To get bangs or not to get bangs, that is the ultimate question. Allure/Channing Smith. Different types of bangs can instantly transform your face and hairstyle, but chopping off that much length in one snip can be scary. If you're seriously contemplating the cut, don't worry: according to Harry Josh, a hairstylist and the creator of Harry Josh Pro Tools, "there's some form of face-framing bang that will work on almost everyone." Not to mention, inspiration for hairstyles with bangs has never been more plentiful. In recent months, celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, Zoë Kravitz, and Billie Eilish have been serving all kinds of covetable fringe looks, and with nostalgic beauty trends like Y2K and '70s hairstyles seeing a renaissance, it’s not surprising you have bangs on the brain. Blunt and fringe bangs, thick and thin bangs, long and short hair with bangs - there are countless cuts and lengths to choose from. The first step is to find your ideal fringe. The next is to commit.
However, if the hesitation over whether or not you should get bangs stems from how much time styling bangs will add to your already established hair care routine, it's not as much of an undertaking as you might think. "Bangs shouldn't take too much time to style. Two to three minutes, tops," says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. To eliminate some of your intimidation, Rubenstein recommends asking your stylist to give you a lesson on how to style them as they go through the steps themselves. It might take some trial and error, but after about a week of practice, you'll be a pro.
If you've read this far and are still on the fence, you’re in luck. Below, top hairstylists break down everything you need to know about finding your best match, as well as how to fix bangs at home in a way that looks professionally styled. And if you have bangs and you're tired of them, we've also got advice on how to grow them out. Meet the experts: Harry Josh, Clariss Rubenstein, Jennie Roberts, Monaé Everett, Jonathan Colombini, Chris McMillan, Paul Hanlon, Garren, Serge Normant.
Things to consider before getting bangs:
- It's a Commitment - Bangs shouldn't tack on an extra 20 minutes to your styling routine, but gone are the days where you roll out of bed, run a brush through your hair, and go. "The fringe is the first thing you see," says Jennie Roberts, a U.K.-based textured hairstylist and educator for Curlsmith. "It's got to look well."
- Maintenance Matters - Schedule a professional bang trim every six weeks, Josh advises. Many salons offer it as a complimentary service between regular appointments. If you're going to take matters into your own hands, don't do anything drastic, and be sure to use salon scissors on dry hair. "Take off millimeters at a time. You can always cut more," urges Josh. Avoid snipping one straight, solid line. Instead, twist your bangs and point the scissors up so you chip into the ends, leaving an imprecise line.
- Beware of Hairlines - If you have a hairline that doesn't sit flat at the front, Roberts warns "a fringe is going to be a battle with nature every morning." If you don't have the time, energy, or desire to fight it, then you may want to reconsider.
The 21 Different Types of Bangs
- Arched Bangs - Arched bangs, as seen on Dakota Johnson, mimic an archway structure. "The shortest point in the center gently arches to meet the sides," explains Roberts. This look is especially flattering for square-shaped faces as they soften and round your look.
- Asymmetrical Bangs - Asymmetrical bangs are cut at a sharp diagonal so that one side is much shorter than the other. "Side-swept bangs are a great way to draw attention to the cheekbones and add an angular look to the face," says Monaé Everett.
- Baby Bangs - For a rocker-chic aesthetic, pair baby bangs with a razored pixie or mullet. They’re great for round- and heart-shaped faces, styled flat to the head. Keep hair clean to avoid breakouts due to close contact with the forehead.
- Birkin Bang - Lash-grazing bangs inspired by Jane Birkin. They’re long and look a little outgrown. A natural texture and sun-kissed highlights can elevate the undone vibe.
- Blunt Bangs - Straight across, heavier looking bangs cut sharply across the forehead. They’re easy to style, often dried with hands and finished with a light heat to set the ends.
- Bottle Neck Bangs - Narrow at the top, wider toward the ends, curving under the cheekbone. Very '70s but current, flattering on many face shapes.
- Braided Bangs - Bangs woven from braids or dreadlocks; can be achieved by shortening the braids or pinning them to create the look. Works with multiple textures and styles.
- Brushed-Over Bangs - A simple, low-maintenance look like a comb-over, easily incorporated into layered styles.
- Choppy Bangs - Hair cut to different lengths across the forehead, creating a textured fringe and a bold statement with relatively low maintenance.
- Classic Bangs - Traditional blunt, but with a slight inversion: the middle is a touch shorter than the temples, creating a gentle inverted U-shape. Suitable lengths fall between the tops of the brows and lashes.
- Clip-in Bangs - Temporary option made of real hair extensions; great for trying bangs without cutting your own hair. Comes in various cuts and colors.
- Curtain Bangs - Mid-century favorite parted down the middle, shorter toward the inside and longer toward the outside; pairs well with many face shapes, especially with longer hair.
- Curly Bangs - Works with curly textures; maintain moisture and definition to keep curls looking intentional.
- Face-Framing Bangs - Designed to enhance features; lengths vary by face shape to add fullness or balance proportions.
- Feathered Bangs - Volume and texture via styling with a round brush and volumizing products; trims every month help maintain the look.
- Layered Bangs - Versatile depending on length and face shape; best on thicker hair to avoid thinning out the temple area.
- Long Bangs - Works with very long hair for a disconnected, laid-back vibe; can be layered for texture and easier growth out.
- Micro Bangs - Extremely short, close to the hairline; flattering on heart-shaped faces with straight hair textures.
- Piece-y Bangs - Texturized fringe that looks dynamic; regular trims and dry texturizing spray help maintain the piecey effect.
- Sideswept Bangs - Easy to blend with surrounding layers; low-maintenance and fast to grow out, suitable for any hair length.
- Wispy Bangs - Light, airy fringe; keep enough strands to avoid a broken-hair look and use rounding to add volume.
How to grow out bangs: When growing out your bangs, there will always be an awkward period that lasts at least four to six weeks. The key is to get them to blend into the sides of your hair with periodic salon trims. Accessorizing with clips can also help, such as a deep side part and a clip above one eyebrow.
In 2025, the heavy fringe trend is making a serious comeback. This look combines boldness, structure, and drama, creating an effortlessly chic yet striking aesthetic. For straight hair, a heavy fringe adds a sophisticated editorial feel; for curls, it adds depth and character. Regular trims keep the shape above or at the eyebrows, and color options-from rich solid shades to subtle highlights or balayage-enhance depth. The right styling products, including a smoothing balm and a lightweight pomade, help maintain a sharp, polished finish throughout the day.
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