Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Curtain Fringe and Long Waves by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 6 August 2026
The short version
The Curtain Fringe is defined by a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces, while the Long Waves uses long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is soft and face-framing versus flowing and elongated.
| Feature | Curtain Fringe | Long Waves |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces | long length shaped by loose, continuous bends |
| Length | medium | long |
| Shape | soft and face-framing | flowing and elongated |
| Finish | airy | wavy |
| Maintenance | medium | medium |
Curtain Fringe
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.
Long Waves
You prefer a flowing and elongated outline with a wavy finish and the defining feature of long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Salon wording: Ask to preserve the overall length while adding enough long layering to stop the waves from forming one heavy block.
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