Let us start with bangs. If you are considering getting bangs, you are likely contemplating what style best compliments your face shape, how your hair behaves, and most importantly, how much time you want to spend styling them each day.
Many people overlook that bangs permanently change how you style the rest of your hair. I’ve seen many clients fall in love with their new bangs, only to hate them just a few weeks later. One of my most memorable clients last year had thick, beautiful hair and wanted a full blunt fringe. I thought this style would not suit her hair type, so I just did softer bangs as the rest of the hair. She almost cried. However, once the bangs grew out, and her hair started to do that effortless part that comes with longer bangs, she sent me a selfie almost every week. That’s the thing with bangs, they should get better as they grow. If your hairdresser is forcing you to come back every few weeks to fix your hairstyle because they cut some layers, they did not do it right.
I love curtain bangs, and am happy that they are sticking around. As every face shape works with this style, I hope the same can be true for more bottleneck bangs and wispy micro bangs. These types of bangs are becoming popular, and I think that is awesome because both the stylist and the client have to put a little extra work in. However, with fine hair, or hair that gets oily easily, it’s better to avoid thick blunt bangs. They’ll end up looking straggly and separated by noon unless you plan to run a straightener through them or keep some dry texture spray on hand. If you have wavy or curly hair, be sure that your bangs are cut dry and in their natural state, because if they are cut when wet, you might end up with that poofy triangle look that no one wants. I have a lot of opinions about all of these bangs, so go through and see what you like best!
#1: That Fringe You See and Immediately Want
This hairstyle highlights the bangs since the rest of the hair is only there to support the rest of the look, which makes this style more complicated to pull off than most would think. The bangs have been given a lot of thought as they are thick and just the right length to graze the tops of the eyebrows without being long enough to poke you in the eyes. The soft layers will ensure that the style doesn’t feel too heavy while the light caramel highlights in the mid-lengths gives a bit of warmth without being too much. This look will be a dream if you have medium to thick hair, if you have fine hair you will probably need to create some extra density in the bangs as it just doesn’t give the same effect.
#2: Bold Bangs That Actually Earn the Word Bold
I like how the bangs are nice and thick and how the edges have been cut so they don’t have that blunt wall look that spans the whole forehead. The long layers underneath have that effortless swing to them that gives the impression that not a lot was done, but in reality, the cut is doing all the work. The style will look amazing as time goes on. You can wash it and just let it dry and it will look good. The only downside is with time the bangs can look uneven if too long has passed between trims and when that happens I notice clients come in really annoyed with their bangs When all they needed was to sit in my chair for five minutes.
#3: A Color-Forward Cut That’s More Interesting Than It First Looks
The variation in color really plays a big role. The contrast of dark roots with lighter pieces framing the face completely transforms the structure. The brightness draws the face forward in a way that a solid color wouldn’t. The texture is a bit choppy, but in a way that is easily cross if your stylist gets scissor happy. This is especially the case with fine hair because if the layers aren’t long enough to create excess length, they hit that sweet spot to give the illusion of thickness. The maintenance for this color is real with toner refreshes every few weeks to keep everything looking bright.
#4: Purple Bob with That Fringe That Means Business
I love a good bob hairstyle but love it even more when a fashion color is executed well. The good news for me is that this one passes both tests without being too costumey about it. The fringe is cut bluntly across and on the right face shape it just works in that way that no one needs to explain. The bob length right around the jaw keeps everything looking sharp and purposeful. Now the purple. I will be honest, I think it shows better in photography than it does in real life unless you are really into color depositing shampoo and cool water rinses because shades like this fade super fast and faded purple goes muddy before it goes to grace and there is nothing worse than a washed out purple. But if you are the type of person who enjoys the upkeep as part of the ritual, this is a lovely choice.
#5: Long and Easy with Just Enough Fringe to Change Everything
I have lost track of the number of times a client says she wants bangs but doesn’t want to look like she has bangs. This is what I would show her. The wispiness of this fringe is so soft it almost seems like they’re face framing pieces that just happen to meet in the middle which I think is brilliant. The length is long, and the layers are subtle, this is not a heavily layered cut at all, it is more about the movement that comes from the natural texture and just a touch of internal layering to keep the ends from going flat. On medium to thick hair this is pretty much wash and wear after a good blowout teaches it where to fall; and it grows out so beautifully you could go eight weeks between trims without it looking neglected.
