Bangs, also known as a fringe, offer a timeless and versatile way to refresh your look. With a myriad of styles available, there is a perfect fringe to complement every individual. Whether you're aiming for a bold statement or a subtle enhancement, understanding the different types of fringes and how they interact with various face shapes is key to achieving your desired aesthetic.
Before diving into the world of fringe hairstyles, it's important to identify your face shape. Here's a quick guide:
Curtain bangs have become a universally beloved style, gracing the faces of celebrities and earning praise from hairstylists. Xavier Velasquez, a celebrity hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair studio, notes that curtain bangs evoke "a vibe of summer simplicity while elevating your entire look." These bangs offer a softer, more bespoke interpretation of straight-across bangs, designed to flatter bone structure and highlight facial features like the eyes and cheekbones. Mark Townsend, the pro behind Dakota Johnson’s coveted fringe, insists that "when they’re done right, they’re flattering on everyone," making them a versatile choice for various face shapes and hair textures.
Curtain bangs frame the face like artfully draped curtains, softening features and creating balance. Velasquez explains that their purpose is to "bring out all of your positive features," whether worn longer with a center part to accentuate cheekbones or more forward to frame the brow line.
Before taking the plunge, consider your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. François points out that some individuals may find hair on the face uncomfortable or prefer having their hair fully swept back. Curtain bangs require regular salon trims and daily styling. However, Townsend assures that "if you can give your bangs 10 minutes, you’re done."
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Jess Elbaum, a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist, suggests that curtain bangs generally work well for heart-shaped, square, oval, and round faces. They can balance proportions for heart-shaped and oval faces, soften sharper jawlines for square faces, and elongate features while adding dimension to round faces.
When styling curtain bangs, shaping them while the hair is still wet is beneficial, especially for straight and wavy hair. Townsend recommends blow-drying the hair straight down with a flat brush, then using a round brush held vertically to "flick" the bangs up, creating a nod to the late '60s and early '70s. Elbaum suggests using a volumizing spray in the root area before blow-drying with a round brush to smooth out flyaways while adding volume.
For longer curtain bangs, Velasquez recommends blowing the entire section forward to maximize volume, then blowing the ends back and out to sweep the apples of the cheek. Setting the section in a velcro roller can provide long-lasting volume. Alternatively, air drying with a lightweight, humidity-fighting moisturizer like Virtue’s Frizz Block Smoothing Spray can allow the curtain bangs to live freely, complementing all your features.
Maintaining curtain bangs requires regular salon visits for trims and shape-ups, typically every couple of weeks. Refreshing them daily is essential for maximum impact, and dry shampoo is a valuable tool for keeping them fresh-looking.
Full bangs are a classic, straight-across style that can complement any hair texture. Nina Dobrev's ultra-thick bangs serve as inspiration, but full bangs can also be achieved with fine hair by using thickening mousse and a round brush to add volume. This style requires regular trims just above the eyebrows every few weeks.
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These thick bangs look particularly chic when slightly parted in the middle, as seen on Anok Yai. Cut in an arch shape, with the shortest lengths skimming the eyebrows and the longest layers curving around the edges of the jaw, these bangs beautifully frame the face and pair well with a bob haircut.
For those with fine hair seeking extra volume, wispy bangs can create the illusion of height and volume in the rest of the hair. Reneé Rapp's versatile styling of her wispy bangs demonstrates their adaptability, whether worn full and frontal, parted down the middle, or styled as curtain bangs.
Shaggy bangs complement a shag haircut, adding layers to both the bangs and the rest of the hair for a choppy, trendy look. These bangs are less committal due to their length, allowing for versatile styling options.
Inspired by '70s retro hair trends, bottleneck bangs offer a voluminous, blown-out style. Suki Waterhouse embodies this look, which can be kept modern and elevated with a light-hold hairspray for movement.
Micro bangs, cropped above the eyebrows, make a bold, fashion-forward statement. Best suited for oval and diamond face shapes, they should be kept sleek and polished.
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For a more understated look, soft, blended curtain bangs with more volume on the sides than in the middle offer versatility, allowing them to be easily pushed away when desired.
Layered bangs provide a less intimidating alternative to blunt, straight-across bangs. Thick and layered, they can be parted in the middle or brushed to the side, offering versatile styling options.
While not the most practical, eye-skimming bangs offer a pretty, fringey look. This style requires playing up texture and volume with texturizing spray.
Braided bangs offer a cool and unique twist. Adding a few long, face-framing pieces on either side of the bangs provides dimension.
Edgy and sleek, blunt bangs are perfect for those with stick-straight hair or an affinity for flat irons.
Even a few shorter curls that hit below the brows can make a noticeable difference in the overall hairstyle, framing the face with volume and curl definition.
These short, choppy bangs, popularized by Audrey Hepburn, offer a classic and classy look, requiring frequent trims.
Side-swept bangs serve as an introductory style to bangs, offering a long, layered version that is easy to grow out if desired.
The taper style fringe haircut is a modern look for men, combining a clean taper fade with a longer fringe. This haircut balances length at the top with a clean, professional look on the sides.
As hair naturally becomes finer and the hairline shifts with age, fringes can offer a youthful and face-framing solution. Nataliia Bumford, stylist at Hershesons Belgravia, notes that fringes are "a timeless choice for women over 50: Face-framing, modern, and effortlessly youthful." She recommends wispy, face-framing strands to disguise fine lines, soften the expression, and bring focus to the eyes.
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