As a young child, my foray into bangs left me crying more than once. The look was either too short, too curly or just plain horrible. In today’s society celebrities all have bangs, but that simple word strikes a fear deep down in the heart of the general public.

Below are a few key tips from top stylists to achieve the perfect ‘bang for your buck’ at your next hair appointment.

The first decision when attempting bangs is to understand that your hair type will dictate what type of bang will work for you. Unfortunately, curly hair has the least amount of options for bangs. Alan Gold Creative Director at Haig & Co. Salon states that curly hair works, “well with bangs blending into the sides” that are, “still able to be pulled back into a ponytail.” As someone with curly hair, this advice is very sound; I have tried all types of bangs and found that any length shorter than my chin required strategically placed bobby pins or a constant blowout. On the other hand, straight hair — or hair with a slight bounce — can rock all styles of bangs.

Rodney Cutler

After deciding if bangs work for your hair type, it is important to understand that bangs can visually alter the shape of your face. In general oval, round and sometimes heart shaped faces (like Reese Witherspoon) look the best with bangs, but square shaped faces should avoid them, according to Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler Salons and Redken Brand Ambassador. He does suggest that if people with square shaped faces (like Keira Knightley, pictured above) attempt bangs they should be “soft and side swept, not blunt.”

Ted Gibson

Similarly, Ted Gibson says that all face shapes can wear bangs. The style depends, “on the width or narrowness of the bang which can either slim or widen the face.” Hairstyles featuring bangs require continuous maintenance. If this is a struggle there are a few styles that grow out better than most. A soft, side swept bang will grow out and transform with your hair, but any blunt cut look (like Rihanna‘s) will need almost monthly maintenance.

Ron Williams

Cutler suggests getting bangs trimmed every 3-4 weeks between regular haircuts to maintain the look. Celebrity stylist and national educator for PhytoSpecific Ron Williams also has a few suggestions. He says, “most salons offer complimentary bang clean-up between cuts. So ask.” He also advises to “always have bangs trimmed after a hair straightening service,” as the trim will be more precise.

To ensure the look will suit your hair type and face shape always consult with a stylist, but don’t be scared to try new things. Ron Williams says, “hairstyling and cutting is so advanced and so is a woman’s self-esteem. Bangs can be soft, edgy, narrow, full, etc. So enjoy!”

Bangs are a great look and with the right stylist, knowledge and confidence anyone can truly pull them off. Just one universal tip from all the celebrity stylists…never trim your bangs at home!

– Yiannoula Choros

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