Remember the 90s? I definitely do. Back then, every heartthrob from Leonardo DiCaprio to Brendan Fraser rocked that iconic middle part. Well, I have news for you: the “curtains” hairstyle has returned with a vengeance, and it looks better than ever. I used to think this look belonged strictly in a boy band music video, but modern barbers really leveled up the game. Today, the curtains hairstyle for men blends nostalgia with sharp fades and textured layers.
I’ll be honest, I tried to pull this off three years ago and failed miserably because I didn’t know which version suited my face. You don’t have to make my mistakes. Whether you have pin-straight hair or a wild mane of curls, a version of this cut exists just for you. Let’s explore 15 ways you can rock this modern classic without looking like a vintage mall rat. 🙂
1. Curtains Hairstyle for Men by Face Shape
I firmly believe that your face shape dictates whether a haircut makes you look like a model or a thumb. Before you grab the scissors or run to the shop, you need to know where you stand. Ever wondered why some guys look amazing with a middle part while others look… well, a bit odd?
The Oval Face
If you have an oval face, I envy you. You can pull off almost any variation of the curtains. I recommend keeping the sides slightly shorter to emphasize your cheekbones. Since your face is naturally balanced, you don’t need much “correction” from your hair.
The Square Face
Square faces feature strong jawlines. I love seeing a softer, slightly longer curtain on square-faced guys. The hair softens those sharp angles. If you keep the “curtains” too stiff or short, you might look a bit blocky. Aim for some movement and flow to balance the grit of your jaw.
The Round Face
Round faces need height. If you flat-iron your curtains and let them hug your face, you’ll just make your face look rounder. I suggest adding some volume at the roots. A “lifted” curtain creates the illusion of a longer, more angular face. Trust me on this one; volume is your best friend here.
2. Modern Curtains Haircut with Taper Fade
I think the biggest upgrade to the classic curtain is the taper fade. Back in the day, the hair just kind of “stopped” at the ears, often looking like a bowl cut that someone split down the middle. By adding a taper fade, you instantly modernize the look.
The taper fade cleans up the neckline and the area around the ears. This creates a sharp contrast between the long, flowing top and the tight, groomed sides. It looks intentional and professional. If you work in an office but want to keep your style edgy, this is the version I recommend. It says, “I have a career, but I also know how to use a hairdryer.”
3. Messy Curtains Hairstyle for Thick Hair
If you have thick hair, you know the struggle. It feels heavy, it gets hot, and it often defies gravity in ways you didn’t ask for. However, thick hair provides the perfect “canvas” for a messy curtains look. You have the natural bulk to make the hair look full and healthy without needing a ton of product.
I suggest asking your barber for some “internal weight removal.” They use thinning shears to take out the bulk while keeping the length. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair and just scrunch it with your fingers. This gives you that “I just woke up looking like a movie star” vibe that we all secretly want.
4. Middle Part Curtains Haircut for Straight Hair
Straight hair can be tricky because it tends to lay flat. If you aren’t careful, you end up with the “Lego man” look. To avoid this, you need to focus on precision and length. A classic middle part on straight hair looks incredibly clean and sophisticated.
I find that straight-haired curtains look best when the hair hits right around the bottom of the eyes or the cheekbones. This creates a natural frame for your face. FYI, you will likely need a light pomade or a grooming cream to keep the hair from falling directly into your mouth every time you tilt your head. :/
5. Soft Curtains Hairstyle for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair might be the best hair type for this style. The natural “S” shape of your waves does all the work for you. While straight-haired guys struggle for volume, your hair naturally bounces and flows. I think wavy curtains look incredibly romantic and relaxed.
To maintain this, don’t over-style it. If you use too much heavy wax, you’ll weigh down those beautiful waves. I recommend a light leave-in conditioner or a tiny bit of hair oil. Let your hair do its thing. The goal here is “controlled chaos.”
6. Short Curtains Haircut for Low Maintenance
Maybe you don’t want to spend twenty minutes in front of the mirror every morning. I get it. The short curtains haircut offers a fantastic middle ground. This version usually features hair that ends right above the eyebrows.
