There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of shoulder-length hair and bangs. Like peanut butter and jelly, they’re a match made in hair heaven. Whether your strands graze your shoulders, skim your collarbone, or hover somewhere in between, adding fringe can elevate your look with ease. Wispy bangs bring a breath of fresh air, curtain bangs exude effortless cool, and blunt bangs add structure and polish to any cut.
The beauty of mid- and shoulder-length haircuts with bangs lies in their versatility. No matter your hair type—fine, thick, curly, or straight—there’s a fringe style that will suit you perfectly. To prove it, we’ve rounded up 31 stunning hairstyles inspired by celebrities who know how to rock their bangs with confidence. Complete with expert advice from top hairstylists, this guide will help you find the perfect cut and style for your unique texture and face shape.
Why Bangs Work for Every Hair Type
Bangs aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right cut and styling, they can complement any texture or length. “Curly bangs totally work,” says Anastasia Stylianou. “They’re great if you prefer softness around the face or want to keep things interesting when wearing your hair up.” For those with fine or thin hair, thicker fringe bangs taken from further back on the crown can add volume and dimension. Meanwhile, thick or curly hair benefits from longer, layered bangs that blend seamlessly into the rest of your cut.
When considering bangs, it’s essential to think about your face shape and lifestyle. “People with smaller faces tend to look good with shorter bangs, while long bangs are better suited for those with longer faces,” advises Kim Kimble. And don’t worry—bangs can be styled in countless ways to suit your mood, from sleek and polished to tousled and undone.
31 Stunning Haircuts With Bangs
1. Soft Face-Framing Curls
Winnie Harlow proves that curly bangs can be both chic and versatile. Her shoulder-length curls are enhanced with soft, face-framing fringe that adds a touch of romance to her overall look. According to Stylianou, “Don’t go wild with curly bangs. Trim just a few curls at varying lengths to avoid a blocky appearance.”
2. Straight With Body
Simone Ashley’s textured full fringe is a masterclass in effortless elegance. “The tousled texture with brow-grazing bangs adds a polished yet undone sexiness to this look,” says Marcus Francis. Long layers ensure the bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of her hair, making this style suitable for both fine and thick textures.
3. Spiraled Wispy Bangs
Tyla’s springy spirals and wispy bangs challenge the notion that curly hair can’t pull off delicate fringe. “Wispy bangs can work on any texture,” Stylianou explains. “Just keep them random and varied for a natural, effortless finish.”
4. Cowgirl Lob
Laura Harrier puts a fresh spin on the cowgirl bob with her shoulder-length lob. Blunt layers provide movement, while softer curtain bangs enhance the longer length. This style strikes the perfect balance between edgy and feminine.
5. Straight Bangs With Tousled Ends
Selena Gomez’s mid-length waves and straight-across bangs create a voluminous, textured look. “Waves in a mid-length haircut give a lot of body and texture to the hair,” says Kimble. Use a lightweight sea salt spray to enhance the tousled effect.
6. Overgrown Curtain Bangs
Meredith Duxbury’s copper shag and graduated curtain bangs epitomize cool-girl grunge. To achieve this lived-in look, work a matte texture pomade or spray through your hair for added grit and dimension.
7. Blunt Volume
Ana de Armas’s sleek lob and wispy bangs are a lesson in understated glamour. “This look begs to be styled simply,” says Kimble. Air-dry your hair, then spritz with a texture spray for effortless polish.
8. Feathered Fringe
Priyanka Chopra’s feathered curtain bangs add a dreamy touch to her tousled mid-length hair. “A mid-length haircut looks best with full, healthy ends,” Kimble notes. Layers and bangs work together to flatter the face and enhance texture.
9. Polished and Effortless
Lily Collins demonstrates the versatility of mid-length cuts with bangs. Style your fringe while leaving the rest of your hair untouched for an effortlessly polished look.
10. Loose Texture
Rashida Jones turns up the edge with choppy bangs cut at varying lengths. Paired with tousled waves, this undone finish complements round and oblong face shapes beautifully.
11. Straight Bangs With Wavy Lob
Ciara proves that bangs can extend past the eyebrows and still look chic. Her straight bangs contrast beautifully with her wavy lob, creating a balanced and modern aesthetic.
