It’s likely that if one of your friends were to text "I’m going to get bangs,'' your group chat would start a fire drill. Bangs are notoriously hard to upkeep, and if you choose the wrong type of bangs for your face shape, they might end up looking less than flattering. That being said, fringe is beginning to pick up steam again in 2022—and you shouldn’t be scared of it.
With the right guidance, bangs can be a really great choice. Good bangs can help soften your face, make your eyes the star of the show, and let your best features shine. It can be tough to figure out where to start—you might love Zooey Deschanel’s signature blunt bangs but might not want to invest the time and energy required to maintain them, or you might like the idea of wispy bangs but want something a little more noticeable to try on for size.
Whatever your bang journey is, I spoke with Alex Brown, Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist and salon owner, to get the scoop on all things fringe. Brown walks me through which type of bangs are best for which face shape and more. Keep reading for major inspiration photos to bring to your next haircut.
If you have a heart-shaped face:
"Curtain bangs that are shorter in the middle can help soften a heart-shaped face," says Brown. These bangs can be as short or as long as you want them to be, though longer curtain bangs are easier to maintain.
Your hero product:
This helps your bangs dry effortlessly, no heat required.
Your hero product:
A spritz or two of this gives your hair the perfect amount of lift and definition.
If you have a diamond-shaped face:
Sweep your bangs to the side to best accent a diamond-shaped face. "A side-swept bang can be really nice because they can soften some facial features and even lengthen the face," says Brown.
Your hero product:
This straightening iron will help give your side-swept hair a sleek look.
Your hero product:
To take your hair to new heights without the crunch.
If you have a round face:
"Blunt bangs can be really nice on a round face shape," Brown says. "You want to avoid adding a round bang, and a more blunt bang will help add more balance."
Your hero product:
Boar bristles ensure that this brush is gentle on bangs while you style them.
Your hero product:
This will help give bangs a more tousled, lived-in feel.
If you have an oval-shaped face:
If you have an oval-shaped face, you're free to experiment. "Oval face shapes are the most versatile and can really pull off any bang," says Brown. "They can get a little more adventurous with a baby bang, heavier bang or a longer fringe swept to the sides."
Your hero product:
To amp up hair's texture while still maintaining softness.
Your hero product:
This lightweight, innovative balm conditions while it provides hold.
If you have a square face:
For an square-shaped face, feathery bangs are the way to go. "A long, wispy side bang that’s more tapered and rounded will help soften a square face shape," Brown explains.
Your hero product:
Hot rollers will help you achieve effortlessly rounded bangs.
Your hero product:
A curl defining cream like this one will make sure each strand looks completely in place.
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