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15 Different Types of Bangs (That Will Make You Cut Your Hair)

Let’s talk different types of bangs

Fringes, bangs, flicks… no matter what you call them, you know they’re the most important part of any hairstyle.

They frame the face and play up your good features while minimizing the not-so-good ones. They can either soften the face and make you look more feminine or even help you make a bold statement.

No matter the look you’re going for, different fringes can make or break your entire style.

But since there are many different types of bangs to choose from, it’s crucial to know what they are and how to communicate what you want to your stylist.

So without further ado, here are the 15 essential types of bangs you really should know about…


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15 Different Types of Bangs

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1. Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs on beautiful pink and purple hair.
📷Credit: @elissawolfe

I’m gonna start with blunt bangs since they’re the most simple type of bangs on this list.

These bang types bring me back to the days of my mom cutting my hair with kitchen scissors (probably a little too short). But in all reality, blunt hairstyles are quite fashionable these days.

A blunt haircut means that it was cut straight across without any elevation, meaning there are no layers or graduation in the cut. In other words, blunt bangs are simply cut in a straight line across the face.

They’re super bold and generally look cute on most people… but be aware that blunt bangs create a hard line across the face, which may be unflattering to some.

Mod Bangs are a chic variation of blunt bangs that typically fall around the lash line.

Mod bangs on beautiful brown hair.
📷Credit: @nancyopdahl

Think Poker Face era Lady Gaga.

Lady Gaga Poker Face gif.

2. Textured Bangs

Textured bangs on beautiful brown and purple hair.
📷Credit: @learetostylist

On the opposite side of the spectrum lies textured bangs, aka choppy bangs. They’re easily one of the most flattering kinds of bangs because they soften up any face.

Instead of being cut in a straight, uniform line, they’re loaded with texture. Some pieces are slightly longer than others, creating a jagged, piecey look.

The result is a soft, blended line that looks good on most face shapes.


3. Side-Swept Bangs

Reese Witherspoon with sleek side-swept bangs.
📷Credit: @reesewitherspoon

Side-swept bangs are parted to the side and “sweep” to the other side of the face. They may or may not angle down toward the cheek, but it’s important that they’re soft and textured.

These types of bangs were insanely popular last decade but have slowly been phasing out. I still like a good side-swept fringe since it works well on my heart-shaped face, and old habits die hard.

And I should probably note that side bangs really soften up square or rectangular faces and are generally flattering on most people.

💡TIP: To style side-swept bangs, start by drying them to the opposite side and flip them outward with a thermal round brush. When dry, shape them back to the side you want them to go. The result is amazing.


4. Curved Bangs

Curved bangs on beautiful brunette hair.
📷Credit: @aimes.nicole.hair

Curved bangs are ultra-popular because this style of bangs frames the face and softens it up. They typically have a blunt edge (although texture is always welcome), and they’re longer on the sides than they are in the middle.

A cool way to cut curved bangs is to pull all the hair to the middle of the face, pinch it, and cut. When you drop the hair, the bangs will have a be perfectly shaped.


5. Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs on beautiful blonde hair.
📷Credit: @krave_salon

Wispy bangs are a beautifully soft style that looks good on almost anyone. They really just look like a thin layer of textured hair that falls around the brow line.

The difference between textured bangs and wispy bangs is that wispy bangs are very thin and soft, while textured bangs can be thicker.


6. Scene Bangs

Emo scene bangs on beautiful blue hair.
📷Credit: @alexdorame

Scene bangs were extremely popular during the “emo kid” era and were a staple of any scene girl’s look.

They’re similar to side-swept bangs but are much thicker and have a lot more texture. They also start higher on the head and blend seamlessly with the shorter layers of a scene haircut.

These types of fringes should definitely be cut with a razor for maximum texture. A teasing brush and heavy hairspray are a must.


7. bumper bangs

Pin-up girl bumper bangs on beautiful black hair.
📷Credit: @the_pinup_mommy

Bumper bangs are the epitome of pin-up girl hair, and you can easily create this style at home.

If you already have bangs, just tease the base, curl them with a small round brush, and pin them in place. Easy peasy.

If you don’t have bangs, you can still pull off this look with longer hair… but you better check out this tutorial by Scarlett at Deadly is the Female first.


8. baby Bangs

Baby bangs on beautiful red and orange hair.
📷Credit: @circlesquaresalon

Baby bangs, micro bangs, pixie bangs… whatever you want to call them, just know that they’ve been incredibly popular over the past few years.

This look consists of very short textured bangs that fall well above the eyebrow. They may be too harsh for many… but you either love ’em, or you hate ’em.


