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15 Types of Bangs for Every Face Shape, as Recommended by Stylists

 

Get in on these fringe benefits.

A bangs haircut can instantly change your look, especially when you take the different types of bangs into consideration. It’s no coincidence that debating about whether or not to get them has become symbolic (even parodic) of a big life change. Who among us hasn’t texted “Should I get bangs” to everyone in their contacts after a breakup?

Though they can satisfy that itch for a change, the best bangs can also totally transform your face shape and play up your best facial features. Soft, wispy bangs, for example, help contrast sharper jawlines, while dramatic side bangs can add more visual dimension to rounder faces. Meanwhile, popular styles like curtain bangs work well on every face shape.

Don’t feel pressured to live by these rules, though. Just like the best haircuts and best hairstyles, bang styles are a personal choice unique to your own aesthetic. “If you style it and own it, you can wear any type of bangs no matter what face shape you have,” says Jon Reyman, hairstylist and founder of Spoke & Weal salons.

Still looking for some inspo? Scroll on for the most popular bang styles and chops to consider for your face shape and hair type.

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are one of the most popular styles—and for good reason. “Curtain bangs are my personal favorite type of bang,” says New York City hairstylist Dan Williams. “They create softness and style to any look and they’re also much easier to maintain due to the length of the style, and they’re perfect for any season and any face shape.” That said, Williams notes that with this length, he recommends styling them to the side and not forward so they remain parted.

For extra volume and body à la Keke Palmer and Sabrina Carpenter, add a roof-lifting product like Better Not Younger’s Lift Me Up Hair Thickener before styling with a round brush.

Best for: All face shapes

Side Bangs

The second most popular type of bang? Side bangs, of course, especially during the recent side part renaissance. “These are typically pushed to one side of the forehead, exposing the other, and are shorter in one end and longer on the other, thus exposing one eye more than the other,” says Cleveland.

According to Cleveland, this style is perfect for anyone who regularly parts their hair to the side. They’re also best for someone considering a full bang but not quite ready to take the plunge,” she says. “It’s a great way to try out a bang without a full commitment.”

As for face shapes? According to Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, side bangs are ideal for softening features on longer face shapes. “It shifts focus on your eyes instead of your forehead, and is perfect for long faces,” she says. It’s a good thing they’re trending (again)!

Best for: Long, round, and oval face shapes

Blunt Bangs

While curtain and side bangs may be having a moment, the truth is, you can’t go wrong with the classic blunt bang look. “This style provides full forehead coverage with a sharp crisp line, so no softy wispy ends,” Michelle Cleveland celebrity hair stylist, extension artist, educator, and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar, says of the style.

While incredibly cute, they’re unfortunately not ideal for all hair types. “This won’t work well with someone who doesn’t have a very dense, thick head of hair or anyone who has several cowlicks along the hairline, as both of these situations would cause separation or piecing through the hair line,” Cleveland explains.

Best for: Heart and diamond face shapes

Grown-Out Bangs

While grown-out bangs can be a hassle to trim, they’re actually super flattering on round face shapes. “Long, grown-out bangs look good on round face shapes,” says Hurtado. Long bangs are versatile, and when they move from side to side, it can help elongate the face.”

Best for: Round and/or long face shapes

Long & Layered Bangs

Hurtado also recommends long, layered bangs for people with square face shapes. “They help soften up features and are low- maintenance when it comes to styling,” she says. One easy way to get the look? Ask for a butterfly haircut!

Best face shapes: Square face shapes

Straight-Across Bangs

“For individuals with a rectangle face shape characterized by straight lines and angular features, blunt or straight-across bangs are ideal,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, owner and hairstylist at NYC’s the Second Floor Salon. “These bangs emphasize the sharpness and structure of the face, maintaining a sleek and sophisticated appearance.”

His go-to example? Anne Hathaway, of course.

Best for: Rectangle square shapes

Side-Swept Bangs

“The oval shape features a blend of softness and structure. Long, side-swept bangs work best, offering a relaxed, effortless look that mirrors the oval shape’s casual and harmonious essence,” says Cavalcante. “These bangs enhance balanced features without overpowering them.”

Best for: Oval face shapes

Birkin Bangs

Named for actor Jane Birkin, whose signature look was feathered fringe, Birkin bangs help to soften the sharpness of a square face.

“Birkin bangs are characterized by their wispy, slightly longer, and often uneven cut that effortlessly frames the face,” says Jennifer Korab, a celebrity colorist and educator and Founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa. “These bangs tend to have a more relaxed, bohemian vibe and are typically paired with a natural, undone hairstyle.”

Best for: Square shape faces

Rounded Bangs

“Characterized by softness and curvy features similar to a heart, soft, rounded bangs are ideal,” says Cavalcante. “These bangs create a gentle frame around the face, highlighting their delicate and feminine attributes. The curved shape of the bangs enhances overall softness and allure.” Two heart-shaped beauties who love the style? Zooey Deschanel and Reese Witherspoon.

Best for: Heart shape faces

Micro Bangs

Williams encourages people with diamond and oval-shaped faces to experiment with micro bangs, which end above the eyebrow.

“They add fullness with a lot of playful movement that’s suitable for most hairstyles,” he says. Another bonus? “These bangs even look chic if you’ve missed your three- to four-week maintenance trim appointment, since they’re much shorter in nature.”

Best for: Diamond and oval face shapes

Hepburn Bangs

For an even more micro take on micro bangs, try high-fashion Hepburn bangs. “Micro bangs are definitely not for everyone, but they’re most suitable for square faces, as they enhance and work together with their facial structure,” Williams says. Case in point? Zendaya’s take on the trend.

Best for: Square and diamond face shapes

Choppy Bangs

“Triangle face shapes often exhibit youthful and animated qualities. Short, choppy bangs are best, enhancing the playful and energetic nature of the ‘gamine type,’” says Cavalcante. “The irregular, piece-y texture of choppy bangs adds dynamism and a touch of edginess.”

Best for: Triangle face shapes

Wispy Bangs

“Layered, wispy bangs are great for square face shapes,” says Jenna Spino, a stylist at Maxine Salon. “These can be straight-across or curtain bangs, as long as they are textured they will soften the jaw.” One perfect example of how to wear the look? Jenna Ortega’s edgy front bangs. Add a spritz of texturizing hair spray like Balmain Hair Session Spray for an effortlessly undone look.

Best for: Square face shapes

Bardot Bangs

Bardot bangs are best for people with oval faces, says Williams. “They are definitely the focus of the haircut and do require more maintenance, but they can really be a game changer,” he says, adding that they’re especially ideal if you have a large forehead you want to cover.

“These are a classic, feminine bang style characterized by their voluminous, wispy, and effortlessly chic appearance,” adds Korab. “Bardot bangs are typically longer than traditional bangs, often reaching the cheekbones or even the jawline. A key feature of Bardot bangs is their volume, often teased to enhance the look. They are designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair.”

To achieve the rounded shape, blow out your bangs with a small round brush like Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel The Blow-Dry Brush N°2.

Best for: Oval face shapes

Texturized Blunt Bangs

“Traditional blunt bangs are best for people with heart-shaped faces,” says Williams, who notes that one especially chic way to wear them is by texturizing them. “Texturized bangs are fabulous for those who are opposed to the look of a traditional blunt bang but enjoy the density with edgy texture.”

Some of our favorite texturizing sprays include IGK Beach Club Texture Spray, Bumble & Bumble Dryspun Texture Spray Light, and ColorWow Style on Steroids.

Best for: Heart and diamond face shapes