Cute, choppy, chic, or classy – hair bangs are a must this year and any time, really. The awesome news is that there are so many different types of bangs you can choose from that you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you.
No matter how straight, curly, malleable, or rebellious your locks are, we guarantee you can pull off bangs!
To help you out in the process, we’ve put together an extensive guide with all the types of bangs available, each with their corresponding name!
After you’ve found out how many different types of bangs there are, make sure you scroll to the bottom of our hairstyles guide to see our personal recommendations for gals with:
- Thin hair bangs
- Thick hair bangs
- Round faces bangs
- Oval faces bangs
- Square faces bangs
We’ll also unravel the mystery of the bangs vs fringe battle so everyone can finally know what the difference between the two hairstyles is.
Fringe vs Bangs: What is the Difference?
So, we’ll start by addressing the elephant in the room – what’s the difference between hair bangs and a fringe?
Funnily enough, it has nothing to do with hair in the first place. Bangs and fringe refer to exactly the same hairstyle component – strands of hair that fall over the forehead in some way, shape, or form.
- We have two terms because Americans use the name “bangs” to describe the concept.
- Basically, the name “fringe” is used anywhere else in the world.
Therefore, there technically is no difference between the two, aside from the place you’re in when explaining the haircut.
Now, let’s dive into the different types of bangs (or fringes!) you can try out!
1. Blunt Types of Bangs
Out of all the different types of front bangs, there are blunt bangs that arguably make the biggest statement. They’re cut in a flawlessly straight line, either over or under the eyebrows. You can even go so far as to trim them halfway over your eyes for an enigmatic allure.
On the other hand, you can cut blunt bangs as short as you please for a more alternative vibe to your look. Regardless of the approach to the length, a woman with precise blunt bangs will always command attention when entering a room.
2. Side Bangs
Alternatively, side bangs tend to have a more whimsical touch. When cropped closer to the eyebrows and thus revealing the eyes, side bangs exude a sense of sweetness and innocence. It’s one of the reasons why many girls choose the style, especially preteens and high school students.
Nevertheless, the bangs style is just as suitable for women in their twenties or even their senior years. Side bangs will always have a playfulness to them that can make you feel forever young. Generally speaking, the shorter the side bangs are, the more cheerful they’ll come across.
3. Curtain Types of Bangs
Nothing expresses the essence of retro hairstyles, quite like curtain bangs. Back in the 1970s, the greatest fashion icons of the time were spotted with them. From Farrah Fawcett to Debbie Harry, Donna Summer, or Shelley Duvall, numerous queens of the time boldly rocked curtain bangs in their hairstyles to make a difference.
Nowadays, you can take the retro trend and adapt it to any haircut you may have. All you must do is part your hair down the middle and your bangs accordingly. Even more, a curtain bangs foundation also lets you approach additional fringe styles, such as side bangs.
4. Choppy Bangs
As opposed to blunt bangs, choppy ones are all about showing off an edgy personality. A girl who decides to get them isn’t afraid to show her true colors, even though they may not be the typical depiction of femininity. A perfect style for you. Make sure to style your hair accordingly.
With choppy bangs, the secret lies in the technique. The tips of the hair should be snipped vertically in what will appear to be a random pattern. While you can try your hand at cutting choppy bangs at home, we encourage you first to get them done by a professional.
5. Arched Types of Bangs
Long hair with bangs looks incredible. But you know what looks even lovelier? Long hair with arched bangs. The style has been around for decades, and we’re fairly sure it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
As you most likely have noticed, arched bangs have been embraced by ladies from all walks of life, from celebrities like Sandra Bullock to us regular gals. In most cases, women with relatively straight hair can nail arched bangs without too much effort.
Also, if you have fine hair that tends to fall completely straight, you can style your bangs in a few minutes. Simply use a round brush and blow-dry your bangs moving upwards. You can watch a tutorial if you need some guidance the first time around.
6. Asymmetrical Bangs
Creativity has no limits, even more so regarding your hairstyle. Your bangs can take on any shape you desire, as well as any length. If you’re in the mood for experimentation, research asymmetrical haircuts for any face shape to get inspired. A unique way to showcase your bangs.
