The Great Bang Debate

Which bangs works for you?

By: Don Stacy Patronelli

Have you always wanted bangs but were too afraid you were going to look like your third grade picture when your mom tried to cut your hair? Well there is no need to worry! Everyone can make bangs work for them. You just need to know what style of bangs will work for your face shape and hair texture. Plus, in the talented hands of our team at dsParada, you just can’t go wrong!

Face Shapes

Square
Long, eye grazing bangs that are tapered on the sides adds a soft element to square face shapes. Heavy bangs like this need to hit the right place, otherwise, they can easily overwhelm your face. Ask your dsParada 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 peek through is ideal.

       

Round 

The goal here is to make your face appear more oval shaped, while keeping your soft, feminine features.  You want to create some angles and make your face appear longer. Thick, side swept bangs work well for this, as they are a perfect contrast for the roundness of your shape. If side swept bangs aren’t your thing, you can try blunt cut straight bangs. It is important to make sure they have curve to them, however. They need to be longer on the sides and shorter in the middle, and flow with the curve of your natural brow line. Ask your dsParada stylist for a gentle arching shape with added thickness to flatter your bone structure. 

Heart
Heart shaped faces are a little top heavy. Long, side swept bangs have a balancing effect and draw attention down and towards the eyes. Ask your dsParada stylist for layered, feathered bangs. The shortest piece should hit your face at the arch of your brow, and the longest piece should hit the outer corner of your eyes. Choppy bangs that are long enough to push to one side are great for heart shaped faces as well, and give you versatility.

            

Oval
Oval shaped faces are indeed, the luckiest. Everything compliments their face, and so do bangs! The “best” option however;  is airy, pin straight ones that accentuate the prettiest parts of the face without feeling bulky. A razored bang is also said to be the most feminine because it has flow and texture.  Ask your dsParada stylist for bangs that hit between the brow and the eyelash and are longer on the edges. That way, you can wear them swept aside or straight with a middle part. If you want something a little more daring, go for super short and right to the hairline for a more edgy style!

Small Forehead / Face
A sloping, asymmetrical fringe makes a short forehead seem stronger and more pronounces. You need to elongate a small brow, so ask your dsParada stylist to cut your bangs on a steep, side swept angle that blends into cheekbone-skimming layers. These bangs also require a deep side part, which is flattering for many face shapes. 

Long Forehead / Face
Long face needs long bangs! The length and thickness work to conceal the forehead, which with a gradual angle will open and widen the face. They can be blunt for a stronger, trendier look or edges can be softened and unforced. 

                          

Tips Tricks for Bangs
*Cowlicks*
 Straight heavy bangs may not be for you. Instead, angled or side-swept bangs work best!
*Curly hair*
 Curly hair can be a disaster to have successful smooth bangs. However, a long curly bang can be quite sexy!
* Maintenance*
 You’re going to need to keep up with your bangs to make sure your shape and length stays complimenting for you. Luckily at dsParada, we offer complimentary bang trims! It will only take a minute, and you can swing by whenever you’d like!
*Styling*
Long Bangs
Blow them dry with a big round boar bristle brush. On damp hair, brush hair from side to side to smooth out any cowlicks. Make sure to get right at the roots to control any wave. When dry, run a flatiron over them if you want a straighter look. Then use hairspray if hair is fine and limp or serum if hair is dry and coarse.
Short Bangs
Use your fingers to push hair into shape and air-dry or blow-dry in downward direction so they don’t stick straight up. Use wax for finish and texture definition.
Side Swept
Blow forward at first with a round brush lifting at the hairline to give volume so bangs aren't stuck to the forehead. A big curling iron can also give a nice bend to the side. Finish with hairspray for hold.

Something to keep in mind, not only can our talented stylists at dsParada help you decide which style of bang would compliment your face the best, but they can also create a make shift bang to show you what it will look like before you make the commitment!