10. Faux Bangs

Faux bangs and bun.
📷Credit: @lipstickncurls

If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, there are some pretty sweet ways to fake bangs for the day.

This faux bang and bun look is pretty easy to do and ties in an incredibly trendy topknot. LipsticknCurls does a great job explaining how to achieve this look at home!

Clip-in bangs on beautiful brown hair.
📷Credit: @cassandragiles

If you don’t even want to go that far, or you like wearing your hair down, you can always go with clip-in bangs. They’re super easy to use and won’t cost you a fortune.


11. Long face-framing fringe

Sometimes you just want some soft wispies around your face without cutting actual bangs. In that case, a long face-framing bang is perfect for you!

These types of bangs are soft, add volume and contour the face… all, without the commitment.


12. Swoop Bangs

Olivia Culpo with side swoop bangs.
📷Credit: @oliviaculpo

Swoop bangs are similar to side-swept bangs but tend to be longer hair that “swoops” to the side (whereas side-swept bangs are cut shorter and have more of an angle).

Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas shows you how to style a perfect swoop bang at home!


13. V Bangs

V bangs on beautiful pink hair.
📷Credit: @_lejuju

Do I really need to go into much detail about V bangs? I mean… they’re kinda self-explanatory, right?

This look has been ultra-trendy within gothic subcultures for quite some time now, but they’re slowly making their way to the mainstream scene.

This pointed fringe is bluntly cut with scissors. They start out shorter on the sides and come to a longer point in the middle… like a “V.”


14. Asymmetrical Bangs

Asymmetrical bangs on beautiful green and blue hair.
📷Credit: @stasiartistry

Asymmetry in haircuts has to do with lines that are longer on one side than the other… and it’s actually pretty common right now. This is a super fun way to show off your spunky side.

The downside is that they may not look good on everyone and can be too harsh for many. I feel that they look best when softly blended into the rest of the hair.

Remember, texture is your friend when it comes to asymmetry.


15. Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs on beautiful brown hair.
📷Credit: @melanie.s.stylist
Curtain bangs on beautiful auburn hair.
📷Credit: @ingmarjamessalon

Helloooo… the ’70s called and wants their hair back!

1970’s style shaggy bangs and even modern shag haircuts have been all the rage in the hair industry lately. Heavy curtain fringe and lighter variations are pretty much the most popular type of bangs out there right now!

Curtain bangs are really just heavy, textured bangs that part in the middle and fall to the side… like curtains framing a window. This “cool girl” look was Brigitte Bardot’s signature hairstyle from the ’70’s… some people even call them Brigitte Bardot bangs.

Brigitte Bardot curtain bangs.

If you like this look, jump on it now… cause these types of bangs are HOT.


General FAQ

FAQ Icon
What are the different types of bangs?

Blunt bangs, mod bangs, textured bangs, choppy bangs, curved bangs, side-swept bangs, swoop bangs, micro bangs, baby bangs, pixie bangs, curtain bangs, asymmetrical bangs, V bangs, Bettie bangs, faux bangs, scene bangs, bumper bangs, and long face-framing bangs are all popular types of bangs.

What face shape looks good with bangs?

Any face shape looks good, but different kinds of bangs are better for different face shapes. For instance, square faces can be softened with longer face-framing bangs that taper off to the side.

What are front bangs called?

Basic bangs that fall straight down from the forehead without texture are called blunt bangs.

What’s the difference between bangs and a fringe?

It’s all about preference and where you live. The word “bang” is offensive in some cultures, so they are called “fringe” instead. In the United States, its more common to call them “bangs,” but many professional stylists are trying to phase out that term.


Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts Icon

No matter what type of face you have, or what your hair looks like, you’ll probably love having bangs.

They soften any face, accentuate good features, cover imperfections, and instantly make you look younger. They’re pretty much a good option for anyone.

With this guide, you should now be able to find the perfect bang type and learn how to communicate what you want with your stylist. I promise it will help!

Until next time,

Hollee

Your Turn: What are your go-to bangs hairstyles? Are there any other types of bangs I left out? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼


RELATED:


Lynette Markey

Monday 4th of September 2023

You forgot the Feathered Bang…think Farrah Fawcet in the late 70’s.

Brenda

Sunday 5th of March 2023

What do you call bangs that are textured but then proofed slightly? Late 70’s ish. That’s the way I wear mine.

Nancy

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Teased bangs, and feathered bangs

DaddyCat67

Saturday 29th of January 2022

Two tipes more not named: M-type as curved V-type and fetish type as inverted mod-type :)))

Terry Arthur

Saturday 16th of January 2021

I've had curved bangs almost forever ... and I love them. But I'm thinking of changing it up to asymmetrical bangs. Thanks for this article!