Best Bangs & Hairstyles by Face Shape

The right haircut does one of three things: it balances a wide area, softens a strong one, or shows off a feature you already love. Bangs are the fastest way to change the silhouette of your face—but the wrong fringe can exaggerate the very thing you wanted to fix.

The basics of fringe

A good rule: opposites flatter. Soft, round faces want angles; angular faces want softness; long faces want width up top. Keep the fringe in proportion to your face length, and avoid cutting straight across if your forehead is already the widest part of your face.

Round faces

• Side-swept bangs to break up the width
• Long layers that add height at the crown
• Avoid blunt, jaw-length bobs that emphasize the circle

Square faces

• Wispy, textured fringe to soften the jaw
• Shoulder-length cuts with movement
• Avoid sharp, geometric cuts that repeat the square line

Oval faces

• Almost any bang works—curtain bangs are a safe, elegant pick
• Keep length balanced so the face stays proportioned
• Avoid heavy fringe that shortens the face visually

Heart faces

• Soft, rounded bangs to fill a narrow chin area visually
• Side parts that balance a wide forehead
• Avoid short, spiky fringe that widens the top