Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Curtain Fringe and Modern Mullet by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 8 August 2026
The short version
The Curtain Fringe is defined by a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces, while the Modern Mullet uses short textured sections around the face with retained length behind.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is soft and face-framing versus contrasting and elongated.
| Feature | Curtain Fringe | Modern Mullet |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces | short textured sections around the face with retained length behind |
| Length | medium | mixed |
| Shape | soft and face-framing | contrasting and elongated |
| Finish | airy | textured |
| 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.
Modern Mullet
You prefer a contrasting and elongated outline with a textured finish and the defining feature of short textured sections around the face with retained length behind.
Salon wording: Ask for clear short-to-long contrast, then agree on how disconnected or blended the sides should feel against the back.
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