Men's curtain haircut: who suits it and how to choose the right length

Good curtains never obscure the view from the window; they frame it beautifully. A men's curtain haircut works on the same principle: the parting is straight, centered, and the strands softly frame the face rather than obscure it.

Hence the name "curtains," curtains that are slightly parted but not drawn all the way. Men's haircuts, called "curtains," are also called this, and it's not a mistake, but simply a colloquial version of the same name.

Barbers and hairdressers have brought back this cut from the 90s, and it's now one of the most common requests in the barber's chair.

 A curtain haircut is perfect for men who aren't ready for drastic changes but want to freshen up their look. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, or what hair length to start with, let's break it down.

 For your haircut, visit the men's hairdressers in Lviv at AlviBeauty.

Who suits a curtain haircut: a breakdown based on face shape

 The curtain haircut for men is not about strict boundaries; each face shape simply has its own best option for length and volume.

 
Oval face.

 Almost any version of curtains goes here; you can safely experiment with the length and parting without fear of making a mistake.

 
Round face.

 It's better to choose an elongated option: long strands visually lengthen the face, while a short version is more likely to emphasize roundness.

Square face.

 Here, stylists disagree: some believe soft strands at the cheekbones soften features, while others believe the crisp geometry of the curtain clashes with an already expressive jawline. It's wiser to come in for a consultation and try it on: an online photo is no substitute for a stylist's own eyesight.

Triangular face.

 With a wide forehead and a narrow chin, volume works well, and a light cascade balances the proportions.

What length should the hair be for curtains?

 How long to grow your hair for a curtain depends on its thickness and texture, but a good guideline is 10-15 cm at the crown, which is enough for a full parting and strands around the face.

If your hair is shorter, the stylist will create a temporary cut with extended bangs and then finish it off with a true "curtain" cut when it grows out. On medium-length hair, a short men's curtain cut looks put-together and easy to maintain.

 Long locks are already a men's long curtain hairstyle, a more expressive, almost bohemian option: that same old-money aesthetic that many are now reaching for. If you come across the phrase "long curtain hairstyle," it's the same thing, just the words are different.

Types of curtain cutting

 This haircut has several stable variations:

1.  curtains with shaved temples - a contrast of short and long, bold and requires more frequent correction;
2.  Korean curtain haircut is a little denser, with straight thick bangs and light volume;
3.  asymmetrical curtain haircut with an offset parting, one side is longer than the other;
4.  Multi-layered haircut creates more lightness and movement in the strands;
5.  Curtains for curly hair with waves or curls look even more interesting than on straight hair, but styling will take a little more time.

 What's the difference between a curtain and an undercut?

 They're often confused, but they're different stories. The undercut is all about contrast: short sides and volume on top. The curtain cut and the undercut differ primarily in the parting and the length of the strands near the face—the emphasis here is on them, not on the contrasting lengths. You can combine both techniques (the very same "curtain cut with shaved sides" from the list above), but this is more difficult to maintain and requires more frequent visits to the barber.

Do I need to install curtains?

 Should you style your curtains every day? This is a question almost every barber hears. If you've done a good haircut, you'll barely need to style them: just lightly dry your hair with your hands, add volume at the roots, and that's it. This is the "no-style" look most often described in reference to this cut. Good curtains are like comfortable jeans that fit so well you forget you're wearing them: you wear the haircut, not the haircut itself. A few drops of texturizing product will suffice for a subtle wave around the face, but a men's curtain cut should be left to a professional: it's not a hairstyle you should try to recreate at home using a video from your phone.

Post-haircut care

 Hair of this length will hold its shape longer if it's not over-dried: a low-heat blow-dry and a moisturizing treatment once a week will significantly extend the life of your style. Our stylists offer a full list of recommendations and care products.

Frequently asked questions about curtain cutting

 
Who suits curtain cutting?

 Curtains can be flexibly adjusted to almost everyone's face shape, thanks to the length and parting. A specialist will advise you more precisely during a consultation.

What length should hair be to cut curtains?

 10 cm or more on the crown is enough for a full parting and strands near the face.

What is the difference between a curtain and an undercut?

 An undercut is a contrast of lengths (short shaved sides and volume on top), while a curtain is about the parting and strands around the face. Sometimes they are combined.

 
Do you need to put up curtains every day?

 No, if the haircut is done well: a light hand drying and a drop of texturizing product is enough.

 
Is the curtain cut suitable for curly hair?

 Yes, and often it looks even more interesting when the wave near the face becomes part of the image, and not something that you have to fight with.