After that, you can apply your favorite asymmetrical cutting technique to your bangs. One way to approach it is by cutting your hair bangs diagonally, like above. Start with longer strands on one side and work your way up to a shorter corner. The outcome will make you stand out in a fabulous way.
7. Pin Up Types of Bangs
Many would argue that the 50s represented the pinnacle of feminine fashion. Women embraced both their inner and outer beauty, from candy red lipstick and sky-high curled lashes to pin up hairstyles. Thankfully, trends from the 1950s continue to be relevant to this very day.
Whether you label it as vintage, retro, or pin-up style, the truth remains the same – we can’t get enough of it! To master pin-up bangs, you’ll need a bit of patience to roll the hair underneath and secure it with concealed bobby pins.
8. Victory Roll Bangs
On a similar note, another massive trend of the times was the victory roll hairstyle. Although they gained popularity a bit earlier in the 1940s, victory rolls are highly representative of what we now regarded as vintage style. A classic beauty!
In addition to their aesthetic charm, victory rolls are a powerful symbol of women’s strength during World War II. To recreate the style, make sure that your bangs are long enough to maneuver.
- To begin with, collect your bangs to form a single section of hair.
- Then start twisting them towards the interior, similar to the pattern of a cinnamon roll.
- To top everything off, use plenty of bobby pins and hairspray to keep your victory roll in place.
9. Bettie Types of Bangs
To continue the vintage theme, we have possibly one of the most iconic types of front bangs of all time. Known simply as Bettie bangs, the above style was inspired by legendary pin-up model Bettie Page.
In a nutshell, Bettie bangs are thick, arched bangs cut in a blunt manner. Nevertheless, what makes them instantly recognizable is their length. Bettie bangs are cut shorter than the average ones, typically halfway up the forehead, just like the Queen of Pin-Ups would sport them.
10. Braided Types of Bangs
Are your bangs on the longer side? Well, the wonderful news for you is that you can style them in an abundance of ways. For instance, provided the locks are long enough, you can even braid them for any occasion. The idea is particularly useful for girls who naturally part their hair to the side.
- Once you’ve decided on the braiding style, grab a section of your bangs that is thick enough to style.
- Then, start braiding the stands diagonally towards the opposing side of your part.
- When you’re done, you can use a small clip or pin to tuck the end of the braid behind your ear.
11. Box Braid Bangs
On the other hand, you might want to make braided bangs a longer-term solution for your hairstyle. For example, if you’re planning to wear box braids for the next few weeks, you can incorporate bangs into the braided style.
For starters, consult your braider about what types of bangs would be flattering for your desired braiding style and facial features. We recommend an angled approach, with longer bang braids towards the ears and shorter as they reach the center of your forehead.
12. Dreadlocks Types of Bangs
You can apply a similar principle to dreadlocks. However, the difference with dreadlocks is that you usually begin by having the hairstyle already prepared. After you’ve established your desired length for the bangs, you can start cutting them in accordance with your preferences. This style is achievable when you have a skillful hairstylist. Show this picture as a reference for your stylist.
Another great advantage is that you don’t need the help of a professional to get dreadlocks bangs. All the same, we suggest starting with longer bangs, so you don’t chop them too much by accident.
In fact, that’s our #1 rule for homemade bangs in general. Always start with longer bangs and snip away at them a bit at a time.
13. Wispy Types of Bangs
Thick bangs are stunning, but wispy bangs are just as enchanting. For instance, if you have finer hair, you can choose the style as a low-maintenance alternative to bangs. Wispy bangs are all the rage in East Asia, specifically in countries like South Korea.
See how wispy bangs work for you if you want a hairstyle worthy of a K-pop idol. Make sure you use a smaller section of hair to get the feathered, dispersed effect. In terms of cutting, you can equally choose blunt or choppy and look fab.
14. Long Types of Bangs
Alternatively, you might want more of an all-American girl approach to your hair bangs. We encourage you to try long bangs, especially if the rest of your hair is long.
The style is also regarded as face-framing bangs, owing to the way they outline the wearer’s prominent features. Most of the time, longer bangs are cut at a gradual angle, with the outer edges blending into the main section of hair.
15. Curved Types of Bangs
We’ve talked about arched bangs and other different bangs, but what about the types of bangs that use curves in other ways? A rounded silhouette can also be used for the cutting angle of your bangs. The style looks terrific on girls with naturally straight and thick hair who prefer blunt bangs.
