Wispy to side-swept, curtain to micro, there are so many different ways to have bangs. And according to experts, some styles can be extra flattering for certain face shapes, while others might leave you with major bang regret. The secret? Finding the right bangs for your face shape with our expert advice.
Featured Experts
- Paul Labrecque is creative director, master stylist and colorist for Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
- Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist
- Gabriel Samra is a celebrity hairstylist and TRUSS global ambassador
- Castillo Bataille is a Matrix celebrity hairstylist
Bangs Are Trending
We’re in our bangs and bobs era, girlies.
That’s right, bangs are back and they’re taking the world by storm. Alongside the cut of the summer, bobs and lobs, bangs and the various ways to cut and style them have rocketed to the top of trending looks.
Everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Ariana Grande have made a major bangs statement this summer. And if you’re ready to hop on the trend, you might be ready for a 3 a.m. bathroom transformation. But, take it from us, you should know what style of bang suits you before you commit to a style.
The Right Bangs for Your Face Shape
When you’re getting ready to dive into bangs, it helps to know what you’re getting yourself into.
“I recommend discussing the following with your hairstylist first,” advises creative director, master stylist and colorist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. “How wide is your forehead and where exactly is its width? How jumpy is your hairline? Finally, you’ll need a reasonable estimate on how much time it will take to grow out the bangs if you decide to move forward with the style.”
According to Labrecque, the width of a person’s forehead is one of the major factors in determining what kind of bang will suit a client. Celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano adds that an understanding of these features allows for better results.
“I like to look at two things: the length of face and the jawline definition,” Priano says. “People with a super-defined jaw can play more with the different types of bangs as opposed to the ones with rounder faces that tend to look better with curtain bangs that are not so short.”
Ultimately, the right bangs for your face shape should help balance your features. “Bangs can hide a lot of width,” explains Labrecque. “And they help shorten up where there’s too much length between a hairline and start to the brow.”
Bangs to Balance Width
“Soft, wispy or curtain bangs soften a square jawline,” explains celebrity hairstylist Gabriel Samra. “For heart-shaped faces, side-swept or longer layered bangs balance a wide forehead and narrow chin.”
But it isn’t just about taking away width. With the right bangs for your face shape, you can add width as well.
“Curtain bangs are great if you have a diamond, heart, or long face because of the width it adds,” explains Matrix celebrity hairstylist, Castillo Bataille. “The added dimension helps balance out the stronger features on your face.”
Bangs to Balance Length
If you think your face is too short for bangs, it might just be the style of bang that needs to change, as the right bangs for your face shape can add or take away length from the face.
“Long side-swept or curtain bangs can elongate a round face,” explains Samra. “And thick, blunt bangs can shorten a long face.”
Just keep in mind that mismatching your bang style to your face shape may result in a less-than-ideal outcome.
“Those with short foreheads, where there is little space between the head’s hairline and eyebrows, may find that bangs can make your head look even smaller,” Labrecque says. That’s why seeing a professional can be a hair-saver.
“Consult your hairstylist to determine the best bang style based on your hair texture and maintenance preferences,” Samra says. “Regular trims are necessary to keep bangs looking their best.”