12. Tousled Lob
Michelle Williams’s tousled lob with wide curtain bangs strikes the perfect balance between casual and sexy. The blunt ends prevent the look from feeling too boho, while the fringe frames the face beautifully.
13. Ultra-Long Sleek Bangs
Gabrielle Union’s ultra-long curtain bangs add a sleek, sophisticated touch to her straight, shoulder-length cut. Use a round brush to sweep the bangs away from your face for a seamless blend with the rest of your hair.
14. Rockstar Roots
Miley Cyrus embraces her wavy texture with a mid-length cut and face-framing fringe. Dark roots contrast with platinum blonde strands, giving the look a rockstar edge.
15. Wispy Bangs With Waves
Zooey Deschanel’s loose fringe and full waves are the epitome of playful charm. Leave your bangs slightly tousled for a carefree, romantic vibe.
16. Long Side Fringe
Emma Stone’s long side fringe is as versatile as it is stylish. Sweep it to the side or part it down the center to disguise its length. Apply a shine glaze mixed with a heat protectant before blow-drying for a polished finish.
17. Textured Shag
Eiza Gonzalez’s air-dried textured shag is a testament to effortless cool. Layered sides and wispy fringe bangs make this style a standout.
18. Tight Coils With Baby Bangs
Hannah Britland shows how mid-length curls and barely-there fringe can look stunning together. “Curly hair tends to shrink, so keep layers longer to maintain flow,” advises Kimble.
19. Choppy Bangs With Waves
Malene Wadel’s blunt fringe and beachy waves create the illusion of thicker hair. Pair this look with loose curls for added texture and dimension.
20. Pink-Hued Waves
Tyra Banks takes the ombré trend to new heights with her pink gradient tresses. Deep side-parted waves add movement and drama to this eye-catching style.
21. Natural Curls
Tracee Ellis Ross’s voluminous shoulder-length curls and curly bangs are a celebration of texture. “Oval-, heart-, and square-shaped faces can rock this look,” says Francis.
22. Side-Parted Bangs and Waves
Felicity Jones’s strong side part gives her shoulder-length hair a focal point, elevating her beachy waves with sophistication.
23. Soft Waves With Long Fringe
Mila Kunis’s blunt haircut and piecey full fringe exude timeless charm. “Long bangs add fun and youthfulness to mid-length cuts,” Kimble notes.
24. Curled Bangs
Sandra Oh’s curly bangs are refined and polished. “Apply a product with thicker consistency to keep each curl defined,” Stylianou suggests.
25. Layered Bangs
Alexa Chung’s lash-grazing fringe accentuates her eyes, while face-framing highlights brighten her complexion.
26. Loose Waves With Eyebrow-Skimming Fringe
Kerry Washington’s sultry fringe is a masterclass in subtlety. Mist your styled hair with a shine spray for added allure.
27. Side-Swept Curtain Bangs
Jennifer Lopez’s cascading side-swept bangs radiate sexiness. Ask your stylist for long layers and honey-blonde highlights to enhance texture.
28. Straight With Curtain Bangs
Jessica Alba’s sleek and neat curtain bangs prove that simplicity can be striking. Prep damp hair with a heat protectant and finish with a shine serum for a polished look.
29. 1970s-Style Curls
Zendaya’s shaggy curls and bangs exude retro glamour. Long layers maintain the shape of her curly mane while keeping it light and bouncy.
30. Modern Mullet
Rihanna’s modern mullet is effortlessly chic. Use a texture spray and leave-in conditioner to achieve her signature blend of polish and edge.
31. Loose Waves
Halle Berry’s layered haircut and fringe bangs are timeless. Caramel highlights enhance the soft curls framing her face.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Bang Journey
Bangs are more than just a haircut—they’re an opportunity to express your personality and enhance your natural features. Whether you’re drawn to sleek and structured styles or tousled and undone looks, there’s a fringe out there for everyone. Before your next salon visit, take inspiration from these celebrity-approved styles and consult with your stylist to find the perfect cut and style for your unique texture and face shape.
Remember, the right bangs can transform your entire look, adding levity, dimension, and a touch of je ne sais quoi. So go ahead—embrace the power of bangs and let your hair do the talking!
