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Neubauer Artists LLC
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Versatile, personalisable and infinitely polished, this new season trend is a masterclass in flattering mature hair
In the aftermath of London Fashion Week, inspiration is usually abundant for new season hair. Runways are rife with fresh cuts and colours; backstage is the hotspot for detecting which styling trends will define the coming months.
But it’s well worth taking a glance at the celebrity sphere too, as proven by Halle Berry. The actor’s longtime hairstylist, Renato Campora, took to Instagram this week to reveal her latest hair transformation, which signalled the return of Berry’s ultra-short fringe, now with a soft, flared-out silhouette.
When coupled with a flattering, modern micro-bob, it makes a compelling case for the ‘curtain crop’ as the most elegant haircut for women over 50 this autumn.
What is the curtain crop?
Celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed – whose clientele includes Madonna and Reese Witherspoon – considers the curtain crop a “short, beautifully tailored haircut with softness and length left throughout the front”, which strikes a balance between curtain bangs and a contemporary bob. “The back and sides are cropped and considered while the fringe is kept longer and opened through the centre,” he notes.
Reed adds that the cut is defined by softness around the hairline, movement throughout the top and maintaining enough length at the front for versatile styling – whether the fringe is pushed back, parted, tucked or allowed to fall naturally. “The key is not to make it too rigid or overly precise; it should feel personalised, rather than like you’ve simply had the ‘haircut of the season’.”
As such, Berry’s variation of the trend incorporates a curly bob, while other references may feature slightly longer lengths, sleeker textures or more pixie-inspired shapes.
What makes it ideal for mature hair this autumn?
According to Reed, autumn typically brings a desire to add structure to the hair (which the curtain crop effortlessly achieves) – but this year, he notices a subtle, collective shift away from comfort zones, while maintaining individual identity. “Someone who has lived in a bob or longer layers might suddenly want to expose the neck or take the sides shorter, but that longer curtain gives them familiarity and versatility.”
“I love that contrast, strong shape and soft finish. It also looks incredible with autumn and winter clothes – collars, tailoring, scarves or knitwear – as the haircut becomes part of the silhouette.”
Given that shedding, dryness and frizz in hair can increase with age, those with mature hair may take a practical approach by opting for shorter, easy-to-style haircuts which make use of clever cutting techniques to enhance movement and volume. As seen on Berry, the curtain crop is a particularly strong candidate; rather than chasing an anti-ageing effect, it takes pride in its modern, lived-in and personalisable result.
How does it work for every hair type?
Reed notes that a hairstylist can adapt the proportions of the curtain crop to a range of hair types. “On finer hair, this means keeping a little more density through the outline to make the hair appear fuller, while with thick hair, we can remove internal weight to aid movement.”
As for wavy and curly hair, it’s important to work with the natural texture rather than against it, so the curtain is often “much less controlled”, says Reed.
“But lifestyle is more important than face shape or age. This is brilliant for somebody who wants short hair but still wants something to play with; that longer front gives you so many different ways to wear it.”
What should be considered when opting for a curtain crop?
Reed’s biggest advice is to not grow attached to a photograph. It’s always beneficial to come to the salon armed with references, but it’s more important to discuss the cut with your stylist. “Talk about what it is you love about your photos. Is it the fringe? The exposed neck? The texture? The feeling of it? Then, let your hairdresser interpret those elements around your own texture, density and features.”
If you’re nervous, avoid going too short in the first appointment, adds Reed. “The beauty of the curtain crop is the juxtaposition of short and long. Keeping that softness through the front can make quite a dramatic change feel surprisingly wearable.”
Maintenance is another element to bear in mind. In order to preserve the silhouette, shorter areas will generally require a trim every six to eight weeks — “although that depends completely on how quickly your hair grows and how much you enjoy the grown-out shape”.
How can I style it day-to-day?
If upkeep is demanding, everyday styling is comparatively low-effort. Simply apply a small amount of moisturising cream or a hair mousse to damp hair for softness and control, “then use your fingers while drying rather than trying to create a perfect blow-dry”.
“Once dry, a little styling wax can give separation and encourage that slightly lived-in texture. Start with less and build, you should still be able to run your hands through it,” continues Reed.
“And don’t fight what it does the next morning; sometimes the best version of this crop is the one that’s been slept on, pushed around and has developed a little personality.”