Since the hair is shorter, it weighs less and stays in place much easier. You don’t need a heavy-duty blow-dryer or a round brush. A quick comb-through and a bit of matte clay will keep you looking sharp all day. It’s clean, it’s punchy, and it won’t get in your eyes when you’re trying to work.
7. Long Curtains Hairstyle Inspired by 90s Trends
We have to pay homage to the kings of the 90s. This version involves hair that reaches the jawline or even the shoulders. Think early Johnny Depp or Keanu Reeves. It’s a bold look that requires a certain level of confidence (and patience during the “awkward growth phase”).
I love this look because it’s incredibly versatile. You can tuck it behind your ears for a “cleaner” look or let it hang loose for a more “grungy” aesthetic. Just make sure you use a good conditioner. Long hair shows damage much faster than short hair, and “fried” curtains aren’t a good look on anyone.
8. Curtains Haircut with Layered Texture
If your hair looks like a solid, unmoving block, you need layers. Layering involves cutting different lengths throughout the hair to create movement and dimension. I always tell people that layers are the secret sauce of the modern curtains hairstyle.
Layers prevent the hair from looking too “heavy” at the bottom. Without them, the hair tends to flare out like a triangle. Nobody wants a triangle-shaped head. By layering the hair, the “curtains” fall more naturally and move when you walk. It adds a level of sophistication that a blunt cut simply can’t match.
9. Curtains Hairstyle for Receding Hairline
Believe it or not, curtains can actually help guys with a receding hairline. I know, it sounds counterintuitive. You’d think a middle part would highlight a “widow’s peak” or a receding temple, right? Actually, it can work in your favor if you style it correctly.
By letting the hair grow longer and “curtaining” it over the temples, you effectively camouflage the areas where the hair is thinning. The key is to avoid a harsh, straight middle part. Instead, go for a slightly off-center part and add some volume. This draws the eye to the center of your forehead rather than the corners. It’s a clever bit of visual misdirection!
10. Korean-Style Curtains Haircut for Men
The “K-Style” or “Comma Hair” has taken the world by storm. If you watch any K-dramas, you’ve seen this look. It’s a very specific version of the curtains where one side curves inward like a comma. It looks incredibly polished and high-fashion.
This style usually requires a bit more effort. You’ll need a hairdryer and a small round brush to “curl” the ends of the hair toward your forehead. I think this look works exceptionally well for guys with thick, straight hair. It’s a very intentional, “groomed” look that pairs perfectly with modern streetwear.
11. Curtains Hairstyle with Blowout Volume
Do you want maximum impact? Then you need the blowout curtains. This isn’t just a haircut; it’s a styling technique. You want the hair to look like it’s being caught in a permanent, gentle breeze.
To achieve this, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair. Use a hairdryer and a vent brush to pull the hair up and back from the roots. Once it’s dry, let it fall naturally. The result is a massive amount of volume and “flow” that makes your hair look three times thicker than it actually is. It’s a total “main character” hairstyle.
12. Curtains Haircut for Thin Hair Men
I often hear guys with thin hair say they can’t do the curtains look. I disagree. You just have to change your approach. If you have thin hair, avoid heavy oils and gels at all costs. These products clump your hair together, making your scalp visible.
Instead, use texturizing powders or sea salt sprays. These products add “grip” to the hair fibers, making them appear thicker. Keep your curtains a bit shorter so the weight doesn’t pull the hair flat against your head. A shorter, textured curtain can actually make thin hair look surprisingly full.
13. Curtains Hairstyle Before and After Transformation
I love a good transformation story. I’ve seen guys go from a generic “short back and sides” to a stylish curtain, and the difference is night and day. A transformation isn’t just about the hair; it’s about how it changes your face.
In “before” photos, many guys look a bit uninspired or “standard.” The “after” photos usually show a guy who looks more artistic, approachable, and trendy. The curtains style adds a level of “cool” that a buzz cut or a basic fade just can’t provide. It frames the eyes and brings out the structure of the face. If you feel like you’re in a style rut, this might be the change you need.
