Miley Cyrus’ Messy Curtain Bangs: How to Get Rockstar Chic

Miley Cyrus has a knack for making “undone” hair look deliberate—and her latest take on messy curtain bangs is a masterclass in modern, rockstar-chic texture. The appeal isn’t just the fringe itself, but the way it frames the face while still feeling relaxed, wearable and slightly rebellious. In UK salons, curtain bangs have remained a go-to request because they’re adaptable across hair types, grow out more gracefully than blunt fringes, and can be styled to look polished or purposefully imperfect.

This particular “messy curtain bang” moment is a useful reminder: when fringe looks great, it’s rarely about perfect symmetry. It’s about the cut sitting correctly at the cheekbone level, the parting working with your natural growth pattern, and styling that enhances movement rather than freezing it in place.

What makes messy curtain bangs look expensive (not chaotic)

Messy, piecey fringe can quickly tip from “cool” into “careless” if the foundations aren’t right. Most stylists will tell you the secret is in the cut: curtain bangs need internal softness and strategic weight removal so they split naturally and skim the face. Think of them as a fringe that behaves like face-framing layers—just shorter, and designed to open from a centre or slightly off-centre parting.

For a Miley-inspired finish, the texture matters as much as the length. The goal is separation and lived-in movement at the front, while the rest of the hair supports that vibe (whether that’s loose waves, a shaggy layer, or a straighter look with bend).

• Soft edges: Curtain bangs look best when the ends are feathered rather than blunt.
• Cheekbone connection: The longest pieces should taper into your face frame so it looks intentional as it grows.
• Parting placement: A middle part gives classic “curtain”; a slight off-centre part can feel more rock’n’roll.
• Controlled mess: Texture is key, but the fringe should still skim the brows/cheekbones rather than sticking out.

How to style curtain bangs for that ‘rockstar chic’ mess

You don’t need to replicate a red-carpet blow-dry to get the spirit of this look. In fact, over-styling can make curtain bangs look too “done”, which works against the messy finish. Many UK stylists recommend starting with a rough dry to follow your fringe’s natural direction, then adding shape only where you need it—usually at the root and the first bend around the face.

A practical next step: tomorrow morning, try styling only your fringe (not your whole head). It’s the fastest way to refresh your look without a full wash day.

• Start damp, not dripping: Towel-dry and let your fringe sit for a minute—styling when it’s too wet can flatten it.
• Blow-dry side-to-side first: Direct the fringe left and right to smooth cowlicks, then set your parting.
• Add a gentle bend: Use a small round brush or your fingers to lift at the root and curve the front pieces back.
• Texture, then refine: Work in a tiny amount of texturising product, then pinch the ends for separation.
• Finish softly: If you need hold, choose a light mist rather than a stiff spray—movement is the point.

Ask your stylist for this—not just “curtain bangs”

“Curtain bangs” can mean very different things depending on your hair density, curl pattern and face shape. If you want the Miley-esque messy vibe, it helps to communicate the shape and the styling intention. In consultations, hairdressers often translate celebrity references into a personalised version that complements your features and your day-to-day routine.

Useful salon language to try:

• “Airier, piecey curtain fringe” rather than thick, solid sections.
• “Cheekbone-length with a longer taper” so it grows out softly.
• “Texture through the fringe and face frame” for separation and movement.
• “Works with my natural parting/cowlick” to avoid daily battles at home.

How to keep curtain bangs looking good between trims

One reason curtain bangs stay popular is that they’re forgiving, but they still benefit from light maintenance. As they grow, the “opening” can start to collapse, and the bend can sit lower than you want. Many stylists suggest a quick fringe dusting every few weeks (even when you’re growing your hair overall) to keep the shape flattering.

If your fringe gets oily faster than the rest of your hair, you’re not alone—bangs sit against the forehead, pick up skincare and are constantly touched. A targeted refresh can help without over-washing your lengths.

• Mini refresh: Rinse just the fringe in the sink, blow-dry, and you’ll reset the shape in under 10 minutes.
• Heat protection: If you heat-style daily, use protection consistently—fringe can become dry quickly.
• Less product, better shape: Start with minimal texture; add more only if it falls flat.
• Plan your trim rhythm: A light tidy-up keeps the ‘curtain’ effect without committing to a full fringe reshape.

Key Takeaways

• Messy curtain bangs work best when the cut is soft and face-framing, not blunt or heavy.
• The “rockstar chic” finish is about separation and movement—avoid overly rigid styling.
• Blow-dry side-to-side first to control cowlicks, then add a gentle bend away from the face.
• Ask your stylist for an airy, piecey curtain fringe with a cheekbone-length taper for an easier grow-out.
• Between trims, refresh just your fringe at the sink to reset shape without washing all your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do curtain bangs suit most face shapes?
They’re widely adaptable because they can be adjusted in length and density. Many stylists tailor the shortest point to highlight cheekbones and soften the jawline, rather than using a one-size-fits-all length.

What’s the difference between curtain bangs and a full fringe?
Curtain bangs open in the middle (or near-middle) and taper into face-framing layers. A full fringe is usually denser and sits straight across, which can require more frequent trims and daily styling.

How do I stop my curtain bangs splitting oddly?
Start by drying them in multiple directions to reset the roots, then set your parting. If the split is caused by a strong cowlick, ask your stylist to cut with your natural growth pattern rather than against it.

Can curly or wavy hair wear messy curtain bangs?
Yes—texture can make them look even more effortless. The key is cutting dry or curl-aware (depending on the stylist’s approach) and keeping the fringe light enough to spring naturally without becoming bulky.

How often should curtain bangs be trimmed?
It depends on how you like them to sit, but many people book a light tidy every 4–8 weeks. If you prefer a longer, swoopier curtain shape, you can often stretch trims further.