconventional haircut defies all the traditional rules for curly hair, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing to us. This ultra-short pixie with disheveled spiral fringe exudes an edgy and playful vibe.

If you have a particular length in mind that you wish to maintain advises Heaps you should follow a regular trimming schedule and visit your stylist every four to six weeks depending on the rate of your hair growth.

Additionally, many salons provide complimentary bang trims between haircut appointments so don’t forget to inquire with your stylist.

Loads of Layers

Achieve the look of side bangs effortlessly with short, textured layers similar to Sarah Hyland’s style, requiring minimal styling effort.

Choppy Ringlets

Jasmine Sanders rocks a trendy, choppy vibe with her wispy blonde ringlets and lifted roots. Elevate your curls with Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray ($49) applying it by scrunching into wet or damp strands for that added edge.

Vintage Pin Curl Waves

Janelle Monae’s luscious waves exude a timeless pin curl charm. Admire the gentle undulations cascading over her forehead and the spherical cloud-inspired form the hair adopts as it extends from her head.

Afro-Textured Bangs

The possibilities with bangs are truly limitless. Embrace the beauty of super curly or afro-textured bangs as you effortlessly slay a stunning fringe. Elevate this full, voluminous cut with strategically placed balayage highlights for an incredible look.

Lifted Roots

Elevate your roots and add a touch of old Hollywood glamour with Rita Ora’s style. Whether your hair is naturally straight or wavy you can recreate this stunning look using a curling iron and a spritz of hairspray, perfect for any special occasion.

Seamless Layers

We adore these brief, textured bangs combined with smooth layers injecting vibrancy into once lackluster curls. Marjan recommends applying a shine serum and scrunching it into your hair for an instant boost if your strands lack luster.

Side Fringe

Opting for side-swept bangs à la Sandra Oh offers a more manageable style compared to the straight-across cut.

Regardless of your desired look Scarlett recommends starting with longer curly bangs reaching at least your cheekbones. Trim gradually and observe how your natural curls fall for the perfect finish.

Wet- Modern Mullet

Not all fringes need to follow a straight line across the forehead. Rihanna’s wet-look bob incorporates shorter pieces framing the apples of her cheeks, creating dimension in an otherwise evenly-cut style.

All-Over Ringlets

Zendaya’s captivating style showcases a full head of spiraling ringlets complemented by equally curly bangs. To achieve this look hairstylist Richman advises getting your bangs cut when your hair is dry and already styled with your desired texture.

This approach allows for precision and flexibility as you can always opt for a slightly shorter length, but caution is advised against going too short as there’s no reversing it once done.

Wet-Look Bob

Fringe doesn’t necessarily need to follow a straight line across the forehead. In Rihanna’s wet-look bob, there are some shorter pieces that fall around the apples of her cheeks, introducing depth to an otherwise uniform length haircut.

Curtain Fringe

Opt for a trendy vibe with curtain fringe perfect for those with wavier hair. Part it down the middle for a chic look. Channel Georgia May Jagger’s style as her bangs gracefully frame the jawline adding a touch of sophistication to your overall appearance.

Mig-Length Shag with Longer Bangs

An optimal choice for curly hair with a bit longer bang length, a mid-length shag features bangs that gently touch the eyebrows. Scarlett advises, “Similar to the care routine for the rest of your curly locks, ensuring your bangs look their best involves proper air-drying.” He suggests Moroccanoil Treatment Light ($35), noting its suitability for curls due to its lightweight nature that doesn’t burden the hair while maintaining volume.

Curly Pixie with Fringe

This hairstyle defies conventional norms for curly hair, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing. The incredibly short pixie cut, paired with textured spiral fringe, exudes a sense of edge and playfulness. Maintaining a particular length requires regular upkeep according to Heaps.

To stay on track, plan to visit your stylist every four to six weeks adjusting based on your hair growth rate. Additionally inquire about complimentary bang trims some salons provide between haircut appointments.

Do bangs look good with curly hair?

Certainly! Curly hair can look fantastic with bangs. Bangs can complement curly hair by adding a playful and stylish touch.

They can help frame the face enhance facial features, and bring attention to your curls. Whether you prefer soft side-swept bangs or bold straight-across fringe there are plenty of options to suit your curly locks and enhance your overall look.

Just ensure your stylist considers your curl pattern and face shape for the most flattering result.

Do bangs make you look younger?

Certainly! Bangs can indeed make you appear younger. They have a timeless quality that adds a touch of youthfulness to your overall look.

By framing the face and covering the forehead bangs can soften features and create a more playful and fresh appearance.

The versatility of bangs also allows for various styles, making it easy to find a look that suits your personality while contributing to a youthful vibe.

Conclusion

the notion that curly-haired individuals can’t pull off bangs is debunked by hairstylist Roz Murray. Embracing your natural texture or incorporating some manipulation can make curly bangs not only possible but also stylish. The curated collection of 44 expert-approved styles, inspired by icons like Stevie Nicks and modern celebrities, showcases the versatility of curly hair with bangs. From Ciara’s curly 80s bob to Taylor Hill’s wet pixie, each style offers a unique twist, proving that curly hair and bangs can coexist harmoniously.

Furthermore, the diversity of curly bangs styles, such as the finger coil curls, peekaboo bangs, and the tousled French bob, demonstrates that there’s a perfect fit for every face shape and personal taste. Whether you prefer a chic chin-length French bob or the distinctive look of Storm Reid’s curly faux hawk, the possibilities are endless. The key is to embrace the natural texture, consider the curl pattern, and consult with a skilled stylist for a customized and youthful appearance.