Short cuts have taken over in recent months: clean squares, assertive pixies, mini bangs. In 2025, hairdresser Raphaël Perrier already assured that “2025 will mark the big trend of short hair”. In the streets of London, New York or Los Angeles, a new fuzzy and androgynous variation is taking over and preparing for fall 2026.
This star cut is the Curtain cropspotted by US Vogue, Vogue UK and described by Current Woman as one of the big short trends. Sam Rubinstein, founder of the Rooibos salon in London, explains that it is “one of their most requested cuts“. He places it between pixie and bob, with locks that frame the face.
Curtain crop: the short androgynous cut that is invading living rooms
Visually, the Curtain crop looks like a small bob that has grown back, degraded, with a light nape and curtained locks around the face. The part is often in the middle, to accentuate the symmetrical effect. Vogue compares this style to Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham or Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrixfor that effortless 90s cool side.
For Sam Rubinstein, his number one asset remains ease. He states: “I would say this is the most low-maintenance, most androgynous, and easiest-to-style haircut in existence today. It’s my favorite because it gives an immediate effect of nonchalant coolness”.
He adds in Vogue that this look can also subtly signal belonging to the LGBTQ community, while remaining perfectly wearable by everyone.
Why the curtain crop is essential and fall
Raphaël Perrier’s comments on the wave of short hair in 2025 create an ideal breeding ground for this back-to-school trend. He announced that “2025 will mark the big trend of short hair”. Between the very short pixie and the strict square, the curtain crop occupies the intermediate, more flexible zone, which appeals to those who want to change their look without going for an ultra radical cut.
In the cafes and small restaurants of the creative districts of London and New York described by Vogue, we already see it everywhere, worn by all genres. Sam Rubinstein observes that it is one of the recurring requests in his Rooibos salon. With its minimal maintenance and androgynous attitude, the curtain crop has everything to remain the trendy short cut from fall 2026.
How to adopt the curtain crop at your hairdresser and in everyday life
To take the plunge, it is better to arrive with a few keywords in mind. The expert interviewed by Femme Actuelle describes it: “It is a very short, layered cut, with hair that falls on the face.” At the salon, ask for a small blurred bob that frames the face, with curtain highlights and a middle part, which you can sweep forward or backward with your finger.
Good news for those in a hurry: the curtain crop can be put in place almost alone. The Femme Actuelle article recommends an anti-frizz treatment to tame the lengths and give them a more silky appearance. No need for blow drying, air drying and a few strokes of your fingers are enough. You just need regular cuts to keep the gradient clean and the drape soft.