At some point, you have probably wondered to yourself or your best friend: Should I get bangs? It’s understandable, since getting a fresh set of fringe is one of the easiest ways to switch up your look or commemorate a shift in your life. (See Reese Witherspoon’s post-divorce bangs.)
Not sure what type of bangs to get? Fret not, we’ve gathered plenty of options for you to consider—from curtain bangs to baby bangs and every length in-between.
Curtain bangs split open at the center of your forehead like a curtain, hence the name. They’re a popular choice for many because the style is flattering on all face shapes, works well with different hair textures and grows out easily.
Option 1: Cut them on the shorter side (skimming just below your eyebrows) for more of a statement bang.
Option 2: Keep them on the longer side to frame either side of your face for a subtler take.
Another reason why curtain bangs are so popular? You can wear them parted down the center when they’re freshly cut...
And then you can sweep them over to one side, as they get a little longer.
As Zendaya has showed us time and time again, curly hair and curtain bangs work.
Whether you wear them with your hair up or down, a set of curtain bangs will elevate your style.
If you’re ready for a bigger (styling) commitment, you can opt for a full set of fringe that sits straight across your forehead.
Take a cue from BLACKPINK’s Lisa and add some waves to balance the severity of the cut.
If you have naturally wavy or textured hair, make sure to ask your stylist to snip into the ends so your fringe lays better against your forehead.
Notice how Taylor’s bangs have slightly longer pieces on either side? Those connecting pieces are crucial because they help blend your bangs with the rest of your hair.
Dua Lipa looks like a modern-day Cleopatra here with her heavy bangs and blunt ends.
As for how long (or short) to go, the sweet spot for most people is just below your eyebrows.
Of if this you’re feeling a bit more daring (and prefer to go longer between trims) snip them just above the brows like Rowan here.
Despite Gen Z’s disdain for side parts of any kind, we maintain that a side-swept style is flattering to all face shapes, which makes them a great option if it’s your first foray into bangs.
Tip: Have the ends angled so the longest pieces hit the tops of your cheekbones (which slims the roundest part of your face) and blend into the rest of your hair.
Option to tuck the opposite side behind one ear to further emphasize the clean angles of your fringe (and a pair of statement earrings).
You can also wear your bangs with a deep side part to add volume to the roots.
A pixie cut pairs well with a sideswept part. (The shorter style also highlights your cheekbones and jawline like no other.)
Exhibit B: Gugu Mbatha-Raw in all of her side-parted, pixie cut glory.
Phoebe Dynevor is giving anyone who side eyes the side bang a reason to reconsider their stance.
One day you can wear your side bangs down to one side like Kristen here.
The next day you can sweep them up and over for a beachier vibe.
These long bangs are the lowest commitment of the bunch and meld seamlessly into the rest of your hair—which is the beauty of them. You still get the subtle, face-framing effect, but with virtually no grow-out period.
Ask for long, blended layers that you can wear parted down the middle like Priyanka here.
And on day two hair, you can sweep them over to one side for a bit more volume.
Blended bangs are just as versatile as curtain bangs; they’re just a hair longer.
Blended bangs are also a great option for ladies with thicker hair because they add shape and movement to the overall cut.
Again, the beauty to this type of bang is that they’re just barely there (but, as you can see with Kirsten here, the shorter pieces softly hug the curves of your face).
Blended bangs are a key element of the Duchess of Cambridge’s signature bouncy blowout.
And it’s a long-favored style among some of our favorite actresses like Mandy, whose bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of her shoulder-length lob.
Here’s one last example for good measure: Penelope Cruz with long, blended bangs and tousled waves at the Venice Film Festival.
Contrary to what you may think, curls and bangs pair extremely well together if cut right. In general, longer fringe is better since curls tend to pop up as they dry.
On that note: Make sure your stylist cuts your bangs when your hair is completely dry so you both can see exactly where and how they fall on your face.
We love the way Yara’s bangs end at different lengths to give each ringlet their due shine.
If it’s your first time getting bangs and you’re not sure how short you should go, we’d recommend starting at or around brow length.
Again, with curly hair it’s always better to err on the side of longer bangs to start. You can always cut them shorter if needed.
Tip for styling curly bangs at home: Get yourself some flat clips to keep them down and coax them from popping up as they dry.
We are loving this piece-y, tousled volume on J.Lo. To enhance your natural curls, work a styling cream through damp hair, and then lightly twist them into shape to dry.
Perhaps the boldest of the bunch, baby bangs fall just a couple inches from your forehead with a few longer pieces mixed in to soften the line.
One of the pros of baby bangs are that they open up your face and show off your cheekbones, while also minimizing a longer forehead.
Styling tip: Get yourself a mini flatiron to keep any cowlicks in check.
For an edgy but sweet style, try pairing a sharp bob with a set of baby bangs like Maisie here.
Or go even shorter with a pixie and keep the bangs light and feathered.
Technically, Lily James is straddling the line between baby bangs and full fringe by an inch here, but that tiny bit of length makes all the difference.
Feathered bangs are a great option for ladies with longer, oval-shaped faces. They’re a bit longer, intentionally wispier and well suited for finer strands.
Styling tip: Add a touch of volumizing spray at the roots and massage it in with your fingertips to keep them from sticking to your forehead.
When blow drying your bangs, make sure to do it right away before they have a chance to air dry.
On the flip side, if you’re using a set of rollers (as is popular practice in Korea), make sure to use them on dry hair. And rather than placing just one roller near the ends (which is what results in poofy fringe), you want to stack one roller at the root, and a second roller under the first one for a softer curl.
That is one fine fringe you’ve got there, Rashida.
