Hairstyle comparison

Curtain Fringe vs Bald Look: What Is the Difference?

Compare the Curtain Fringe and Bald Look by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.

Published 7 August 2026

Example of the Curtain Fringe hairstyle
ExampleCurtain Fringe
Example of the Bald Look hairstyle
ExampleBald Look

The short version

The Curtain Fringe is defined by a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces, while the Bald Look uses a smooth scalp with no visible hair length or styled outline.

Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is soft and face-framing versus natural head contour.

FeatureCurtain FringeBald Look
Signaturea centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing piecesa smooth scalp with no visible hair length or styled outline
Lengthmediumnone
Shapesoft and face-framingnatural head contour
Finishairysmooth
Maintenancemediummedium

Curtain Fringe

Choose this direction if...

You prefer a soft and face-framing outline with a airy finish and the defining feature of a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces.

Salon wording: Ask for a centre-parted fringe that opens around the eyes and blends gradually into face-framing layers.

Bald Look

Choose this direction if...

You prefer a natural head contour outline with a smooth finish and the defining feature of a smooth scalp with no visible hair length or styled outline.

Salon wording: If you decide to make the change, discuss whether you want a very close clipper finish or a fully shaved result and how to care for the scalp.

Keep comparing

Related hairstyle comparisons