Right Style of Bangs

"Which style of bangs is right for me?"

Good question, as one bang does not fit all. You may covet the look of a forehead-framing shag, knowing full well that it would look horribly bad on you. That said, don’t rule out bangs altogether; they’re a great way to refresh and tweak your look. And chances are, there is a great bang style for you.

The trick is to use your face shape as the guide. 

If You Have a Round Face

Try longer bangs that sweep or fall past your eyebrows -- Jennifer Hudson is a good inspiration. To best highlight and draw attention to your cheekbones, and avoid making your face look wider, have your stylist cut and style the bangs off center. This allows them to be pushed to one side of your face, rather than covering your entire forehead.

If You Have an Oval Face

For those with a face shape similar to Jessica Alba, opt for blunt bangs that span from temple to temple and hit above the brow bone. This style works well for you, since your shape is neither too wide nor too narrow and you can get away with a more severe, dramatic look. Bonus: If your hair is fine, bangs will automatically add fullness and volume to your look.

If You Have a Square Face

Choose a wispier, longer fringe to soften your angular jawline -- think Reese Witherspoon or Courteney Cox-Arquette. The bangs should reach just past your eyes. This length is versatile, and you can brush the bangs to the side to keep them off of your face, if you prefer. 

If You Have a Heart-shaped Face

If your face mimics Jennifer Lopez’s or Jennifer Love Hewitt’s contours, stick with a style that shows off those killer cheekbones, like a chunky, thick bang. The best length depends on your hair texture. For example, if you have curly hair, keep the length longer to avoid too-tight kinks. But if your hair is thick and straight or wavy, keep the bangs shorter so they’re less likely to just blend in with the rest of your tresses.

Ken Paves is a beauty industry authority with more than 15 years of experience in the Hollywood hair scene. His celebrity client roster includes: Jessica Simpson, Eva Longoria Parker, Fergie, Jessica Alba, Celine Dion and more. Paves owns four salons across the country.

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