Find the Best Bangs for Your Face Shape

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Jennifer Hudson: Round Face-
WHY THEY WORK The gently arching fringe complements Hudson’s soft, feminine features, says L.A. stylist Andy LeCompte.
WHAT TO ASK FOR Bangs can make a circular face appear even fuller, cautions LeCompte, so the right cut is key. Request a graphic, curved shape, which will flatter your bone structureâ€"and be sure the bangs are thick. Wispy versions won't have the same impact.

Photo by: AP Photo/Matt Sayles
Reese Witherspoon: Heart-Shaped Face-
WHY THEY WORK "A heart-shaped face can be a little top heavy. Sideswept bangs have a balancing effect and draw the attention down and towards the eyes," says LeCompte.
WHAT TO ASK FOR Layered, feathered bangs. The shortest pieces should hit the arch of your eyebrows; the longest should meet the outer corners of your eyes.

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Nicole Richie: Square Face-
WHY THEY WORK Long, eye-grazing bangs that are tapered on the sides add a soft element to square face shapes.
WHAT TO ASK FOR Heavy bangs like this need to hit the right place, otherwise, they can easily overwhelm your face, says Lecompte. Ask your stylist to snip them just below the brows, leaving the heaviest pieces on the sides so they don’t mask your eyes. The center strands can be feathery as a little forehead peeking through is ideal.

Photo by: Michael Tran/FilmMagic.com
Lea Michele: Oval Face-
WHY THEY WORK Nearly any fringe works with an oval-shaped face, but these airy, pin-straight ones accentuate the prettiest parts of the face without feeling bulky.
WHAT TO ASK FOR "Ask for bangs that hit between the brow and the eyelash and are longer on the edges," says stylist Mark Townsend, who cut these for Michele. "That way, you can wear them swept aside or straight with a middle part."

Photo by: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Taraji P. Henson: Small Forehead-
WHY THEY WORK This sloping, asymmetrical fringe makes a short forehead seem stronger and more pronounced, says Lecompte.
WHAT TO ASK FOR To elongate a small brow, ask your stylist to cut your bangs on a steep, sideswept angle that blends into cheekbone-skimming layers. "These bangs also require a deep side part, which is flattering for many face shapes," he adds.

Photo by: ANG/Fame Pictures
Claudia Schiffer: High Forehead-
WHY THEY WORK Swingy bangs like these have a two-fold effect: The thickness works to conceal the forehead while the gradual angle opens and widens the face.
WHAT TO ASK FOR "Heavy sideswept bangs that start in the center of the forehead and taper diagonally to a cheek-grazing length," advises LeCompte. Be advised: These bangs start behind your natural hairline, but that's okay. Because they're so substantial, you'll need the extra heft.