Skip to Content

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Blunt Bangs Are Trendy Again — Here's How to Make Them Work for You

At long last, straight fringe has returned.

By
Clothing, Head, Lip, Hairstyle, Skin, Chin, Eyebrow, Bangs, Eyelash, Style, pinterest
Designed by Dana Tepper//Getty Images

After years of side-swept fringe, this straight-across style is officially mainstream again, with celebrities, models, and regular folks alike rocking blunt bangs. So, should you give it a try in 2016? We asked a pro to give us the rundown on this style — and who it works best on.

"So many women have cut their long hair into bobs and lobs over the last two years — now those same people are wanting to change it up," explains Jenna Mast, stylist at FRED. and spokesperson for Briogeo Hair Care. Bangs allow you to freshen up your style and add interest to your cut while keeping your length. Here's what to consider before reaching for the shears.

Your Hair Texture Matters

Face, Ear, Mouth, Lip, Hairstyle, Strapless dress, Chin, Shoulder, Eyelash, Red,
Getty Images

Here's the unfortunate truth: This cut takes a lot of work. "Blunt bangs work best with naturally straight, medium density hair," says Mast. "If you have to wrestle with your hair every morning to get it to look decent, you may want to avoid this cut and try clip-in bangs instead." And even if you are willing to put in the work every day, humidity can undo all your effort. We're not saying curly girls can't get blunt bangs, but you should take into account the amount of energy you may need to put into them before taking the plunge.

As for the thickness aspect, thinner hair textures may want to skip blunt bangs. "You're not going to get Zooey Deschanel's bangs if you have very fine, thin hair," warns Mast. "Be realistic and get opinions from your trusted stylist."

And So Does Your Face Shape

Face, Ear, Nose, Lip, Mouth, Hairstyle, Skin, Chin, Forehead, Eyelash,
Getty Images

Just as with your makeup, your face shape comes into play when picking the perfect cut. "Very round faces look rounder and wider with blunt bangs," says Mast, so if that's something you're trying to avoid, try a different type of bang instead. For angular or square faces, straight across bangs can work if a little softness and texture is added in to lighten them up. Oval faces can wear any bangs, says Mast, but everyone should still take into consideration their hair texture, hairline, density, and growth pattern.

You Gotta Style Them Properly

Clothing, Lip, Hairstyle, Collar, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Bangs, Formal wear, Step cutting,
Getty Images

Willing to put in the work? Here's how to get that fringe looking fantastic. "Blow dry bangs side to side with a paddle brush or comb first to get the moisture out and create an even distribution," Mast explains, adding that you should avoid a round brush at all costs since "giant '80s bangs are not so sexy." (I'm inclined to agree.) A little volume is a good thing, though, and Mast has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to making bangs look great.

"Create natural volume by spritzing hair with a volumizing blow dry spray like Briogeo Blossom + Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer to coat each strand," she recommends. Once your bangs are almost completely dry, use the paddle brush to smooth the ends and create a slight bevel under, as unnaturally straight bangs can look weird.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

And Skip the Oils

Lip, Hairstyle, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Style, Bangs, Blond, Beauty, Body jewelry, Eye liner,
Getty Images

You may love using oils on your face, but Mast highly recommends skipping it when it comes to your bangs. "If you use oils on the rest of your hair, that's fine, but keep it out of your bangs," she warns. "Oils and oil-based styling products will give you a greasy look in no time — and a greasy forehead isn't pretty."

Can't Do Blunt Bangs? Try This Instead

Nose, Lip, Mouth, Hairstyle, Chin, Earrings, Shoulder, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Strapless dress,
Getty Images

If blunt bangs aren't your thing, try curtain bangs, a delicate style reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot's famous '60s fringe. "Curtain bangs are great for face shapes that can't do a solid, straight across look," recommends Mast.

Save These Ideas

Hair, Face, Head, Nose, Mouth, Lip, Cheek, Eye, Hairstyle, Skin,
Designed by Megan Tatem

Pin this article for later! For more, follow Good Housekeeping on Pinterest.

Headshot of Sam Escobar
Sam Escobar
Contributor

Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.

Watch Next
 
preview for Good Housekeeping US Section: Beauty & Style
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The Best Hairstyles for Women of Every Age

most popular hairstyles by decade

When You Were Born, This Was the Trendiest Haircut

how to curl your hair

How to Curl Your Own Hair at Home Like a Pro

how to plop hair

The Curly Girl's Guide to Hair Plopping

jenna ortega and zoe kravitz

14 Best Types of Bangs for Every Face Shape

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below