Baby Bangs
What They Are’
Also known as micro bangs, this style hits above the brow and can be cut bluntly or textured. Baby bangs work well across a number of hair types because shorter bangs tend to lay flat most of the time. “With longer bangs, there’s more length for them to get unruly,” says Arrunategui.
What to Ask For
“There are variations of baby bangs,” Arrunategui tells us. “For a punk look, you can go shorter which would take the hair higher above the brow. But if you don’t want that much of a statement, ask for bangs that hit at the center of the forehead.”
Curtain Bangs
What They Are
As the name implies, this bang style is like a curtain that frames your face. The center is cut shorter and cascades into longer pieces on the sides. Typically, hair is parted down the center, giving the look a retro ’60s vibe.
Curtain bangs are ideal for anyone growing out their bangs or are too nervous to commit to a full fringe. “They easily grow out into short layers,” comments Arrunategui. “For anyone who wants to ease into bangs, curtain bangs are long enough so that you feel like you have a bang, but the length is long enough to tuck behind your ear or pull up into your ponytail.”
What to Ask For
Curtain bangs shouldn’t be one length. “You want them to blend into your hair so there needs to be a variation between the center and the outer corners,” says Arrunategui.
Choppy Bangs
What They Are
Choppy bangs typically hit right above the brow bone and run straight across the forehead. What sets the style apart from blunt bangs is that the ends have an effortless, piece-y finish. Maisie Williams’s bangs are slightly choppy, lending an intrinsic edge.
What to Ask For
Choppy bangs should be the same length overall but should be cut with various lengths within them to create that piecey texture. Arrunategui says to ask your stylist to point-cut your bangs. This means that they will cut the hair by holding the scissors vertically instead of horizontally across your forehead.
Soft Textured Bangs
What They Are
Think of soft textured bangs like a shorter curtain bang that’s closed in the center. This style is more of a full-on fringe because it’s typically not parted down the center, but you should still be able to see some skin peeking through. If you feel like blunt bangs look heavy, try soft textured bangs, instead.
What to Ask For
“The center should be at the high point or directly on the brow,” explains Arrunategui. “The outer corners of the bangs should hit at the eyelashes.”
Curly Bangs
What They Are
There is more than one way to do a curly bang. Curl patterns look amazing with baby bangs and longer styles like shaggy soft textured bangs. Keep in mind that curls will cause bangs to spring up, appearing shorter than they actually are.
What to Ask For
No matter what variation you decide on, curly bangs should be cut dry. “Come into the salon with your hair styled in the way you normally wear it,” suggests Arrunategui. “This way your stylist can cut your bangs dry and position them into place with your natural curl pattern.”
Blunt Bangs
What They Are
Blunt bangs are cut straight across your forehead and usually hit at the eyebrows or right below them. They’re definitely a head-turning style, as Kerry Washington’s look can attest. However, keep in mind that frequent upkeep (read: trims) is required to keep these bangs looking sharp.
What to Ask For
Bangs with the weight kept into the hair. “Blunt bangs don’t have any texture, layers, or movement cut into the hair,” explains Arrunategui.
Side Bangs
What They Are
This popular early ’00s look consists of a side part with a layered bang that cascades down one side of your face. Contrary to what Gen Z thinks, side bangs can be very flattering for certain face shapes, especially rectangle or diamond.
What to Ask For
A side bang with soft ends to keep hair from looking clumpy. “Your face shape should be used as reference points,” Arrunategui explains. “The brow should be your starting point and the lower eyelid or high cheekbone can be used as reference points for the longer pieces.
Long Feathered Bangs
What They Are
Long, feathered bangs are a modern, subtle take on Farah Fawcett’s classic feathered bangs. You can also think of these bangs as a longer version of curtain bangs. They frame the face but don’t necessarily sit on the forehead.
What to Ask For
A grown-out bang that falls at the lip and jawline. “Use the lip as a starting point and ask for the bang to cascade down to the jaw line,” suggests Arrunategui. “You can blend the bang into the rest of your hair with a few layers or have it stand out on its own.”
Wispy Bangs
What They Are
Wispy bangs typically sit across the forehead and allow skin to peek through, hence their name “wispy.” They’re a bit easier to style than blunt bangs because you can style them back like curtain bangs. They look good on all face shapes.
What to Ask For
Ask your stylist for soft, piecey, wispy bangs with tapered ends that skim the eyelashes. For a trendy take, style your bangs by blowdrying them with a round brush. This will allow them to curve inward—rather than lay flat—for a voluminous finish with a hint of ’90s nostalgia.
