The Best Type of Bangs for Your Face Shape, According to Hair Pros

Depending on who you ask, bangs are either an amazing idea or a terrible idea. The problem is, when you say "bangs," a lot of people's minds go right to thick, cut-straight-across fringe with no definition or shape. In reality, there are so many different haircuts with bangs out there to flatter every type of hair length and texture. "Bangs can be a chic and stylish way to compliment your face shape and have a similar effect to contour in makeup when it comes to hair styling," according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Anthony Montoya. "They are generally worn at four different points on the face: above the brows, at eye level, at cheekbone level and at the jawline."

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.
• Oblong face shapes are a perfect match for blunt-cut bangs.
• Round faces can get added dimension from side-swept or curtain bangs.
• Oval-shaped faces can pull off just about any type of bang.

Here are some of the best types of bangs to show your hairstylist as inspiration in 2023: