Let’s face it — bangs can have a reputation. Getting bangs is known as the decision you make in haste as a result of a life-changing event or crisis. In their defense, however, bangs can be transformative in the very best of ways if they are well suited for the person considering them and cut and styled by a professional. If you are thinking about changing up your look with bangs or are a stylist whose client is considering them, here’s what you need to know about bangs and different face shapes.
Things to Consider Before You Get Bangs
When it comes to bangs, there are a lot of different styles to choose from. From side bangs and curtain bangs to fringe bangs, blunt bangs and much more, there is truly a set for every level of drama, coverage and length. Though bangs are a fun statement hairstyle and can easily be grown out into long, face-framing layers over time if desired, the iconic hair element also comes with a maintenance routine that requires specific professional hairstyling products and tools.
A normal routine for someone with bangs typically includes frequent styling of the bangs in addition to styling the rest of the hair. Most styles of bangs take a certain unique shape, which can be emulated by using a blow dryer or hot tool to shape them correctly. If you don’t normally style your hair a lot or use hot tools often, getting bangs might mean taking on a longer hairstyling routine or hair care regimen to keep them looking healthy and styled to perfection!
Bangs also benefit from frequent trims. Since the section of hair that makes up bangs is short and showcased right around the face for anyone and everyone to see, you’ll want to keep each strand in pristine condition and free from split ends. While some styles are meant to be grown out, there are certain styles of bangs that are meant to stay at a certain length, reinforcing the need for routine trims every few weeks.
Bangs and Different Face Shapes
If you’re ready to take on the added steps in your hair routine, then it’s time for the exciting process of choosing your perfect type of bangs. It’s important to know that not all bangs are equal and some styles require a larger section of hair when compared to others. Here’s a closer look at different face shapes, the best bang styles for each of them and how to style different types of bangs using a few essential professional hair care products.
- Square and Heart-Shaped Faces: These beautiful face shapes are known for having great bone structure and striking facial features. Square faces are defined by a wide jawline and cheekbones that match the width of the forehead. Heart-shaped faces, on the other hand, feature a similarly wide forehead and cheekbone area but give way to a slim, pointed chin.
Both square and heart faces share a similar shape around the forehead area, which makes them well suited for feathered bangs, curtain bangs and other piecey bang styles that include wispy bits of hair reminiscent of fringe. These styles are meant to be perfectly imperfect, so they don’t require a whole lot of styling on a daily basis. You can experiment with them, let them air dry or blow them out with a round brush and finish with your favorite texture hair products.
- Round Faces: This face shape is easily identifiable and is defined by soft angles. Round face shapes are similar to square face shapes except the forehead and jawline angles are much softer, making the cheekbones the widest part of the face. Much like long, flattering layers around the face, side-swept bangs and the recently popular curtain bangs style help to slim the face and create a contoured look for round face shapes.
These particular styles are the perfect happy medium between dramatic, defined layers and subtle bangs. They can help create a chic and effortless look while administering a slimming effect around the face.
- Oval and Oblong Faces: Perhaps the perfect face shape for bangs, oval faces are generally well suited for any type of bangs. If you have an oval face shape, consider a set of classic, voluminous bangs or a trendy style like Birkin bangs or midi bangs.
Whichever type of bangs you choose, don’t forget to get creative and have fun styling them. Wrap them around a Velcro roller, clip them back into an updo or let them showcase your natural waves.
Do you think getting bangs is the next move for you? If you’re having any doubts, talk to your stylist and get their professional recommendation! You can always try out face-framing layers before committing to bangs as well. Feel it out and see what works for you!