Just like in the case of long middle part bangs, the outermost strands are kept longer than the rest. From there, the bangs are cut progressively in a half-circle shape that grazes the top of the eyebrows. Of course, you can opt for shorter curved bangs as well. Every hairstyle can make a difference.
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16. Wavy Types of Bangs
Contrary to what many girls may believe, bangs aren’t exclusive to straight or straightened hair. As a matter of fact, gorgies with wavy hair can manage bangs with even less effort than the aforementioned category. Moreover, wavy bangs will come with a cool boost of volume to your entire hairstyle.
When getting wavy bangs, we encourage you to plan them in pieces. In other words, keep in mind that the waves will likely separate naturally after you wash your hair. Therefore, you can easily use a choppy cutting technique to obtain wavy bangs.
17. Curly Types of Bangs
Likewise, what we said about wavy bangs goes just as well for curly hairstyles. When cared for properly, curls will effortlessly bounce around no matter where they are. Notwithstanding, you have to pay extra attention to the cutting process as a curly-haired girl.
If you have a head full of natural ringlets, you’ll already know how huge the difference is between the length when your hair is wet/straightened vs curly. Consequently, go the extra mile and leave your bangs longer than usual. They’ll bounce back up before you know it.
18. Short Types of Bangs
We must admit it – you need a big dose of confidence to rock short bangs. And we mean that in the most admirable way possible. Not all gals can pull off a mid-forehead alternative approach. That’s what makes them all the more alluring.
Still, if you do decide to opt for shorter bangs, we recommend working with a professional. The shorter you want to experiment, the higher the chances you might cut too much.
19. Long Side-Swept Bangs
Another way you can glamorously sport long bangs is sweeping to the side. The style has been popping since the early 2000s, and we’re sure it will continue to be relevant for years to come. If the likes of Becky G and Kim K still slay with long types of side bangs, you will too.
The bangs style pictured above works equally well for women with fine or thick hair. For the former, it will add volume and definition to their hairstyle, whereas for the latter, it will accentuate the existing density. Overall, long side-swept bangs are sweet and sexy at the same time.
20. Textured Types of Bangs
For a head-turning appearance, you’ve got to check out textured bangs. Whether you have a layered or blunt haircut, texture bangs can pull your whole look together. In addition, they draw attention to your face, so you can use them to accentuate your eyes or brows.
With textured bangs, it’s all about working layers into your fringe. The more textured you want them to appear, the more diverse you should layer your bangs in terms of length. As with most other types of bangs, you can feel free to make them shorter or longer all-around.
21. Spiky Types of Bangs
If you’re really a rebel at heart and haven’t shown it yet, it’s high time you start. And spiky bangs are an exceptional solution for doing so. From celebs like Katy Perry to Miley Cyrus and more, all kinds of girls have embraced their wild side with spiky hairstyles.
To master spiky bangs, make sure that the tips are trimmed in a jagged manner. They’re one of the styles that are harder to cut on your own, so consider making an appointment to get them done by a specialist. While spiky bangs are popular among women with shorter hair, they look just as spectacular on long-haired ladies.
22. V-Shaped Types of Bangs
To be honest, there’s no right or wrong way to sport bangs. It all depends on how you are as a person and what you want to convey through your hairstyle. In this regard, if you’re a goth girl, you might be interested in the concept of V-shaped bangs.
Essentially, the style consists of straight, blunt bangs that are cut at a V angle. As such, they start off shorter at the side and reach the longest point at the center of the forehead. To rock V-shaped bangs without questioning your life choices, it’s best to pick them if you have straight hair.
23. Pixie Types of Bangs
With shorter hairstyles on the rise, it’s no wonder why so many women are in love with the idea of a pixie cut with long bangs. The choice of bangs complements the rest of the haircut brilliantly, adding more length to the front and leaving the back shorter.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that any pixie cut has to come complete with longer bangs. Quite the contrary, some girls look outstanding with a short pixie all around. You might be better off with shorter pixie bangs if you have a small face.
24. Scene or Emo Bangs
Ah, who can forget the emo and scene craze that dominated the MySpace era? Although there are far fewer girls who have emo hairstyles nowadays, the look stands strong for the true ones.