#6: Layers That Move and a Fringe That Frames Without Fuss
I like the layering done here. Starting with the crown provides some nice height, and the real magic happens around the face with the soft layers that create a curtain effect. The fringe blends in nicely with the face-framing layers, so when it grows out, she’s not left with that overgrown look. I also really like the level of detail in cuts like this where a lot of effort goes into achieving the right balance between the layers and bangs. The graduation here has to be done really carefully otherwise you can get a sort of step effect. It’s going to look really nice when you’re finished and it will keep its shape for a long time.
#7: The “I Woke Up Like This” Fringe That Takes Real Skill to Cut
Most salons do a cut similar to this one, and while most do them to an acceptable standard, this one looks great because the bangs are wispy enough to see the forehead, and the layering is positioned well enough to create the illusion of the hair all moving as one, instead of a bunch of different separate pieces. A soft wave is shown through the bottom half, and that isn’t from a curling iron, or if it is, then the person who styled it was smart enough to leave the ends out so it doesn’t look too done. This look has lasted so long because it looks good on almost everyone. It’s a great cut because the soft fringe balances a strong forehead, and the length means it doesn’t look like you just came from the salon. If I have one criticism, it’s that people copy this with too many layers so it looks thin and scraggly. Please, less is more with the layering here.
#8: Polished Layers with Bangs That Know Their Place
The bangs are arguably the best part of the hairstyle. Thanks to their weight distribution, they sit away from the face, but still have enough body to not look like they’re going to snap off or disappear, which gives the hairstyle a nice balance. Overall the haircut is super simple, but the dimension is created by the highlights that are sprinkled throughout the hair. The highlights give the hair different areas that will be illuminated by the light which adds to the overall effect of the hair without having to add more complexity to the cut. The layers create a smooth, full back silhouette which are ideal if you like to take your hair down and let it be free. To get this look, hair that is straight to slightly wavy is ideal since it won’t be much work to achieve the overall look.
#9: Full, Bouncy, and Unapologetically Glamorous
When stating this is a blowout cut, it’s a compliment to the style. It’s a style that needs some round brushing, and commitment to the volume. The layers are cut to flip and bounce, and not to just sit there, so if you just air dry your hair and walk out, I can be honest, this cut is not great. But for those who enjoy styling their hair, you are in for a treat! The fringe is soft and swoopy side enough to blend into the face-framing layers, so if you want a different look, pin it back!
#10: Volume Where It Counts, Fringe Where It Matters
The lift in this cut comes from clever layering rather than teasing or heavy products, which demonstrates expertise from the stylist. The fringe has also been separated softly and effortlessly for that more wispy look. This takes very precise cutting techniques where she angled the point cutting into the fringe as opposed to cutting straight across. For finer to medium hair, this will create far more visual weight than what your hair will naturally have. I’d recommend a lightweight volumizing mousse that can be worked into the roots before blow drying. That’s really all you will need to maintain that lift until your next wash. The highlights are a great addition. They provide visual texture and elevate the layers even more.
#11: Sun-Warmed Waves with a Fringe That Keeps Things Interesting
This style definitely gives off “I just got back from vacation and my hair has decided to style itself“ vibes. It gives off that feeling intentionally and that makes it special. It’s perfect for a shoulder-length bob since it’s long enough to be tied back and short enough that all the layers will keep it up without it being weighed down. The bangs are ideal for this type of cut as they are soft and almost transparent and that is great for thinner hair. Otherwise a more dense cut would leave it looking flat by lunch. The warm blonde highlights really liven it up and brighten it, even if you do nothing at all to your hair.
#12: Textured Fringe That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
I really love this one because the fringe shows real texture, not just thinning shears making it see through, but constructed piece by piece so each segment is different in length and weight and has that lived-in quality. It looks good on day one and honestly better on day three when it’s got that natural grit. The waves through the rest of the hair are looser so they read as ‘I didn’t really style it’ but they’re also structured enough to hold a shape, so I think there’s some salt spray or light hold product in there. The subtle layering around the fringe in particular is what makes it integrate so well as it grows, and that’s the detail that distinguishes a good fringe cut from one that just looks like bangs.
