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The Gal’s Guide to Bangs (for any face)

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Whether you call them bangs or fringe, this classic hairstyle that adds that little bit of extra touch to any hairstyle has been back in a big way for 2021. First making their return to form last year on the likes of Dua Lipa and Emma Watson, bangs are one of the versatile way to up the glam factor for anyone, with any texture or even any face shape.

The best stylists in the world know one thing: the best haircut for anyone is one that compliments or accentuates facial features. It’s about classical beauty and symmetry to bring balance to your overall look and really it’s no different than the magic makeup can do to transform your face, make your eyes pop or your cheeks more contoured.

Bangs are the “Swiss Army knife” of hairstyles because it can be adapted to suit you any which way with a simple change of direction, length or shape. Pair them with clip-in hair extensions, and you can surely accomplish any look your heart desires. Eyebrow kissing bangs for instance work wonders if you want to minimize your forehead and draw the eyes of others to your eyes. Long bangs however do an amazing job of accentuating the cheek bones. Maybe you have a sharp jawline and you want to soften it visually, in which case wispy, soft bangs are just the ticket. 

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to rock a bang and suggestions based on your face shape, as well as some celebrity inspiration. Not sure what face shape you have? See the chart below and get ready to shop for the right fringe for you! Need a little help to get the length if you don’t have it? Perfect Locks offers durable clip in bangs in 6 different shades that will give you the perfect length instantly!

female face shapes

Long Face Shape

Recommended: Angled Side Bangs

Characteristics: A high forehead and elongated facial features

Because this facial shape has a high forehead, the key here is to frame the face to highlight specific facial features. Swinging the bangs down to the left or right side of your face will draw attention to your lips and lips instead of the lower part of the face or the high forehead. A sharp side part, drawing the hair across the forehead and down past the eye will make for a stunning style.

Another option is for a more grown out and longer version of this look such as the peek-a-boo version most recently sported by Rihanna.

Round Face Shape

Recommended: Blunt Micro Bangs

Characteristics: A round facial shape with the forehead and chin and cheeks of equal distance

Once upon a time blunt bangs were all the rage, but they aren’t complementary to round faces. Micro bangs on the other hand are shorter and leave proper distance between the eyebrows and the edge of the bangs. This effect will seem to elongate your face and make it appear less round. This trendy lock has been a dominant trend this year, sported by Bella Hadid on the runway with a bold yellow dip dye look.

Square or Oblong Face Shape

Recommend: Long, layered bangs

Characteristics: A square jawline with longer distance between the chin and forehead than from cheek to cheek.

Oblong or square faces often appear to have unbalanced facial features and that square jawline can present a rigid look. Long layers work wonders as an overall hairstyle anyway, but long, layered bangs add a feminine softness to your facial features and also help to rebalance that distance. Curtain bangs can also be an option if you prefer a hairstyle that requires less work each day.

Heart Face Shape

Recommend: Crescent shaped bangs (with or without a center part)

Characteristics: A facial shape wider at the top that tapers to a point at the chin.

Heart shaped faces being visibly wider at the top can be softened by drawing in the edges of the forehead with longer bangs on the sides and a short bang in the middle. Worn long and feathery, this look works with or without a clean center part and is a timeless trend that’s been popular since the 1970s Cher era.

Oval Face Shape

Recommend: Soft Blunt Bangs

Characteristics: A facial shape that has an elongated mouth and chin

Oval shaped faces have it easy when it comes to wearing bangs, because all of the above styles are all about creating the illusion of an oval shape depending on the length and shape of the bangs. With an eyelash tickling length, blunt bangs are dated...but feathery multi-length bangs are trendy and will have you looking like a rock star. 

But what about curly hair?

Despite what you may think curly hair can absolutely rock a bang, but because of the texture involved there are a few things to bear in mind:

  • For square-shaped faces, heavy bangs will help to soften the face and create a dramatic look that focuses on the eyes. Go for feathery bangs that are longer on the sides, with the length just below the eyebrows.
  • For round-shaped faces, the bangs should be graphic, thick and fall just above the eyebrows. The right bang cut will create the illusion of a longer face. 
  • For oval-shaped faces, you have a bit more freedom to experiment with shape. As a rule of thumb, curly bangs that fall right below the brow bone will accentuate the face and play up feminine features. 
  • For heart-shaped faces, a side-swept bang will prevent the top from appearing too heavy. Any haircut you get should be shaped based on where you like to part your hair.

If you have short hair and aren't sure what type of bangs is best for you, check out our guide, the best short hair with bangs, to help you decide which one matches your beauty. 

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Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks LLC

Priyanka Swamy

Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC

Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality. Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide. Connect with Priyanka on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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