The Curtains Haircut for Men: Length and Styling Choices

The curtains haircut for men uses a center or near-center opening with longer front sections falling to either side. The part is only one part of the cut. Front length, the amount of hair over the ears and the connection into the back determine whether the result looks soft, compact or strongly disconnected.

L’Oréal Paris describes the curtain or eBoy shape as a middle-parted cut with face-framing front pieces, adaptable to different textures. You do not need to adopt a particular fashion label to wear that structure.

Choose the front first

Show the barber where you want the dry front pieces to stop. Compare eyebrow, cheekbone and ear-level references on your own face. Decide whether the opening should remain clear or let pieces fall forward. A short front is easier to keep out of the eyes, but it offers less length to sweep back.

If your hair curls, identify the length when the curls sit as you normally wear them. If you regularly straighten or stretch the front, show both finishes. A measurement taken while hair is pulled taut does not describe the everyday silhouette.

Then settle the sides and back

These are consultation choices, not fixed definitions of the trend. “Curtains with a taper” can mean several different contrasts. Point to the boundary in your reference instead of assuming a haircut name contains every detail.

Check your natural part

Before combing, notice where the front separates after washing. If it strongly falls to one side, ask the barber to show an off-center version. A perfectly centered line is not compulsory, and more product is not always a useful answer to a stubborn growth pattern.

For face-framing ideas, use our men’s round-face haircut guide. Treat face shape as a visual preference tool rather than a rule that permits or forbids this cut.

A repeatable styling approach

1. Start from the intended part. Divide the front with your fingers while it is still easy to direct.
2. Choose a finish. Let natural waves or curls keep their pattern, or use a dryer to encourage a smoother sweep. Do not switch between those goals halfway through.
3. Dry in manageable areas if needed. Keep airflow moving and use a low or medium setting. A suitable heat protectant belongs in the routine according to its instructions.
4. Place product where you want control. Read the finish and application directions. A wet-look gel, flexible cream and matte paste are different options; no category guarantees the same hold across every formula.
5. Check the side view. Arrange the front without flattening all the height or exposing a side connection you wanted covered.

Our grunge hairstyle guide covers the broader inspiration. Here the useful test is simple: can you recreate your chosen opening without rebuilding the entire cut each morning?

Take this brief to the barber

“I want curtains with a [center/off-center] opening. Keep the front to [dry landmark], the ears [covered/partly exposed], and the nape [soft/tapered]. I normally wear my hair [natural/blow-dried]. Please show me how the top will connect to the sides, and how to style the front before I leave.”

Bring your normal glasses or hat if they affect where the front sits. Ask which change should prompt a tidy-up: hair in the eyes, a heavy side shape or an untidy nape. Different areas may need attention at different times.

Quick questions

Do curtains require straight hair?

No. Waves and curls can form the opening too. Choose references with a similar texture so the length decision is meaningful.

Can I get the look from a very short crop?

You may need more front length first. Ask the barber what to tidy during the transition while preserving the pieces needed for the opening.

Is an undercut required?

No. Connected sides and softer outlines are options. Agree on that structure separately from the front parting.

Sources and further guidance

• L’Oréal Paris: the curtain haircut structure
• American Academy of Dermatology: heat styling guidance