Men's Style
The Curtains Haircut: The 90s Trend That's Back for Men
Anyone who remembers the 90s will recognise curtains straight away. The style has come back around, helped along by a wave of younger men growing their hair out, and the modern version looks sharper than the original. If you want length that frames your face and a bit of a throwback feel, this is the cut. Here is what it takes.
What a curtains haircut is
You keep real length on top and part it down the middle so it falls to each side of the forehead, like curtains. That centre part and the way the hair frames the face is the whole look. The modern take usually pairs the long top with tapered or faded sides, which keeps it from looking dated and gives it a cleaner edge than the 90s version.
How much length you need
This is the part that takes commitment. You want at least 8 to 12 cm on top so the hair is long enough to part and sit to the sides properly. Growing it out is the hard bit, and the awkward in-between stage is real. A barber can shape it as it grows so it stays tidy on the way and reaches the right length cleanly. Our guide on how to ask your barber helps if you are growing towards a specific look.
Who it suits
It works on most face shapes and looks especially good on oval and square faces. Wavy hair gives curtains natural movement and body, while straight hair gives a sleeker, flatter version. It is closely related to the middle part, so if you like that but want more length and more of a frame around the face, curtains is the longer cousin.
How to style it
Start on damp hair and blow-dry the top from the centre outwards to each side, which sets the part and adds the volume that makes it work. Then use a light cream or a matte product so it holds its shape without looking stiff or greasy. The whole point is a relaxed, natural fall, so skip heavy shiny products. For more on what to use, see how to style men's hair.
Keeping it in Dubai's heat
Longer hair and humidity do not always get along, so a lightweight product that fights frizz helps a lot here. A quick morning blow-dry keeps the part sitting right, and regular trims to tidy the ends stop it looking shaggy as it grows.
How to ask your barber
Ask for a curtains cut with length kept on top to part in the middle, and choose the sides: tapered or faded for a modern look, or left longer for a fuller 90s version. Bring a photo, since the length and the amount of frame vary a lot.
Get it cut at home
Curtains depend on the top being the right length and the sides shaped to match, and a barber who can guide the grow-out makes the whole thing easier. Maison Cut brings an expert barber to your door across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from AED 150.
FAQ
What is a curtains haircut?
Length on top parted down the middle so it falls to each side of the forehead, often with faded or tapered sides.
How long does my hair need to be?
At least 8 to 12 cm on top so it can part and sit to the sides.
Who does it suit?
Most face shapes, especially oval and square. Wavy hair gives it movement; straight hair gives a sleeker look.
How do I style it?
Blow-dry from the centre outwards, then a light cream or matte product. Avoid heavy, shiny products.