Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Fringe benefits

I sort of have a thing for great bangs...however I also think that bangs are a client's personal preference.  As long as you stay within some parameters according to your face shape, feel free to wear them if you like them!

 Some things to consider when cutting bangs are...  

  • The shape of your face
  • The strongest features of your face
  • Balance of your face
  • Your general hairstyle
Okay, let's go through these points.

The shape of your face
Round:  This shape of face usually has softer features and is as wide as it is long.  Since this shape is balanced, round faces can usually wear most any bang.  I prefer a bang that is right in between a blunt and a side swept bang.  One with soft textured edges that you can wear full or to the side.

Square/rectangle:  Square faces are characterized as being as wide as they are long, but with stronger more angular features and jawlines.  This shape does NOT do well with a blunt, straight bang.  That makes square faces look more boxy.  Instead, try a long bang that is very textured and skims the brows while sweeping to the side.   This softens strong angles and creates a more balanced look.
Photo courtesy of www.about.com
Heart/diamond:  These faces are typically wider at the cheekbone and have a more angular chin.  The difference between a heart shape and a diamond shape face is the heart shape usually has a widow's peak at the hairline.  This shape needs to have a long, angular bang as well.  The shortest piece should start around the arch of the eyebrow heading longer toward the outside of the eye.  This draws attention downward toward the eyes and balances out the width of the cheekbone.

photo courtesy of www.about.com
Oval/oblong:  This shape is one that is longer than it is wide.  Luckily, oval faces can wear almost any bang.  A blunt, straight heavy bang can look great because it adds some width, and a side swept short or long bang can look nice as well.  The sky is the limit often with oval faces because they can usually look good with most hairstyles!  

Click here for a guide to determine your face shape!

 Strongest Facial Features

Take into account your features when choosing the right bang for you.  A straight full bang can draw attention to a strong nose, however they can really highlight striking eyes!  

Notice how the full bang really makes her nose stand out but the softer long bang doesn't!

Maybe you have small features and a bang or too much hair around your face may drown them out.  

Balance of your face

Faces are divided into three horizontal zones:
  •  The hairline to the bridge of the nose
  • The bridge of the nose to below the nostrils
  • Below the nostrils to the bottom of the chin
Typically a face has one zone that is larger than the other two.  If this larger zone happens to be the first zone (forehead), bangs are probably a great option for camouflaging and balancing this area.  Depending on your face shape, you can choose the bang that is right for you.  However, you probably don't want to have them too short.  


Small foreheads can also be balanced with bangs but be careful again to not cut them too short.  This can cause the forehead to look even smaller!


Your general hairstyle
Bangs are a fabulous way to personalize your look.  Nearly every hairstyle can incorporate bangs to give  it an edge or change it up for something different.  
I have many long haired clients that often want something different but don't want to cut any length off.  Bangs are a great option for them and it makes them feel fresh and updated while still having the length they love!  Bangs create a point of interest around the face for clients who often have to wear their hair in a ponytail or an up-style.  

Here are some bangs that I love!!!




Don't be afraid to try bangs, just know what bang is going to be right for you!!  

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