14. How to Ask Your Barber for a Curtains Haircut
This is where most guys mess up. You can’t just walk in and say “give me the curtains.” Your barber might have a totally different idea of what that means. Do you want a 90s Leo or a modern K-pop look?
- Bring Pictures: I cannot stress this enough. Your “long” might be the barber’s “short.” Show them exactly what you want.
- Mention the Taper: Tell them if you want a taper fade on the sides or if you want the hair to be a consistent length all around.
- Discuss the Weight: Ask them to “remove some weight” if you have thick hair.
- Clarify the Part: Do you want a sharp middle part or something a bit softer and off-center?
Be specific. A good barber appreciates a client who knows what they want.
15. Curtains Hairstyle Styling Tips for Everyday Look
So, you got the cut. Now what? You have to style it every day if you want it to look good. Here is my personal “cheat sheet” for daily styling:
- Start with Damp Hair: It’s much easier to train your hair to part when it’s wet.
- Use Sea Salt Spray: This is my “holy grail” product. It adds texture and hold without looking like you have product in your hair.
- The “Blow Dry” Trick: Blow-dry your hair forward first, then sweep it back and to the sides. This creates that “flip” at the ends that makes the curtains look so iconic.
- Finish with Cold Air: Most dryers have a “cool shot” button. Use it! Cold air sets the hair in place and adds shine.
- Don’t Touch It: Once you’ve styled it, leave it alone. The more you run your fingers through it, the more oils you transfer, which eventually makes it go flat.
Essential Products for Your Arsenal
If you’re serious about this look, you need the right tools. I recommend keeping these in your bathroom cabinet:
- Matte Clay: For a natural, no-shine look with a strong hold.
- Sea Salt Spray: For that “beach” texture and volume.
- Round Brush: Necessary for those curved, “comma” style ends.
- Lightweight Conditioner: To keep the length healthy without weighing it down.
Why This Hairstyle is More Than Just a Trend
I think the reason the curtains hairstyle has stayed relevant for so long is its versatility. It’s one of the few haircuts that bridges the gap between “pretty boy” and “rugged.” You can wear it with a suit or a hoodie. You can make it look messy and rebellious or neat and professional.
Moreover, it’s a very “forgiving” haircut. If you miss a week at the barber, it still looks okay. In fact, it often looks better as it grows out and gains more “character.” Unlike a high skin fade that looks “off” after ten days, the curtains haircut ages gracefully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of hair blunders in my life, so learn from my pain. IMO, these are the top three mistakes guys make with curtains:
- The “Flat” Part: If you just comb your hair flat to the sides without any volume, you look like a character from a Victorian novel. Always, always add some lift at the roots.
- Using Too Much Product: Curtains should move. If your hair is so stiff that it doesn’t move when you shake your head, you’ve used too much wax.
- Ignoring the Back: Don’t just focus on the front. Make sure the back of your head doesn’t have a weird “tuft” or a flat spot. Use a hand mirror to check your work.
Rhetorical Check-in: Is This Your Next Look?
Ever wondered why you keep looking at these photos? Is it because you’re tired of the same old fade you’ve had for five years? Or maybe you just want to see if you actually have the “DiCaprio” vibes hidden somewhere under your current buzz cut?
The curtains hairstyle is a commitment to a specific aesthetic. It says you care about your appearance but you also value a bit of “flow” and artistic expression. If you’re ready to grow it out and learn how to use a hairdryer, I say go for it. You only live once, right?
Conclusion
The curtains hairstyle for men isn’t just a blast from the past; it’s a modern staple that offers something for everyone. From the sharp taper fade versions to the relaxed messy thick hair looks, this style proves its worth every single day. I’ve found that the key to a great curtain is understanding your own hair type and being honest about how much time you want to spend styling it.
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment. Hair grows back! If you try the long 90s look and hate it, you can always trim it down to a short, low-maintenance curtain. The most important thing is that you feel confident. A good haircut is like a great suit—it changes how you carry yourself.
So, grab some sea salt spray, find a barber who knows their way around a pair of shears, and embrace the “flow.” Your 90s self (and your current self) will thank you. 🙂
