By Sara Bright
Bangs are one of the easiest and most effective ways to change your look and enhance your features. Whether you want to add some edge, some softness, or some drama to your hairstyle, there is a bang style that will suit you perfectly. But how do you know which bangs are best for your face shape? How do you avoid the dreaded bang regret and end up with a flattering fringe that makes you feel fabulous?
In this article, we will help you find the best bangs for your face shape, according to celebrity hairstylists who have worked with some of the most famous bangs in the world. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to style and maintain your bangs, and how to grow them out gracefully when you want a change.
The Best Bangs for Oval Face Shapes
Oval face shapes are considered the most versatile and balanced, as they have a slightly longer length than width, and a gently curved jawline. If you have an oval face shape, you are lucky, because you can pull off almost any bang style, from blunt to wispy, from straight to side-swept.
However, if you want to accentuate your oval face shape and bring out your best features, celebrity hairstylist Marco Santini recommends going for a long, wispy bang that sits right above the brows. “This is a great face shape for side-sweeping or straight eyebrow-skimming bangs,” he says. “They add some softness and mystery to the face, and draw attention to the eyes.”
Some of the celebrities who rock this bang style are Jessica Biel, Emma Stone, and Taylor Swift.
The Best Bangs for Round Face Shapes
Round face shapes are characterized by having a similar length and width, and a full, curved appearance. If you have a round face shape, you may want to add some dimension and definition to your face, and create the illusion of a more angular bone structure.
To achieve this, celebrity hairstylist Rebekah Forecast suggests opting for a thick, blunt bang that is cut straight across the forehead. “The straight bluntness will balance out the roundness of the face,” she says. “It will also create a contrast between the softness of the cheeks and the sharpness of the bangs.”
Some of the celebrities who rock this bang style are Zooey Deschanel, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Selena Gomez.
The Best Bangs for Square Face Shapes
Square face shapes are marked by having a strong, prominent jawline, and a similar length and width. If you have a square face shape, you may want to soften your angles and highlight your cheekbones, and avoid adding more weight or width to your face.
To achieve this, celebrity hairstylist Lisa Epperson loves side-swept bangs for this face shape. “They will be most flattering for the jawline,” she says. “They will also create a diagonal line that draws the eye up and away from the chin.”
Another bang style that complements square face shapes is a bang that is shorter in the middle and gradually longer towards the sides. They offer a similar look to a blunt bang, but are lighter and wispier, and create a subtle face-framing effect.
Some of the celebrities who rock these bang styles are Keira Knightley, Olivia Wilde, and Jennifer Lopez.
The Best Bangs for Heart Face Shapes
Heart face shapes are defined by having a wider forehead, a pointed chin, and high cheekbones. If you have a heart face shape, you may want to balance your proportions and minimize your forehead, and avoid adding more volume or length to your chin.
To achieve this, celebrity hairstylist Tina Outen recommends going for a longer bang style, such as curtain bangs or parted tendrils. “They are great for flattering a slightly larger forehead and feature two side-swept tufts of hair that add texture and style,” she says. “They also help create a more oval shape and soften the chin.”
Some of the celebrities who rock these bang styles are Reese Witherspoon, Alexa Chung, and Dakota Johnson.
Tips and Tricks for Styling and Maintaining Your Bangs
Once you have chosen the best bangs for your face shape, you may wonder how to style and maintain them, and how to avoid common bang problems, such as cowlicks, greasiness, or frizziness. Here are some tips and tricks from the celebrity hairstylists that will help you keep your bangs looking fresh and fabulous:
- Invest in a good pair of scissors and a comb, and learn how to trim your bangs yourself, or visit your hairstylist regularly for touch-ups. Bangs grow fast, and you don’t want them to cover your eyes or lose their shape.
- Use a round brush and a blow dryer to style your bangs while they are still damp. This will help you smooth out any cowlicks or kinks, and give your bangs some bounce and movement. You can also use a flat iron or a curling iron to create different effects, such as sleek or wavy.
- Apply some dry shampoo or baby powder to your bangs to absorb any excess oil or dirt, and keep them fresh and clean. You can also wash your bangs separately from the rest of your hair, if they get greasy faster.
- Use some hairspray or pomade to tame any flyaways or frizz, and add some hold and shine to your bangs. You can also use some accessories, such as clips, pins, or headbands, to keep your bangs in place or push them back when you want a different look.
How to Grow Out Your Bangs Gracefully
If you decide that you want to grow out your bangs, you may face some awkward stages, where your bangs are too long to be bangs, but too short to be blended with the rest of your hair. However, there are some ways to make this transition easier and more stylish, such as:
- Ask your hairstylist to cut your bangs in a way that makes them easier to grow out, such as adding some layers, thinning them out, or angling them.
- Experiment with different partings, such as a middle part, a side part, or a zigzag part, to create some variation and interest in your hairstyle.
- Tuck your bangs behind your ears, or braid them, or twist them, to keep them out of your face and create some cute and chic looks.
- Use some accessories, such as clips, pins, headbands, or hats, to secure your bangs or hide them, and add some flair and fun to your hairstyle.
Bangs are a great way to change your look and enhance your features, but they require some careful consideration and maintenance. By choosing the best bangs for your face shape, and following some tips and tricks on how to style and maintain them, you can enjoy your bangs and make them work for you.