Thinking about adding bangs to refresh your look in 2026? The right fringe can frame your features, balance your proportions, and elevate your entire style—if you choose a shape that complements your face structure. This updated guide breaks down the best bang styles for every face shape so you can walk into your next salon visit with confidence.
Whether you’re booking a service at the Ogle School Salon or learning to create trending cuts as a cosmetology student at
Ogle School these style tips will help you select the perfect fringe.
If You Have a Round Face:
Round faces are identifiable by full, wide cheeks. For these face shapes, straight bangs are a big no-no, as they accentuate your face’s fullness. But bangs can still look great with your face shape. Instead of straight bangs, go for thick, side-swept bangs that are cut at a strong angle. For a celebrity style reference, look at Emma Stone’s side-swept auburn locks. Also check out how Kirsten Dunst’s angled bangs flow into her wavy shoulder-length hair. For a more flattering 2026 look, choose angled, side‑swept bangs that create diagonal lines and visually slim the face.
Takeaway: For a more flattering 2026 look, choose angled, side‑swept bangs that create diagonal lines and visually slim the face.
If You Have an Oval Face:
This face shape is defined by a rounded jawline and a forehead that’s slightly wider than the chin. If you have this face shape, you’re one of the lucky ones who can pull off any style of bangs. Your face shape is the most versatile, so experiment with shorties or a longer fringe to match the style you seek. For a celebrity style referance, check out the looks of Beyoncé and Zooey Deschanel.
Takeaway: You’re the most versatile face shape—virtually every bang style works, from micro‑bangs to long, wispy fringes. Try experimenting with trend‑forward cuts to match your personal style.
If You Have a Square Face:
Square faces are identified by an equal width and height, as well as a defined jawline. For these face shapes, don’t go short with your bangs because they’ll pull your face downwards. Instead, go for long, heavy bangs that hit mid-eyebrow to just below the eyebrow. You can style them as a straight fringe, try pushing them to one side or even part them down the middle. In celebrity style, check out how Keira Knightley has worn her bangs both straight across and side swept. Also see how she’s paired the look with long or short haircuts. Also look at how Kate Hudson’s bangs nicely frame her face.
Takeaway: Avoid super‑short bangs, which can make the face appear boxier. Instead, choose long, softly textured bangs that hit between mid‑eyebrow and just below the brow for balance. You can wear them straight, side‑swept, or parted.
If You Have a Long Face and/or High Forehead:
This face shape is similar to the oval-shaped, but the forehead, cheeks and jawline are all the same width. To complement this face shape, don’t get baby bangs because they will further elongate your face. Instead go for longer bangs that softly get longer at the sides. If you’re feeling adventurous, make it choppy! For a celebrity style referance, check out how Rihanna styles her thick locks or how Nicole Kidman’s long bangs work with her face shape.
Takeaway: Skip baby bangs—they elongate the face. Choose full, longer bangs that curve slightly at the sides or opt for choppy textures to add visual shortening and fullness.
If You Have a Heart-Shaped Face:
If you have a wider forehead and a pointed jaw with a small chin, then your face is heart-shaped. In this case, avoid full-fringe bangs because they will accentuate your wide forehead. Instead, go for layered side bangs to draw attention to your eyes and the middle of your face. Make sure the cut angle goes from the eyebrow to the top of the cheekbones. Your celebrity style reference is Reese Witherspoon, who uses her bangs to balance out her heart-shaped face. Also check out how Kerry Washington uses blunt, heavy bangs that hit below the eyebrows to give the illusion of an oval-shaped face.
Takeaway: Avoid blunt, full fringes that emphasize forehead width. Instead, go for soft, layered side bangs that draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs continue to dominate 2026 haircut trends thanks to their effortless, face‑framing shape and universal flattery. Inspired by ’70s Brigitte Bardot volume, curtain bangs are parted down the middle and softly feathered at the sides, creating movement that works with nearly every face shape—from round to heart‑shaped to long. Their versatility makes them ideal for both low‑maintenance clients and those who love daily styling, as they blend seamlessly into layers and grow out gracefully. Curtain bangs pair especially well with blowouts and soft waves, two highly requested salon styles at the Ogle School Salon and remain one of the easiest fringe options for anyone wanting a trendy yet approachable look.
Bang Maintenance Tips:
1. Trim Regularly – First, your bangs will require maintenance to keep them looking sharp. Trim them every two to three weeks to maintain the right length. Taylor Swift posted about her overgrown bangs by saying, “My bangs are long enough to use as a sleep mask on long flights. So really, I just need a haircut.”
2. Wash Frequently – Second, you’ll need to wash them often. Your bangs will be against your skin, so regular hair washing will prevent oil buildup both in your hair and on the skin of your forehead. If you’re pinched for time, try spot washing your bangs in the sink.
3. Style Daily – Third, you’ll need to style your bangs every morning. There’s no get-up-and-go with this cut. To have them look good, you’ll need to give them some attention. And remember that your bangs will dry quicker than the rest of your hair, so blow-dry with a round brush immediately after you shower.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-best-hair-bangs-for-your-face-shape_us_55c0d7a4e4b06f8bedb5fe54
http://www.herinterest.com/30-best-hairstyles-for-big-foreheads/
http://www.instyle.com/news/fringe-benefits-right-bangs-flatter-your-face-shape
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g3012/bangs-for-your-face-shape/?slide=1
http://www.teenvogue.com/story/taylor-swift-instagram-bangs
https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/crucial-things-to-consider-before-you-cut-bangs?utm_term=.xkJam0K0w#.heDolOEOw
http://beautyeditor.ca/2014/05/30/best-bangs-for-long-face
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/advice/a4784/best-bangs-for-every-face-shape/
https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/824003/best-styles-for-your-face-shape/
What bangs are most flattering for a round face?
Side‑swept or angled bangs help slim and elongate round face shapes by creating diagonal movement.
Which bang style works for every face shape?
The most universally flattering bang style for every face shape is a long, soft, blended fringe—most commonly seen as curtain bangs or airy, wispy bangs. Because they part down the center or slightly off‑center and taper longer at the sides, they frame the eyes, soften angles, balance width, and complement round, square, heart‑shaped, oval, and long faces alike.
How often should I trim my bangs?
Every 2–3 weeks keeps bangs looking intentional and sharp.
What bangs make a long face look shorter?
Long, full bangs or softly curved fringes help balance a longer face by reducing vertical height appearance.
