Whether you’ve already gone for a short style or had your eye on getting the chop, bangs can be the cherry on top, framing the face to accentuate your favourite facial features or balance out the ones you’re not so fond of.
“The perfect bob requires thoughtful consideration, particularly when it comes to understanding your face shape, the front framing, and your natural hair growth patterns,” adds hairstylist and hair care expert Chloë Swift. “It’s not one-size-fits-all hair cut.”
How do I know which bangs will suit me?
So, where to start? First up, figure out what bob you’d like that will accentuate your face. “Before settling on a bob, identify your face shape – whether it’s oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or something in between. Each shape complements different bob styles,” advises Jordanna.
If you’ve got an oval-shaped face, most bob styles will complement – lucky you! Square shapes can be softened with textured or layered bobs, while round faces benefit from lobs that elongate the face shape or angled cuts to provide more structure. Heart-shaped faces can use volume around the jawline to balance out a wider forehead.
But that’s only half the style, the next step is figuring out which bangs will frame your face the best. “The detailing at the front plays a critical role in how your bob frames your face,” says Jordanna. Important details to consider include your natural hair texture and how it will work with the bob and the fringe. “For example, a cow’s lick or a strong parting can affect how bangs sit, especially micro bangs.”
Some of the classic bangs to consider include:
Micro bangs
“Bold and edgy, perfect for oval or longer face shapes to shorten the forehead while adding personality.”
Swooping 70s fringe
“A nostalgic choice that introduces movement and pairs well with square or heart-shaped faces by balancing wider foreheads.”
Curtain bangs
“Soft and parted, ideal for those wanting to maintain versatility while gently framing the face.”
Blunt bangs
“A blunt, clean cut that emphasises a strong jawline or sharp features. Ideal for those seeking a minimalist, statement look.”
Minimal face framing
“Subtle layers around the front to add softness without drastically altering length or structure.”
How should I style my bangs?
How you style your bangs comes down to personal preference and the style of bob slash bangs you’ve gone for. If you’ve picked a more lived-in, casual bob embracing the natural texture can help achieve this.
Jordanna advises a scrunch dry method with Sebastian Professional Twisted Curl Magnifier Cream followed by a texture spray like Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texture Spray. “Use it underneath your hair and finish with a cool shot from your blow dryer for added grit and width,” she says.
For a soft textured bob with bangs, Chloë suggests letting your hair dry before working in Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion. “Let the layers do the work,” she says. “It’s low effort, high impact, the less polished, the better.”
