What Type Of Bangs Should You Get?

1 August 2023 | Hairstyles

Two questions we hear regularly here at Tierney Salons are “Should I get bangs?” and “What type of bangs should I get?” Now far be it for us to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do with your hair, but we’re going to assume that as you’ve clicked on this blog post, you’re looking for a little friendly advice.

Now the first thing you might think of when you think of bangs is a blunt fringe cut straight across the forehead. And while we will always love a 1920s Louise Brooks-inspired bob, there are so many different types of bangs out there to choose from. 

The good news is that bangs suit virtually everyone. Where you do need to tread slightly carefully is to make sure that you choose the type of bangs that suit your face shape. 

But first of all, let’s quickly address the elephant in the room: what’s the difference between bangs and a fringe? The honest answer is, there isn’t one. They’re transatlantic hair besties: bangs are the North American word for what most of us here in the UK call a fringe. 

 

What Type of Bangs Should I Get for My Face Shape?

But do different types of bangs really make that much difference to your end result? Well, yes. Because bangs have the power to completely change the way you look and, when executed well by a great stylist, they can even transform the shape of your face.

And that’s why knowing what type of bangs you should get before you hit the salon – or at least having some idea – is always helpful.

So here’s your handy guide to knowing which bangs and which face shapes are a match made in hair heaven.

Bangs for Square Face Shapes

Square, or oblong, shaped faces are typified by a square jawline, wider cheeks and angular features.  Try some of these types of bangs if you want to soften your look:

  • Longer-length, layered bangs which fall around the sides of the face are great at helping to soften a square jawline.
  • Birkin bangs, named for the ultra-chic late actress and singer Jane Birkin, are a feathered take on the classic fringe. See also French girl bangs for a similar take on the look.
  • 1970s-inspired curtain bangs are big on volume and frame the face nicely. Google 70’s icon Farrah Fawcett for some big hair inspo.

Bangs for Round Face Shapes

Round face shapes are softer around the edges than their square cousins and typically have wider cheeks. Some different types of bangs that will work well with round faces are:

  • Side swept bangs work well with many face shapes but they’re particularly flattering on round faces as the angular fringe creates the illusion of a more oval, slightly longer face.
  • Micro bangs are cut straight across and while blunt fringes are usually best avoided by those with round faces, the micro works as it leaves a face-elongating gap between the brow and bangs.
  • Bottleneck bangs are an on-trend blend of full and grown-out bangs. The style gets its name from the fact that the shorter, fuller fringe sits at the centre with the wispier grown-out sections falling at the sides.

Bangs for Long and Oval Face Shapes

Although not exactly one and the same, we’ve put these two together as a long face is really just an elongated oval face, with both having rounded jaws and chins. Try these types of bangs for longer faces:

  • Grown-out bangs that fall on or just below the browline work perfectly with longer face shapes as they disguise a typically higher forehead. They’re low maintenance too! 
  • Similarly, grown-out curtain bangs that sit around the jawline will frame the face while also distracting the eye from travelling downwards.
  • Side-swept bangs also work for long faces as they distract the eye from the length of the jaw while also creating the illusion of a slightly softer, rounder face.

Bangs for Heart-Shaped Faces

Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and cheekbones which taper to a narrower lower face and jawline. Wondering what type of bangs you should get for a heart-shaped face? Here are some ideas:

  • Crescent-shaped bangs work well with heart-shaped faces as they are longer at the outer edges and slightly shorter in the middle, which helps balance out the thinner jawline.
  • Long, wispy bangs are also a good option as they help to minimise the wide forehead by creating body and interest at the sides of the face.
  • Baby bangs, also known as micro bangs, are very short but can be adapted to a heart-shaped face by leaving a little more feathery length in the fringe which in turn accentuates the eyes. 

Different Types of Bangs for Different Hair  

Any hairdresser worth their salt will tell you if the type of bangs you want won’t give you the results you were hoping for, whether that’s due to the shape of your face or your hair type. 

For example, some types of bangs will work amazingly with curly, coily or Afro hair while others suit poker straight locks best.

Therefore we really do recommend that you at least keep an open mind to different types of bangs and try not to get fixated on one particular style.

Having said that, one of the great things about bangs is that they’re versatile and your stylist should be able to suggest ways to make the type of bang you’re dreaming of work best for you.

What Type of Bangs Should I Get at Tierney Salons Hertford?

We’re glad you asked! We love working with different hair types and creating different types of bangs. We’re also proud to be a Davines salon which means that whether your hair is coloured, curly, or even damaged, we have the products that will leave you, your hair and your brand-new bangs feeling fabulous.

Get in touch with us today – the sooner you call us, the sooner you’ll have some bangin’ bangs!