To Bang or Not to Bang: That is the question

In the world of hairstyling, the age-old debate continues: To Bang or Not to Bang? We’ve probably all stood in front of a mirror trying to mimic bangs and questioning whether we like the transformation they promise. Bangs are one of those quick changes that hold the power to instantly transform you into a new persona and the decision to get them has become synonymous with major life changes. Who hasn’t sent a ‘Should I get bangs’ text to their best friend, sibling, or parent at some point? Maybe a post-break-up cliche, but the allure of this haircut extends beyond the obvious, bangs can serve as a potent tool for reinvention. For those seeking a big change without doing too much, bangs can transform your face and frame your best features, like eyes and cheekbones.

Celebrity hairstylist, John Reyman, says “If you style it and own it, you can wear any type of bangs no matter what face shape you have”. Mark Townsend, Dakota Johnson’s hair stylist, agrees “People are afraid of the commitment of bangs but when they’re done right, they’re flattering on everyone. It’s a style that every face shape and every hair texture can have.”

Knowing how to style bangs is almost as important as the cut itself and whilst there is a common conception that bangs can become a burden, it doesn’t have to be like that! With the right guidance, you can enjoy your bangs hassle-free.

If you’re seeking inspiration for your next cut, here's a guide to choosing the perfect bangs and styling your new hair once you’re back from the salon. A fundamental starting point is discerning your face shape, as this plays a pivotal role in determining which bangs style will best complement your unique features. There are 5 main face shapes:

Square: If your face is as long as wide and you have a wide jawline. Celebrities with a square-shaped face include Penelope Cruz, Olivia Wilde, Diana Ross

Heart: If your jawline is narrow and your forehead is about as broad as your cheekbones. Celebrities with a heart-shaped face include Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio.

Oblong: If your face is longer than wide and your jaw is about as wide as your forehead you're a perfect match for blunt-cut bangs. Celebrities with an oblong-shaped face include Alexa Chung, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sandra Oh.

Round: If your face is as long as wide, and your forehead and jawline are narrower than your cheekbones. Celebrities with a round-shaped face include Selena Gomez, Chrissy Teigen, Drew Barrymore.

Oval: If your face is longer than wide and your forehead is wider than your jaw, you can pull off just about any type of bang. Celebrities with an oval-shaped face include Rihanna, Beyonce, Blake Lively.

Best for Square Face Shapes: Long, Layered Bangs

These kind of bangs are a great way to contour a square face. They open up the forehead, creating some extra height, and by hitting the cheekbones they highlight them and shift attention away from the square jawline

Best for Square Face Shapes: Fluffy, Natural Bangs

Let your curls hang, and allow the hair’s natural curls to softly frame the square-shaped face, thus softening the gaze and bringing attention to your eyes.

Best for Heart Face Shapes: Crescent Bangs

Crescent bangs are characterized by a longer side and shorter middle thus creating a subtle yet visible face-framing effect. Much like the oval face, heart-shaped individuals tend to have sharper cheekbones, with crescent bangs the focus is moved away from the forehead and chin by falling onto the cheekbones

Best for Heart Face Shapes: Subtle Curly Bang

Because heart-shaped faces are more angular they can also benefit from a subtle curly bang. Sharper faces do not do more sculpting and could actually benefit from a hairstyle that softens the face as seen on Yara Shahidi. The subtle bangs allow for a softer and more open look.

Best for Round Face Shapes: Curtain Bangs

As best displayed by much loved Matilda Djerf curtain bangs frame round faces into a slimmer and elongated shape. At just the right length, they can create the perfect illusion of sharper cheekbones. Whilst, they may require more maintenance, once you get the hang of it you’ll never want to go back!

Best for Round Face Shapes: Blunt Bangs

A blunt bang will quickly add some angular dimension and sculpting to a rounder face. They help create a balanced look to the face by introducing sharpness to the forehead by drawing attention to the shape of the eyebrow and eyes. Try a sharp-line bang for the most sculpted effect!

Best for Oval Face Shapes: Longer, Wispy Bangs

A longer wispier fringe flatters a longer forehead by allowing the forehead to peek through without completely putting it on display. Layers add dimension to a longer-shaped face, evening out the distances between facial features.

Best for Oval Face Shapes: Micro Bangs

For a more angular elongated face, baby bangs are the best at enhancing the shape’s natural beauty. Baby bangs frame the forehead, allowing for the cheekbones and chin to be on display creating an ever sharper and more sculpted illusion. Micro bangs can seem daunting because they are so short but they give the ultimate snatched look as seen by Miss Kravitz.

So, whether you're looking to soften your features, add dimension, or simply make a new style statement, there's a perfect bang style for you. Embrace the change, and remember, with the right styling, bangs can be your most flattering and transformative accessory.

Featured image courtesy of Getty Images