#13: Shaggy in All the Right Ways
Shag cuts have an ability for customization which make them fun to do. For me, this version gets the most attention because of the aesthetic and the intention. The uneven bits of the textured fringe are awesome and I think it’s charming that it doesn’t sit straight across. This cut will sit about shoulder height which will help avoid total chaos, but there will still be lots of layers through the shag for that airy feeling. Fine hair will make this cut work best because the illusion of fullness will come from the layers rather than needing cut. To prevent the layers from losing their shape, the cut will likely need to be maintained about every six to eight weeks.
#14: Sleek, Glossy, and Quietly Perfect
A clear sign that hair has been cut is the look of health the hair has, and in this case, it is no exception. The fringe is soft, and not too thick, clearly separates and sits close to the face without that stiff curtain effect you get when bangs are cut too heavy and blunt. The remaining hair is long and sleek and the shine on it is next level, which tells me this person has either great hair genetics or they are using a REALLY good smoothing serum on the ends, honestly, probably both. This is a low drama cut, it’s not asking for attention through layers or texture, just beautiful hair that’s been well maintained and cut with clean lines and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
#15: Wispy Fringe on Long Hair, Done Right
The wispy bangs soften this whole look, even if they don’t cover much of the forehead. That’s the magic of the wispy bang as opposed to the curtain bang or blunt bang. With this style you get the look of bangs without the full commitment. The layers are subtle throughout the ends; you could tell they’re there by the way the hair moves, but you wouldn’t look at this and say, ‘Oh, she has a lot of layers.’ That restraint is what keeps it from looking dated. This is one I would recommend if you’ve never had bangs and are nervous because it grows out beautifully and if you decide you hate it in three weeks, you can pin it back and nobody would know.
#16: Curly Lob with a Fringe That Has Personality
I appreciate this because curly bangs are truly difficult, and they know that they need to be cut dry in a natural curl pattern, and should be cut to more length than anticipated because the curls will shrink. If she were to cut the bangs too short or too wet, it would lead to an unhappy customer. The length of the lob is also ideal for the curls because the weight is evenly distributed and you won’t get that pyramid effect look that a lot of curls can have. The root color being darker than the ends adds dimension and helps to avoid that flat look that we see too often with one color curly hair. This is a style that really shines when paired with some nice curl cream and a diffuser, but it’s also going to look great on 2nd and 3rd day hair, which is where most curly clients spend most of their time.
#17: Textured Lob with a Fringe That Commits
The fringe is blunt cut straight across and there are no soft edges. Having a blunt cut at the front, and then that contrast with the lengths being choppy, makes it feel modern, not basic. Textured lobs are seriously underrated. They are great for medium and fine hair, unlike so many of the trendy cuts which just don’t suit those hair types at all. The blunt cut ends create the illusion of thickness, and the texture in the mid-lengths means it doesn’t look too wiggy, or too perfect. Hair that is a length sitting just above the shoulders is at the point where it still swings when you move, and that is one of those little details that makes a haircut feel alive. The fringe is no exception. It needs to be trimmed every 4 weeks max or it gets too long and starts getting in your eyes, and then you’ll end up having to push it to the side which totally defeats the purpose. But it’s just a quick trim, 5 minutes in the chair, nothing too wild.
#18: Feathered Fringe That Plays Well with Rounded Layers
I understand this hair style choice, it has a plug feel to it. The bangs are cut straight across but the light layering at the sides softens the overall look so it doesn’t seem harsh. Rather, it feels intentional and flattering, which is not always the case with bangs. Rounded layers in the bottom half give the whole shape more volume which also highlights the shoulders and cheekbones all at once. This shape will hold perfectly with medium to thick hair because the weight of it will do all the work. The most striking part of this style in my opinion, is the transition area where the bangs end and the sides start. It is smooth, has no shelves or gaps and this is where the craftsmanship shows most. This style would work well for someone who wants to look polished, but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time on their hair each morning.
