Buzz
Changing your hairstyle can be exciting, especially when opting for bangs, which can give you a completely fresh look in no time. However, many hesitate to try bangs due to the extra time and effort required for styling. Some are also unsure if the style will suit them. If you're ready to give bangs a try, consider factors like your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle before making the cut. Follow the tips, and you'll find the results are definitely worth it!
Steps
Face Analysis
Measure the length and width of your face. This step will help you determine the shape of your face and get an overall sense of your appearance. Use a mirror and a tape measure to do the measurements.
- If your face has roughly equal length and width, you might have a round, square, or heart-shaped face.
- If your face is longer than wide, you could have an oval, square, or heart-shaped face. The oval face shape is considered ideal for almost any hairstyle.
Examine your jawline. The jawline is the contour that extends from the earlobe down to the chin. Take a close look at the shape of your jawline and pay attention to its circumference.
- A pointed jawline indicates a V-shaped face.
- A round jawline suggests a round face. The angles of the face are also rounded.
- A square jawline gives a more angular appearance, creating distinct sharp lines at the lower part of the face.
Observe your forehead and hairline. Determine whether your forehead is wide or narrow. You can compare it to other areas of your face. If your forehead is more prominent or wider than the other features, you may have a broad forehead. Conversely, a hairline that starts lower on your forehead can make it appear narrower compared to other areas of the face.
Use previous observations to determine your face shape. The length of your face, jawline shape, and forehead all contribute to identifying whether your face is round, oval, square, or heart-shaped. Not all faces are perfectly square or oval. Use your judgment to match your features with the most accurate face shape.
- A round face has a rounded jawline, and the forehead may be either wide or narrow. The length and width of the face are almost equal.
- A heart-shaped face has a pointed hairline, a wide forehead, and a V-shaped jawline.
- An oval face is longer and round, with the face length greater than the width, and a rounded jawline.
- An oblong face is longer than an oval face but not as wide.
- A square face has equal width from top to bottom. The forehead is often wide, and the jawline is square.
- A diamond-shaped face has the widest part at the cheekbones. The jawline is V-shaped, and the forehead is narrow.
- A pear-shaped face has a jawline wider than the hairline.
Choose a bang style that suits your face shape. The ideal hairstyle should enhance your eyes and give your face an oval, sculpted appearance. Since the hairstyle defines your face, the bangs should complement your overall look. You can ask for any style of bangs you like, but it’s best to choose one that fits your face shape.
- A round face suits short, thick choppy bangs that create angles for the face. These bangs can cover the forehead or be swept to the side. Hairstylists typically advise against straight-across bangs that fully cover the forehead for round faces.
- A heart-shaped face can wear many styles of bangs. Side-swept or straight-across bangs work well as long as they are styled neatly. This face shape can also try curtain bangs (a middle part with curls on both sides) that reach the jawline.
- An oval face is the easiest face shape for bangs. Hairstylists agree that this face shape suits most styles. Choose bangs that are about eyebrow-length or slightly longer on the sides. You can wear them straight or sweep them to the side.
- A square face needs bangs that soften the sharp angles of the face. Consider short, side-swept bangs or a full fringe with a middle part. Avoid straight-across bangs that create a harsh horizontal line across the forehead. Remember, styling is key.
- A diamond-shaped face should go for side-swept bangs. You can opt for various styles, such as short and thick bangs or longer bangs that fall to the sides of the face. Avoid bangs that cut straight across the forehead.
Gina Almona
Hair styling expert
Hair styling expert
Experts agree that: Your face shape plays a crucial role in choosing the right bangs. For example, if you have an oval face, you can pull off almost any bang style.
Don't forget about your hair's condition! Consider whether your natural hair texture will support the type of bangs you want. Your hair might be too straight or too curly to create the exact look you’re aiming for.
- If you have fine hair, try side-swept or wispy bangs. Remember that cutting bangs means you lose some of the hair you already have. If your hair is fine and prone to oiliness, having bangs that cover your forehead might be troublesome. Choose a bang style if you’re willing to deal with the challenges that come with it.
- If you have curly hair, find a hairstylist who knows how to work with curls. Have them cut your hair when it’s dry so you can see the true length once the curl factor is accounted for.
- Invest in quality hair products and a good blow dryer to tackle any flyaways at the front of your forehead. Many bang styles can hide this, but the key is to dry your hair properly after washing to reduce the annoying frizz at your hairline.
Check out different bang styles
Use your own hair to experiment with bangs. This may not be completely accurate, but it's a great way to predict how your look will change.
- Tie your hair up in a high ponytail or a lower one, and pull the hair forward over your forehead. Adjust the length and part to see if it looks right.
- Pin the front sections of your hair to the sides. Part your hair down the middle and pin the sections to create a curtain-bang effect. Alternatively, you can pull the hair across your face and pin the ends to try out side-swept bangs.
Use a wig. A better option is to visit a beauty supply store and try on wigs. This method is more accurate than using your own hair and allows you to get a better feel for the new hairstyle you’re considering.
Try using a website. Explore virtual hairstyle websites. You can upload your own photo and experiment with different fringe styles to see how they look on you.
Ask for friends' opinions. Get feedback from your friends about your decision to cut your hair. They might offer helpful advice and suggestions. If you know a stylist, contact them directly for professional guidance during your decision-making process.
Caring for bangs
Decide on the look you desire. Bangs can make you look younger or older depending on your face shape. Think about your current appearance and how bangs might alter it.
I recommend getting bangs if you have a long face as they can make it appear shorter. Bangs can change the shape of your face, enhance your features, or even completely transform your style and look.
Consider the time you can dedicate to hair care. Bangs require regular maintenance. If you plan to straighten your curly bangs every day, consider whether that fits your schedule.
Think about whether you’re willing to get regular haircuts. Your bangs will grow out quickly. This is especially noticeable if you have straight hair or a short choppy cut. You can trim them at home, but the results might not be ideal. Decide if you’re willing to budget for haircuts.
Look for alternatives to bangs. If you’re not happy with your bangs, there are still other options. You can patiently wait for your hair to grow back. Keep in mind how fast our hair grows and whether you’re ready to let it grow back naturally.
- There are many ways to hide your bangs if you want a style change, whether they are short or long. Try pinning them back or using extra hair to create a voluminous front bun. You can tie your bangs with the rest of your hair into a ponytail, bun, or braid.
Advice
- Bangs, which cover the forehead—the oiliest part of the face—need to be washed more often than the rest of your hair.
- The oil from your bangs can also cause breakouts on your forehead.
- Since bangs are prone to getting greasy, consider this and be prepared for it when deciding to cut bangs.