If you’re just coming into contact with emo as a type of side bangs, here are the basics. It helps if you have thick hair, as volume plays a central role in the emo haircut.
- After that, your bangs should start from as far back from the crown of your head as possible.
- Pull the bangs all the way over your forehead and push them to one side.
- Have your flat iron at hand for any tweaks along the way.
25. Super Short Types of Bangs
Edginess has no limits regarding hairstyles and bangs in particular. No matter how long or short your base is, you can leave your comfort zone behind and have fun with super short bangs. Generally, the style involves choppy tips and even an imprecise line across the forehead.
Before cutting, try to see if the bold approach suits your face shape. To do so, brush all of your hair back and hold the tips over your forehead, just around where the bangs would fall. Let the games begin if you find them flattering for your specific features!
26. Baby Bangs
All in all, baby bangs are exactly what you’d expect them to be – absolutely adorable. Even though they’re technically a close variation of super short bangs, the approach is much softer. The goal is to have them look like – you guessed it – baby hair, just when it starts to grow.
As opposed to regular ultra-short bangs, baby ones come with an additional dash of cuteness. They’re ideal for the girl next door who likes to put effort into how she styles her hair. Moreover, we recommend the look like a gorgeous medium haircut with bangs idea.
27. Faux Bangs
Luckily enough, you don’t always have to grab a pair of scissors to wear bangs. You can make it seem like you already have them just by styling your hair the right way. It’s also an amazing trick for seeing how you would look with bangs before getting them.
For faux bangs, all you need is a hair tie and some patience. Tilt your head down, pull all of your hair into a single bunch, and start wrapping it in a bun. Leave the tips out and style them over your forehead as bangs.
If you enjoy trying out all sorts of new hairstyles without cutting your locks, you can also see what faux hawk examples caught our eye.
28. Colored Types of Bangs
Are you head over heels in love with your different types of hair bangs? Make them stand out like never before by giving them a dedicated color. To put it otherwise, pick a tone representing your personality and use it to dye only the section of your hair with bangs.
It’s not a bangs style that every woman will be comfortable with, but it’s a cool option for adventurous girls. Simultaneously, it won’t be hard to get your natural color back. All you have to do is trim your bangs as they grow out until you’re back to your initial hair tone.
29. Growing Out Bangs
Speaking of growing out bangs, that’s a topic that needs to be discussed on its own. If you’ve ever had bangs in the past, you already know how much of a pain it can be when you want to get them back to your normal hair length. However, there’s a chic and effective way to do so.
Begin by parting your hair down the middle and gently trimming the tips at an angle. The results will be somewhere between long curtain bangs. From there, tidy up the ends as they continue to grow in a natural and flattering angle.
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30. Two-Tone Types of Bangs
If you’re really feeling bold, step into the exciting world of two-tone hairstyles with bangs. Artists like Melanie Martinez have been sporting them in all sorts of coupled colors for years. Now, it’s your time to shine and push your creative limits!
Blonde and black is a fine combo to start with, but you can venture into pretty much any palettes you desire. As a rule of thumb, you should pick contrasting hues to accentuate the difference. Your bangs will be separated in two tones exactly down the middle.
Now that we have all the types of bangs sorted out in terms of names, let’s see which ones you can have fun with depending on specific features!
The 7 Different Types of Bangs for Thin Hair
Thin or fine hair can be difficult to manage at times. Generally, silky smooth hair comes complete with a lack of volume.
1. Curtain bangs
Will create the illusion of density and make your hair seem much fuller towards the front.
2. Wispy bangs
Will introduce you to the world of bangs to begin with, and help you ease into your new hairstyle.
3. Arched bangs
Will always provide a good volume boost when styled appropriately.
4. Braided bangs
Are a temporary solution for increasing dynamism in a certain area of your hair.
5. Baby bangs
Will add some pizazz to your overall appearance while pulling attention away from the fineness of your hair.
6. Textured bangs
It will work miracles by adding texture and lifting your hair.
7. V-shaped bangs
They’re easy to pull off if you have fine hair, and they’ll make you stand out beautifully.
You can also use effective hairstyles for thin hair and certain types of bangs to bring some oomph to your locks.
