Considering bangs? Before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand which style will suit your face shape best.
When contemplating bangs, factors such as your willingness to style them regularly, your hair texture, and, most importantly, your face shape, all play crucial roles. For example, blunt-cut bangs might overwhelm a square face, while baby bangs may not complement a heart-shaped face as desired.
illustration of woman with bangs and a round face shape KAILEY WHITMAN To ensure you choose the right style, it’s vital to have an open discussion with your hairstylist. Experts agree that certain bang styles are particularly flattering for the most common face shapes. Here’s your guide to discovering the perfect bangs that not only refresh your look but also accentuate your features.
If You’re on the Fence About Getting Bangs, This Hairstyle Is for You Best Bangs for Heart-shaped Faces: Curtain Bangs Halle Berry with tousled caramel-colored waves and curtain bangs DIA DIPASUPIL / GETTY IMAGES FOR ABA Heart-shaped faces typically have ample space between the eyes and the hairline, making them ideal for bangs. Tina Outen, a professional hairstylist and colorist, suggests longer bangs, such as curtain bangs. These ’70s-inspired bangs are soft, easy to style, and currently on-trend. Alternatively, Lisa Epperson, a Fekkai hairstylist, recommends soft, wispy bangs for heart-shaped faces.
Best Bangs for Round Faces: Blunt Bangs Hannah Simone wears long subtle ombre hair with thick, blunt bangs @THEREALHANNAHSIMONE To add dimension to a round face, consider thick-cut, blunt bangs. According to Outen, these straight-across bangs balance the roundness of the face. While sleek and straight is a classic look, blunt bangs are versatile enough to be styled for a more relaxed vibe.
For those with shorter foreheads, baby bangs offer a statement look without overwhelming the face.
Best Bangs for Square-Shaped Faces: Side-swept Bangs Emma Stone wears a textured bob hairstyle with parted bangs GETTY IMAGES Square faces boast well-defined jawlines, making it essential to choose a hairstyle that enhances rather than hides this feature. Epperson recommends side-swept bangs to flatter the jawline. Another option is bangs that are shorter in the middle and gradually longer towards the sides, providing a similar effect to blunt bangs but with a lighter, wispy finish.
Best Bangs for Oval-shaped Faces: Wispy Bangs Selena Gomez wears long, layered hair with wispy ’90s-inspired bangs GETTY IMAGES “Oval face shapes have the most options when it comes to bangs,” says Epperson. Wispy bangs that sit just above the brows are a great choice, offering versatility for side-sweeping or straight, eyebrow-skimming styles.
Whether you prefer choppy, wispy, arched, or side-swept fringe, the world of bangs offers endless possibilities. Consult with your stylist to determine which style aligns best with your face shape and lifestyle, as each type of bang requires different styling techniques.