If there’s one hairstyle that Korean women can’t stop asking for in 2026, it’s the Korean layered cut with curtain bangs. Walk into any hair salon in Seoul right now and you’ll see this style on repeat — soft, face-framing layers paired with wispy center-parted bangs that make everyone look like they just stepped off a K-drama set.
The best part? It works on almost every face shape. Here’s everything you need to know about this trend before your next salon visit.
What Is the Korean Layered Cut?
Known in Korean salons as 레이어드컷 (layered cut) or sometimes 허쉬컷 (hush cut), this style is all about structured, face-framing layers that create natural volume and movement without looking overdone.
Unlike Western layered cuts that blend seamlessly, the Korean version features disconnected, chunky layers that create distinct visual “steps” — wider at the cheekbones and shoulders, tapering toward the ends. The result is a soft diamond or butterfly-wing silhouette that slims the face while adding fullness where it matters most.
- Face-framing layers starting at chin or jaw level
- Crown layers cut shorter for lift and volume
- Ends with a soft outward flip or feather
- Overall length: mid-chest to upper bust
- Glossy, polished finish with a natural sheen
The Curtain Bangs: The Secret Weapon
What takes this cut from pretty to stunning is the 커튼 앞머리 (curtain bangs). These are nothing like the thick, blunt bangs of the past. Instead, they’re:
- Center-parted with an effortless, natural split
- Wispy and airy — you can see individual strands
- Eye to cheekbone length, curving gently away from the face
- Seamlessly blended into the first face-framing layer
The effect? An instant face lift. Curtain bangs soften sharp features, frame the eyes beautifully, and make the overall look feel modern without being edgy. They’re also surprisingly low maintenance — a round brush and five minutes is all you need.
Who Does This Hairstyle Suit?
- Round faces: The layers elongate and slim, while the curtain bangs draw attention upward
- Square faces: The soft layers and wispy bangs soften angular jaw lines beautifully
- Heart-shaped faces: Adds volume to the mid-section to balance a narrower chin
- Oval faces: Works perfectly — minimal adjustments needed
How to Style It at Home
- Start with a heat protectant — Korean stylists swear by this step
- Blow dry with a round brush — lift the roots at the crown, then flip the ends outward as you dry each layer
- Style the curtain bangs last — use a small round brush to curve them gently away from the center part
- Finish with a light hair oil or serum — run it through the ends only for that signature Korean glass-hair shine
- Optional: A few passes with a large-barrel curling iron (32mm+) on the ends to enhance the flip
What to Tell Your Stylist
- Korean layered cut or 레이어드컷
- Face-framing layers starting at the jaw/chin
- Disconnected, chunky layers — not heavily blended
- Curtain bangs, center part, eye-to-cheekbone length
- Keep overall length at mid-chest
- Soft outward flip at the ends
How Often Do You Need a Trim?
To keep those layers looking sharp and the curtain bangs in their sweet spot, plan for a salon visit every 8–10 weeks. The bangs especially can start to feel heavy and lose their airy quality after about 6–8 weeks, so a quick trim keeps everything fresh.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Korean layered cut with curtain bangs hits that rare sweet spot: it looks effortlessly chic, works on most face shapes, and is genuinely wearable in everyday life. Whether you’re a longtime K-beauty fan or just discovering Korean hair trends for the first time, this is absolutely worth a conversation with your stylist.
Save this post, screenshot the reference images, and walk in with confidence. Your stylist will know exactly what you’re going for. ✨