The Best Bangs for Every Face Shape, According to Hairstylists

Hairstyles come and go, but bangs have staying power. Over the past year, we’ve seen everything from wispy, barely-there fringe to bold, blunt cuts, with classic references like Jane Birkin’s straight fringe and Brigitte Bardot’s billowy curtain bangs resurfacing along the way. With so much inspiration, it’s no surprise you might be considering the chop. Just keep in mind: bangs are a commitment, so choosing a style that complements your face shape matters.

“Bangs have a way of making a style feel very youthful, and they’re going to continue to be popular,” says celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. To help narrow it down, we spoke with seven hairstylists to share the most flattering bang styles for square, oval, long and heart-shaped faces. Keep scrolling for inspiration tailored to your face shape—but first, a few details to consider before your appointment.

What to Consider Before Getting Bangs

Your Face Shape and Proportions

When it comes to choosing bangs, proportion matters. Creative director, master stylist and colorist Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa says forehead width is one of the biggest factors in determining which bang styles will be most flattering. “Bangs can hide a lot of width,” he explains. “And they help shorten up where there’s too much length between a hairline and start to the brow.”

Celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano agrees that balance is key. “I like to look at two things: the length of face and the jawline definition,” she adds. “People with a super-defined jaw can play more with the different types of bangs as opposed to the ones with rounder faces that tend to look better with curtain bangs that are not so short.”

Bang Styles That Work With Your Face Shape

Once those proportions are clear, specific bang styles can help emphasize—or soften—certain features. “Soft, wispy or curtain bangs soften a square jawline,” explains celebrity hairstylist Gabriel Samra. “For heart-shaped faces, side-swept or longer layered bangs balance a wide forehead and narrow chin.”

In some cases, the goal isn’t minimizing width, but adding it. “Curtain bangs are great if you have a diamond, heart or long face because of the width it adds,” adds Matrix celebrity hairstylist, Castillo Bataille. “The added dimension helps balance out the stronger features on your face.”

Length plays a role, too. “Long side-swept or curtain bangs can elongate a round face,” Samra explains. “And thick, blunt bangs can shorten a long face.” That’s why pairing the wrong bang style with your face shape can throw off your proportions.

Mismatching a bang style to your proportions can backfire. “Those with short foreheads, where there is little space between the head’s hairline and eyebrows, may find that bangs can make your head look even smaller,” Labrecque says. It’s one of the many reasons professional guidance matters.

Bang Inspo to Screenshot by Face Shape

1 / 5

Soft Cut Bang

Best for: All face shapes

Unlike styles that draw attention to the center of the face, softly formed bangs highlight your most prominent features. This subtle curtain bang is a prime example. According to Maine, it flatters all face shapes and works with nearly every hair density and type. “The great thing about these bangs is that they can be created from a very small section at the hairline, giving the haircut some added style,” he says.

2 / 5

Wispy & Straight

Best for: Rectangular face shapes

Hairstylist and Oli G educator Flower Avila says the wispy finish is what makes this style especially flattering for rectangular face shapes. “Straight-cut bangs can feel weighty, but allowing the forehead to peek through helps soften strong, angular features,” she explains. The piecey texture keeps the look light and airy, while a cropped fringe above the eyebrows helps frame the face.

3 / 5

Sweeping Curtain Bangs

Best for: Square-shaped faces

Square-shaped faces can wear a range of fringe styles, but long curtain bangs are among the most flattering. Because square faces often have a shorter forehead, very short bangs can draw too much attention upward. To keep the face balanced, Avila recommends longer curtain bangs. “Keeping them longer allows more of the bang to fall over the forehead and brings harmony to the face,” she says.

4 / 5

Micro Bangs

Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces

Oval and heart-shaped faces are a natural fit for bangs. “They can wear almost any style with no problem,” says Avila. For a more statement-making option, she recommends micro bangs, a shorter fringe that sits high on the forehead and puts the focus on the eyes.

5 / 5

Blunt Bangs

Best for: Long faces

“Longer faces pair well with a blunt style because they shorten the face and add width,” says celebrity stylist Stephanie Angelone. Another perk of blunt bangs is how low-maintenance they are. No need for a blow dryer or brush; a good flat iron with rounded edges will do the trick.