What Type of Bangs Should I Get? An Expert Breaks Down Every Trending Style, From Bottleneck to Bardot

Side-swept bangs are basically gateway bangs. Before going all out with a bold, blunt-cut bang (especially if it's your first time), first test the type with this long, layered version that's super easy to grow out if you hate it.

These thick bangs look especially chic when slightly parted in the middle. Just like its name implies, this type of bangs is cut in the shape of an arch, with the shortest lengths skimming your eyebrows, and the longest layers curving around the edges of your jaw. The result? A beautifully flattering frame of your face that pairs especially well with a bob haircut too (simply the biggest haircut of 2025, nbd).

Hairstylists have told me that everyone has been asking for ‘Bardot bangs” (the cut made famous by Bridget Bardot)—and I'm calling it the Sabrina Carpenter effect. It makes sense, though (beyond how fab her hair looks above), that this swoopy trend is so popular right now. To the untrained eye, these might look the same as curtain bangs. While similar, the “Bardot” style is often shorter and more structured, with a fluffy, voluminous look that grazes your eyebrows.

If you have fine hair and want some extra oomph, try getting very light, wispy bangs to give the illusion of height and volume in the rest of your hair. Take note from Pink Pantheress, who is constantly changing up how she wears her bangs (full and frontal, parted down the middle, curtain-like and fluffy)—and it's all thanks to this haircut.

If you've got a shag haircut, you may as well add some shaggy bangs to match. Adding lots of layers to both your bangs and the rest of your hair allows you to get in on the choppy trend. Plus, because these bangs are already a little long, they're less committal—feel free to pull 'em back, move 'em to the side, do what ya gotta do.

If you're really leaning into '70s-inspired retro hair trends, this voluminous, blown-out type of bangs is for you. To keep it elevated and modern, choose a light-hold hairspray to give your hair a little more movement versus crunchy mega-hold.

This tiny-bangs type stops an inch short of your eyebrows, giving you a look that's both retro and modern, all at the same time. Make yours look grunge, though, with a dollop of hair gel to slick it down and add a wet look.

If you want to frame your face without the full bang treatment, go for soft, blended curtain bangs with more volume on the sides than in the middle. This way you can easily push them away when you aren't feeling the feathered vibe. In some lights, these can even just be considered face-framing layers—but we're not playing bang-police here.

If getting blunt, straight-across bangs feels a liiiiittle intimidating, opt for something thick and layered. Part your bangs in the middle to channel the singer, or brush 'em to the side—the longer your layers are, the more styling options you'll have.

Like, fine, eye-skimming bangs aren't the most practical of styles, but there's just something so effing pretty about long, fringey pieces. Prepare to play up your texture and volume with this look (texturizing spray is your best friend here).

No matter your curl pattern, even a few shorter curls that hit below your brows can make a noticeable difference in your overall hairstyle. Megan thee Stallion's bangs are a good reference, since they have so much volume and curl definition to seriously frame her face.

Face-framing layers that feed into your bangs make for a cohesive style. These bangs are usually styled using a round brush and hair dryer since it helps develop that rounded shape and add volume and a bit of lift at your roots. Try it if you wear your hair up often, since it helps create a piece-y look.

No bang look is as classic and classy as these short, choppy ones, which were a favorite of Audrey Hepburn. A mini flat-iron is super helpful to give these a bit of shape since you can get so close to your roots. But they also might require frequent trims, so have your hairstylist on speed dial.

Feathered bangs are similar to layered bangs, but they're often wispier and softer at the ends. They can be worn across the front of your face (like a full bang), or parted to the side like Odessa A’Zion. FYI: Of all bang styles, they're one of the most low-maintenance. As these grow out, they naturally blend with any other layers in your hair. Plus, because you can wear them a few different ways, you're not stuck with one styling method every single time.