The 7 Types of Bangs for Thick Hair
If you thought finding types of bangs for thin hair was a challenge, wait till you see how tricky it can be to sport bangs with really thick hair.
1. Blunt bangs
Will be easy-peasy to pull off, as long as your hair is both thick and straight.
2. Side bangs
Are sure to complement the thickness of your locks just as much, whether short or long.
3. Choppy bangs
Will truly accentuate your natural density, allowing you to try out other messy hairstyles.
4. Emo bangs
These go hand in hand with thick hair, so you won’t have any issues nailing the scene look.
5. Long bangs
Will further define your locks, creating more volume on the sides.
6. Spiky bangs
These bangs will very likely style themselves for you – provided they’re properly layered.
7. Super short bangs
These are a piece of cake for thick-haired girls, regardless of their specific length or style.
Also, we recommend that you take a look at our guide on short haircuts for thick hair if you want to dive into a complete makeover.
The 5 Different Types of Bangs for Round Faces
Oftentimes, women with round faces seek haircuts that sharpen their features.
By using the right cutting technique and picking a bang style that will complement their face shape, they can add angles in all the right places. If you want to get razor-sharp definition and frame your face in the prettiest way possible, consider one of the following types of bangs:
1. Asymmetrical bangs
2. Blunt bangs
3. Bettie bangs
4. Spiky bangs
5. Pixie bangs
You can also explore our favorite short haircuts for round faces for even more pixie bangs inspo.
The Many Types of Bangs for Oval Faces
If you have an oval face shape, most of the time, it will appear to be long too. Bangs can help you either emphasize your face type or reduce the length, depending on your tastes.
To show off that you have a long and lovely oval face, try any type of bangs in the short category:
1. Pin-up bangs or victory rolls
2. Short or super short bangs
3. Side bangs
4. V-shaped bangs
5. Baby bangs
Alternatively, conceal your forehead to make your face appear to be shorter with one of the following fuller styles:
1. Arched bangs
2. Emo bangs
3. Wavy or curly bangs
4. Blunt bangs
5. Faux bangs
The 5 Best Bangs for Square Faces
Finally, we can’t forget our ladies with jawlines that can slice through any negative energy that comes their way. Having a square face automatically means that you’ll have sharp facial features.
However, for some women, it can be too much at times. In order to soften your features and balance out your overall look, consider trying out any of these bangs:
1. Curtain bangs
2. Bettie bangs
3. Curved bangs
4. Arched bangs
5. Short side bangs
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
In summary, you now shouldn’t have any doubts as to whether you would be able to pull off bangs or not. It’s crystal clear that YOU CAN, thanks to all the different types of bangs that are available to you.
Now, we want to hear what you think about bangs styles. Which types of bangs do you love? Have any of youd had not-so-nice experiences with them? Let’s continue the discussion in the comments!
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Thelma Ewart started painting and drawing as a hobby when she was young. She pursued arts which eventually lead her to the fashion industry. She is now a hairstyle artist that considers all of her projects as a work of art. Pursuing creativity is what drives her to become the best in what she does.
Maj says
Which types are easiest to cut by myself?
Alro says
Depends on how good you are with cutting bangs bit for the easiest of them all I say short type of bangs
Thelma Ewart says
Hi Alro! I agree with you; if you have no experience cutting your own bangs, you should seek the assistance of someone who is knowledgeable about cutting bangs, or better yet, go to a salon for a hair expert’s approval. Fabulous bangs will complete your new look for the new year; it’s better to invest in something that will boost your confidence rather than in someone who will lower it.
Leanne says
Love fire gradient pixie cut style, going to try it on my next Solon visit.
Tina says
I have fine, straight jaw-length hair with a square jawline. The bangs that look best on me is a full, blunt eyebrow skimming fringe swept to one side. The side swept look is really a MUST for me, personally, because of an untameable cowlick on the deep left side of my front hairline. There’s very little styling required because I took ALL the good, bad, and the ucky hair problems I have into account before taking the fringe plunge!!
Thelma Ewart says
Hey, it’s the same way with my hair nothing beats the side-swept bangs, and to tell you honestly, I’ve been keeping these bangs for a very long time now. How about you? How old were you when you tried side-swept bangs?