"I want a [Style Name] curtains haircut — [length] all over, deep middle part, both sides framing the face equally. [Optional: low/mid/high fade or taper on the sides.] Cut dry so the curtains fall correctly. Style dry with texture cream and rat-tail comb the part before I leave."
1. What is a curtains haircut?+
The curtains haircut is a chin-length men's cut parted exactly down the middle so both sides frame the face like literal curtains. The style defined the mid-1990s. Particularly Leonardo DiCaprio's Titanic-era look, and returned as a Gen-Z trend from 2020 onward, evolving in 2026 into 35 distinct variations including faded, textured, K-pop, and mullet-hybrid versions.
2. Are curtains haircuts still trendy in 2026?+
Yes: curtains are one of the most-requested 2026 men's cuts, particularly the modern (style 2) and curtains-with-mid-fade (style 9) variations. The 2026 versions are cleaner and more versatile than the original 90s look, working from offices to creative environments without the original grunge baggage.
3. How long does hair need to be for a curtains haircut?+
Curtains require chin-length hair (4–6 inches) on top minimum. From a short cut, allow 4–6 months of growth. The cut can be progressively shaped during grow-out. Start with a textured taper, then graduate to short curtains (style 3), then to your preferred final length as growth allows.
4. Do curtains haircuts work on curly or wavy hair?+
Yes, curly curtains (style 15) and wavy curtains (style 16) are specifically shaped for textured hair. Naturally curly or wavy hair often forms the curtains shape more organically than straight hair. Straight-haired men can perm their curtains (style 18) for permanent texture and easier middle-part hold.
5. How do you style and maintain curtains?+
Daily: use a rat-tail comb to set a clean middle part on damp hair, apply texture cream throughout, and comb both sides outward from centre. Maintenance: barbershop visit every 5–6 weeks to trim sides and reshape. The middle part is the entire identity of the cut — keep it precise.
6. What's the difference between curtains and a middle part?+
A middle part is just a styling choice. Any hair length parted in the centre. Curtains is a specific cut: chin-length hair shaped to fall on both sides of the face. All curtains involve a middle part, but not all middle parts are curtains. The defining length is what makes it 'curtains' rather than just centre-parted hair.
7. Do curtains suit all face shapes?+
Best on oval, heart, and square faces. Round faces should pair curtains with a high or skin fade (styles 10, 11) to add length. Long faces should avoid the long curtains (style 4) and go for short curtains (3), curtains-with-volume (6), or curtains-tucked-behind-ears (24) to add horizontal width and reveal the face.
8. What products work best for curtains?+
Texture Cream is the daily essential, paired with a Rat-Tail Comb for setting the middle part precisely. Sea-Salt Spray adds wave and grunge-curtains finish (style 33). A Light Pomade works for the curtains-with-sweep (style 25) variation. Avoid heavy waxes, they weigh down the curtains and ruin the natural fall.
9. How do I ask my barber for curtains?+
Say 'middle part, long enough that the fringe falls to both sides and frames my face, with the back and sides kept shorter.' Tell them how long you want the fringe: cheekbone length is the 90s sweet spot. Ask for the top to be layered so it sweeps rather than sits flat, and mention if you want a fade or a soft taper on the sides.
10. Do curtains work with a fade or undercut?+
Both work and both update the look. An undercut or fade on the sides gives a sharp, modern contrast against the long parted fringe. Popular with the e-boy and K-style versions. If you want the softer, more authentic 90s feel, go with a scissor taper instead so the sides blend into the length. The fringe is the star either way.
Final Takeaway
The curtains haircut isn't just 90s nostalgia in 2026, it's a fully evolved cut family with 35 distinct variations covering every hair type, face shape, and environment. Whether you go classic Leo curtains, Korean K-pop refinement, modern mid-fade hybrid, or bold platinum statement, the formula is the same: chin-length hair, deep middle part, both sides framing the face equally. Show your barber the exact style number, follow the maintenance rhythm, and the curtains haircut works year-round.
Chin-length, parted dead-centre, framing the face like curtains — and unmistakably yours.