#19: Long and Lustrous with Curtain Bangs That Earn Their Name
I love how these bangs look. It’s not surprising to see them all over the internet, but it’s great to see a good pair of bangs in real life as well. The name of these bangs is curtain bangs, and they have a good amount of weight on each side of the face and part in the middle. This makes them good because they don’t split too wide or look like two separate pieces hanging. The best spot for bangs to blend in is around the chin, and these bangs start around the chin. If the layers are higher it becomes choppy and if it’s lower the bang looks like it is disconnected from the rest of the hair. The hair is thick and glossy with a beautiful wave that adds movement to the hair. The bangs look to be messy and to toss them. This is the best type of compliment to a cut.
#20: Long Waves with a Fringe That Has an Edge to It
The straight-across bangs with long, styled waves give off the look of a more structured style, yet, give off a casual look with the waves. When done on darker, thicker hair, you are able to see the layers more as the hair is able to hold its form nicely without being too thin at the ends. This is the sort of cut that may only work with a certain face shape. Some bangs do make the face look wider. It is best to avoid this for round face shapes, and maybe suggest some softer bangs with a more central part. For the right person, the look will work fantastically. The look is very neat and held together because of the weight of the hair.
#21: Copper Waves That Make You Want to Try Red
I think this hair color would look great at any time of the year, not just fall like most of my clients suggest. The waves aren’t too styled, and the bit of copper color matches the overall look of the hair perfectly. The short blunt fringe isn’t for everyone, but it’s a bold and confident choice in this style. It really suits this look and enhances the brows and eyes better than longer bangs would. I think the texture in the mid-lengths is also very important for pulling this look together and preventing it from coming off as a costume. The combination of a blunt micro fringe with straight and slick hair can easily go vintage, often in a way that is less desirable. To achieve a style similar to this, just use some texturizing spray in your hair and let it air-dry after a good scrunch.
#22: Blunt Cut, Wispy Bangs, Perfect Tension
I love how the different elements come together in this look. The cleanly defined blunt hemline is a nice contrast to the top which has soft, wispy bangs. These elements keep things from looking too harsh, and the push and pull make it engaging to look at. With the hair’s length being just above the shoulders, it adds swing and confidence to the look. On medium to thick hair, blunt ends give a fabulous finish and the ends look rich and healthy in comparison to layered ends. The subtle layering isn’t very noticeable, and this avoids a helmet look while keeping the shape. If you have been wearing long layers for a long time and want to change things up without going for a full bob, this is the bridge cut for you.
#23: Textured Bob with a Fringe That Feels Natural
A good bob haircut can be the difference between a good bob or a mid-range bob. Here you can tell the cut was done by an expert, as they have taken different hair textures and lengths into consideration. The fringe sits nicely, and doesn’t clash with the rest of the cut. It looks really good, and the waves of the bob appear as if they have been done on purpose. The waves have a good, natural texture, as the waves do indeed appear to be done from wrap curls, but they look done and not effortless. The cut is a little longer so it is more forgiving than a precise chin length bob, plus the length makes the bob feel intentional. If you have hair like this, you will be one of those people who has the self-styling hair magic, and you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
#24: Glossy Layers That Catch the Light
I think this hair style looks very healthy, and I can tell that this is due to the quality of the hair cut and the visible layering. The cut end of the hair are very smooth and shinier than rough cut ends, so I assume layering was done to enhance shine. The fringe is the perfect amount of blended so that the framing side pieces look soft and seamless, giving you that lovely curtain look without harsh bangs — a very popular style to choose when you’re unsure about bangs. I also appreciate that the layers are positioned low enough so that length and density at the crown can be maintained, which is really important. It also means that the volume is all about the movement! If you have slightly wavy hair, I reckon you can create a polished look with minimal effort and just a quick spritz of shine spray on the ends.
#25: Curly Fringe for the Brave and the Beautiful
Not everyone can pull off the curly bangs look; however, if you can tolerate a little chaos, then the lively curls will bring a lot of character to the style. If you thrive on uniformity, I can see how these kinds of looks may be difficult. To achieve such a look, bangs are to be curled with well-defined, bouncy curls, whereas bangs that are blunt, straight, and flat, will simply not suffice. Furthermore, this haircut has been done in a layered fashion that allows for the right amount of support for curls to really spring up, float, and maintain that bouncy state, rather than be weighed down. To achieve this look, all that is really needed is a good curl cream, applied to wet hair, and then a diffuser on low heat. Be sure not to use anything too heavy, especially on the bangs, otherwise you will lose dimension.
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