Blunt Bangs
Regardless of your hair texture, you can’t go wrong with a classic, straight-across bangs look. I’m really obsessed with Nina Dobrev‘s ultra-thick bangs above, but I have pulled off a full bang with my fine hair many times, and all it takes is some thickening mousse and a good round brush to help add some volume. If you decide to try full bangs, have your stylist trim your bangs just above your eyebrows and be prepared to go back for a quick trim every few weeks.
Side Bang
Side-swept bangs are basically gateway bangs. Before going all out with a bold, blunt-cut bang (especially if it’s your first time), first test the type with this long, layered version that’s super easy to grow out if you hate it.
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Parted Bangs
These thick bangs look especially chic when slightly parted in the middle. Just like its name implies, this type of bangs is cut in the shape of an arch, with the shortest lengths skimming your eyebrows, and the longest layers curving around the edges of your jaw. The result? A beautifully flattering frame of your face that pairs especially well with a bob haircut too (simply the biggest haircut of 2025, nbd).
Curtain Bangs
Hairstylists have told me that everyone has been asking for curtain bangs lately—and I’m calling it the Sabrina Carpenter effect. It makes sense, though (beyond how fab her hair looks above), that the curtain bangs trend is so popular right now—the style is fairly low maintenance, easy to grow out, and requires v minimal upkeep (aka there’s no need to hit up your hairstylist for frequent trims). Go for longer layers and part ’em right down the middle to recreate this look.
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Wispy Bangs
If you have fine hair and want some extra oomph, try getting very light, wispy bangs to give the illusion of height and volume in the rest of your hair. Take note from Pink Pantheress, who is constantly changing up how she wears her bangs (full and frontal, parted down the middle, curtain-like and fluffy)—and it’s all thanks to this haircut.
Shaggy Bangs
If you’ve got a shag haircut, you may as well add some shaggy bangs to match. Adding lots of layers to both your bangs and the rest of your hair allows you to get in on the choppy trend. Plus, because these bangs are already a little long, they’re less committal—feel free to pull ’em back, move ’em to the side, do what ya gotta do.
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Bottleneck Bangs
If you’re really leaning into ’70s-inspired retro hair trends, this voluminous, blown-out type of bangs is for you. To keep it elevated and modern, choose a light-hold hairspray to give your hair a little more movement versus crunchy mega-hold.
Micro Bangs
This tiny-bangs type stops an inch short of your eyebrows, giving you a look that’s both retro and modern, all at the same time. Make yours look grunge, though, with a dollop of hair gel to slick it down and add a wet look.
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Subtle Bangs
If you want to frame your face without the full bang treatment, go for soft, blended curtain bangs with more volume on the sides than in the middle. This way you can easily push them away when you aren’t feeling the feathered vibe. In some lights, these can even just be considered face-framing layers—but we’re not playing bang-police here.
Layered Bangs
If getting blunt, straight-across bangs feels a liiiiittle intimidating, opt for something thick and layered. Part your bangs in the middle to channel the singer, or brush ’em to the side—the longer your layers are, the more styling options you’ll have.
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Long Bangs
Like, fine, eye-skimming bangs aren’t the most practical of styles, but there’s just something so effing pretty about long, fringey pieces. Prepare to play up your texture and volume with this look (texturizing spray is your best friend here).
Curly Bangs
No matter your curl pattern, even a few shorter curls that hit below your brows can make a noticeable difference in your overall hairstyle. Zendaya’s bangs are a good reference, since they have so much volume and curl definition to seriously frame her face.
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Rounded Bangs
Face-framing layers that feed into your bangs make for a cohesive style. These bangs are usually styled using a round brush and hair dryer since it helps develop that rounded shape and add volume and a bit of lift at your roots. Try it if you wear your hair up often, since it helps create a piece-y look.
Hepburn Bangs
No bang look is as classic and classy as these short, choppy ones, which were a favorite of Audrey Hepburn. A mini flat-iron is super helpful to give these a bit of shape since you can get so close to your roots. But they also might require frequent trims, so have your hairstylist on speed dial.
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Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs are similar to layered bangs, but they’re often wispier and softer at the ends. They can be worn across the front of your face (like a full bang), or parted to the side like Zöe Kravitz. FYI: Of all bang styles, they’re one of the most low-maintenance. As these grow out, they naturally blend with any other layers in your hair. Plus, because you can wear them a few different ways, you’re not stuck with one styling method every single time.
Should I get bangs?
The age-old question on everyone’s minds: Are bangs right for me? According to hairstylist Gia Tovar, legit every hair type, texture, and style can get (and love) bangs. But your biggest consideration should be about the level of effort you’re willing to put in. Bangs are infamously high-maintenance, both when it comes to styling and keeping up. Between heat styling and consistent trim appointments, you’re gonna likely spend a little bit of time on your bangs.
Now, don’t make that totally deter you. There are hella tricks (I included many above, as a life-long bang-er) to make this easier and cut down on style time. But if you’re someone who really likes to air dry and run out the door with no product, maybe bangs aren’t for you. Also, something no one tells you about bangs: They’re not for the extremely active person who sweats a lot in hot yoga every day, unless you have a fantastic headband to pull it all back (I’m a huge fan of lululemon’s headbands). And even in that case, you’re gonna require quite a bit of styling to overcome the headband hair.
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Meet the expert:
Gia Tovar is a hairstylist at 939 Salon in Chicago, IL. She specializes in haircuts, especially bangs, bobs, and layered looks.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from fall hair colors to reviewing Olaplex dupes. She’s an authority in all hair categories, but is an expert when it comes to bangs… considering she legit chopped her own hair during the pandemic the second she saw Matilda Djerf’s curtain bangs on her feed. Since then, she’s been an advocate for bangs of all shapes and sizes.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years, and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, including hair growth oils and hair toners.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.