Curtained hair

What it is

This style is defined by a long fringe that hangs down the forehead, divided by a central or side parting. The rest of the hair is cut short or shaved at the sides and back, creating a contrast with the length on top. It resembles a curtain drawn open, hence the name. Both men and women wear it, though it has strong historical ties to male subcultures. The look balances neatness with a relaxed, slightly undone feel.

Where it comes from

The style dates back to the Baiyue people in what is now Vietnam during the first millennium BCE. In the early 20th century, working-class men in Britain adopted a longer version of the undercut. Groups like the Neds in Glasgow, Scuttlers in Manchester, and Peaky Blinders in Birmingham wore it. They used paraffin wax to hold the hair in place, despite the fire risk. The cut offered a tactical advantage in street fights by keeping hair out of the eyes. It returned in the late 1980s among new wave and synthpop fans, then gained mainstream traction in the 1990s.

What it means

Originally, the style signified membership in specific street groups and working-class identity in British cities. It was a practical choice for physical altercations. In the late 20th century, it became a symbol of alternative music scenes, rejecting the glam metal aesthetics of the time. Today, it is associated with contemporary pop culture, particularly K-pop, where it signals modernity and trend awareness. It bridges historical utility with current fashion sensibilities.

How it is made

To achieve this look, the hair on the sides and back is cut very short or shaved. The top is left long enough to fall over the forehead. A parting is created, usually in the centre but sometimes to the side. The fringe is styled to hang down like curtains. Historically, paraffin wax was used to keep the hair in place, though modern products are safer. The key is maintaining the distinction between the long top and short sides.

Who and what it suits

The style works with any hair texture, as the structure relies on the cut rather than natural curl pattern. It requires sufficient length on top to create the fringe effect. It is versatile enough for various personal styles, from historic recreations to modern pop looks. The short sides make it manageable for those who prefer less bulk around the ears.

Versions

A longer variant of the undercut was popular in the early 1900s. The bowl cut served as a precursor to the centrally parted version seen in the 1980s. The ducktail is a related style mentioned in historical contexts. Modern interpretations may vary in the exact length of the fringe or the degree of shortness on the sides. The core element remains the parted fringe over short sides.

In culture

The hairstyle appears in media such as the manga and anime Monster, worn by the character Johan Liebert. Actor Brendan Fraser sported the look in the 1990s. Recently, it has been adopted by K-pop groups including BTS, Monsta X, and NCT, linking it to global youth culture. It reflects shifts in fashion from street utility to musical subcultures and finally to mainstream entertainment.

Questions people ask about Curtained hair

Good reading and sources

• A Haircut Returns From the 1930s (Published 2011)The New York Times, Article

• Curtained hair on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data