The Ultimate Beauty Guide

Square Face


WHY THEY WORK Long, eye-grazing bangs that are tapered on the sides add a soft element to square face shapes.

WHAT TO ASK FOR Heavy bangs like this need to hit the right place, otherwise, they can easily overwhelm your face, says L.A. stylist Andy LeCompte. Ask your stylist to snip them just below the brows, leaving the heaviest pieces on the sides so they don’t mask your eyes. The center strands can be feathery as a little forehead peeking through is ideal.

Round Face


WHY THEY WORK The gently arching fringe complements Hudson’s soft, feminine features, says LeCompte.

WHAT TO ASK FOR Bangs can make a circular face appear even fuller, cautions LeCompte, so the right cut is key. Request a graphic, curved shape, which will flatter your bone structure—and be sure the bangs are thick. Wispy versions won't have the same impact.

Heart-Shaped Face


WHY THEY WORK "A heart-shaped face can be a little top heavy. Sideswept bangs have a balancing effect and draw the attention down and towards the eyes," says LeCompte.

WHAT TO ASK FOR Layered, feathered bangs. The shortest pieces should hit the arch of your eyebrows; the longest should meet the outer corners of your eyes.

Oval Face


WHY THEY WORK Nearly any fringe works with an oval-shaped face, but these airy, pin-straight ones accentuate the prettiest parts of the face without feeling bulky.

WHAT TO ASK FOR "Ask for bangs that hit between the brow and the eyelash and are longer on the edges," says stylist Mark Townsend, who cut these for Michele. "That way, you can wear them swept aside or straight with a middle part."

Small Forehead


WHY THEY WORK This sloping, asymmetrical fringe makes a short forehead seem stronger and more pronounced, says Lecompte.

WHAT TO ASK FOR To elongate a small brow, ask your stylist to cut your bangs on a steep, sideswept angle that blends into cheekbone-skimming layers. "These bangs also require a deep side part, which is flattering for many face shapes," he adds. To elongate a small brow, ask your stylist to cut your bangs on a steep, sideswept angle that blends into cheekbone-skimming layers.

High Forehead


WHY THEY WORK Swingy bangs like these have a two-fold effect: The thickness works to conceal the forehead while the gradual angle opens and widens the face.

WHAT TO ASK FOR "Heavy sideswept bangs that start in the center of the forehead and taper diagonally to a cheek-grazing length," advises LeCompte. Be advised: These bangs start behind your natural hairline, but that's okay. Because they're so substantial, you'll need the extra heft.