No matter how uncertain times may be, there is one thing you can always count on (at least when it comes to beauty and fashion): Everything that was once old will be new again. Just consider the tie dye, scrunchies, super-shiny lip gloss, and the ‘80s power shoulder, which, by the way, will continue its comeback in 2021.

But perhaps no trend is having a bigger renaissance in 2021 than curtain bangs, the wispy, face-framing fringe with roots in the '60s and '70s. From celebrities to popular TV characters to, yes, even TikTok, curtain bangs seem to be sweeping the nation – and it’s easy to see why.

Not only are soft, swoopy curtain bangs extremely versatile – meaning they flatter any face shape and look equally good on straight, wavy, and curly hair, as well as long and short hair – but they also require much less maintenance than other bang styles, both in terms of daily styling and growing out.

So, if you’ve ever pondered that age-old question “Should I get bangs?”, chances are, you might once again be contemplating making the cut – which is why we compiled everything you should know before getting curtain bangs.

Okay remind me, what are curtain bangs?

First made famous in the ‘60s and ‘70s, curtain bangs – as the name suggests – are parted down the middle and swept to each side, so they perfectly frame your face and eyes, much like a curtain does with a window.

While curtain bangs – which are a softer take on traditional, straight-across fringe – can vary in length, they’re typically shorter in the center (think: between the middle and bottom of the eyebrow) and longer on the sides, with wispy ends that blend into the rest of your hair. But if it’s your first time making the cut, though, you may want to go a bit longer. That way you’ll also have the option to pull them back into a ponytail or tuck them behind your ears.

Will I look good with curtain bangs?

Here’s the best thing about curtain bangs: They look good on practically everyone – whether you’ve got straight, wavy, or curly hair. Anyone can pull off bangs as long as they’re tailored to suit your best features.

Not to mention that curtain bangs look equally good with all face shapes and hair lengths. Whether you’ve got a pixie cut, a bob, a shag, or even waist-length strands, you can make the bangs sweep to the sides in a way that complements the rest of your look.

Curtain bangs are relatively low-maintenance

The truth is, all bangs – including curtain bangs – require some extra effort. There is truly no such thing as a low-maintenance bang. Anyone who says that is lying. But that said, curtain bangs may be easier to style than other types of bangs – and that’s especially true during the cooler fall and winter months. Bangs are a lot easier to manage when there’s no humidity, because they aren’t as likely to get sweaty or frizzy. So for anyone trying bangs for the first time, stylists usually recommend they wait until fall.

Here's how to style them

Start by parting your hair down the middle, then take a one-inch section that’s close to the temples and wrap it around a one-inch round brush, making sure to hold the brush perpendicular to your hairline. You don’t want to blow-dry the bangs horizontally as that can make them look too puffy or bubbly. Make a few passes with the blow dryer, remove the heat, and hold the section of hair in the brush for a few seconds to help shape it. Repeat this process, working in one-inch sections towards the center of the bang, before starting over on the other side. Once you’re finished styling, you can also spritz a disposable mascara wand with some hairspray and run it through your bangs to help keep them in check.

Prefer to go au naturel? Air drying your bangs is even simpler: Just place your bangs as you want them to lay and use a few creaseless clips to hold each side in place until they’re dry.