If you’ve been knocking around the coffee shops, dive bars and small plates restaurants in the cool neighborhoods of New York, Los Angeles, or London recently, you’ll probably have noticed a particular haircut constantly in your periphery. Maybe you already know the one I’m talking about. Maybe you’re even considering succumbing to the style yourself. I’m referring to the curtain crop. The one that’s not dissimilar to the softer, more feminine pixie style we saw a lot of last year, only it’s more grown-out and androgynous, with a floppy middle part or curtains for that added nonchalance.
Think: a mixture of Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham, Gina Gershon in Bound, and Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix. It’s essentially a style that’s custom-made for running your fingers through, and looking thoroughly unbothered while doing so (like a young Leo DiCaprio, but for the girls and the theys).
Why cut a curtain crop
The best thing about the style is that, like a lot of short haircuts, it’s extremely versatile and works for any age and hair type (if you’re over 50, the curtain bangs can help modernize it). To get the full effect, though, it’s worth mussing it up with a bit of product. No one wants fluffy curtains (I’m personally a fan of the wet-look curtain crop). Either way, it’s the perfect style for the new season as it screams confidence and fresh starts. “Hair is often used as a massive safety blanket,” hairstylist Luke Hersheson told Vogue, speaking about the power of short hair more generally. “So letting go of it is a sign of how confident someone is feeling.”
How to style your curtain crop
For a wet-look curtain crop like mine, concentrate on creams and gels – the burst of hydration will help to keep the hair smooth at the root and accentuate choppy ends. A little goes a long way (especially if you have fine hair), so start with a small amount, work it into your hands and then run through your hair. If you prefer a curtain crop with a little more oomph, a texturizing spray can help lift your roots and add more movement through the body.
