Bangs can completely transform your hairstyle. They frame the face, highlight your features, and give your look a fresh twist. But with so many styles out there, it can be hard to choose. That’s why understanding the different types of bangs is essential before your next chop.
Whether you want something bold, soft, edgy, or low-maintenance, there’s a bang style that suits your face shape and hair type. Below is your easy guide to the most popular fringe types—and who should or shouldn’t try them.
1. Soft Curtain Bangs
Style Overview
Curtain bangs part in the middle. They’re long near the cheeks. The style mimics parted curtains. These bangs blend into layered hair easily. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Great for oval or round faces. Best with wavy or straight hair. Ideal for those wanting low-maintenance bangs. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Avoid if you prefer side parts. Curls may need extra styling. Not ideal for short haircuts. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
2. Side-Swept Bangs
Style Overview
Side bangs sweep across the forehead. They begin at a deep part. The angle adds softness to your face. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Perfect for square and round faces. Look great with bobs or layered cuts. Work with most textures. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Thin hair won’t hold the style well. Not ideal for middle part fans. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
3. Long and Loose Bangs
Style Overview
Long bangs hit the cheekbones. They offer a laid-back fringe look. Can be tucked or styled easily. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Best for curly or textured hair. Flatter larger foreheads. Work with oval face shapes. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Can cover eyes on small faces. Not great for round faces. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
4. Straight Blunt Bangs
Style Overview
Blunt bangs are full and straight. They sit above the brows. They make a bold style statement. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Perfect for oblong face shapes. Good for fine hair needing volume. Best with long or bob styles. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Need daily styling. Cowlicks can ruin the shape. Not ideal for square faces. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
5. Curly Hair Bangs
Style Overview
Curly bangs embrace texture. They can be short or long. Add shape to curly cuts. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Perfect for all curly types. Cut dry to avoid shrinkage. Suit any face shape. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Only for curly hair types. Need stylist help for shape. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
6. Featherlight Wispy Bangs
Style Overview
Wispy bangs are soft and thin. Cut lightly for a feathered effect. Easy to manage and style. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Great for square or heart faces. Good for straight to wavy hair. Ideal for bang beginners. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Hard to shape on thick hair. Not great with lots of volume. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
7. Edgy Choppy Bangs
Style Overview
Choppy bangs are textured. Ends are cut uneven for movement. Less sharp than blunt bangs. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Suit layered haircuts. Work well on oblong faces. Great for bold, trendy looks. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Avoid if you want neat lines. Might clash with formal styles. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
8. Soft-Layered Bangs
Style Overview
These bangs have visible layers. They blend into the hair. Add volume and shape. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Flat hair benefits most. Add life to long, heavy locks. Good for subtle fringe effect. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Not ideal for fine hair. Wispy bangs work better there. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
9. Tiny Baby Bangs
Style Overview
Baby bangs sit above eyebrows. They’re cut short and bold. Can be wispy or thick. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Fit oval or round faces. Pair well with pixie cuts. Add drama and style. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Thick hair may need thinning. Not ideal for heart shapes. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
10. Mini Micro Bangs
Style Overview
Micro bangs sit even higher. They reach just below the hairline. Very fashion-forward. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Oval faces suit this best. Great on straight hair. Fit edgy styles. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Thick or curly hair struggles. Shape is hard to hold. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
11. Light Feathered Bangs
Style Overview
Feathered bangs are flipped. They’re long and soft. Ends fan out gently. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Best for square or heart faces. Blend easily into long styles. Add movement to flat hair. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Curls don’t hold the flip. May look unshaped in tight coils. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
12. Messy Shaggy Bangs
Style Overview
Shaggy bangs are layered and soft. They fade into your haircut. Have a lived-in, undone vibe. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Perfect with medium shags. Work on all hair types. Good for casual, textured styles. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Avoid if you dislike hair in eyes. Not great for sharp, polished looks. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
13. Retro Bottleneck Bangs
Style Overview
Bottleneck bangs fall forward. Think Bardot-style, long and wispy. Less curved than curtains. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Ideal for long or wavy hair. Flatter oval faces. Great for switching from curtain bangs. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Short hair may not suit. Avoid if you hate styling. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
14. Braided Bang Styles
Style Overview
Braided bangs are part of braid styles. Can be center or side parted. Add flair to protective looks. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Perfect for those with braids. Add detail and face framing. Easy to style. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Not for unbraided hair. Won’t hold or shape correctly. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
15. Fringe-Inspired Bangs
Style Overview
Fringe bangs are longer. They sit near the eyes. Blend well with longer hair. They offer a distinct personality to your hairstyle and frame the face gently. They are designed to complement natural hair flow while remaining versatile for both casual and styled looks. Often easy to maintain, these bangs can suit various textures depending on their cut.
Best Fit For
Great for first-time bang wearers. Easy to grow out. Best with straight or wavy hair. They’re great for people looking to update their look without going for a full haircut. Most types pair well with classic and modern styles alike. If you enjoy styling flexibility, these bangs are a good option.
Not Ideal If
Can cause breakouts on oily skin. Curly hair may not blend easily. Maintenance may be tricky if you’re not into styling tools. In some cases, face shapes or hair textures can clash with the desired bang style. Make sure to consult with a stylist to see what suits your routine best.
