I Tell Everyone They Should Get These Bangs (2024)

"That sounds like a question for your therapist," my boyfriend replied offhandedly, after I asked him, yet again, whether I should get bangs. It's something I've asked him hundreds of times and a thought that rolls around my head when I'm trying to fall asleep at night. To me, the most defining characteristic of womanhood is sitting in front of the mirror, wondering if the right type of bangs will change your life.

Now, I wouldn't go as far to say that bangs can be life-changing, but I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from them. If you prefer yourself bangless, please, continue on. But if you've ever wondered, Can I pull off bangs?—the answer is a resounding yes.

It's important to note here, though, that not all bangs are created equal. After lusting over straight-across bangs since middle school (thanks to 500 Days of Summer and Alexa Chung, obviously), and accepting they will never work with my round face, I finally got curtain bangs three years ago, and I haven't looked back since.

Bella Cacciatore

Curtain bangs, for the uninitiated, are those shaggy, effortless bangs that—as the name suggests—frame your face perfectly, much like a curtain does with a window. The look has roots in the ’60s and ’70s (think Jane Birkin), but today's take on it works with a range of styles and textures: messy waves, curly shags, sleek blowouts, high ponytails, you name it.

"Curtain bangs are the gateway to bangs, because they're super versatile," says Emily Heser, stylist at Cutler Salon in New York City. "They're long enough to grow out or pin back if you want, but they can also be cut into a shorter look." The style has steadily become both a celebrity and Insta-girl fave for its easy-going vibe.

I Tell Everyone They Should Get These Bangs (2024)

FAQs

Does everyone look better with bangs? ›

We're here to tell you that, in fact, bangs can look good on everyone, but if you want to make sure your fringe doesn't turn out to be a disaster, you want to keep your face shape in mind: Square or heart-shaped faces look best with wispier, feathered fringe to add softness.

How do you tell if you should get bangs? ›

"Wispy bangs are ideal for a heart-shaped face and thicker-styled bangs are perfect for a round shaped face," Carter explains. "If you have an elongated face, heavy, straight bangs, are usually the status quo and if you have an oval-shaped face, you can pretty much get away with anything!"

Do bangs age you? ›

The idea that bangs make you look like a child or too old is a common hair myth. The reality is that there are so many ways to style bangs. Each and every one of these styles brings a youthful energy to your look in a different way. Bangs can be chic, sweet, sultry — it's all in how you style them.

Why do I look prettier with bangs? ›

Since your hair frames your face, bangs will add an extra dimension to how you look. You can ask for any type of bangs, but it is best to choose a style that will flatter your natural features. Round faces do best with thick and choppy bangs that create hard angles on the face.

What face shape do bangs not look good on? ›

If You Have a Round Face: Round faces are identifiable by full, wide cheeks. For these face shapes, straight bangs are a big no-no, as they accentuate your face's fullness.

Why do some people not look good with bangs? ›

Consider your hair texture

"If your hair is fine or thin, a heavy fringe may not work because there isn't enough weight for the hair to lay in place. Thick hair may have trouble with a baby bangs because it would need to be thinned out a lot to lay flat.

Do bangs change your face shape? ›

Though they can satisfy that itch for a change, the best bangs can also totally transform your face shape and play up your best facial features. Soft, wispy bangs, for example, help contrast sharper jawlines, while dramatic side bangs can add more visual dimension to rounder faces.

Are bangs in style in 2024? ›

Curtain bangs continue their trend cycle domination; we named them as one of the biggest hair trends for 2024, and Carpenter's fringe is the perfect example, especially when paired with her enviable blowout. (Seriously, just search "Sabrina Carpenter bangs" on TikTok, and you'll see exactly what we mean.

Who can pull off bangs? ›

Just about anyone can look good with bangs. But your face shape is key to picking the right style. Per educator Tyson Daniel, “The difference between bangs that are too short and just right could literally be the space between the bottom part of your brow and the top part of your eyelashes.”

Are bangs in style over 50? ›

The answer to the question is a resounding yes! Bangs are fun and youthful, sure, but they're also sophisticated and look good on everyone, whether your hair is curly, straight, short, long, or in between. The important thing is to find a style of bangs that works for you and your lifestyle.

What looks better bangs or no bangs? ›

Consider your face shape. Be aware of how the bang style can flatter your face shape. For example, long-swept side bangs look amazing on round face shapes, as they help to make an illusion of a less round face. For square face shapes, avoid blunt heavy bangs - they will only make your face look more square.

Do bangs make you look skinnier? ›

It's a misconception that a straight bang will make you look slimmer; if you have a round face, this is actually one of the worst cuts for you. Instead, cut a long, side sweep bang gently around your face and cheekbones.

How to waterfall bangs? ›

For styling waterfall bangs, Spino recommends using a round brush or rollers to add volume. For those on the go or low on styling tools, simply blow out the bangs in a downward direction (and away from the face) to give them that extra zhuzh and flow.

Do chubby faces look better with bangs? ›

"A rounded face works well with a sharp-line bang that's straight across at the sides to sculpt the face," celebrity hairstylist Rebekah Forecast at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon previously told Byrdie.

Do you look younger with or without bangs? ›

Do bangs make you look younger? Bangs can add personality and youth to a person's appearance, but not all bangs have the same effect. Blunt bangs can draw attention to the middle of someone's face, which may or may not reveal their age.

Do bangs make you look more feminine? ›

Bangs are extremely popular, and for good reason; they work for almost every face type. They can dramatically feminize any look and give a more youthful appearance.

Do bangs make your head look bigger or smaller? ›

If you have a small forehead, side-swept bangs can make it look a bit bigger and more proportionate. If you have an elongated forehead, parted, wispy bangs can disguise a bit of the length while softening the shape.

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