Bangs can transform your look dramatically, but choosing the right style for your face shape is crucial. With guidance from celebrity hair expert Richard Morrill, here’s how to select the perfect bangs to complement your unique facial structure.
Round Face
If your cheeks are the widest part of your face and your overall shape is circular, you likely have a round face. To balance the proportions:
- Best Bangs: Opt for an arching straight full fringe that falls just below the eyebrows to add length and softness. Deep side-swept bangs also work beautifully.
- Expert Tip: “Add a little texture to the bangs using thinning shears or pomade,” suggests Richard Morrill.
Square Face
A square face features a strong, boxy jawline and equal width across the jaw and cheekbones, with a slightly narrower forehead.
- Best Bangs: Straight bangs that fall just below the eyebrows are ideal. Feathered bangs in the center create an even, softened appearance.
- Expert Tip: Schedule trims every three weeks to maintain the crisp, structured look.
Diamond Face
Characterized by a narrow forehead and jawline with prominent, full cheeks, a diamond-shaped face benefits from bangs that soften angular features.
- Best Bangs: Long side-swept bangs work perfectly, drawing attention to the eyes and cheeks.
- Expert Tip: “Use a bit of spray underneath the bangs to elevate them away from your eyes if you have a forward-growing hair pattern,” advises Morrill.
Oval Face
Often considered the most versatile face shape, an oval face is slightly longer than wide, with the cheeks being the widest part.
- Best Bangs: Lucky you—virtually any style of bangs looks amazing on an oval face! Experiment with curtain bangs, blunt bangs, or choppy fringe to suit your mood.
Heart-Shaped Face
With a forehead that’s wider than the jawline and a face that gradually tapers toward the chin, heart-shaped faces look best with styles that balance the forehead.
- Best Bangs: Arched, side-swept bangs that are longer on the sides beautifully frame the face and soften its shape.
Inverted Triangle Face
This face shape has a prominent, wide forehead and a narrow, tapering chin.
- Best Bangs: Side-swept, feathered front bangs or deep side-swept bangs help soften the forehead. Avoid blunt or baby bangs, especially if you have a widow’s peak.
Triangle Face
A triangle face features a broad jawline that narrows toward the forehead.
- Best Bangs: Focus on softening the jawline and emphasizing the forehead with layered bobs, fringed bangs, or choppy layers. Longer layers starting at the temples balance the overall look.
- Trivia: Famous triangle-shaped faces include Victoria Beckham, Tyra Banks, and Geena Davis.
Long Face
A long face is characterized by a length greater than its width, with a long jawline and forehead.
- Best Bangs: Long, full bangs either swept to one side or parted in the center work best. Avoid short bangs, as they emphasize the length of the face.
- Expert Tip: Morrill advises, “Try not to wear your bangs puffy with a longer face. The goal is to minimize the length.”
Large Forehead
If your forehead is high, bangs can draw attention away from its height.
- Best Bangs: Full side-swept bangs starting near the eyebrows taper as they frame the sides of your face.
- Styling Tip: Use a touch of hairspray on your fingertips to glide the bangs over your eye socket for a styled-back look.
Short Forehead
A short forehead can benefit from bangs that create the illusion of length.
- Best Bangs: A deeply swept sloped fringe that is longer on one side works wonders. Opt for a minimal width of around ½ inch for a balanced appearance.
Hair Texture Matters
Your hair type plays a significant role in choosing the right bangs:
- Thick Hair: Heavy, structured bangs work well to add definition.
- Fine Hair: Wispy, light bangs create movement without looking heavy.
Pro Tips for Bangs Maintenance
- Daily Styling: Style your bangs every morning to avoid a messy look.
- Regular Trims: Schedule trims every 2–3 weeks to keep them in shape.
- Hair Texture Awareness: Know your hair texture to determine which bangs will work best.
- Frequent Washing: Wash bangs every other day to keep them fresh and oil-free.
Before You Commit to Bangs
If you’re unsure about getting bangs, consider these points:
- Time Commitment: Bangs require daily styling and frequent upkeep.
- Face Shape Compatibility: Choose bangs that complement your features.
- Hair Type: Understand how your hair texture will influence your bangs’ behavior.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to find the perfect bangs that enhance your face shape and personality. Which style will you try first?