Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Curtain Fringe and Slicked-Back Hair 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 Slicked-Back Hair uses a fully exposed hairline with the hair directed smoothly backward.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is soft and face-framing versus swept back and controlled.
| Feature | Curtain Fringe | Slicked-Back Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | a centre opening with cheekbone-skimming, face-framing pieces | a fully exposed hairline with the hair directed smoothly backward |
| Length | medium | medium |
| Shape | soft and face-framing | swept back and controlled |
| Finish | airy | glossy |
| 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.
Slicked-Back Hair
You prefer a swept back and controlled outline with a glossy finish and the defining feature of a fully exposed hairline with the hair directed smoothly backward.
Salon wording: Ask to keep enough top length to comb backward and discuss how closely the sides should follow the head.
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