Fact: blunt bangs are an alluring option that can take your hairstyle from drab to ultra-chic. Cut just above the eyebrow to expertly frame your face, they have a cool, bold look. “Nothing is quite as transformative as a blunt cut bang,” says Paul Wintner, hairstylist and Alterna Haircare education manager. Unlike a curtain or wispy style of fringe, they’re daring and command the attention of everyone in the room. They’re basically the equivalent of instant main character energy. Still, deciding on a blunt bang look can be difficult. For starters, there’s the awkward grow-out period and the long-term commitment. A bold-cut fringe isn’t for everyone, but if you’re thinking of taking the plunge, there are some things to consider first. Ahead, we chatted with three stylists to guide your decision.
Featured experts
- Paul Wintner is a hairstylist and Alterna Haircare education manager
- Laurie Heaps is a celebrity colorist and Redken ambassador
- Bradley Leake is a celebrity hairstylist
Who do blunt bangs work for?
Despite how they come across, blunt bangs can be a versatile style of fringe, working for most face types. “It’s all about customizing the length and weight to complement your features,” says Wintner. With that said, it’s best to begin with your face shape and hair texture. For oval faces, Heaps says blunt bangs add a bold and structured look that helps to balance the rounder features, while a blunt cut fringe softens the strong features and highlights the cheekbones for heart shapes. “The key is maintaining the bang length between your eyebrows and eyelashes to showcase your balanced proportions,” says Wintner.
The texture of your hair also plays a big role in the final look of your bangs. “Straight hair or hair that is slightly wavy works best because they can create a sleek and clean finish,” says celebrity colorist and Redken ambassador Laurie Heaps. Thicker and finer textures are a bit more tricky but can still create a bold blunt bang with proper styling.
What to know before getting blunt bangs
Blunt bangs require some effort to keep up. That said, the pros note that there are several factors to consider before heading to the salon.
Maintenance
“Blunt bangs require frequent trims to maintain their shape,” says celebrity hairstylist Bradley Leake. The stylist notes that you should plan for a touchup every three to four weeks to keep them looking fresh and well-groomed. Everyone’s hair grows differently, so it’s also a good idea to work with your stylist to find the time frame that works best for your texture.
Commitment
“The grow-out period can take months, and the transition phase can be tricky,” says Leake. For this reason, it’s important to think about how long you’d like to keep up the look. “The shape needs to be maintained to avoid awkward stages,” says Wintner. However, if you’re ready for a completely new look, he adds that it’s best to get creative with styling until they reach a manageable length.
Daily styling
Achieving the sleek and bold look of blunt bangs doesn’t come easily. “Daily styling is often necessary to keep them smooth and in place,” says Leake. However, there are a handful of tools that can make your styling sessions a breeze. The stylists agree that a quality round brush and mini flatiron will be essential to blow-dry evenly and smooth flyaways.
But the products are just as important. If you have a finer texture, Wintner notes that a dry shampoo or texture spray is great for adding a touch of volume and controlling oil, while a styling cream or hair oil will help with frizz. Blunt bangs need a sleek finish to keep them from looking unruly. For a polished look, Heaps suggests adding a smoothing serum and light-hold hairspray to your daily styling routine.
Products for styling blunt bangs
