If you’ve been spending time in the trendy coffee shops, dive bars, or small-plate restaurants in the cool parts of New York, Los Angeles, or London lately, you’ve probably noticed a certain haircut popping up everywhere. Maybe you already know which one I mean. Maybe you’re even thinking about trying it yourself. I’m talking about the curtain crop. It’s similar to the softer, more feminine pixie style we saw a lot of last year, but it’s longer and more androgynous, with a loose middle part or curtain-like fringe that gives it a laid-back vibe.

Think of it as a mix of Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham, Gina Gershon in Bound, and Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix. It’s basically a style made for running your fingers through while looking totally unfazed—like a young Leonardo DiCaprio, but for women and non-binary folks.

What is the curtain crop?

Sam Rubinstein, founder of the London-based salon Rooibos, tells me that the curtain crop is currently one of their “most requested haircuts.” But, they add, “No one ever knows what to call it—a shaggy bob? A face-framing bob, a soft ’90s bob, a grown-out mullet-phase bob, or my personal favorite, the ‘Gina Gershon in Bound‘ bob?”

Either way, “I’d say it’s the most low-maintenance, androgynous, and easy-to-style haircut out there right now. It’s my go-to because it gives you that instant cool, carefree look, with a hint that you might also be part of the LGBTQ community.” (As a professional lesbian, I can confirm that I first saw this floppy haircut in queer bars before, like the humble carabiner, it slowly started spreading to my straight and/or cis friends too.)

Why cut a curtain crop?

The best thing about this style is that, like many short haircuts, it’s very 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 messing 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 because 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 in general. “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, focus on creams and gels—the extra moisture helps keep the hair smooth at the roots and highlights the choppy ends. A little goes a long way (especially if you have fine hair), so start with a small amount, rub it into your hands, and then run it through your hair. If you prefer a curtain crop with a bit more volume, a texturizing spray can help lift your roots and add more movement through the body.

Unlike a cream or gel, it won’t weigh the hair down or flatten it, but it will add some volume at the crown and mid-lengths. With almost every short haircut, practice makes perfect. Play around until you get your routine down, and you can wash, style, and go.

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue‘s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the curtain crop haircut written in a natural tone with clear simple answers

General Definition FAQs

1 What exactly is a curtain crop
Its a short haircutlike a bob or a pixiethat features longer pieces of hair in the front that frame your face like curtains The back is cropped short but the front is long enough to sweep to the sides

2 Is it just a short version of curtain bangs
Exactly Think of it as taking the idea of curtain bangs and applying it to your whole haircut The curtains are the main event but the rest of the hair is cut short to match

3 How is it different from a regular bob or a pixie cut
A classic bob is usually blunt and all one length A pixie is very short all over The curtain crop is all about the contrast its shorter in the back and longer in the front with that distinct faceframing shape

4 Who does this haircut look good on
Its surprisingly versatile It works on straight wavy and slightly curly hair Its great for anyone who wants a short chic cut but is scared of going too severe or boyish It also suits most face shapes especially round and square because the longer front pieces slim and elongate the face

5 Is the curtain crop just a trend
Like all haircuts its having a big moment right now but the style itself is a classic Because its so flattering and easy to wear its a cut that will still look good even when the trend fades

Benefits Styling FAQs

6 Why is it considered a cool girl haircut
It has an effortless I woke up like this vibe Its not too fussy or perfect The faceframing pieces give it a soft modern and editorial feel that looks chic without trying too hard

7 Is this haircut lowmaintenance
Yes in terms of daily styling its pretty easy You can just let it airdry or use a round brush for a few minutes to get the curtains to swoop perfectly However because