While many of the worst haircut horror stories include some sort of disastrous fringe experiment, the truth is bangs get a bad wrap. With the right cut, the face-framing strands can dramatically improve your overall bone structure and instantly add a youthful vibe. Not sure if a severe crop will suit you? Fear not! Before you take the plunge, check out Beautylish’s guide to the most flattering fringe for your face shape.
OVAL
"The oval shape can rock pretty much any style of bangs," says hairstylist Chris Lopalluto of the Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger salon in New York City. "Create a chic statement by trying full, thick bangs, but make sure the strands hit above lashes and below the brow."
SQUARE
"Opt for long layers that hang below the cheekbones on both sides to soften the boxy shape," says Chris. "Blunt bangs can work, but only if forehead fringe hangs heavy below the eyebrows and is tapered on the sides."
HEART-SHAPED
"If your face is top-heavy, feathered side-swept bangs are the way to go," says Chris. "The longer side layers create a balancing effect by bringing the focus outward at eye level." The shortest piece should hit right at the eyebrow, while the longest piece should hang around the bottom of the ear.
ROUND
"Get full bangs that are a bit longer on the sides," says Chris. The arched fringe will cut the circle shape in half with a soft curved effect. The ends should hang slightly above the brows in the middle of the forehead. With this cut, you can also create a side-swept style.
Nov 25, 2011
Dember L.
I'm not sure of my face shape but I've always been a fan of side swept bangs!
Oct 20, 2011
Sarah C.
No diamond shaped..
Oct 19, 2011
Valerie S.
You guys didn't include diamond-shaped. =/
Oct 18, 2011
Shavonne W.
i just gave myself some bangs and they are too long. i have a round face, so i think i will go shorter so my brows can show. thanks for this article!
Oct 18, 2011
Tanya H.
My face shape is really hard to determine. So, I just go with whatever looks good on me LOL This youtube video helped me narrow it down a little though - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okv5...
Oct 18, 2011
Allison R.
Pull all your hair back, look in the mirror and trace the outline of your face, try not to include your hairline, with lipstick, eyeliner, whatever. Look at the shape that is left. If it's wide at the top and comes down in a point heart shaped, the rest are pretty self explanatory.
Oct 18, 2011
Zoe C.
Great article, thought I'm not really sure what my face shape is :/ how do you know?
Oct 18, 2011
Alicia F.
I have the same face shape as Scarlett Johansson, although every site says a different thing about her face shape! So I have no idea what shape mine is either. Heart? Although my chin isn't as pointy as Reese's.
Oct 18, 2011
Sabrinna S.
how do you determine the shape of your face? I would like to know :) Thanks!
Oct 17, 2011
Tasha C.
i think mine's a mix of heart-shaped & round shape, but either way i go with full swept bangs haha, been doing that since i was 13, i'm 16 now! haha :) too scared to try any other parting or bangs, because i think i won't pull it off haha .. xD