Beauty
Go ahead and take the plunge.
It’s a question that almost everyone has pondered at some point in their lives: Should I get bangs? Whether the sudden urge for some fringe was inspired by a major life change (who doesn’t love a good post-breakup makeover?) or a simple desire to switch things up, there’s no better time than now to rock a fierce fringe. And there are various (chic) different types of bangs to choose from.
If you’re hesitant, just know that you’re not alone. “Most clients have had a bang experience in their past — usually when they’re young — that kind of ruins bangs forever,” Ashley Streicher, celebrity hairstylist and member of the R+Co Collective, tells Bustle. If you’re someone who’s been scarred by a past bad chop, don’t write bangs off so quickly. Streicher offers hope, noting that “your hairline and growth patterns, as well as your hair texture, are always changing.” In fact, she admits she’s often growing out and chopping off her bang. “Each time is an entirely different experience. Usually, they lay quite differently,” she says. There’s always a chance that the second time around could end in a better result, so why not give fringe another shot?
Another bang barrier that may be keeping you from scheduling a chop could be the commitment factor. This is the reason why Yene Damtew, a Washington, D.C.-based hairstylist who’s worked with Michelle Obama and Tracee Ellis Ross, suggests consulting with a pro and asking questions about the grow-out process. “When your bangs are growing out, it’s a good time to experiment with different styles,” Damtew says. “But it’s important to ask about the process beforehand and know which styles you can wear as they’re growing.”
Ready to give them a go? Bustle experts for the scoop on six different types of bangs, so no matter what your hair type or face shape, there’s a style for you.
1
Curtain Bangs
Besides being incredibly chic and on-trend, curtain bangs look great on a variety of hair types, but those with naturally wavy hair will find them to be a great low maintenance option. “For clients with wavy hair, [this style] looks great when air-dried,” says Damtew. Even better, you may not even need to add anything to your existing arsenal of hair products. She suggests working your usual styler through your strands, then using your hands in a scrunching motion to get the perfect finish.
2
Micro Bangs
Sure, they’re a daring choice, but micro bangs make a major impact — just look at Daphne Bridgerton’s baby fringe as proof. Unlike curtain bangs, however, this particular style requires commitment. As for maintenance, be prepared to get a trim every two to five weeks, says Liz Rim, lead hairstylist at IGK salon Soho. One thing to keep in mind when speaking with your stylist: the thicker the bang, the more time and effort you’ll need to spend when styling.
3
Birkin Bangs
For straight hair, try taking a more laissez-faire type of bang. “I like the Birkin bang, inspired by French icon Jane Birkin who set the trend in the ‘60s,” says Franck Izquierdo, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “It adds dimension to round faces, but you can wear them no matter your face shape [as long as] you style it differently for each.” Izquierdo also notes that Birkin bangs are also a great option if you want to soften a strong jawline.
4
Layered Bangs
A full bang with layers is a fabulous way to complement curls and coils. Damtew suggests asking for a fringe that starts about two inches down, then blends down into the rest of your hair. It’ll offer some additional versatility, since they look equally as great for a side-swept look or left down and paired with a top-knot.
When it comes to at-home styling, Izquierdo says to finger-coil every little strand and then dry them using a diffuser.
5
Wispy Bangs
While it can be a little tricky for those with fine hair to pull off a wispy bang, Streicher notes that it’s totally doable. Her tip? “Dry shampoo and texture sprays will definitely be your friend,” she says. “Because bangs lie on the forehead which tends to be oily, you’ll want to keep this hair as oil-free as possible.” Set yourself up for success by spritzing your fave dry shampoo at the root and then sparingly spraying a bit more throughout.
