Curtains are the 90s haircut that came back stronger. The front of the hair is parted in the middle and falls to each side like a pair of curtains, framing the face. The modern version is softer and more textured than the original, and a low taper fade on the sides keeps the outline neat while the top stays loose and flowing.
Quick Facts
| Front length | 4 to 6 inches (should reach about the cheekbones) |
| Fade height | Low |
| Bottom length | #0.5 to skin |
| Best hair types | Straight, wavy, loose curls |
| Face shapes | Oval, oblong, diamond, heart |
| Product | Sea salt spray, light cream, matte paste |
| Styling time | 3–5 minutes |
Curtains vs Middle Part
Curtains are a type of middle part with longer front sections that sweep outward and frame the face. A plain middle part may be shorter and flatter.
12 Best Low Taper Fade Curtains Styles
1. Classic Curtains
Center part, front pieces curving outward to the cheekbones. Soft and nostalgic.
2. Textured Curtains
Messy, piecey ends with matte product. The most popular modern version.
3. Short Curtains
Front pieces reach the eyebrows. Neater and easier to manage.
4. Long Curtains
Front pieces to the jaw or longer. Pair with long hair.
5. Wavy Curtains
Waves create natural flow. See wavy hair.
6. Curly Curtains
Loose curls parted in the middle. See curly hair.
7. Fluffy Curtains
Blow-dried for airy volume. See fluffy hair.
8. Curtains with a Skin Taper
Sharper contrast at the bottom. See skin taper.
9. Curtains Mullet
Curtains at the front, length at the back. See modern mullet.
10. Off-Center Curtains
The part is slightly off-center for a more relaxed, asymmetric look.
11. Blonde Curtains
Lightened hair emphasizes the shape. See blonde hair.
12. Curtains with a Beard
Balanced and grown-up. See with beard.
How Long Does Hair Need to Be?
The front pieces need to reach roughly the cheekbones when pulled down. That usually means 4 to 6 inches at the front. The crown can be shorter.
If you are growing from short hair, it can take 3 to 5 months. During that time, keep the low taper fresh so the sides look intentional while the top grows.
How to Ask Your Barber
"Low taper fade, starting at the top of the ear, half guard at the bottom. On top, I'm going for curtains: keep the front long, around [X] inches, and add layers so it sweeps outward. Keep the crown a bit shorter. Point-cut the ends."
How to Style Curtains
- Part in the center while the hair is damp.
- Apply sea salt spray at the roots.
- Blow-dry each side away from the part, lifting at the root, then curving the ends outward with your fingers or a round brush.
- Cool shot to set.
- Finish with a small amount of light cream or matte paste, focusing on the ends.
Stopping Curtains from Falling Flat
- Root lift is everything. Blow-dry the roots upward before curving them outward.
- Avoid heavy products like strong pomade or wax.
- Layering from your barber gives the hair movement.
Curtains Then and Now
In the 1990s, curtains were often heavy, center-parted and sometimes quite flat, worn with longer sides. The 2020s version is lighter and more textured, with a clean low taper fade instead of long sides. The face-framing effect is the same, but the overall shape is neater and more modern.
Curtains for Different Face Shapes
| Face shape | How to adjust curtains |
|---|---|
| Oval | Any length works |
| Oblong | Longer front pieces with volume at the sides |
| Round | Shorter, lifted curtains so the face doesn't look wider |
| Square | Soft, wavy curtains to soften the jaw |
| Diamond | Curtains that reach the cheekbones balance the width |
| Heart | Curtains with movement around the jaw |
Getting Through the Grow-Out
Many people give up on curtains when their hair is about 3 inches long, because the front pieces stick out or fall into the eyes. Use a light cream and part the hair every morning to train it. Some people use a thin headband at home while the hair is drying to keep the part in place. It takes a couple of weeks, but the hair learns.
Curtains Maintenance
- Low taper: every 2–3 weeks.
- Front pieces: trim every 6–8 weeks to keep them just above the cheekbones or wherever you prefer.
- Layers on top: every 8 weeks to keep movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow curtains?
Usually 3 to 5 months from short hair, depending on how fast your hair grows.
Do curtains work with curly hair?
Yes, especially with loose curls. Tighter curls may need more length.
What face shape suits curtains?
Oval, oblong, diamond and heart faces suit curtains well.
Are curtains still in style in 2026?
Yes. Textured curtains with a low taper fade remain one of the most popular medium-length looks.
